Cur rent Event s, News and O t her Hap p enin g s at Xavi e r
LEAD SPONSOR: AT&T Louisiana President Sonia Perez shares a moment backstage with XU President Dr. Norman C. Francis and entertainer Bill Cosby Jr. at the university’s 3rd annual Dr. Norman C. Francis Endowed Scholarship Benefit Concert. AT&T was the lead sponsor of this year’s event, while Cosby was a headliner along with the Men of Soul.
The Third Annual Dr. Norman C. Francis Endowed Scholarship Benefit Concert was held Nov. 19 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center Theater. The evening began with a patron party for sponsors and major corporate donors. Featured performers included Bill Cosby, Jeffrey Osborne, Peabo Bryson, Howard Hewett, and Freddie Jackson. AT&T-Louisiana served as the presenting sponsor. Total net profit exceeded $125,000. To date, $600,000 has been contributed as a result of these benefit concerts to the endowed scholarship fund that was created in 2008 in recognition of the 40th presidential anniversary of Dr. Francis. The goal for the scholarship fund is the creation of a $1 million endowment.
Center For Cancer Research The College of Pharmacy, in collaboration with the College of Arts & Sciences, received a five-year, $10-million award from NIH/National Center for Research Resources to help establish a Center for Cancer Research. This project provides funds to increase the number and quality of cancer researchers, to support selected pilot projects to assist junior investigators in becoming fully competitive in cancer research, to provide seed funding for developmental projects, and to develop three core laboratories to support cancer research activities in the university.
Xavier Named to Hhmi Science Education Alliance Xavier is one of twelve schools and the only HBCU to be named a 2011 member of the Howard Hughes Medical Institute’s (HHMI) Science Education Alliance. Xavier and the other schools will begin offering an innovative course from HHMI’s Science Education Alliance (SEA) that will give students hands on research experience in an elective course. HHMI provides training, research, and laboratory materials, as well as support from HHMI staff.
New Deans for Arts and Sciences
5