DATE: 4 p.m. Nov. 11, 2009.

EVENT: American fashion designer and humanitarian Kenneth Cole will speak about his work on the frontlines of important social and public health issues for more than 25 years. Cole is the chairman of the Foundation for Aids Research and has been involved with philanthropy and social activism since launching Kenneth Cole Productions in 1983 from the back of a 40-foot trailer truck in New York City.

As chairman of the Foundation for Aids Research, Cole’s business model fuses fashion with social action. He’ll discuss HIV/AIDS and what he has done since joining the amfAR board in 1985, including his company’s advertising campaigns challenging the public dialogue relating to HIV/AIDS.

Cole also will address broader issues of corporate social responsibility and discuss how he has merged business and philanthropy, underscoring their interdependence. In addition, his talk will focus on the importance of students’ involvement in effecting positive social change. He will share his thoughts about the job market today, and why it’s a good time to enter the workforce because jobs in green energy, sustainability, and public health will make a difference to the future of the planet.

The event is free and open to the public.

PLACE: U-M School of Public Health Auditorium II, 1415 Washington Heights, Ann Arbor.

SPONSORS: SPH and the U-M Tobacco Research Network.

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