Home: Newsroom: 2002 news release archive: 072902

News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2002

Lumina Foundation names new program officer

INDIANAPOLIS — Lumina Foundation for Education announces the appointment of Henry L. Fernandez as program officer. Fernandez will help lead the grant-making program of the Foundation, focusing on programs to improve postsecondary access and retention, with a special emphasis on underserved students.

Fernandez brings experience from numerous disciplines, including philanthropy, education, minority and Hispanic affairs, youth development, economics and politics. He most recently served as a consultant, providing advice on strategic planning, fund raising, grant program administration and corporate affairs to a variety of educational and corporate clients.

From 1997 to 2002, he worked for a Fortune 10 company, coordinating its philanthropic initiatives in education and youth development. Prior to 1997, he was director of the Peace Corps Fellows Program. He also was elected to two terms as Neighborhood Commissioner representing the Dupont Circle community in Washington, D.C., and was appointed to the Education Goals 2000 reform panel for the District of Columbia.

He serves on the boards of the National Association of Latino Elected and Appointed Officials and the National Commission on African-American Education. He previously served on the boards of Advocates for Youth and Grantmakers for Education.

Fernandez holds a doctorate in education from Columbia University's Teachers College in New York City. He earned master's degrees in education administration, economics and the philosophy of education and his bachelor's degree from Queens College of the City University of New York.

Lumina Foundation for Education, an Indianapolis-based private, independent foundation, strives to help people achieve their potential by expanding access to an education beyond high school. Through research, grants for innovative programs and communication initiatives, Lumina Foundation addresses issues surrounding financial access, educational success through degree or certification attainment, and opportunities for underserved students. The Foundation bases its mission on the belief that postsecondary education remains one of the most beneficial investments that individuals can make in themselves and that society can make in its people.

For more information, contact Sara Murray-Plumer, director of communications at (317) 951-5493 or splumer@luminafoundation.org.