PITT CHANCELLOR PRESENTED AWARD TO NELSON MANDELA

Pittsburgh, Oct. 14 -- On September 21, 1999, University of Pittsburgh Chancellor Mark A. Nordenberg and University of Pittsburgh Trustee Herbert Douglas, Jr. presented the Jesse Owens Global Award to His Excellency Nelson Mandela, former president of the Republic of South Africa, at his home in Johannesburg. The Jesse Owens Global Award is presented biennially by the International Amateur Athletic Association to an individual "who has made a significant and lasting contribution of enduring quality to society from a background in sports."

President Mandela was a boxer in his youth and led the successful fight against apartheid in his home country. Mr. Douglas is president emeritus of the International Amateur Athletic Association and the founder of the Jesse Owens Global Award. Chancellor Nordenberg chairs the Global Award selection committee.

In making the presentation, Nordenberg said that Mandela's words and example have been an inspiration to people around the world. "It is an honor for all of us, through the presentation of the Jesse Owens Global Award, to acknowledge your long walk and to thank you for all you did to improve and elevate the lives of countless others at each and every step along the way," he said.

Nordenberg also informed Mandela that the University of Pittsburgh has established a Nelson Mandela Children's Fund Scholarship. "We look forward to working with your foundation representatives to make available the full range of our rich undergraduate programs to an outstanding South African student," Nordenberg said.

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