July 6, 2005
Purdue gives youths chance to lead in summit at Indiana Black Expo
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – Purdue University is sponsoring a three-day youth summit beginning July 15 at the Indiana Black Expo in Indianapolis for 300 youths who will come from all over the state to discuss issues that dominate their lives and to make plans for their future.
|
The summit will take place in the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown during the 35th anniversary summer celebration by Indiana Black Expo Inc., the state's largest African-American nonprofit organization. The theme for the summit is "When I am 35, I Want To Be Healthy Wealthy and Wise." It will combine workshops, seminars and training for students from primarily urban areas.
Purdue President Martin C. Jischke will make welcoming remarks at the luncheon, which begins at noon July 15 in the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown.
"This is an opportunity for Purdue to build relationships with future community leaders at a critical stage in their development and growth," said Joseph L. Bennett, vice president for university relations. "If we can encourage a dialogue that will continue throughout their lives, we can maximize the potential for real change that begins with this meeting."
As an introduction to the event, students will have the chance to visit more than 1,000 consumer exhibits. Students also will be given Purdue T-shirts to wear, as well as other Purdue gifts. Purdue will have a 1,200-square-foot display area with representatives to answer questions and give out information.
On July 16 the group will take part in a program about domestic violence and attend workshops that include informative discussions, role-playing and final group discussions. The agenda also includes entertainment and fun, with basketball, music and visiting celebrities.
This is the first year Purdue will be a sponsoring presenter at the event. In addition to the Youth Summit, Purdue's $75,000 commitment to the Indiana Black Expo also includes a presence in the exhibit hall, Employment Opportunity Fair, "Holla Back" Teen Forum and the Black Business Conference.
Purdue also will be highlighted from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. on July 16 when the Black Expo celebrates Purdue Day.
Indiana Black Expo runs from July 7-17 at the Indiana Convention Center. Purdue representatives will be on hand from July 14-17 to interact with business leaders, community leaders, parents, alumni and potential students.
An alumni reception also is planned for 7-9 p.m. on July 15 in the Convention Center's ATA Lounge. Purdue has more than 7,000 African-American alumni in Indiana and the Cincinnati, Louisville and Chicago areas. Alumni interested in attending the reception can register by calling (800) 213-3044 or by going online.
The Indiana Black Expo is a yearly event that showcases achievements by African-Americans in culture, art, history and economics. Activities include business workshops, an ecumenical service, employment opportunity fair, health fair, various receptions and concerts, and local and national celebrities.
Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu
Source: Joseph L. Bennett, (765) 494-2082, jbennett@purdue.edu
Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu
PHOTO CAPTION:
Alysa Rollock, Purdue's vice president for human relations, shows off a Frisbee that will be just one of the gifts students will receive at the youth summit sponsored by Purdue as part of the Indiana Black Expo, which runs July 7-17. More than 300 youths will come to Indianapolis from all over the state to discuss issues that dominate their lives and to make plans for their future. The youth summit, which will take place July 15-17, will be at the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome and the Indianapolis Marriott Downtown. (Purdue News Service photo/David Umberger)
A publication-quality photo is available at http://news.uns.purdue.edu/images/+2005/rollock-expofrisbee.jpg
To the News Service home page