Hampton University News September 24, 2013 AT&T Contributes $50,000 to the Hampton University Leadership Institute AT&T has made a $50,000 contribution to the Hampton University William R. Harvey Leadership Institute to support a program that connects HU students with high school students to assist them with academic tutoring; college selection; and the financial aid and admission processes, so that they are well prepared to enter college after high school graduation. Vince Apruzzese, regional vice president for AT&T in Virginia, joined Hampton University administrators and Virginia State Senator Mamie E. Locke for an event with students from the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute. The contribution will support the Day in the Life of a College Student program. Fifty high school students from Newport News Public Schools will be mentored by HU leadership fellows. The high school students will attend Saturday sessions at HU, go to college open houses and attend the Annual HU Leadership Institute High School Leadership Conference in November. "We are committed to developing leaders who have the character and commitment to ethically lead and serve," said Dr. Battinto Batts, Director of the William R. Harvey Leadership Institute. "This program will allow our leadership fellows to make a direct impact on the lives of these high school students." "Education is the key to success on the job and in life," said Apruzzese. "Hampton University students are helping their peers in the community chart a path for high school success and college. Together with leaders like Dr. Harvey and Senator Locke, Hampton is working to create opportunities for high schoolers in the region, and we're thrilled to assist with their efforts." Apruzzese added that the contribution is part of AT&T Aspire, one of the largest corporate commitments focused on helping more students graduate from high school ready for college and careers. Last year, AT&T announced an additional quarter-billion-dollar expansion to the program, bringing the total commitment to $350 million since the program was launched in 2008. The William R. Harvey Leadership Institute at Hampton University offers the undergraduate student a curriculum option that enhances the regular university experience. It is an intensive, interactive undergraduate minor designed to develop entry-level leaders for the workplace and community who are competent, committed and ethical. AT&T Inc. is committed to advancing education, strengthening communities and improving lives. Through its philanthropic initiatives, AT&T has a long history of supporting projects that create learning opportunities, promote academic and economic achievement, and address community needs. In 2012, more than $131 million was contributed through corporate-, employee- and AT&T Foundation-giving programs. Learn more about AT&T Aspire by visiting www.att.com/aspire<http://www.att.com/aspire>. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Executive Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org<mailto:sphoenix@hbculibraries.org> www.hbculibraries.org<http://www.hbculibraries.org/> 800-999-8558, ext. 4820 404-702-5854 Skype: sandra.phoenix1 1438 West Peachtree NW Suite 200 Atlanta,GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (LYRASIS) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org<http://www.lyrasis.org/> Honor the ancestors, honor the children.