FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
(HOWELL, MI) Cleary University welcomed Livingston County children and law enforcement officers to its campus for a special holiday breakfast following a morning of Christmas shopping. The annual Shop with a Cop program, sponsored by Livingston County law enforcement agencies, provides an opportunity for local kids to connect with police officers through a fun filled day of shopping, breakfast and holiday activities at Cleary University, and plenty of time for the kids to begin gaining a better understanding of the role of law enforcement officers in their community.
Cleary hosted 64 local children and 50 law enforcement professionals at the Cleary Commons with breakfast sponsored by Lake Trust Credit Union, holiday movie and a special appearance from the mascot Clancy the Cougar.
“Cleary is proud to participate in such a valued program for our community,” reports Alan Drimmer, PhD, Cleary president. “This is our first year supporting Shop with a Cop and we plan to continue this annual tradition that benefits so many kids right here in Livingston County. This is such a great opportunity for youth in our county to connect with local police officers, see the positive side of law enforcement and have some fun!”
“Cleary is a strong advocate for our public safety community who do so much to serve and protect all of us,” Dr. Drimmer continues. “To further support these valued individuals, Cleary has developed very affordable degree programs for police officers, public safety civilians and their families allowing them to earn a bachelor’s or master’s degree from Cleary in as little as 12 months. We award their life and work experience through credits toward a degree.”
Shop with a Cop is a charitable program that helps relieve some of the stress of the holidays for families in need, gives kids some positive experiences with law enforcement, and begins
establishing trust with officers and families from at riskhomes. Children are selected by referrals from various social service agencies throughout the county.
This year, children were given a $200 to spend at the Genoa Township Walmart. A police officer serves as a chaperone and companion for one child during the entire day’s adventure.
The kids arrive via a grand entrance, riding in a parade of police cruisers with lights flashing and sirens blaring down Grand River Avenue to the store.
Police officers participating in this year’s Shop with a Cop festivities included Livingston County Sheriff’s Office; the Brighton Michigan State Police post; the cities of Howell, Brighton and Flint; Hamburg, Green Oak and Unadilla townships; and the village of Pinckney.
About Cleary University
Founded in 1883, Cleary University is a four-year, world-class accredited university, offering undergraduate and graduate degrees from a unique Business Arts curriculum, driven by a
faculty of thought leaders with deep, practical experience in their industries. Providing on-campus and online education models, Cleary provides a robust athletic program and a rich
residence life with nearly 200 students living on the quiet, rolling 50-acre campus. Cleary graduates tend to land jobs faster than their peers and with higher earning salaries at the start of their careers.
Cleary University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission, a proud member of the HLC Standard Pathway, and an approved institution by the National Council for State Authorization Reciprocity Agreements. A nonprofit university, Cleary’s campus is located at 3750 Cleary Drive, Howell, MI 48843, (800) 686-1883 with an education center within the Durfee Innovation Society at 2470 Collingwood St., Detroit, MI 48206.
Cleary University:
- Ranked #5 in the nation for best online business degree (University HQ)
- Ranked #3 in Michigan for best average starting salary two years post-graduation (US Department of Education)
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