FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 29,2023
Contact: Victoria Alexis, valexia@valexis
504.816.4024
Elliot Hutchinson
Creative Director
SON OF A SAINT
Physical Address:
2803 St. Phillip Street
New Orleans, LA 70119
Mailing Address:
PO Box 19205
New Orleans, LA 70179
(M)225-281-0917
(O) 504-461-7508
NEW ORLEANS – As part of the University’s vision to advance healthy, safe, and innovative communities, Dillard University has partnered with the Son of a Saint organization. The one-of-its-kind partnership features an opportunity for university students to work with at-risk youth while earning community service
hours they may apply toward graduation requirements.
“We are thrilled to announce our dynamic partnership with Dillard University, a collaboration that holds immense promise for the young lives we aim to transform throughout Greater New Orleans,” said Son of a Saint Founder + CEO Bivian “Sonny” Lee III. “Teaming up with Dillard allows us to expand our impact even further. Together, we will empower these young men to overcome obstacles, dream big, and achieve their goals, ensuring they become leaders who contribute positively to society.”
The partnership also has a unique concentration on supporting the parent and guardian of at-risk youth in the program with information for affordable private college tuition and resources to build generational wealth and wellness.
On Sunday, August 27, 2023, the University hosted the partnership’s installation, “A Son Day at Dillard”, an all-day event to introduce high school juniors and seniors to higher-learning experiences and provide developmental support and exposure that, due to systemic barriers, they have yet to experience.
To accomplish this mission, the University has prepared a 30–45-minute mock college course in economics and financial health, taught by Dr. Dorian Williams, dean of the College of Business, and a robotics demonstration by Dr. Dennis Sigur, assistant professor of computer science.
The event also included a two-hour session for the parent/guardian to learn about the University’s degree and certificate programs and career and professional development resources for students’ post-college graduation.
“We strive to be a living, learning, and serving communiversity beyond the University’s iron gates on Gentilly Boulevard,” said Dr. Rochelle L. Ford, Ph.D. APR, President of Dillard University. “Dillard’s mission focuses on cultivating leaders not just student leaders but enhancing the leadership skills of families and the community that supports them. As someone who has been single and parenting three children, I understand intimately the importance of role models, mentors, teachers, and opportunities for sons. Therefore, Dillard’s students, faculty, staff and alumni will partner with Son of a Saint in cultivating leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Together Dillard and Son of a Saint will make New Orleans healthier, safer, and more innovative.”
For more information, please visit https://sonofasaint.org/ and https://www.dillard.edu/
Son of a Saint exists to transform the lives of fatherless boys through mentorship, emotional support, the development of life skills, exposure to constructive experiences, and the formation of positive, lasting peer-to-peer relationships.
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Dillard University is a historically Black institution that cultivates leaders who live ethically, think and communicate precisely, and act courageously to make the world a better place. Located in New Orleans, Dillard is a private faith-based liberal arts university that offers 22 majors. Founded in 1869, Dillard is Louisiana’s oldest HBCU. Find out more by visiting www.dillard.edu
