Riverside, Calif., October 22, 1999--La Sierra University has been recognized for leadership in the field of student character development in The Templeton Guide: Colleges that Encourage Character Development, a guidebook that will be released nationwide today. Designed for students, parents, and educators who believe that character matters, The Templeton Guide contains profiles of 405 exemplary college programs in ten categories: 50 college presidents who have exercised leadership in character development; and 100 colleges and universities named to the Templeton Honor Roll for their record of commitment to inspiring student to lead ethical and civic-minded lives.

La Sierra University is profiled in the Substance Abuse Prevention Programs for its annual Mountain High Retreat. More than 190 new freshmen at La Sierra University attended the retreat held this year from Sept. 14-16, 1999 at the Forest Home Christian Camp in the San Bernardino Mountains. By beginning the school year with the Mountain High Retreat, students not only make new friends, by also develop a network for support and advice which smoothes the transition into college life. The interactions at Mountain High amount to "positive peer pressure" said Felipe Vielmann, a senior religious studies/pre-ministry major and coordinator of the event. He says that the retreat gives student leaders a chance to show new students by example that there are alternatives to stereotypical collegiate rebellion.

"We are very proud of La Sierra University's work through the Mountain High Retreat to help students develop the strong values that will serve them well beyond their college years," said President Geraty. "Character development is a lifelong process, and we believe that colleges and universities have a very important and unique role to play. We are delighted to be among the institutions profiled in The Templeton Guide. More than 300 four-year public and private colleges across the country are included in The Templeton Guide. Individual programs were selected in the following categories: First-Year Programs; Academic Honesty Programs; Faculty and Curriculum Programs; Volunteer Service Programs; Substance-Abuse Prevention Programs; Student Leadership Programs; Spiritual Growth Programs; Civic Education Programs; Character and Sexuality Programs; and Senior-Year Programs.

"La Sierra University's strong commitment to character development and the strength of its program make it a model for colleges and universities nationwide," said Arthur J. Schwartz, Ed.D., director of character development programs at the John Templeton Foundation. "With The Templeton Guide, we hope to help prospective college students and their parent who want to know what colleges are doing to promote the core values of honesty, self-control, respect, and service to those less fortunate. The Templeton Guide identifies colleges that encourage students to understand the importance of personal and civic responsibility, which will help them succeed in college and beyond. La Sierra University's work in this area is most impressive."

Intended for high school students, parents, guidance counselors, college administrators, trustees, faculty, and alumni, The Templeton Guide recognizes programs that represent the best practices in the field of character development during the college years. The programs were chosen through a highly selective process that considered clarity of vision and statement of purpose; institutional resource; involvement of institutional leaders; impact on students, faculty, campus, and community; integration into the core curriculum or academic study; longevity; external awards and recognition; and assessment.

Note to Editor: Established in 1987, the John Templeton Foundation works closely with educators, scientists, theologians, medical professionals, and other scholars throughout the world to support more than 100 programs serving three chief purposes: to encourage character development in schools and colleges; to encourage an appreciation for the benefits of freedom; and to stimulate serious and scientific research on the relationship between spirituality and health. The Foundation's College and Character Initiative supports national programs that offer meaningful opportunities for college students to learn about, reflect upon, and practice the virtues of personal and civic responsibility.

Foundation has created a College and Character website- www.collegeandcharacter.org -that provides information on the initiative, links to the home pages of colleges selected for The Templeton Guide and other features.

# # #