The United Negro College Fund (UNCF) will honor Lou Rawls for his support
and commitment to educational excellence during the nationally televised
An Evening of Stars 25th Anniversary Celebration - A Tribute to Lou Rawls
airing on Saturday, Jan. 10. The TV special helps raise awareness of the
importance of minority higher education and celebrate the achievements of
UNCF`s students, alumni, institutions and supporters. American has
supported UNCF for nearly three decades and this is the 18th year for
American to sponsor the televised event and serve as official airline.

“For nearly 30 years, American Airlines has supported UNCF`s mission to
help thousands of young people achieve the dream of a college education,”
said Gerard Arpey, CEO of American Airlines. “Our nation has been enriched
by the efforts of UNCF and Lou Rawls to promote higher education at
historically black colleges and universities. Corporations like American
Airlines have benefited from UNCF`s efforts through hiring and promoting
talented employees who are graduates of UNCF-member schools.”

“Having attended Clark-Atlanta University, a UNCF school and an
historically black university in Atlanta, it makes me extremely proud to
be a part of company like American Airlines that values the great work of
the United Negro College Fund,” said Lawonda Peoples, American Airlines
Specialist for Talent Services and 17-year employee. “Because of the UNCF
and companies like ours, so many deserving students are afforded an
opportunity that may not have been possible otherwise and that creates a
win-win situation for us all.”

“American Airlines has been a strong supporter of the United Negro College
Fund and An Evening of Stars for many years,” said William H. Gray III,
president and CEO of UNCF. “Their support helps UNCF provide educational
opportunities for thousands of deserving students each year.”

Since the first show aired in the mid-1970s, the mission of An Evening of
Stars has been to raise awareness for the importance of minority higher
education and spotlight the achievements. An Evening of Stars has achieved
many milestones, from raising record-breaking amounts to sharing venues
with one of Hollywood`s most prestigious events to boasting performances
by an impressive list of entertainers.

This year`s four-hour broadcast will reach nearly 70 stations across the
country and will feature some of the biggest names in entertainment such
as Stevie Wonder, Ashanti, Beyonce, Yolanda Adams, Donnie McClurkin, Chaka
Khan, Smokie Norful, Debbie Allen, Mo`Nique, Shemar Moore, Jaheim, Musiq
and many more. The televised special will also provide viewers with an
in-depth look at how UNCF works, and give real-life examples of how much
of a difference one donor can make in a young person`s life. It will also
air on Jan. 9th and 11th, 2004 in some markets. Check your local listings
or visit http://www.uncf.org/ .

Founded in 1944, the United Negro College Fund is the nation`s oldest and
most successful minority higher education assistance organization. Its
mission is to enhance the quality of education by providing financial
assistance to deserving students, raising operating funds for UNCF`s 39
member colleges and universities, and strengthening the capacity of
minority serving institutions through technical assistance. UNCF
administers more than 450 scholarships and fellowships to students and
faculty who attend UNCF member colleges and universities, other
Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs) and majority
institutions throughout the country. In its 59-year history, UNCF has
raised more than $2 billion to promote higher education achievement and
has helped more than 300,000 students earn undergraduate and graduate
degrees. For more information about UNCF, visit http://www.uncf.org/ .

American Airlines is the world`s largest carrier. American, American Eagle
and the AmericanConnection regional carriers serve more than 250 cities in
over 40 countries with more than 3,900 daily flights. The combined network
fleet numbers more than 1,000 aircraft. American`s award-winning Web site,
AA.com, provides users with easy access to check and book fares, plus
personalized news, information and travel offers. American Airlines is a
founding member of the oneworld Alliance.

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