The College Crusade of Rhode Island will hold its 2014 Believe Breakfast on Friday, Nov. 14 from 8:30 to 10 a.m. at the Providence Marriott Downtown. The Believe Breakfast celebrates the dedication of educators, state policymakers, business leaders, philanthropic organizations, community agencies, and families to supporting the academic and career success of Rhode Island’s young people. 

Honorary co-chairs for this year’s event are James Diossa, mayor of Central Falls and an alumnus of The College Crusade, and Denise Jenkins, managing director of United Providence. Dr. Warren Simmons, executive director of the Annenberg Institute for School Reform at Brown University, will deliver the keynote address, titled “College Readiness and Success: Building Pathways That Strengthen Student, Family and Community Development.” Close to 400 guests are expected to attend. 

The event will honor George Graboys, of Providence, with the 2014 Dr. Americo W. Petrocelli Distinguished Service Award. The award is given annually to an individual who has made an extraordinary contribution to the field of college access and success. It is named in honor of Petrocelli, who founded The College Crusade in 1989 and served as RI Commissioner of Higher Education from 1989 to 1995. Graboys was president, chairman, and CEO of Citizens Financial Group for 17 years and was a dedicated community leader throughout his long career. He was one of the founders of The College Crusade and served as its first chair. 

The event will also honor Robert W. Britto-Oliveira, of Providence, with the 2014 Distinguished Alumni Award. The alumni award recognizes an alumnus or alumna of The College Crusade who has had exemplary college and early career success and who demonstrates a commitment to community. Born and raised in the Fox Point section of Providence, Britto-Oliveira graduated from East Providence High School in 2001 and earned undergraduate and graduate degrees from the University of Rhode Island. After serving for a number of years as a high school advisor for The College Crusade, he now works as an academic advisor for URI’s Talent Development Program.