The new ARC computer laboratories include 13 new computers equipped with Microsoft 2000, a gift from Mr. and Mrs. Thomas L. Pulling of Oyster Bay. In addition, the donations provided funds for new desks and filing cabinets for 16 Learning Assistant/Student workstations. A donation from Mr. and Mrs. Ed Shorin of Manhasset has funded the purchase of 16 new computers - one for each workstation.

The Pulling gift has also funded the purchase of six scanners, four DeskJet printers, two laser printers, state-of-the-art voice recognition software, and text- to-speech software. This software can help learning disabled students overcome what is sometimes the greatest challenge of all: translating what they know into written words or extracting knowledge from words and numbers on paper. Speech-to-text applications allow learning disabled students to convey their often-sophisticated ideas with greater fluency than if they were forced to try to write them in the conventional way. Text-to- speech applications allow students to electronically scan written material and have the computer read it aloud to them while they follow along on the monitor or page.

"Research indicates that both of these applications appear to improve reading, spelling, word recognition, decoding, and comprehension when used on a regular basis," said Mathilda Stucke, Director of the Academic Resource Center.

Additional interactive instructional software for mathematics, foreign language, and written language were purchased with part of the gift from Mr. and Mrs. Shorin. "These programs reduce frustration and improve performance in learning disabled students, thereby helping to boost self esteem," Stucke added.

The C.W. Post Academic Resource Center was established in 1985 as a comprehensive support program for serious, capable students who face learning challenges. ARC students attend regular, mainstream classes and are guided and motivated to become independent, successful learners and self-advocates as they work with Learning Assistants - men and women who are working on their first or second Master of Science Degree at C.W. Post. Learning Assistants help freshmen make the transition from high school to college and they assist all ARC students in time management, organizational skills, note-taking techniques, study skills, and other necessary learning strategies.

Additional services provided by ARC include note-takers for individual course lectures, tutors, extended time exams and assistance in obtaining textbooks on tape (when available).

Tom Pulling is a Managing Director of Citigroup Asset Management. He graduated from Princeton University and served as Corporal in the United States Marine Corps. He has served as a trustee at Long Island University since 1994 and as Chair of the Budget & Finance Committee since 1995. Mr. Pulling also serves as a member of the Executive and Planning Committees. In addition, he is a director of The Henry Luce Foundation and The Woodlawn Cemetery.

Ed Shorin served in the U.S. Navy before completing his studies at Bucknell University, from which he graduated in 1949. He then joined his family's business, Topps Chewing Gum Company, and ultimately served as a director and international vice president. Upon retirement Mr. Shorin began attending C.W. Post Hutton House Lectures. Later, as an advisory board member he became its three-year Chairman. He was recently elected as a Long Island University trustee and he continues as a volunteer member of Long Island University's School of Continuing Studies. Mr. Shorin received an Honorary Doctorate from Long Island University in 1999.

For more information about the Academic Resource Center, call Mathilda Stucke at (516) 299-2937 or write to her at C.W. Post Campus of Long Island University, 720 Northern Blvd., Brookville, New York 11548-1300.