Dr Pepper and Lou Holtz Team up to Give Away $1 Million in College Tuition This Football Season

PLANO, Texas, Aug. 31 /PRNewswire/ -- Dr Pepper, in partnership with ESPN college football analyst and Hall of Fame head coach Lou Holtz, will give away a total of $1 million in college tuition throughout the football season as part of its annual Dr Pepper Million Dollar Tuition Giveaway.  Fans can enter for a chance to win various prize levels at DrPepper.com by submitting a video explaining why they deserve college tuition.

"Dr Pepper and Lou Holtz are kicking off football season in a major way with the Dr Pepper Million Dollar Tuition Giveaway," said Dave Fleming, director of marketing for Dr Pepper. "Together, we're going to make paying for college a little easier for Dr Pepper fans this football season."

In addition to weekly college tuition prizes, six lucky fans will compete during halftime of three conference championship games – the Dr Pepper ACC Championship on ESPN, the Dr Pepper Big 12 Championship on ABC, and the SEC Championship on CBS presented by Dr Pepper – to win one of the three $123,000 grand prize scholarships.

With his winning record and passion for achievement on and off the field, legendary coach Lou Holtz is the ideal partner for the Dr Pepper Million Dollar Tuition Giveaway and helping distribute college tuition.  For more than 50 years, Holtz has been a staple in college football, inspiring student athletes and football fans alike, from his playing days at Kent State to his national championship season with Notre Dame.

"The kids I coached throughout my career have always been students first and athletes second," said Coach Holtz.  "I'm proud to be part of the Dr Pepper Million Dollar Tuition Giveaway because it emphasizes the importance of education and gives me the opportunity to help a few lucky college students build their futures."

Last season's Million Dollar Tuition Giveaway grand prize winners were able to continue their academic pursuits, putting fans closer to the game through education.  

"Dr Pepper has totally changed my life," said Sarah Beth Hill, a medical student at the University of South Alabama, who won the $123,000 scholarship prize in 2009.  "I never even held a football before I learned I was competing – and I won!  It's been really freeing to have the burden of tuition lifted."

To enter, Dr Pepper fans should submit videos explaining why they deserve to receive free tuition.  The videos will be judged by a panel including Coach Holtz and will be based on the inclusion of Dr Pepper, a college football and tuition theme, the impact of free tuition on your life and overall presentation quality.  If you are 18-24, upload your video by Nov. 1, 2010 and you will have a chance to compete for $123,000 halftime throws during a select conference championship game.  You can also upload your video for a chance to win $2,500 in tuition by Dec. 31, 2010 if you are 18 or older.  Full promotion rules and detailed video submission instructions are available at DrPepper.com.  

In addition to the video submissions, Dr Pepper will also be giving away tuition through a number or retailer specific promotions.

About Dr Pepper

Dr Pepper, a brand of Dr Pepper Snapple Group (NYSE: DPS), is the oldest major soft drink in the United States. Since 1885, the 23 flavors of Dr Pepper have earned legions of fans that enjoy its unique, refreshing taste. The brand is available in Regular, Diet, Caffeine Free and Cherry varieties. DPS is a leading producer of flavored soft drinks, marketing Dr Pepper and 50-plus other beverage brands across North America and the Caribbean. For more information on Dr Pepper, visit www.drpepper.com or www.drpeppersnapple.com.

SOURCE Dr Pepper