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educated citizenry." <br /> Ann-Carol Nash, assistant city attorney with South Bend's legal staff, has overseen the <br /> academy since its founding in fall 2004. Since then, six academy semesters have <br /> averaged about 25 participants per segment. More than anything, the academy has <br /> addressed the difference between public perceptions about city government and the <br /> reality. <br /> "The academy enables our employees to explain what they do, how they do it and what <br /> they like about it,"Nash said. "From the reaction of the class members, I can tell that <br /> negative assumptions about local government are eroding. ... The academy graduates are <br /> very valuable resources for our community." <br /> The 10 sessions allow for a quick overview of city services. Participants' favorite themes <br /> are as varied as the topics themselves—Ireland Road redevelopment, the 911 dispatch <br /> center, LaSalle Park improvements, plans for the Eddy Street development, seeing the <br /> Palais Royale. <br /> "I just figured there was a lot more going on in this city than I was probably aware of— <br /> and, boy, was I right," a participant said. "This has been the most interesting and <br /> informative activity in which I have been involved in many years," said another. <br /> Half of the sessions take place in the County-City Building with the remainder dispersed <br /> among various city facilities. Over the past four years, participants have indicated that <br /> each session seems to vie for their attention as the most fascinating. <br /> "I was shown at every class that the people who work for the city truly care about South <br /> Bend," said South Bend resident Marybeth Saunders. <br /> "They presented world-class goals," Bean said, "not resting on mediocrity." <br /> The presentations reinforce an understanding of South Bend as a community with many <br /> positive things going for it. "I was not aware how progressive and advanced South Bend <br /> is," a participant said. <br /> Mary Ann Merryman, chair of the department of business administration and economics <br /> at Saint Mary's College, was so impressed in her own participation in the academy in fall <br /> 2005 that she required students in her Accounting for Not-for-Profit Organizations course <br /> to attend a minimum number of sessions. The students are able to take the theory they <br /> learn in class and see how it applies in practice in South Bend. <br /> "The students get a lot out of it," Merryman said. "These students are going to be citizens <br /> of some town. They're going to need to pay property taxes and vote for city officials. <br /> They really should have a better understanding of how municipal government operates." <br /> "I think about local government differently now," said Katie Mart, a Saint Mary's student <br /> from Detroit. "Maybe I'll groan about paying property taxes, but at least I understand <br /> them. ... I think the efforts to improve the local economy and the neighborhoods are <br /> exciting." <br />