CUMU Convenes 2023 Anchor Learning Network Action Summit

Posted by Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities on July 11, 2023

The Coalition of Urban and Metropolitan Universities (CUMU) recently convened the 2023 Anchor Learning Network (ALN) Action Summit in Philadelphia, PA. Bringing together leaders from over 30 CUMU member campuses, this two-day summit, hosted by the Anchor Economy Initiative at the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, focused on the economic impact of campuses in their regions and featured engaging panels, workshops, and experiences designed to provide participants with actionable takeaways and deeper connections across the field.

“The work you do on behalf of your institutions in your communities has the power to change the lives of residents and to shape a more equitable future. Thank you for being here to learn from each other and advance that work,” said Theresa Singleton, senior vice president and community affairs officer, Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia.

The imperative of anchor institutions

In his keynote address, Antonio D. Tillis, chancellor, Rutgers University-Camden, shared the vision for what is possible when a campus works with community partners to build equitable economic development. Colleges and universities work to provide diverse student populations with the experiences and the supports needed to succeed in college and throughout their lives. “Our role as an anchor institution provides those opportunities, which we deliver through our civic engagement programs,” said Tillis. He stressed that economic prosperity occurs only with a well-educated workforce. And that ability to educate our students aligns with our ability to elevate our community in ways never seen before in academe.

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