"Higher Education in the 21th Century" will be the topic of discussion at a UNLV event Saturday (Feb. 26) celebrating National Trio Day 2000.

Regent David L. Phillips of the University and Community College System of Nevada will be honored at the event. Serving as guest speaker will be Rep. Shelley Berkley, D-Nev.

This free event will take place from 11 a.m. until 1 p.m. at the Alumni Amphitheater just north of the Moyer Student Union on UNLV's academic mall.

The national TRIO programs, which at UNLV are administered by the department of academic advancement, include Upward Bound, Educational Talent Search, Academic Support, and the Ronald E. McNair doctoral program.

Established by Congress more than 34 years ago, the TRIO programs enable Americans regardless of economic circumstance, race, or ethnic background to successfully enter college and graduate. Currently, more than 2,000 projects are hosted at more than 1,200 postsecondary institutions and more than 100 community agencies across the nation.

For additional information on the Feb. 26 event or on the TRIO programs available at UNLV, call the department of academic advancement at 895-4777.