ITHACA, N.Y. -- The Cornell Mature Students Association will present "Back-2-School 2002," a seminar and recruiting event for mature students and potential mature students, in the Memorial Room of Cornell University's Willard Straight Hall from noon to 5 p.m. Sept. 22.

"There has never been a better time for mature students --- those over 24 -- to come back to school," said Zoe Cohl, vice president of the campus student group that is composed of about 20 older or "nontraditional" students. The event is designed for people who are considering a variety of higher education options. "With a softened economy, enhanced educational opportunities and a stronger commitment to diversity, mature students have found this to be the perfect moment to reformulate their lives and increase their marketability through higher education."

Founded last year, the association's mission is to further the cause of mature students at Cornell as well as on other campuses through seminars, recruiting events and outreach programs.

Sunday's event will provide examples of the types of opportunities available to mature students at both the community college and university levels. Also, continuing mature students from regional community colleges will meet recruiters from four-year schools, such as Cornell, Syracuse University, the University of Rochester, Wells College and Ithaca College, and two-year schools, such as Tompkins Cortland Community College.

Older students who have successfully made the transition back to school also will be on hand to discuss their experiences. Among those students will be a single mother of four, who came back to school and earned a degree from Cornell; high school dropouts who have successfully made it to Ivy League dean's lists; and people with other stories of "academic triumph in the midst of personal adversity, balancing school with work, children and the rigors of adult life," said Cohl.

For more information about this event, contact Zoe or Peter Cohl at (607) 257-8333, or send e-mail to zoe.cohl@cornell.edu .