FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: October 15, 1999
Contact: Steve Simon, 240-567-5385

        (Rockville, Maryland) – Dr. Robert "Ben" Johnson, Director of the White House Office for the President’s Race Initiative for One America, will keynote an upcoming Montgomery College dialogue on "One America in the 21^st Century: Forging a New Future." The discussion will take place on Thursday, Oct. 28, from 8-10:30 a.m., at the College’s Rockville Campus, Theatre Arts Arena.

        The focus of the White House’s One America in the 21^st Century initiative is ot build a nation of people who respect their diversity and embrace the values that unite them. In launching the initiative, President Clinton stated, "As we enter the 21^st century, we know that one of the greatest challenges we face is learning how we come together as one America."

        As part of her own "Council for the 21^st Century" initiative – which is helping to chart Montgomery College’s future direction – MC President Dr. Charlene Nunley invited Dr. Johnson to bring his message to the college community and help broaden an understanding of how these issues will affect the College’s mission.

        "Montgomery College is the most ethnically diverse community college in Maryland, with students from as many as 170 different nations," said Nunley. "With this diversity comes many opportunities and some challenges, both of which we, as an educational institution, need to embrace and understand to ensure our future success."

        "Because of the diversity of our student body and our staff, we are in a unique position to be a leader in this area and a catalyst for progressive change in our community," said Michelle T. Scott, Montgomery College’s Director of Equity and Diversity. "We’re very proud to host Dr. Johnson’s visit to Montgomery County and we welcome the community’s involvement in this important discussion."

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        For more information on the "One America" dialogue at Montgomery College, to request special services or accommodations, or to register to attend, please contact Ms. Scott at 240-567-5276.

        Montgomery College’s Rockville Campus is located at 51 Mannakee Street. Located approximately one mile north of the Rockville Metro Station, the campus is served by a number of Metro and Ride On bus routes. Parking on campus is free.