Governor Rick Perry to host the United Negro College Fund’s ‘North Texas Governor’s Luncheon’

by PegNews wire

DALLAS — Texas Governor Rick Perry will keynote the United Negro College Fund's (UNCF), "Annual North Texas Governor's Luncheon" on Thursday, Sept. 6, 2007, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel at DFW Airport. This event is a first-time partnership with UNCF and the governor's office. Proceeds from the luncheon will support UNCF's schools in Texas and its mission of educating the underserved population.

"Because a college education can open so many doors, it's important that we do what we can to assist students who may have trouble meeting tuition costs," said Diane Stephenson, UNCF's area development director. Net proceeds from this luncheon will support UNCF's efforts to provide resources for our schools and universities and the more than 4,500 Texans who currently attend UNCF institutions.

Texas is home to five UNCF schools: Paul Quinn College in Dallas; Texas College in Tyler; Jarvis Christian College in Hawkins; Wiley College in Marshall and Huston-Tillotson University in Austin.

UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., and State Senator Royce West (D) will deliver remarks. State Representative Marc Veasey (D), Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert and Fort Worth Mayor Pro-Tem Kathleen Hicks will be among the many honored guests in attendance.

The United Negro College Fund's mission is to provide financial support to its 39 member institutions and increase minority degree attainment by reducing financial barriers to college. UNCF institutions and other historically black colleges and universities are highly effective, awarding 25 percent of African American baccalaureate degrees. UNCF administers more than 300 programs, including scholarship, internship and fellowship programs, mentoring, summer enrichment, and curriculum and faculty development programs. More than 4,500 Texans attend UNCF schools.

Source: United Negro College Fund