Date: March 17, 2006

LaPorte Regional Health System Supports PNC College Bound

(left to right) - Bill Mack, Chairperson, Board of Directors, LaPorte Regional Health System; Michael Haley, President and CEO, LaPorte Regional Health System; Judith A. DeMuth, Superintendent, LaPorte Community School Corporation; and James B. Dworkin, Purdue North Central Chancellor.

LAPORTE– LaPorte Regional Health System announced today that they are the first LaPorte-based corporation to support the College Bound program in their community. Their commitment totals $25,000 to the program over a five-year period.

“College Bound affords access to education but more importantly it is a statement to our youth and their families that we believe in their future, we see rich opportunities for their success and we want to be partners in helping them to accomplish their goals. Our investment in time and resources back to our community will ensure long-term viability and success for this program,” states Mike Haley, President and CEO, LaPorte Regional Health System.

As explained by Dr. James B. Dworkin, PNC chancellor, College Bound will provide full PNC scholarships to promising students who show potential in an area where PNC offers a baccalaureate degree. Students will be selected for the College Bound program in the seventh grade and will begin their activities as eighth graders. New students will be added each following year as the program continues.

From eighth grade through high school graduation, students will take part in enrichment activities such as field trips and after-school programs. They will have opportunities to meet mentor-teachers who will be role models who help to inspire the youngsters to excel.

“Qualified students deserve the opportunity for advanced education,” states Bill Mack, Chairperson, Board of Directors, LaPorte Regional Health System. “Programs such as College Bound eliminate the barrier of financial resources that often stand in the way of pursuing their dreams. The, unique mentoring relationships of the College Bound program, along with extracurricular enrichment activities will undoubtedly generate well-rounded, informed, intellectual young people who may become the leaders and decision makers in our community in the next generation. As a result, we owe them the very best opportunities to succeed and College Bound offers those resources,” states Mack. College Bound program has partnered with LaPorte Community Schools to offer full PNC scholarships to qualifying LaPorte Community Schools graduates.

The PNC College Bound program is also in place in the Michigan City Area School system (MCAS). The program started there with the 2005 – 2006 academic year, with 30 participating students.

“As our first LaPorte-based College Bound contributor, LaPorte Regional Healthcare System joins us in affirming our collective commitment to the youth of LaPorte; our belief in the power of higher education and our confidence in the future of the city of LaPorte, LaPorte County and Northwest Indiana,” said Dworkin.

Haley states, “Supporting College Bound is one of many initiatives under way to forge long-term partnerships with PNC. Together we take steps with Purdue and the LaPorte Community Schools to create a healthier community.”

The LaPorte Community School Corporation Board of School Trustees and School Corporation are extremely honored and proud of the Purdue College Bound Project. “We are truly grateful to LaPorte Hospital, Mr. Michael Haley, President and Chief Executive Officer, and his staff who by this most generous donation will make college a reality for many of our students who would have never had this opportunity. We thank LaPorte Hospital for being a leader in supporting our students and our community!” states Dr. Judith A. DeMuth, Ed. D., Superintendent, LaPorte Community School Corporation.

In recognizing the generosity of the contribution, Dworkin states, “Your donation confirms your commitment to our communities and your faith that our young people, if given the opportunity, will accomplish great things.”

College Bound is funded entirely by donations and LaPorte Regional Health System is honored to join the distinguished list of community partners which includes: Michigan City Community Enrichment Corporation, NIPSCO, City Savings Bank, Horizon Bank, Sullair Corp., Tonn & Blank Construction and St. Anthony Memorial Health Center.

Haley stated that LaPorte Regional Health System has taken a very important step as the corporate leader in the LaPorte community to support this program for students in our schools. “We anticipate that our contribution will build momentum to generate other corporate partners for the long-term success of this initiative.”

For information about making a contribution to College Bound, contact Joseph Goepfrich, PNC Vice Chancellor for Advancement, at (219) 785-5672.

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