West Virginia State University (WVSU) will serve as the host for the kickoff of a nationwide book, concert tour designed to help adult women seek a college degree.
With the upbeat enthusiasm of a concert, College Dreams Ignited will take place Friday, Oct. 14, from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. in the P. Ahmed Williams Auditorium of Ferrell Hall on WVSU’s Institute campus.
The event will feature a variety of inspirational speakers including Dr. Carol A. Leary, author of the new book “Achieving the Dream: A How-to Guide for Adult Women Seeking a College Degree.”
The event is free and open to the public.
“My mother instilled in me very early in life the importance of education, and meeting high expectations,” said WVSU President Anthony L. Jenkins, who will provide the welcome message at the event. “We are honored for West Virginia State University to host this event, to help share the message that a college degree is achievable by anyone regardless of circumstances and there are tools available to make that possible.”
The Institute event is the first stop on a nationwide tour for Leary to promote her new book, “Achieving the Dream.”
“I am the daughter of Italian immigrants, who instilled in me at an early age, the importance of earning a college degree,” Leary said. “I have dedicated my life and made it my personal mission to encourage all people, especially women, to complete their college degree.”
Dr. Carolyn Stuart, executive director of the Governor’s Office of Minority Affairs; Karen Bowling, cabinet secretary for the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources; and Julie C. Palas, interim executive director of the West Virginia Women’s Commission, will also be speaking at the event.
“The West Virginia Women’s Commission is honored to be selected to coordinate this first-of-its kind national and statewide concerted effort, designed to ignite, inspire, involve, motivate and encourage not only women but all West Virginians to start, return or finish their college degree,” Palas said.
In addition to speakers, a resource row will be hosted so those attending will be able to explore the options and services available to them in seeking a college education.
While College Dreams Ignited is free to attend, advance registration is required and encouraged before Oct. 1. Registration is available online by clicking here.
Everyone who attends will receive a free copy of Leary’s book “Achieving the Dream” and three other College Foundation of West Virginia books, “College 101,” “Admissions 101,” and “Financial Aid 101.” Lunch will also be provided.
For more information, contact Dr. Bob Harrison at (304) 343-2647 or collegedreamsignited@gmail.com.
College Dreams Ignited is sponsored by the West Virginia Women’s Commission, the American Women’s College, the West Virginia Department of Health and Human Resources, the Community and Technical College System of West Virginia, the West Virginia Department of Education and the Arts, the West Virginia Department of Education, the West Virginia Higher Education Policy Commission and the West Virginia Reading Association.
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