Lebanon Valley College Hosts Governor Corbett and Representatives from 40 Colleges and Universities

Corbett introduces "Ready to Succeed" scholarship program at AICUP event

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Gov. Tom Corbett addresses AICUP members April 17 at Lebanon Valley College

ANNVILLE, PA (04/17/2014)(readMedia)-- To promote his $25 million scholarship proposal, "Ready to Succeed," Pennsylvania Governor Tom Corbett addressed an audience of representatives from 40 Pennsylvania colleges and universities-including 21 presidents–on the campus of Lebanon Valley College in Annville, Pa.

"Governor Corbett's proposal to provide grants to middle-class students fulfills the very essence of our mission at Lebanon Valley College, which is expanding access to higher education," said Dr. Lewis E. Thayne, president of LVC, to explain why he extended an invitation to the governor, who graduated from Lebanon Valley College in 1971. "I am gratified that so many of my colleagues are here to learn more about this very important initiative to make college more affordable as it becomes increasingly necessary in today's economy."

Lebanon Valley College worked in partnership with the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) to host the event. "I hope that every attendee will now send the message to the legislature that this is a vital program for the future of our state," said Don Francis, president of AICUP. "It is important for our students, their families, and for the economic growth of Pennsylvania."

The Ready to Succeed Scholarship would make $2,000 grants to full-time students and $1,000 grants to part-time students whose families earn less than $110,000 per year. Students would be required to maintain a 3.25 GPA to be eligible for the grants. Approximately 12,500 Pennsylvanians would be eligible for the grants, according to estimates by the Pennsylvania Higher Education Assistance Agency.

"I believe that when it comes to our students in Pennsylvania, a little help at the right time can make a world of difference," said Governor Corbett. "The Ready to Succeed Scholarship is our way to securing a better future for students, giving them a ladder to another level of success."

While on campus, Governor Corbett was a guest lecturer in a history class. He also met with members of the LVC community at an informal reception.

Mary "Katie" Yost '15, a double major in history and political science from Landisburg, attended Governor Corbett's history lecture. "It is quite an honor to have the Governor of Pennsylvania return to his alma mater and it inspires me to know that this school has alumni who have dedicated their lives to public service," said Yost. "The fact that a graduate of this College has achieved such distinction speaks volumes about the quality of education students receive here, and reinforces the College's dedication to enabling and empowering students to spend their lives toward making a difference in the world around them."

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Click here for the full text of Corbett's speech.

Click here to view photos from the events.

Click here for a video from the AICUP meeting.

Click here for a video from Dr. Broussard's History 125 class.