"LAUNDRESS WHO GIVES SCHOLARSHIPS" PITT GUEST OF HONOR

PITTSBURGH, Jan. 26 -- Oseola McCarty, "the laundress who gives scholarships," will be the guest of honor at the University of Pittsburgh Student Tribute to Excellence and Education in celebration of Black History Month on Friday, Feb. 13, at 6 p.m. in the William Pitt Union Assembly Room, Oakland.

The media are invited to McCarty's arrival on Thursday, Feb. 12, at noon in the Hampton Inn, Boulevard of the Allies, Oakland, where they will have the opportunity for questions and photographs.

McCarty, who quit school at age 12 and took in laundry for more than 70 years, inspired the nation in 1995 when she gave $150,000 of her life savings to the University of Southern Mississippi to fund scholarships for black students. The Hattiesburg, Mississippi native has received many awards, including the Presidential Citizens Medal, has been featured on television and in magazines, and spends much of her time giving interviews and visiting other universities.

After retiring from laundry work at age 86, McCarty wrote the book, "Simple Wisdom for Rich Living." In it she says, "When I leave this world, I can't take nothing away from here. I'm old and I won't live always -- that's why I gave the money to the school and put my affairs in order. I planned it and I am proud of it. I am proud that I worked hard and that my money will help young people who have worked hard to deserve it. I'm proud that I am leaving something positive in this world. My only regret is that I didn't have more to give."

The event is sponsored by the Office of the Provost, the African American Alumni Council, the Office of New Student Programs, and US Airways.

The objective of the African American Alumni Council is to promote cultural diversity, provide scholarships to graduate and undergraduate students, and engage in activities that promote the recruitment and retention of African American students, faculty and administrators at the University of Pittsburgh.

The Office of New Student Programs is a division of the Office of Student Affairs. Its mission is to provide assistance to new undergraduate students in their transition to college life and to sponsor a variety of programs and services that enhance new student success.

-30-