CSU Hosts & Sponsors The Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend

Institution Supports Its Mission to Motivate, Encourage and Inspire Young African American Men In The Chicagoland Community

CHICAGO (November 17, 2012)— Chicago State University, CSU, joins forces with celebrity motivator, comedian and mogul Steve Harvey, for an inspirational weekend coined to set a new standard for African American young men throughout the city of Chicago. Steve Harvey, who is best known for being an international comedic sensation, the host of the Steve Harvey Show and Family Feud, and his elaborate community service efforts. This 3-day event will launch the Steve Harvey Mentoring Campaign, which will introduce a new initiative that will drive the need for mentoring around the country. The Steve Harvey Mentoring Weekend will take place Friday, November 16th to Sunday, November 19th, 2012 at Chicago State University located at 9501 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL.

The Steve Harvey Mentoring Program Weekend at CSU will consist of a weekend packed with events and activities to empower and mentor the 100 young men and teens in attendance. On Saturday, November 18th, 2012 from 2 pm to 6pm, the program will host a "Turkey Give-A-Way" at CSU's stadium. During the 'Turkey Give-A-Way", Steve Harvey and volunteers will distribute 1,000 turkeys to people in need. Of those 1,000 turkeys, the organization will donate 100 of those, 50 each, to Austin People Action Center (APAC) and Chesterfield Community Organization. On Sunday, November 19th, 2012 from 9am to 11:45am, Steve Harvey will host a Q&A session for parents at the Breakey Theater. The Q&A will discuss the topic of "Where Do We Go From Here?" which will be followed by a message from CSU President, Dr. Wayne D. Watson.

The weekend festivities will be intertwined with CSU professors, counselors and the University run African American Male Resource Center. "This program is aligned with the University's mission and goals of the African American Male Resource Center. The resource center was created to help reconnect and retain African American males, giving them the access and appropriate skills to excel in higher education," said Dr. Wayne D. Watson, Chicago State University's President. The center's focus is geared toward retaining and graduating young African American men and empowering, inspiring and mentoring them to achieve their maximum potential, empower their communities, and develop their purpose.

"When CSU was approached by the Steve & Marjorie Harvey Foundation to partner and host this event, it was no question for us, it was a given", said Watson. "It clearly aligns with the mission of the institution and our strategic plan which focuses on more African American males obtaining degrees from CSU."

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About Chicago State University

Chicago State University was founded in 1867 with just 62 students enrolled in its first year. Today it is a nationally-accredited university with five colleges- Health Sciences, Arts and Science, Business, Education, and Pharmacy – offering 36 undergraduate and 25 graduate degree-granting programs. In addition, CSU has a Division of Continuing Education and Non-Traditional Programs that reach out to the community with extension courses, distance learning and not-for-credit programs. Consistently evolving to reflect state-of-the-art trends in higher education, Chicago State University prepares students for success in the twenty-first century. For more information, please visit www.csu.edu.