St. Edward's University, a nationally recognized source for exemplary adult and lifelong learning programs, has opened a new technology and business development center in Northwest Austin. The public is invited to attend a free open house from 5-8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 11th to learn more about the programs offered at the Professional Education Center. The event will include short demonstrations and seminars about available professional and continuing education courses.

"The university is committed to developing the facilities, technology and resources required for our graduates to achieve both personal and professional success," said John Houghton, vice president of Professional and Graduate Studies. "The Professional Education Center is a logical step in that direction, allowing us to provide additional courses for our traditional students, valuable continuing education for working professionals and a real business community resource centrally located in the hub of Austin's technology corridor."

The Professional Education Center provides training, certification programs and service programs to information and management professionals and companies in the Austin area. Classes are taught by certified instructors and offer a mix of traditional classroom lecture and hands-on project training. Available programs include: IT Vendor certified courses (Microsoft, Novell, CIW Webmaster, Linux, Seagate and Java), Corporate Training Solutions, vendor neutral seminar-based training, career starter and transition programs, customized on-site training, management development certifications and seminars and state-of-the-art classroom rentals.

Founded by the Congregation of Holy Cross, St Edward's University is an independent Catholic liberal arts university of 4,100 students located in Austin, Texas.