Mayor Williams presents proclamation to President McGuire (center), who is joined by (left to right) Joseph Bell, Director, Upward Bound Program, Howard University, John Childers, president of the Consortium, and Pamela Lamberth, Director, Educational Opportunity Center, College Board.

D.C. Mayor Anthony Williams proclaimed November to be Higher Education Month in Washington, as part of a national initiative to promote the contributions and resources of colleges and universities. President Patricia McGuire thanked the mayor for his continuing support of higher education in the nation’s capital. President McGuire, who is chair of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, noted that colleges and universities in the District of Columbia and the region offer tremendous educational opportunities, and are important partners in the economic growth of the city and surrounding region.

During the press conference, Mayor Williams also announced the launching of the D.C. College Savings Plan, a “529 college savings plan” with tax incentives to encourage families to save for higher education expenses. The funds will be managed by the Calvert Asset Management Company.

Mayor Williams presents proclamation to President McGuire WHEREAS, the District of Columbia has one of the highest percentages of educated citizens in the nation; and

WHEREAS, American University, The Catholic University of America, Gallaudet University, George Mason University, The George Washington University, Georgetown University, Howard University, Joint Military Intelligence College, Marymount University, National Defense University, Southeastern University, Trinity College, the University of the District of Columbia, and the University of Maryland, College Park have collaborated as members of the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area with the College Board Educational Opportunity Center to improve educational opportunities in the District of Columbia for District residents; and

WHEREAS, attaining educational goals prepares District residents for fuller participation in the workforce and community; and

WHEREAS, focusing attention on higher education presents an excellent opportunity for disseminating information on a variety of learning options, including traditional degree programs and continuing education opportunities for adults interested in returning to college; and

WHEREAS, during this month, workshops, educational and career guidance presentations, admissions and financial aid application assistance seminars, and outreach programs are being provided to encourage all residents to learn about educational opportunities and the knowledge and skills required as we move into the 21st century; and

WHEREAS, making residents of the District of Columbia aware of higher education opportunities is of critical importance to their personal growth and will benefit the city as well as the region:

NOW, THEREFORE, I, THE MAYOR OF THE DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, do hereby proclaim the month of November 2002, as “HIGHER EDUCATION MONTH” in Washington, D.C., and call upon all the residents of this great city to join me in supporting the challenge of educational excellence for all.

Anthony A. Williams

Mayor, District of Columbia