FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOURTH ANNUAL COLLEGE DAY

TO BE HELD FEBRUARY 12TH

            DANVILLE, VA, February 7, 2005 – More than 25 colleges and universities will be represented at College Day 2005 on  Saturday, February 12, at the Cherrystone Association Center in Ringgold (5551 Tom Fork Road).  Sponsored by Danville Community College’s Alliance for Excellence program and the Cherrystone Missionary Baptist Association of Churches, Inc., this fourth annual event will be held from 9:00 a.m. until 3:00 p.m. The event is being offered for area youth, parents, and others.

            College Day was first established in 2002 to promote higher education awareness.  Admissions counselors and financial aid officers from historically black colleges and universities throughout the region, along with DCC, Averett University, and the National College of Business and Technology will share college admissions information with prospective students from Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. 

The following colleges have been confirmed: Allen University, Averett University, Benedict College, Danville Community College, Delaware State University, Elizabeth City State University, Fayetteville State University, Fisk University, Grambling State University, Hampton University, Jackson State University, Johnson C. Smith University, Livingstone College, Morgan State University, National College of Business & Technology, Norfolk State University, North Carolina A & T State University, North Carolina Central University, Saint Augustine’s College, Shaw University, South Carolina State University, Tennessee State University, Tuskegee University, University of Maryland – Eastern Shore, Virginia University of Lynchburg, Virginia State University, Virginia Union University, and Winston-Salem State University. Additional colleges may be added to this list.

In addition to college displays, representatives from area Greek fraternities and sororities will provide information on Greek life in colleges. Information on the admissions process and financial aid will also be available.  The Cherrystone Association will have food available for a nominal cost.

            “We are expecting an even larger turnout than last year’s event,” said Zena Hibbler, Interim Coordinator of DCC’s Alliance for Excellence program and event organizer. She explained that more than 200 area youth and their parents attended in 2004, despite the icy weather conditions.

“This event is the place to be,” Hibbler continued. “In many instances, college representatives bring special incentives, such as new scholarships.  Some colleges also will offer to waive the cost of the admissions application. If you are looking at colleges, then you will not want to miss this event.”

The event is open to the public. For more information on College Day 2005, contact Hibbler at (434) 797-8460, or the Public Relations Office at (434) 797-8458.