Page 9 - Florida Sentinel 3-15-16 Edition

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HCC Hosts 5th Annual HOPE Scholars Summit
Hillsborough Community College (HCC) hosted the fifth annual HOPE Scholars Summit on Friday, March 4, from8:30a.m.to2p.m.at the Dale Mabry Campus. The HOPE Scholars Program is a targeted program designed to improve retention, gradu- ation and the four-year col- lege transfer rate of African American and Latino males.
College enrollment and completion rates of minority men continue to be a chal- lenge on both the national
and local level. In an effort to help, HCC’s Office of Equity, Diversity and Special Pro- grams in collaboration with the HCC Office of Student Services and Hillsborough County Public Schools, sponsored this summit to encourage more minority men to achieve higher goals in higher education. Last year, more than 400 stu- dents from HCC and more than a dozen area high schools attended the sum- mit.
Dr. Michael Benitez, the Chief Diversity Author and Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Puget Sound, was the fea- tured guest speaker. He is nationally regarded for his
commentary and critical perspectives on social and cultural issues.
The event also featured Dr. Calvin Mackie, the critically acclaimed author of “View from the Roof.” Dr.
Mackie is a mentor and en- trepreneur whose message challenges traditional think- ing on issues of race, gender, ethnicity, religion and politi- cal affiliation. (Photos by Ricky Roberts)
Dr. Ken Atwater, President Of Hillsborough Community College; Dr. Mary Bendickson, Dean Of Arts & Sciences, Dale Mabry Campus; Dr. Joan Holmes, Special Assistant To The President Of Equity, Diversity & Special Programs; and Dr. Kenneth Ray, Vice President Of Student Services & Enroll- ment Management.
Dr. Calvin Mackie, award-winning mentor, critically ac- claimed author, and internationally renowned motivational speaker, and a successful entrepreneur, and Dr. Ken Atwater, President Of Hillsborough Community College.
Dr. Michael Benitez, the Chief Diversity Author and Dean of Diversity and Inclusion at the University Of Puget Sound, engaging the students in attendance.
Chamberlin High School Assistant Principal for Student Affairs, Mr. Tavis Myrick and the students Of GQ.
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