BATON ROUGE, LA. (September 10, 2008) – UNCF–the United Negro College Fund–the nation’s oldest and most successful minority higher education assistance organization, today announced that Louisiana Governor Bobby Jindal will host and serve as the keynote speaker for its first annual Louisiana Governor’s Luncheon on Wednesday, September 17, 2008, from noon until 1:00 pm at the Holiday Inn Select Hotel at 4728 Constitution Avenue. Proceeds from the luncheon will support UNCF’s schools in Louisiana and its mission of increasing minority degree attainment by providing support to its member institutions and reducing financial barriers to college.
“Because a college education can open so many doors, UNCF works to ensure our future leaders have the opportunity to get the college degrees they need and deserve,” said Therese Badon, UNCF’s regional development director. “The level of commitment in our community and this investment in future scientists, teachers, business owners, lawyers and doctors helps prepare young students to compete in the ever changing global economy”.
“This event offers a special opportunity to not only highlight the success of this exemplary organization, but also showcase the accomplishments of the students who have been assisted by UNCF”, said the Honorable Bobby Jindal, Governor of Louisiana. I am excited to join other Governors across the country who host these luncheons in support of UNCF and its mission. A college education has become virtually indispensible--it is important that we do what we can to assist the many students who have trouble meeting rising tuition costs.”
The goal for this first Louisiana Governor’s Luncheon is to raise $100,000 to support deserving students in the Louisiana area who want to fulfill their dreams of earning a college degree.
Esteemed individuals who will be delivering remarks are UNCF President and CEO Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., and the Honorable Mayor “Kip” Holden of Baton Rouge, event Chairman. Other honored guests on the program are William A. Oliver, AT&T Louisiana, Dr. Norman C. Francis, Xavier University, Dr. Marvalene Hughes, Dillard University, State Representative Austin Badon, Jr., Mickey Moore, Wendy’s International, Inc., and Dan Schuessler, ExxonMobil Corporation.
