THE 2000 COCA-COLA PRE-COLLEGE LEADERSHIP PROGRAM INTRODUCES 30 YOUNG MEN TO ETHICAL LEADERSHIP

ATLANTA, GA, June 19, 2000 - Thirty African-American youth, who serve as leaders in their communities across the country, are participating in the 2000 Coca-Cola Pre-College Leadership Program at Morehouse College.
Many of the students, including some who will be freshmen at Morehouse in the fall, hold grade point averages of 3.5 or better and a variety of leadership experience. Included in the group are a platoon sergeant from a military academy, co-editor of a high school newspaper, a president of a black student union, a sergeant at arms with the National Honor Society, and one student who has volunteered more than 1,500 hours to more than 10 organizations.

"The program is designed to introduce participants to the traits, skills and behaviors necessary for ethical leadership," said Dr. Walter Earl Fluker, executive director of the Leadership Center at Morehouse College. "The curriculum focuses on personal and interpersonal leadership skills, with an emphasis on the development of character, civility and community. The curriculum is highly interactive and uses indoor and outdoor group activities. Upon completion, participants will have an appreciation for personal responsibility, empathy for others and a vision for the future."

During the week, students will work with daily themes that focus on community, love, truth, courage, wisdom and goals for the future. For example, during the courage day, they will work through classes and physical exercises that develop courageous attitudes. Financial support for the program is provided by The Coca-Cola Foundation.

One of the most distinguished institutions of higher education, Morehouse College is the nation's only historically black, private liberal arts college for men. Founded in 1867, the College enrolls approximately 3,000 students and confers bachelor's degrees on more black men than any other institution in the world. In addition to offering 36 majors in the humanities, natural and social sciences, Morehouse provides a number of programs and activities to enhance its challenging liberal arts program, including the Leadership Center at Morehouse College, the Morehouse Research Institute, and the Andrew Young Center for International Affairs.

Prominent alumni include Martin Luther King Jr., Nobel Peace Prize laureate and civil rights leader; Dr. David Satcher, U.S. Surgeon General; Sheldon "Spike" Lee, filmmaker and president of 40 Acres & A Mule Productions; Maynard H. Jackson, president of Jackson Securities and the first African-American mayor of Atlanta; and Nima A. Warfield, the first African-American Rhodes Scholar from an historically black college or university.

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Media Contact:

Thonnia Lee
404-215-2680
Tlee@Morehouse.edu