KENNESAW, Ga. | Oct 9, 2018

Campus visit, exhibit, book signing to celebrate 25th anniversary of Michael Coles’ naming

The Michael J. Coles College of Business at Kennesaw State University will honor Michael J. Coles with a celebration October 17, in recognition of the 25th anniversary of the Atlanta business executive’s gift to name the nationally ranked business school.

WHO:

Michael J. Coles is an entrepreneur, education advocate and philanthropist. He co-founded the Great American Cookie Company in Atlanta in 1977 and grew it into the largest cookie store franchise in the United States, overcoming a near-fatal motorcycle accident six weeks after opening his first store. An accomplished bicyclist, Coles set three transcontinental bicycle racing world records — two of which he still holds. His story is told in the new book Time to Get Tough: How Cookies, Coffee, and a Crash Led to Success in Business and Life, co-authored by Catherine Lewis, Kennesaw State’s assistant vice president for Museums, Archives and Rare Books.

WHAT:

Kennesaw State is celebrating the 25th anniversary of the naming of the Michael J. Coles College of Business. The College has chosen him as the 2018-19 executive in residence and is calling the academic year the “Year of Michael J. Coles.” Click here for more information about Michael Coles and the Oct. 17 celebration.

WHEN:

Schedule for Michael Coles’ visit to campus on Oct. 17:

2:45 — Ribbon cutting for Michael Coles exhibit, with ceremonial cookie cutting

3:00 — All students in attendance receive a free copy of Michael Coles’ biography

3:15 — Presentation from Michael Coles and book launch

4:00 — Book signing

WHERE:

Burruss Building room 151, Kennesaw State University

A leader in innovative teaching and learning, Kennesaw State University offers undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees to its more than 47,000 students. Kennesaw State is a member of the University System of Georgia with 11 academic colleges. The university’s vibrant campus culture, diverse population, strong global ties and entrepreneurial spirit draw students from throughout the country and the world. Kennesaw State is a Carnegie-designated doctoral research institution (R2), placing it among an elite group of only 7 percent of U.S. colleges and universities with an R1 or R2 status. For more information, visit kennesaw.edu.