Cooley Law School student Eric Alifo of Ghana, has been named the recipient of the 2004 CAHEN Award. He was one of 10 adult students honored Thursday by CAHEN, the Capital Area Higher Education Network. CAHEN annually recognizes one recipient from each member school.

The schools range from community colleges through four-year institutions, to Cooley Law School. The selection process varies by school, but all recipients are adult learners who have overcome challenges to pursue their education, are involved in community work, and are excelling in their studies.

Mr. Alifo starts his fifth term of study at Cooley in May. He has made both the Dean?s List and the Honor Roll, and because of his academic achievement at Cooley, he gets a 45 percent break in tuition at the law school.

Mr. Alifo has conquered many challenges in his pursuit of a law degree. Far from home in Ghana, and with many financial hurdles to clear, he has excelled in his studies, won a scholarship based on his class rank, and has a good job at the Cooley Law School Admissions Office.

Tony Alvarado, Deputy Director of Admissions at Cooley, congratulated Mr. Alifo and called the award both hard-earned and well-deserved. ?I consider it an honor to know Eric as a student, and as a co-worker, but most of all as my friend,? he said.

Alvarado said that Mr. Alifo plans to return to Ghana after graduation to help as many people has he can.