Muhtar Kent, Chairman and CEO of The Coca-Cola Company, to Speak at Colorado State University Nov. 16

Note to Reporters: For press credentials for the lecture, contact Jennifer Dimas at (970) 491-1543 or Jennifer.Dimas@colostate.edu by 10 a.m. Wednesday, Nov. 16.

As part of a unique and evolving partnership with The Coca-Cola Company, Colorado State University is proud to host Muhtar Kent, chairman and chief executive officer of The Coca-Cola Company, at noon on Wednesday, Nov. 16 at CSU’s Lory Student Center Main Ballroom. Kent will speak about shared values for a sustainable future.

The event is free and open to the public. Those interested in attending are encouraged to arrive early as seating is first come, first served.

“Coca-Cola is an iconic brand that has strong values of sustainability and community building around the globe,” said Ajay Menon, dean of CSU’s College of Business. “Our partnership with Coca-Cola and the presence of Muhtar Kent – an extraordinary leader – help speak to our students about the role of business in society and the values and ethics necessary for leadership in the 21st century.”

The Coca-Cola Company is one of the world’s most recognized brands, doing business in more than 200 countries and with 15 product brands that are worth more than $1 billion. In June, CSU announced a multi-million dollar, 10-year strategic partnership with Coca-Cola, one of the most comprehensive and innovative relationships of its kind. The investments in the university provide for funding of student scholarships and internships, support of academic programs, and access to world-wide marketing opportunities.

In September, CSU’s College of Business announced the creation of the Beverage Business Institute (BBI), developed to provide specialized management education and research for the beverage industry. Coca-Cola has committed a multi-year donation to the BBI as well as funding for scholarships and internships.

Last month, CSU announced a new Water Scholars Program funded by Coca-Cola with two partner universities in China — East China Normal University (ECNU) and Anhui Agricultural University (AAU). The new program adds an important dimension to these ongoing university partnerships, and combines the universities’ expertise in water issues while emphasizing Coca-Cola’s focus on water sustainability in China and throughout the world. Coca-Cola is committing $1 million over the next 10 years to support this program which will benefit undergraduate students at ECNU, AAU and two additional universities in China beginning in 2013.

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