ELCA NEWS SERVICE March 3, 2004 Lutheran College Fairs Set for Spring 2004 04-035-JB CHICAGO (ELCA) -- Most of the 28 colleges and universities of the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America (ELCA) will participate in "Lutheran College Fair" programs at 11 locations in 8 states this spring. The purpose of the fairs is to connect Lutheran college representatives with prospective students and their families. The Lutheran College Fair program is coordinated through the Lutheran Educational Conference of North America (LECNA), Sioux Falls, S.D., an association of more than 40 Lutheran colleges and universities in the United States and Canada. Formed in 1910, LECNA encourages, assists and promotes cooperation among Lutheran colleges and universities. LECNA relates to the ELCA Division for Higher Education and Schools. The 28 colleges and universities affiliated with the ELCA are members of LECNA. Admissions, financial aid, college life and academic areas of study are among the topics college officials will discuss with prospective students at each fair location. In addition to meeting with Lutheran college representatives, most fairs include a reception and a series of educational workshops about college financial planning and careers. Lutheran college fairs will be held in other parts of the United States in Fall 2004. Dates, registration times and locations for spring 2004 Lutheran college fairs are: + March 6, 1:30 p.m., Courtyard by Marriott, Houston + March 7, 3:30 p.m., Omni Austin Hotel, Austin, Texas + March 21, 3:30 p.m., Omaha Marriott Hotel, Omaha, Neb. + March 27, 1:30 p.m., Mt. Olive Lutheran Church, Milpitas, Calif. + March 28, 3:30 p.m., Crowne Plaza Irvine/Orange County Airport, Irvine, Calif. + April 18, 4 p.m., Tysons Corner Marriott, Vienna, Va. + April 19, 6:15 p.m., Sheraton Park Ridge Hotel and Conference Center - Valley Forge, King of Prussia, Pa. + April 25, 3:30 p.m., Mall of America Grand Hotel, Bloomington, Minn. + April 26, 6:15 p.m., Radisson Plaza Hotel, Rochester, Minn. + April 27, 6:15 p.m., Ramada Plaza Suites and Convention Center, Fargo, N.D. + April 28, 6:15 p.m., Radisson Encore Hotel, Sioux Falls, S.D. -- -- -- More information about each fair is at http://www.lutherancolleges.org on the LECNA Web site. For information contact: John Brooks, Director (773) 380-2958 or [log in to unmask] http://www.elca.org/news