Matt Morgan was a healthy adult student when he began pursuing a bachelor’s degree through DePaul University’s School for New Learning (SNL) in 2001. He had about six classes to complete when, in 2004, he became chronically ill. Under normal circumstances, Morgan’s illness may have prevented him from completing his education but, thanks to the Chronic Illness Initiative offered through SNL, Morgan completed his degree at a pace that worked for him.

Expressly designed to meet the needs of students like Morgan who might otherwise be sidelined by persistent illnesses, SNL’s Chronic Illness Initiative will sponsor its third annual symposium on chronic illness and postsecondary education from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m., May 23 in the 8th floor conference room of the DePaul Center, 1 E. Jackson Blvd. The program, which is free and open to the public, will explore the world of chronically ill students and examine ways to help them be successful in their educational pursuits.

“I was very lucky to have been enrolled in SNL at the time I became ill,” said Morgan, a native of Massillon, Ohio. “I never would have been able to complete my degree because my symptoms were too severe.”

Sponsored by a grant from AT&T, the symposium, titled “The Invisible Struggle: Understanding the World of the Chronically Ill Student,” will feature breakout sessions on subjects such as transitioning to college, financial aid, advising, social integration and careers as they impact the chronically ill college student.

Patricia Fennell, president of Albany Health Management Associates Inc., a multi-faceted organization aimed at reducing the suffering resulting from trauma and chronic illnesses, will offer the event’s keynote address.

Fennell has conducted extensive research in the field of chronic illness and is the originator of the Four-Phase Model for comprehending and treating chronic syndromes. Her model is currently utilized by clinicians, researchers and patients throughout the world.

Established in 2004 to give chronically ill students an opportunity to earn degrees at their individual pace, the Chronic Illness Initiative is the first program of its kind in the nation. The initiative provides students with the option of earning a degree completely online and features informed faculty who are trained to understand and respond effectively to the needs of students who have chronic illnesses.

Currently, the initiative serves about 150 students from across the country, most of whom are enrolled in SNL’s distance learning classes. Students in the program suffer from such chronic illnesses as chronic fatigue syndrome, lupus, diabetes, rheumatoid arthritis, heart disease and multiple sclerosis.

SNL, which was created in 1972 to serve the needs of adult learners, has earned a national reputation as a leader in designing programs for adult students and serves as a global model for adult curriculums. The initiative is just one of SNL’s innovative offerings.

“The initiative found a natural home at DePaul in its School for New Learning,” said Lynn Royster, an SNL visiting professor, director of the initiative and the program’s founder. “We are excited that the initiative can offer a symposium this year that will help others better understand the educational needs of those who suffer from chronic illnesses but who have the desire to continue their education.”

To register for the symposium, send an e-mail to CII@depaul.edu. Put “Symposium Registration” in the subject line. Include the name, company, address and telephone number of the participant in the text of the message.

Note to Editors: Reporters wishing to cover this event should contact Valerie Phillips in DePaul University’s media relations department at 312/362-5039 or 312/330-3155 (cell).