A University student has been honored by the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education as a 1989 Outstanding Adult Student in Higher Education.

School of Communications Dean Brian Winston, who nominated 42-year-old Raymond Birmingham (senior-broadcast/cable and film/video) for the award, said Birmingham proved himself deserving.

"I am very impressed with those who come to college half-way through life," Winston said. "He has been terrifically active and has done a great deal for returning adults."

Birmingham is one of 10 students statewide receiving this award.

For his first two years at the University, Birmingham attended McKeesport Campus as a full-time student, while he also worked full-time as a security guard. Formerly employed as a steelworker, he decided to attend college after Duquesne's U.S. Steel plant shut down in 1983.

"When your back is up against he wall, you no have choice but to persevere," he said.

During his two years at University Park, Birmingham has been active in the Returning Adult Student Center, Winston said. He also helped found the Returning Adult Student Environment, an interest house located in Tener Hall, Winston said.

Birmingham and his wife, Maureen, have two children, one of whom will be attending Penn State next fall. In May, Birmingham will graduate with degrees in two communications fields -- film/video and broadcast/cable.

After graduation, Birmingham said he plans to start his own company specializing in film, video, animation and still photography.

"Education is the only way to get ahead in this world," he said. Birmingham said he was elated to receive the award. "You never think that you will actually win an award such as this one, all you can do is hope," he said.

While he was presented with a certificate of achievement Jan. 8 in a ceremony in Carnegie Building, his achievement was officially recognized Feb. 8 at the Pennsylvania Association for Adult Continuing Education Conference in Hershey, Birmingham said.

Karen Brugler, a counselor at RASC, described Birmingham as a person very interested in effecting change. "He is very sincere in his purpose -- very dedicated and dependable," she said.

Barbara Copland, director of RASC, offered several reasons for Birmingham's selection as an outstanding returning adult student. He has overcome difficult obstacles and has achieved a lot of academic success in the process, she said, adding, "He works hard as a student during the week and also holds a job on weekends."