WHO: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will hold a press conference to highlight the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill and the benefits it has provided veterans who are pursuing higher education across New York State.
TIME, DATE, PLACE: 1:45 p.m. on Wednesday, Oct. 27 at the Admissions Office Conference Room in Wallis Hall, located at 220 Wilson Boulevard, on the University's River Campus.
WHAT: U.S. Senator Kirsten Gillibrand will be joined by Congressman Dan Maffei (D-NY), University of Rochester President Joel Seligman, Dean of Admissions and Financial Aid Jonathan Burdick, and students Thomas O'Toole, Jesse Kinsella, and Rory Hamilton to discuss the benefits of the Post 9/11 G.I. Bill.
In fall 2009, the University of Rochester launched the Rochester Pledge Scholarship in anticipation of the United States Department of Veterans Affairs' Yellow Ribbon Program, which was included under the revised G.I. Bill. The University's contribution, combined with the Yellow Ribbon benefits, guarantees full tuition and mandatory fees support for qualified veterans attending the College, the Eastman School of Music undergraduate studies program, and the Simon School of Business.
STUDENT BIOS: The following students will be present and available for interviews:
Rory Hamilton is a freshman majoring in physics. As a combat medic in the army, Hamilton was stationed in Germany and also completed a 15-month deployment to Iraq. A native of Cookeville, Tenn., he plans to pursue a doctoral degree in physics after graduation.
Jesse Kinsella is a junior majoring in economics with a concentration in finance and a minor in business. He transferred to Rochester from Buffalo State and plans to attend the Simon School of Business upon completion of his bachelor's degree. A native of Rochester, Petty Officer Kinsella achieved the rank of E5 in the Navy.
PARKING: Members of the media should check in at the Visitor's Booth on Wilson Boulevard for a parking pass. They will be directed to park in the Todd Theater Lot, located off of Fraternity Road. Please refer to the campus map for more details.
FOR MORE INFORMATION: Media interested in covering the press conference can call Melissa Greco Lopes at 585.260.6666 or email mgrecolo@ur.rochester.edu.