Purdue teams with Indiana Black Expo for focus on young leaders

The Black Expo will celebrate Purdue University Day July 15 throughout the Indiana Convention Center and RCA Dome with one of the largest educational displays on the exhibit floor, banners and more than 500 volunteers wearing Purdue T-shirts. The university also will sponsor an event to recognize volunteers.

More than 2,500 children between the ages of 4-12 are expected at the Purdue-sponsored Children's Day. Another 300 teens are expected at the Youth Empowerment Summit, sponsored for the second year by Purdue.

"We're planting the seed that a college education can be more than a dream — it can be the key to a bright future," said Joseph Bennett, vice president for university relations. "It's also a very good opportunity for us to learn more about the educational needs and goals of the young people who participate in Black Expo.

"Purdue is breaking out the black and gold to let everyone know that we are a fully engaged partner with Indiana Black Expo."

Children's Day kicks off the Purdue-sponsored events July 10. Children from day-care centers, day camps and churches throughout Indiana will come together at the Indiana Convention Center for a combination of entertainment, education and exercise.

Purdue will feature hands-on, "kid-friendly" activities, such as a farmer's market that will teach children about nutrition through healthy fruits and vegetables.

Other activities at Children's Day include a free children's chess tournament for ages 5-8, 9-12 and 13-18. Celebrity characters, such as Ronald McDonald, Mickey and Minnie Mouse and McGruff the Crime Dog, have been guests to the event in previous years and are expected to make an appearance. There also will be a basketball demonstration from Indiana Fever forward Tamika Catchings and her "Catch the Stars" Foundation.

Campus-wide representatives from Purdue will be on hand July 13-15 in the exhibit hall to interact with business leaders, community leaders, parents, alumni and potential students. They will offer brochures, applications and information about Purdue.

The three-day Youth Empowerment Summit (YES) will begin July 14 with the theme "Giving Youth Something to Say YES to." It is dedicated to the development of future community leaders. It includes peer-to-peer training, seminars, workshops and networking that are focused on issues important to the growth and development of Indiana's future leaders.

A Purdue alumni reception also is planned for 7-9 p.m. July 14 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 Chad Johnson, alumni outreach director at the Purdue Alumni Association, (765) 494-2602 or (800) 414-1541, or e-mail chadj@purdue.edu.

Purdue also is a sponsor for the United Way Minority Volunteer Recognition Breakfast from 8-10 a.m. July 15 in the 500 Ballroom at the Convention Center. The keynote speaker is Jan R. Adams, a physician and host of the Discovery Channel's "Plastic Surgery: Before and After." Tickets are $20 per person, $50 per corporate individual, $200 for a nonprofit organization table of 10 or $500 for corporate table of 10. For more information or to register, contact Joyce Rose, (317) 921-1271.

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, an employment opportunity fair, a health fair, various receptions and concerts, and appearances by local and national celebrities.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Sources: Joseph Bennett, (765) 494-2082, jlbennett@purdue.edu

Chad Johnson, (765) 494-2602, chadj@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

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