Release date: Feb. 10, 2003

Contact: Frances Weyand, Director of Media Relations, 770-423-6203 or fweyand@kennesaw.edu

RTM Restaurant Group gives $1 million to Kennesaw State University Center for Leadership, Ethics & Character

RTM Restaurant Group -- an organization founded on the principles of dreaming big, playing fair and making a difference --recently announced that it would contribute an initial gift of $1 million to the Center for Leadership, Ethics & Character at Kennesaw State University.

"This represents the largest gift the center has received," said Dr. Judith Stillion, director of the center. "The $1 million gift will go toward an endowment to fund projects and programs for the center, as well as an endowment to fund a Distinguished Chair in Ethical Leadership that will be named for Kennesaw State University President Dr. Betty L. Siegel."

"Kennesaw State has long been committed to making lasting contributions to the larger public good," said Dr. Siegel. "With this generous and long-lasting support from RTM Restaurant Group, we are able to further our commitment through the Center for Leadership, Ethics & Character."

The gift was publicly announced by Russ Umphenour, RTM president and CEO at KSU's fall commencement ceremonies Dec. 20, 2002. Umphenour challenged the graduates to incorporate ethics into their professional decisions and professional lives. He also spoke of the importance of character in today's society.

Dennis Cooper, RTM's chairman and a member of the KSU Foundation Board of Trustees, was one of the driving forces behind the contribution and views the gift as the beginning of a long-term relationship between RTM and Kennesaw State. Part of this relationship includes senior management at RTM teaching one day each year on the Kennesaw campus. Cooper also foresees the expansion of RTM's strong leadership development program to include working with faculty at the center and engaging students in leadership programs.

"This is a dynamic partnership, marrying an academic center with a large for-profit corporation, for a long-term relationship," stated Interim Vice President for University Advancement Dr. Wesley Wicker. "Furthermore, it is a wonderful gesture, honoring Dr. Siegel with a Distinguished Chair in Ethical Leadership in her name."

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Kennesaw State University is a comprehensive, residential institution with a growing student population of 15,600 from 118 countries. The fifth largest out of 34 institutions in the University System of Georgia, KSU offers 55 undergraduate and graduate degree programs.