9/22/04 Katie Wilder, 334/844-2994 (wildeka@auburn.edu)

WOMEN'S PHILANTHROPY BOARD TO SPONSOR HOMECOMING LUNCHEON

AUBURN - The Auburn University College of Human Sciences' Women's Philanthropy Board will hold its third annual Homecoming Luncheon Oct. 8.

The event will be held at the Hotel and Dixon Conference Center from 11:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m.

Nell Fortner, the new AU women's basketball coach, will be the featured speaker and will present a program about the leadership potential of women both on and off the basketball court.

"We are so pleased to have Nell Fortner as our speaker for this year's luncheon," said June Henton, dean of the College of Human Sciences. "Nell brings a wealth of professional experience to Auburn, coupled with a commitment to empowering young women and helping them to develop their full leadership potential. She has already proven to be a valuable asset to our campus and community, and we warmly welcome her as part of the Auburn family."

Fortner became the fifth head coach in Auburn women's basketball history on April 22. Regarded as one of the prolific young coaches in the country, she has had continued success at the collegiate, professional and international levels. With more than 20 years of experience at all levels of coaching, Fortner has earned respect and notoriety for her contributions, becoming a renowned motivational speaker, clinician and a basketball analyst for ESPN.

Her most recognized achievement to date is leading the U.S. Women's National Team to a gold medal in the 2000 Olympics.

Organized in the spring of 2002, the Women's Philanthropy Board is composed of alumni, faculty and friends of the College and is led by an executive committee of outstanding leaders in business and public service. The mission of the WPB is to inspire, educate and enable women to develop their full leadership potential, achieve independence as financial donors and decision-makers, and serve as mentors for future generations of philanthropists.

"The Women's Philanthropy Board has planned our luncheon to be the best ever," said Darlene Riggan, WPB president. "It is an exciting event that will provide information to help us develop our leadership potential and enjoy fellowship with others around a delicious meal."

Registration for the luncheon is $30 per person or $240 for a table of eight. Tickets must be purchased prior to the event and will be mailed by Oct. 1.

For additional information, contact Lucy Little at 334/844-2948.

Auburn University is a comprehensive research institution with more than 23,000 students and 6,500 faculty and staff. Ranked among the top 50 public universities nationally, Auburn is Alabama's largest educational institution, offering more than 230 undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degree programs.
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