Proc. 8172 Title 3--The President Proclamation 8172 of September 4, 2007 Nationa] Historica]]y B]ack Co]]e\365es and Universities Week, 2007 By the President of the United States o/ Arnerica A Proc]umution Education is a fundamental part of achievin\365 the American dream, and His- torically Black Colle\365es and Universities (HBCUs) help ensure that every student has the opportunity to pursue a quality education. Durin\365 Histori- cally Black Colle\365es and Universities Week, we underscore our commit- ment to these distin\365uished institutions in their efforts to provide more Americans with the tools to realize their dreams. The foundin\365 of many of our Historically Black Colle\365es and Universities over a century a\365o expanded the American education system and extended the opportunity of a hi\365her education to some who had been wron\365ly de- nied access. Today, HBCUs throu\365hout our Nation continue to be centers of quality education, advancin\365 opportunity and inspirin\365 individuals to meet the challen\365es of our time as responsible leaders. My Administration has increased Federal support for HBCUs and remains committed to stren\365thenin\365 these colle\365es and universities. The HBCU Cap- ital Financin\365 Pro\365ram has provided access to funds for infrastructure re- pairs, educational equipment, and construction of new facilities. The Presi- denifs Board of Advisors on Historically Black Colle\365es and Universities works to help HBCUs develop new partnerships with the private sector and benefit from Federal pro\365rams to stren\365then and advance faculty develop- ment and cooperative research. We will continue to provide our stron\365 support to HBCUs, so that every citizen can enjoy a future of hope and opportunity, and we salute these \365teat institutions as they build on a foundation of continued success for every student. NOW, THEI\177EFOI\177E, I, GEOI\177GE 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 9 throu\365h Sep- tember 15, 2007, as Nationa] Historica]]y B]ack Co]]e\365es and Universities Week. I call upon public officials, educators, librarians, and all the people of the United States to observe this week with appropriate pro\365rams, cere- monies, and activities in respect and appreciation for the contributions these va]uab]e institutions and their \365raduates have made to our country. IN WITNESS WHEI\177EOF, I have hereunto set my hand this fourth day of September, in the year of our Lord two thousand seven, and of the Inde- pendence of the United States of America the two hundred and thirty-sec- ond. GEOI\177GE W. BUSH 96
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