[Federal Register Volume 73, Number 173 (Friday, September 5, 2008)]
[Presidential Documents]
[Pages 51897-51898]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: E8-20794]



[[Page 51895]]

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Part III





The President





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Proclamation 8285--National Historically Black Colleges And 
Universities Week, 2008


                        Presidential Documents 



Federal Register / Vol. 73, No. 173 / Friday, September 5, 2008 / 
Presidential Documents

___________________________________________________________________

Title 3--
The President

[[Page 51897]]

                Proclamation 8285 of September 3, 2008

                
National Historically Black Colleges And 
                Universities Week, 2008

                By the President of the United States of America

                A Proclamation

                Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) 
                are helping to extend lifelines of learning throughout 
                our country. During Historically Black Colleges and 
                Universities Week, we pay tribute to these 
                distinguished institutions.

                Our Nation's HBCUs help unlock the great potential 
                within students by providing quality higher education 
                to traditionally underserved communities. By offering 
                all students an opportunity to develop their skills and 
                talents, HBCUs are helping more Americans realize the 
                promise of our Nation.

                My Administration is committed to promoting equal 
                opportunities and access to higher education for all 
                students. Since 2001, funding for HBCUs and 
                Historically Black Graduate Institutions has increased. 
                Additionally, the College Cost Reduction and Access Act 
                of 2007 makes college more affordable for low-income 
                students by increasing funding for Federal Pell Grants 
                by more than $11 billion. The Act also helps HBCUs 
                increase educational opportunities in the critical 
                fields of math, science, technology, and foreign 
                languages. By educating all of America's students, we 
                are investing in our next generation of leaders and 
                contributing to a more hopeful people and a more 
                prosperous America.

                Throughout this week, we renew the call for this 
                country to never rest until equality is real, 
                opportunity is universal, and all citizens can realize 
                their dreams. We also recognize our country's HBCUs and 
                their important role in making these goals a reality.

                NOW, THEREFORE, I, GEORGE W. BUSH, President of the 
                United States of America, by virtue of the authority 
                vested in me by the Constitution and laws of the United 
                States, do hereby proclaim September 7 through 
                September 13, 2008, as National Historically Black 
                Colleges and Universities Week. I call upon public 
                officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of 
                the United States to observe this week with appropriate 
                programs, ceremonies, and activities in respect and 
                appreciation for the contributions these valuable 
                institutions and their graduates have made to our 
                country.

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                IN WITNESS WHEREOF, I have hereunto set my hand this 
                third day of September, in the year of our Lord two 
                thousand eight, and of the Independence of the United 
                States of America the two hundred and thirty-third.
                <GRAPHIC(S) NOT AVAILABLE IN TIFF FORMAT>
                
                    (Presidential Sig.)

[FR Doc. E8-20794
Filed 9-4-08; 8:45 am]
Billing code 3195-01-P