FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 29, 2005

CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119, lisa.lacher@drake.edu

DRAKE HONORED AS AN OUTSTANDING CHAPTER AT BEST BUDDIES INTERNATIONAL'S LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE

The Best Buddies chapter at Drake University was presented with an Outstanding Chapter Award at Best Buddies International’s 16th Annual Student Leadership Conference this week in Bloomington, Ind.

Drake was chosen as one of 27 outstanding high school and college chapters from more than 800 programs throughout the world for its dedication to enhancing the lives of people with intellectual disabilities by providing opportunities for one-to-one friendships.
More than 1,200 students, representing U.S., Australia, South America, Egypt, Africa, Hong Kong, Ireland, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Scotland, Spain and Sweden, traveled to Indiana University to participate in the three-day conference. Working under the theme of “Unlimited,” these students, selected for their active leadership roles within Best Buddies, attended a series of interactive workshops focusing on leadership development, community service, civic responsibility, intellectual disabilities and volunteerism.

“Best Buddies International applauds the efforts of our exceptional high school and college chapters, which have pooled the talents of their participants to build and strengthen the Best Buddies mission at their school,” said David Quilleon, vice president of programs for Best Buddies. “Each chapter’s creativity, dedication and hard work play an important role in furthering the social inclusion of people with intellectual disabilities within their communities and around the world."

Founded in 1989 by Anthony Kennedy Shriver, Best Buddies has grown from one original chapter to more than 1,000 middle school, high school and college campuses across the country and internationally. For more information, visit www.bestbuddies.org.

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