Urban Mecca.com December 12, 2010 Lowe’s Donates $500,000 to UNCF Campaign for Essential Student Aid The United Negro College Fund – the nation’s largest and most effective minority education organization, has received a $500,000 grant from Lowe’s and the Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation (LCEF) for the Campaign for Essential Student Aid (CESA). Funding will help students at UNCF’s 39 member historically black colleges and universities complete their senior year and receive their college degrees. “We are grateful for Lowe’s generous gift and for their commitment to education,” said Michael L. Lomax, Ph.D., UNCF president and CEO. ”These students have done everything in their power to graduate. Now, they have come to the last mile and need help crossing the finish line. We encourage communities across America to follow in Lowe’s footsteps and help these students get the education they need.” As the recession lingers, many students at UNCF schools continue to find themselves in financially vulnerable positions. Unemployment and pay cuts still reduce families’ financial support for their children’s education. The credit crunch still keeps private student loans off the market. And students still come up short of the funds they need to cover tuition and room and board balances. “Lowe’s commitment to improving communities begins by supporting organizations that give students the resources to become tomorrow’s employees, homeowners and community leaders,” said Larry Stone, chairman of Lowe’s Charitable and Educational Foundation. “By supporting organizations like UNCF, Lowe’s is contributing to a cause that is important to our customers and employees and invests in helping students achieve their fullest potential by completing their college degrees.” Individuals, corporations and foundations can help thousands of students finish the fall semester by contributing to the Campaign For Essential Student Aid. To make a donation, visit www.uncf.org and click on Campaign for Essential Student Aid or call Francene Walker, UNCF Director of Individual and Planned Giving at 703-205-3569 to help keep kids in college. Since its founding, UNCF has helped 350,000 students earn degrees from its 39 member colleges and universities. Today, 55,000 students attend UNCF member institutions each year. SANDRA M. PHOENIX Program Director HBCU Library Alliance sphoenix@hbculibraries.org www.hbculibraries.org 404.592.4820 1438 West Peachtree Street NW Suite 200 Atlanta, GA 30309 Toll Free: 1.800.999.8558 (Lyrasis) Fax: 404.892.7879 www.lyrasis.org Honor the ancestors, honor the children.