Phoenix College Hosts Successful HBCU Fair

(Phoenix, Ariz., Sept. 30) – More than 400 students attended the Historically Black Colleges and Universities Fair Sept. 28 at Phoenix College.

Attendees received a full array of information and resources on attending college, successful completion of college, financing college and other topics related to their higher education goals.

They also had a chance to meet with college representatives during the annual event, organized by Camilla Westenberg, Ph.D.,an English professor and advisor to the NAACP/Black Student Union club.

The fair attracted representatives from 16 colleges and students from more than 25 Arizona high schools. It featured speakers, including welcoming remarks from PC President Dr. Anna Solley, six workshops and scholarship information tables.

“The students learned about the range of options to obtain a college education,” said Dr. Westenberg.

They also heard from other young professionals and students who had followed both traditional and non-traditional paths to a professional career and higher education. “The students were very energetic. They came away with many options,” said Dr. Westenberg.

The day’s events included remarks from Alonzo Jones, associate dean of students at Arizona State University, Tempe campus; Dr. Romona Saunders, president of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc, Delta Beta Omega Chapter; Michael Williams, president of PC’s NAACP/BSU; and Angelique Jones, Miss Black Teen Arizona USA.

One popular workshop covered writing a powerful personal statement. “Many students came away with concrete ideas on how to construct their own personal statement,” said Dr. Westenberg.

Other workshops covered college survival techniques, financing your education, and choosing the right college for you.

The HBCU Fair is designed for freshmen to senior students at public, private, and charter high school and community college students from throughout Arizona.

The event was co-sponsored by Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc.- Delta Beta Omega Chapter, Phoenix AKARAMA Foundation, and Phoenix College NAACP/Black Student Union.