October 16, 2019 (Norfolk, Va.) – ACCESS College Foundation will hold its 2019 Annual Luncheon at Noon on October 22, 2019 at Norfolk Waterside Marriott. Since 1988, ACCESS has assisted nearly 70,000 local public high school students with enrolling in a certification or degree program.

Each fall ACCESS stages this event to thank its family of supporters throughout Hampton Roads, Northampton County and Western Tidewater, as well as report annual accomplishments to stakeholders and the community. Over 350 members of the business community will be in attendance this year.

The luncheon will feature keynote speaker, Dr. Javaune Adams-Gaston, Ph.D.,
the new President of Norfolk State University. “Dr. J,” as students call her, came to Norfolk State from Ohio State where she served as the first female African-American Vice President for Student Life. In over 30 years in higher education, she was at multiple prestigious universities, including the University of Maryland and Johns Hopkins University. Dr. Adams-Gaston is also a trained psychologist, having spent more than 25 years in private practice. She will be joined by current Norfolk State University student Emanuel Perez and ACCESS Alumna Cedricka Dalton.

About ACCESS College Foundation: Founded by local philanthropists Frank Batten, Sr. and Joshua P. Darden, Jr., the ACCESS College Foundation (www.accesscollege.org) has promoted ACCESS to higher education for 31 years. ACCESS College Foundation provides a path for students who may not have the opportunity to attend and complete college. With offices at 7300 Newport Avenue in Norfolk, ACCESS has leveraged $684 million in financial aid and scholarships, as well as offered guidance and support to help over 69,000 students achieve their higher education goals.

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