Virginia Private College Week
WHEREAS, Virginia's private colleges and universities strengthen the commonwealth's higher education system and are as old as our nation itself; and
WHEREAS, Private colleges and universities are not only vehicles of tradition, but centers of learning that reflect the ever-evolving diversity and needs of American life; and
WHEREAS, more than 100,000 students attend a private college in the Commonwealth and benefit from an array of academic programs, outstanding faculty, small classes, and excellent preparation for a career or graduate school; and
WHEREAS, Virginia undergraduates attending an eligible private college or university in the state receive an annual Tuition Assistance Grant from the Commonwealth of $2,600; and
WHEREAS, the Council of Independence Colleges in Virginia (CICV) was founded in 1971 and represents the interests of twenty-seven private institutions in the Commonwealth; and
WHEREAS, visiting campuses is an important step in the college search process, and the CICV invites high school students and their families to explore the educational opportunities available at private colleges during "Virginia Private College Week," from July 26 - July 31, 2010; and
WHEREAS, students who visit three or more CICV institutions during Virginia Private College Week may apply to any three CICV institutions for free;
NOW, THEREFORE, I, Robert McDonnell, do hereby recognize July 26 - July 31, 2010 as VIRGINIA PRIVATE COLLEGE WEEK in our COMMONWEALTH OF VIRGINIA, and I call this observance to the attention of all our citizens.