June 11, 1996 Contact: Jennifer McNulty (408) 459-2495; mcnulty@ua.ucsc.edu

MEDIA ADVISORY--FOR IMMEDIATE USE

What:A commencement-related human-interest story at UC Santa Cruz

As you plan your graduation coverage, consider the story of Cynthia Slate, a re-entry student at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who overcame a poor educational background and a learning disability to earn a bachelor's degree with highest honors in economics and environmental studies. Slate, 30, who grew up in eastern Contra Costa County, was unable to read the words on her high school diploma when she graduated from high school with a 1.81 GPA. Years later, she was diagnosed with dyslexia, a learning disability that makes reading difficult. Slate enrolled at Los Medanos Community College, and transferred to UCSC in fall of 1993. With the assistance of the UCSC Disability Resource Center and other campus resources, Slate was able to reach her true potential. She was named a President's Undergraduate Fellow and a Merit Scholar, completed her courses in winter quarter and is graduating from UCSC's College Eight with college honors on Saturday, June 15. She plans to pursue a master's degree in public policy at the University of Washington.

When: Cynthia Slate graduates on Saturday, June 15. The College Eight commencement ceremony will be held at 4 p.m. in the College Eight plaza.

Who: Cynthia Slate

(510) 757-3585

Audrey Muir

Academic Preceptor

College Eight

UCSC

459-2025

Sharyn Martin

Learning Disability Program Coordinator

Disability Resource Center

UCSC

459-2089

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