April 27, 2009 - National Basketball Association veteran Sean Rooks will be the keynote speaker at California State University, Bakersfield during a kickoff event for CHAMPS/Life Skills Program. Established by the National Collegiate Athletic Association, the program is designed to encourage the development of character in students and student-athletes. The kickoff event will be held on Wednesday, May 13 at 6:00 p.m. in the Student Union multipurpose room.

Rooks is a 14-year veteran of the NBA who retired in 2004. Prior to playing in the NBA, Rooks played at the University of Arizona and was an All-Pacific 10 conference performer and honorable mention All-American in 1992. He was drafted by the Dallas Mavericks in 1992 and was as starter during his rookie season. During his NBA career, Rooks played with the Dallas Mavericks, Minnesota Timberwolves, Atlanta Hawks, Los Angeles Clippers, New Orleans Hornets and Orlando Magic. Rooks is now a television analyst for Fox Sports West and the Los Angeles Clippers. At CSUB, he will be introducing the CHAMPS/Life Skills Program and its goals.

"CHAMPS stands for Challenging Athletes' Minds for Personal Success," explained Keith Powell, director of CSUB's educational support services. "This program gives us an opportunity to better integrate student-athletes and students into campus life and give them necessary life skills they can use after graduation. It is our goal to create better citizens who are well-rounded for everyday life. CHAMPS is sponsored by the NCAA, but this is not just for student-athletes, this program is for all students."

CHAMPS/Life Skills Program provides students with development in five areas: academics, athletics, personal development, career development and community service. Students may participate in a lecture series featuring topics relevant to everyday life issues, such as cooking and networking. The program is designed to help students plan and prepare for their future after college.

"Development of character is an integral part of this program," Powell said. "We want our students to get involved so after graduation they can be the best employees they can be."

The kickoff event is free and open to the public.