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Quincy graduates ensure bright future for region
There is a significant return on investment for individuals who achieve beyond a high school education. Lifetime earnings of graduates in higher education are exponentially affected because of their achievement.
According to an article from the Alliance for Excellent Education, the most enduring benefit of wealth is the capacity to improve financial prospects for one's children and grandchildren. Young people who have resources for college costs, professional training, housing, or starting businesses have significant advantages over their peers.
Wealth also allows you to buy a house in a desirable neighborhood, start a business, pay for higher education, or fund a comfortable retirement.
As individuals and families benefit from greater wealth, so do the communities in which they live. Research indicates that communities benefit from increased homeownership, greater levels of entrepreneurship, and higher levels of educational attainment that come with asset accumulation. Communities also benefit through:
- greater neighborhood stability
- increased civic involvement
- increased voting participation
- reduced need for public assistance
Graduation and Economic Development
Graduates of higher education have not only made a positive impact on their own lives but also on the lives of their children or future children, parents, friends and community. They also have a positive impact on economic development.
The skills graduates have make it easier to encourage local manufacturers, service industries and hospitals to grow and expand. Knowing they will have qualified individuals to fill new job openings makes a difference. A quality workforce also helps attract new business and industry to the area.
Graduates in Quincy are entering the workforce at a really good time. We have some of the lowest unemployment numbers in the state. Thanks to our highways, infrastructure and our educational institutions, the future of our region is bright.
Vatterott Commencement
GREDF president Jim Mentesti had the opportunity to speak at the Vatterott commencement ceremony last Saturday. After acknowledging the leadership of Vatterott College both in Quincy and at the corporate office in St. Louis he commended the students for their persistence in attaining their degrees.
"Take advantage of the quality of life our region offers and tell others about it," Mentesti said. "Become good citizens and together we will ensure a bright future for our region."
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