Drexel University and the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Announce Comprehensive Partnership

Business Wire, Sept 17, 2008

Hispanic Leadership Master's Grant Will Be Offered To Future Community Leader

SACRAMENTO, Calif. -- Drexel University, a Philadelphia-based institution recognized as a leader in higher education innovation, today announced a comprehensive partnership with the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce as part of its newly created Sacramento Center for Graduate Studies.

Drexel University President Constantine Papadakis joined with Chamber leaders today at One Capitol Mall in Sacramento to announce the partnership.

"At Drexel University, we believe that partnerships with business and community organizations are the foundation for success," Dr. Papadakis said. "We are excited to create this partnership and to work closely with this dynamic organization."

As part of the partnership, Drexel University will provide a special Hispanic Leadership Master's Grant to support a student pursuing a master's degree at Drexel's Sacramento Center for Graduate Studies.

Applications will be open to qualified candidates living in Sacramento, Yolo, San Joaquin, Sutter, Placer, El Dorado, or Yuba counties.

The Master's Grant selection committee will be chaired by Amador S. Bustos, President/CEO of Bustos Media LLC. Other members include: Diana Borroel, President/CEO of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce; Peter Drozdoff, vice president of marketing for SureWest Communications; Larry Garcia, Principal with Diepenbrock, Harrison; Ken Macias, Partner and Chairman, Macias Gini & O'Connell LLP; Alice Perez, manager of retail services for the Sacramento Municipal Utility District; and Marcos Rodriquez, a senior financial representative with the Principal Financial Group.

"We are honored to have such an impressive committee present the first Master's Grant to a future leader of the Hispanic business community, and to have Amador Bustos be the first chair," Dr. Papadakis said. "Mr. Bustos is universally well regarded for his integrity, business ability and commitment to serving the community, and is exactly the type of leader Drexel wants to help grow. Our objective is to help inspire leadership in all sectors, because that is how we will ensure the success of the region in which we intend to be a permanent and active partner."

Diana Borroel, CEO and President of the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce, said: "We are very excited to partner with Drexel University as it expands higher education opportunities in the Greater Sacramento area."

To apply for the Hispanic Leadership Master's Grant, please contact Drexel University at 916-329-3455 or the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce at 916.486.7700. Applications must be submitted by Oct. 30.

With more than 800 members, the Sacramento Hispanic Chamber of Commerce is a strong influence among Hispanic business professionals in Northern California.

Founded in 1891, Drexel is ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best national universities in "America's Best Colleges" and one of the top six "Universities to Watch" by the magazine. The university is widely recognized for its focus on co-operative education and technology.

Beginning in January 2009, Drexel's Sacramento Center for Graduate Studies will offer master's programs in: Business Administration, Engineering Management, Higher Education, Information Systems, and Library Information Science. Four additional master's programs - in nursing leadership, the science of instruction, and human resources -- will begin in September 2009.

Drexel's Sacramento Center will feature state-of-the-art classrooms including wireless access for student laptops and technology support. Students will be linked to all the resources of Drexel's main campus, including program resources, financial aid, libraries and career development assistance. Onsite staff will meet the needs of students and faculty, providing a high level of support throughout the educational process. Drexel will also offer its students the ability to meet and learn from business, civic and community leaders, as it has done with such success in Philadelphia.

For more information or to attend an information session to learn more about the graduate programs, please visit http://sacramento.drexel.edu or call 888.389.3781.