Dover Adult Learning Center Celebrates Adult Education Heroes
DOVER–To create a lasting tribute to the heroes of adult education, the Dover Adult Learning Center created a display in the main corridor of DALC’s home at the McConnell Center. This ‘wall of fame’ includes a plaque with brass nameplates as well as photos and stories of the honorees.
The display was unveiled at a celebration with the Greater Dover Chamber of Commerce on Oct. 29, 2024.
This year, DALC chose to honor Art Ellison, an intrepid adult education leader and fierce champion for the underdog. His death in March 2024, was a loss to the many people who loved him and worked with him.
For 38 years, Ellison was the NH State Director of Adult Education. He was an inspirational leader and a patient mentor to those who worked with him. His friend and colleague Paul Jurmo wrote, “He provided a steady role model for others looking for a principled vision, practical strategies, and the courage and perseverance that adult education advocates need.”
Always active in local, state and national politics, in 2019, Ellison successfully ran for a seat in the NH House of Representatives, where for three terms he served on the Education Committee. Frank, kind and good-natured, Ellison was never afraid to speak out against injustice and the policies that perpetuate it.
Deanna Strand, DALC executive director, says she was fortunate to have a last opportunity to visit Ellison in hospice care. “At peace with his coming end of life, with a line of visitors sharing stories, he was in his glory,” said Strand. “It was inspiring to be in the presence of a person who knew they had lived the life they were meant to live and that they had left the world a better place.”
Also recognized with place on the wall of fame were DALC founder Helen Phipps and longtime teacher and counselor Minnett Induisi.
When Phipps passed away in 2010, the DALC board established the Helen Phipps Heritage Society in her honor. At her memorial service, Debbie Tasker, another former director of DALC, described her as a “petite dynamo . . . fierce in her determination that education should be available to all, generous in her praise and support for employees, positive in her encouragement for students.” She formed a non-profit and founded Dover Adult Learning Center, and she convinced city officials to purchase an old church building to house the Center. Helen was truly a giant among us, and DALC exists because of her persistence and indomitable spirit.
Minnett Induisi was recognized in 2022 with the first-ever DALC Lifetime Achievement Award. Induisi has worked at DALC for nearly 50 years improving the lives of countless individuals through her many teaching and counseling roles. She is a steadfast defender and champion of her students who refuses to accept anything other than success. One student described her as the mother, grandmother, and godmother he never had. She continues to teach adult basic skills and high school equivalency prep and is a counselor for inmates at the Strafford County jail.
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Dover Adult Learning Center of Strafford County helps all adults who seek to learn enhance their skills and improve their lives through education, job preparation, high school completion, and enrichment classes. We help our students become more effective lifelong learners, family members, workers, and citizens.