For next Tuesday, July 23 the Cafe Society discussion will concentrate on the rising cost of getting a college education and the unprecedented burden that it creates for American families. The informal sessions are a part of Shepherd University’s Lifelong Learning Program. They are conducted in the Rumsey Room of the Shepherd University student center from 8:30 to 10 each Tuesday morning. Registration is not required and there are no fees.

Mike Austin, co-facilitator along with Art Wineburg commended, “We keep coming back to this inescapable issue, so we might as well deal with it. Our impression is that many of our children and grandchildren are being exploited by financial institutions which in the guise of assisting with college loans are charging usurious interest rates. Many of these loans will never be repaid. Far too many of our younger generation are literally mortgaging their future to obtain marginally productive college credentials to fulfill unrealistic expectations that are hyped by many of our colleges and universities. For many of these institutions the “bottom line” has become more important than the quality of education that they provide. In many cases these financial obligations will plague them all of their lives and limit their options for security and the quality of life that we have come to expect as U.S. citizens. This adverse scenario is being aided and abetted by the U.S. Government.”

If you have questions, or desire more information, contact Austin at 304-876-0598 or Wineburg at 304-876-2586.