Sen. Dick Durbin talks Pell grants at Saint Xavier University

Sen. Dick Durbin talks Pell grants at Saint Xavier University

Holds roundtable with Saint Xavier President Judith A. Dwyer and students

Chicago (Aug. 29, 2007) U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin (D-Ill.) discussed his support for increasing grant aid to college students at a roundtable discussion Wednesday at Saint Xavier Universitys Orland Park campus. Recent federal legislation, the Higher Education Access Act, passed the U.S. Senate by a vote of 78-17 on July 19.

Joined by Saint Xavier University President Judith A. Dwyer, Ph.D., and three Saint Xavier students, Durbin discussed how students and parents in Illinois would benefit from more than $850 million in new grant aid in the next six years.

The cost to attend a public four-year college has risen by 42 percent during the past five years, causing severe hurdles for many American students, Durbin said. I have been a strong supporter of increasing the maximum Pell grant to help both students and parents—not just those from poverty-stricken areas, but those who come from middle-income households, farm families and the families of recent immigrants.

SXU senior psychology major Adeeb Odeh said being eligible for federal financial aid has been crucial in helping offset the cost of his education.

The importance of increasing the amount of federal funding is essential to this country's educational system and ensuring that students like me have the resources to continue their education, said Odeh, of Oak Forest, Ill.

Saint Xavier University graduates as many Pell grant recipients as it enrolls. During the past three years, 35 percent of the 2006 bachelor degrees were conferred to Pell grant recipients. More than 700 Pell grant recipients have earned bachelor degrees from Saint Xavier during the past three years.




FOR MORE INFORMATION:
Contact Joe Moore
773-298-3937 or jmoore@sxu.edu

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Founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1846, Saint Xavier University was the first Mercy college in the United States and is Chicagos oldest Catholic university. Serving approximately 5,700 students at its campuses in Chicago, Orland Park and its Loop location, the University offers 35 undergraduate majors; more than 40 graduate program options in arts and sciences, business, education and nursing; and a variety of program options in continuing and professional studies. Recognizing Saint Xaviers excellence in education, U.S. News and World Report has ranked SXU consistently among the Best Colleges in the Midwest.

Saint Xavier University Media Relations: 773-298-3937
3700 West 103rd Street, Chicago Ill. 60655 * 18230 Orland Parkway, Orland Park, Ill. 60467
online faculty expert guide: www.sxu.edu/relations/faculty_experts.asp
www.sxu.edu

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