MACON – Local community leaders will converse with Mercer University students during the annual Leadership Dinner, sponsored by the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership Office of Student Affairs at 6 p.m., Jan 31, in the Trustees Dining Room on Macon's campus.

"Passport to Success," the theme of Leadership Week 2002, focuses on educating students on the value of leadership skills for success and personal development. Scheduled events include a resume workshop, lecture by national guest speaker John Spence, Leadership Dinner with local community leaders, diversity workshop, and overnight conference at the University of South Carolina.

"The Leadership Dinner is a favorite event for many students," said Russ Henry, Interim Director of the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership. "It provides students an opportunity to interact with members of the Macon community, and every year a student has left the dinner with a summer internship offer."

Guests for this year's dinner include: Janice Marshall, CEO of the Macon-Bibb County Convention and Visitors Bureau; Jenny Pena, Recruiter for ARINC in Warner Robins; Ryan Tucker, Director of the Governor's Intern Program; Tammie Collins, Vice-President for Community Services at the United Way of Central Georgia; Mary-Halsey Wells, Human Resources Generalist for Goodwill Industries of Macon; and Carolyne Dockery and Pearlie Toliver of BB&T.

Students wishing to attend the dinner must reserve their space by January 28. There is no cost to attend. Students may call the Center for Student Involvement and Leadership at 301-2868 for reservations.