COCA-COLA AND OHIO STATE SIGN SPONSORSHIP AGREEMENT

   COLUMBUS -- A 10-year agreement, valued at approximately $30 million, was announced today (11/9) by The Ohio State University and Coca-Cola.

   The agreement, retroactive to July 1, 1998, and running through June 2008, makes Coke the official beverage provider for the Columbus campus. In return, Coca-Cola will provide cash, services and products that will be used for a wide range of academic and student activities.

   "We are very pleased with this contract," said President William E. Kirwan. "Coca-Cola has a long history of commitment to Ohio State, providing support for university programs for over 70 years. This agreement will generate further benefits for our students, faculty and staff. Because our students are the greatest consumers of Coca-Cola products, we will ensure that they are the ones who derive the most benefit from this agreement."

   Revenue from the agreement comes primarily from commissions from vending machines on campus and from royalty payments from Coca-Cola. Included in the value of the agreement are noncash contributions such as donations of soft drinks and other products, and services such as student internships and a distinguished speakers series.

   Now that the contract has been signed, the university will design a decision-making system that will determine the ultimate use of much of the revenue. Some commitments of funds already have been made, however. Units which received income from vending commissions prior to the exclusive contract will continue to receive that funding. Money brought in over and above the pre-contract level will be allocated through the Office of Student Affairs and the Office of Academic Affairs.

   According to David Williams II, vice president for student and urban/community affairs, plans are to use Coke income to assist in funding construction of a new student recreation center and in renovating the Ohio Union. Student organizations and activities are also expected to benefit, primarily through product donations and other in-kind support.

   Edward J. Ray, executive vice president and provost, said examples of Academic Affairs programming that could benefit from Coca-Cola income include, among others, academic computing, recruitment and retention of a diverse group of outstanding faculty and students, the Honors & Scholars Program, and International Studies.

   Also included in the total value are commitments from Coca- Cola for specific funding of these Ohio State initiatives:

   -- The University Honors & Scholars Program.

   -- The Critical Difference for Women program, which provides scholarships and grants for women returning to college.

   -- Internships and career development, offering 50 paid internship opportunities over the course of the agreement to work at local, national and international Coca-Cola offices.

   -- A recycling program, including new collection containers and a project management plan.

   -- A new scholarship fund -- the Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ohio Scholars Program -- to provide scholarships for Ohio high school seniors who will attend Ohio State.

   -- A new speakers series bringing 25 notable persons to campus over the next nine years.

   Coca-Cola will also contribute toward community service activities such as Make a Difference Day, and provide in-kind support for educational conferences and international programs.

   "As a local business, based out of Columbus, we take great pride in our ongoing relationship with Ohio State," said Bob Mietz, vice president, Coca-Cola Bottling Company of Ohio. "With this extended agreement, we helped map out a comprehensive plan to generate funding for major university projects and to ensure that beverage sales contribute to student programs for many years to come."

Contacts: David Williams II, vice president for student and urban/community affairs, (614) 292-9334

Kim Price, The Coca-Cola Co., (404) 676-4942
Lee Scott, Coca-Cola Bottling Co. of Ohio, (517) 322-7402