Seven Franklin College seniors earned the distinction of becoming the first cohort of students to attain the college’s new digital fluency endorsement at the college’s commencement ceremony on Saturday, May 18, 2024.

The faculty-approved endorsement was initiated as part of the Charting the Future for Indiana’s Colleges and Universities grant funded by Lilly Endowment Inc. The endorsement demonstrates that a graduate not only has the liberal arts experience, but the technical skills that future employees seek and need from new employees.

“Franklin Colleges recognizes the importance of providing students with opportunities to explore and develop skills with current technologies while also fostering a growth mindset to equip them to continue learning the technologies of the future. Our Digital Fluency endorsement does just that, affording all students the opportunity to learn how to best use digital tools to solve problems,” said Kristin Flora, Ph.D., vice president for academic affairs and dean of the college. 

Franklin College defines digital fluency as the ability to effectively and ethically interpret information, discover meaning, design content, construct knowledge and communicate ideas in a digitally connected world. The digital fluency initiative serves as the capstone to the already transformative education offered at Franklin and helps to ensure students graduate with a comprehensive and transferable technological skillset.

The digital fluency endorsement enables students to distinguish themselves in the job marketplace by strengthening digital competencies both in and out of the classroom. Attaining the endorsement will help students improve digital skills and diversify their career options by fulfilling requirements with Franklin College class offerings and professional development opportunities such as internships, workshops or successful attainment of external credentials.

“We are immensely proud of our first cohort of students who have earned the digital fluency endorsement. This achievement not only reflects their dedication and hard work but also underscores the critical importance of digital fluency in today’s job market. In an increasingly digital world, the ability to effectively interpret information, design content, and communicate ideas is paramount. By attaining this endorsement, these graduates are equipped with the technical skills that future employers seek, positioning them for successful careers. Congratulations to each student for achieving this milestone,” said Andrew Rosner, the director of digital fluency at Franklin College. 

Graduates obtaining the digital fluency endorsement include:

Sergio Aguilar-Vargas of Indianapolis.

Jalen Samuel Rashad Brown, of Indianapolis.

Eli Cooper Cochrane, of Franklin.

Elliot Joseph Davidson, of Zionsville.

Isabella Faith Frye, of Bargersville.

Hillari Ruth Hensley, of Franklin.

Lucas Myron Hinderliter of Shelbyville.

For more information, please contact the Franklin College Office of Communications at (317) 738-8185.

POSTED Jun 6, 2024