MEDIA ADVISORY
Tuesday, Dec. 5, 2006
Contact:
Shirley Armbruster, California State University, Fresno
(559) 278-5292, shirleya@csufresno.edu
Brandy Ramos Nikaido, UC Merced
(559) 241-7512, bnikaido@ucmerced.edu  

Media Advisory: College-going pledge press conference, Fresno
Dec. 11
Valley schools and colleges pledge to build a stronger college-going culture
The number of students in California attending college directly after high school has declined over the past decade, according to a recent study. The San Joaquin Valley already has a college completion rate considerably below the rest of the state.   Many of the colleges and universities in the San Joaquin Valley are working together through the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium (CVHEC) to address this issue in an increasingly competitive global workplace where an educated workforce is essential.

The presidents and chancellors of the colleges and universities that comprise the CVHEC have partnered with county Offices of Education and school districts throughout the Valley to develop a college-going pledge to implement proven strategies that will result in more of our Valley young people continuing their education beyond high school.

WHO:

• Dr. John D. Welty, president of California State University, Fresno and outgoing CVHEC president
• Dr. Frank Gornick, chancellor of West Hills Community College District and incoming CVHEC president
• Dr. Roderic B. Park, acting chancellor of University of California, Merced
• Other educational leaders, including K-12 superintendents of schools

WHERE: Fresno State's Smittcamp Alumni House, 2625 East Matoian Way

WHEN: 11 a.m., Monday, Dec. 11, 2006

WHY: It is the first goal of the Central Valley Higher Education Consortium to build and nurture a college-going culture in our region to enable our residents to reach their personal and professional potential.    

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