Concordia University Announces Leadership in Education Awards Feb. 9, 2012

PORTLAND, Ore., Nov. 29, 2011  /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Concordia University announces the inaugural Governor Vic Atiyeh Leadership in Education Awards to be held Thurs., Feb. 9, 2012, 6:30-9 p.m. at the Leftbank Annex in Portland, Ore.

(Photo: http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20111129/DC13491)

Former Oregon Governor Vic Atiyeh will be honored with the first award for his life-long passion for education. The award, given each spring, is designed to honor one or more leaders whose professional, philanthropic, business, and civic leadership and advocacy has profoundly changed the odds for children to succeed in school and in life.

Special guest Geoffrey Canada, president and CEO of the Harlem Children's Zone, will deliver the keynote address.  Canada was recently recognized by TIME magazine as one of the 100 most influential people in the world for his efforts in education. The Harlem Children's Zone, which he founded, provides a cradle-to-career continuum of schools and support services for 8,000 disadvantaged children spanning 100 city blocks in New York City.

Like Atiyeh, Canada, and others, Concordia University, through its leading teacher preparation programs, is committed to the success of all children, regardless of race, wealth or ZIP code.  Since 1905, Concordia University has prepared teachers who make a positive difference in the lives of the children and families in line with its mission to prepare leaders for the transformation of society.

Today, most philanthropic, business, civic, and political leaders recognize that a quality public education is essential for our nation's strength as a democratic society in a highly competitive world.

Proceeds from the event will provide college scholarships to support Concordia University students.

Generous event sponsors include presenting sponsor Urban Development Partners, culinary sponsor Bon Appetit, as well as major sponsors Rod and Valorie Boucher, Dr. Gloria and Mr. Ross Edwards, "I Have a Dream" Foundation - Oregon,  Kivel & Howard LLP, Knowledge Universe Education LLC, Pacific Power, The Standard, George Thurston Jr. and Jody Thurston, Trillium Family Services, and The VTM Group.

To sponsor the event, to attend, or for more information, visit www.cu-portland.edu/vale, email [email protected], or call 503-280-8505 or 1-800-752-4736.

ABOUT CONCORDIA UNIVERSITY
Concordia University is a private, Lutheran, liberal arts university located in northeast Portland, Ore. with a mission of preparing leaders for the transformation of society.  Founded in 1905, Concordia University serves nearly 3,000 students through its College of Education, College of Health & Human Services, College of Theology, Arts, & Sciences and School of Management.  www.cu-portland.edu.

Media Contact: Madeline Turnock, APR
503-280-8550, [email protected]

SOURCE Concordia University