College Crusade of Rhode Island Believe Breakfast raises $40K

PROVIDENCE – Education nonprofit The College Crusade of Rhode Island raised $40,000 at its Nov. 17 Believe Breakfast, which honors the dedication of educators, state policymakers, business leaders, philanthropic organizations, community agencies and families who support the academic success of younger generations.

During the event, four individuals were honored for their contributions to the community. The 2016 Dr. Americo W. Petrocelli Distinguished Service Award was given to Dr. Warren Simmons, a senior fellow at the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University. This award, named for Americo Petrocelli, who founded The College Crusade in 1989 and served as the R.I. commissioner of higher education from 1989 to 1995, is given annually to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the field of college readiness and success.

In addition, three College Crusade alumni shared the 2016 Distinguished Alumni award:

  • Gloria Benson of Pawtucket, a 2003 graduate of Mount Pleasant High School, attended the University of Rhode Island, where she earned a B.S. in human development with a minor in leadership studies in 2007. She then earned an M.S. in human development and family studies with a concentration in college student personnel from URI in 2010. She currently serves as program assistant and evening event manager for the Student Activities Office at Brown University.
  • Lydel Hall of Providence, a 2003 graduate of Central Falls High School, attended Rhode Island College, where he earned a B.S. in music education in 2007. He currently serves as a music teacher in the Pawtucket Public Schools.
  • Dereck Mendoza of East Providence, a 2005 graduate of East Providence High School, attended Bentley University, where he earned a B.S. in computer information systems with minors in management and business in 2009. He currently works for FM Global as a senior research tech II.

Nicholas C. Donohue, president and CEO of the Nellie Mae Education Foundation, and Dr. Donald Farish, president of Roger Williams University, served as honorary co-chairs of the 2016 Believe Breakfast.

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