World's Leading Network of Business Leaders and University Students Announces Name Change on Eve of World Cup Event in DC

WASHINGTON, Oct. 1, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At its signature international event, the World Cup competition being held through October 2 at the Walter E. Washington Convention Center in Washington, DC, Students in Free Enterprise has announced a change of the organization's name to Enactus to reaffirm its long-standing commitment to using entrepreneurial action as a catalyst for progress. (www.enactus.org)

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(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121001/PH84336-b )

The organization has pioneered a groundbreaking model that deploys student teams, with the advice and support of academic and business leaders, to design and implement community empowerment projects in 39 countries.

The new name reflects the organization's transition from modest roots in 1975 as Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) in the United States to today's global perspective that reflects a diverse population of 57,000 students on 1600 campuses, and business and community leaders from 39 countries. "Enactus' vision to create progress through entrepreneurial action resonates with students, educators and business leaders around the world," says Alvin Rohrs, Enactus Worldwide President and CEO. "This valuable partnership between business and higher education is preparing the next generation to become socially responsible business leaders."

"More than 60 percent of the world's population is under the age of 30," said Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton in a video message at the 2011 SIFE World Cup. "…the 50,000 SIFE [Enactus] members around the globe are fine examples of your generation's spirit of innovation, your sense of civic responsibility. You're reaching not only into your own communities, but across borders as well to help those who need it most. The State Department is honored to work with SIFE [Enactus], and to support your efforts…"

The Enactus World Cup 2012 marks the first time the U.S. Department of State has partnered on the event. Today and Tuesday approximately 680 competing students from 38 national champion university teams will compete to be named Enactus World Cup champions by demonstrating how they have employed business solutions in real-world situations to revitalize their communities and their countries. More than 500 of the world's top business leaders have assembled to judge team presentations.

Last year, teams logged more than 5.7 million volunteer hours working on outreach projects, with the hopes of making meaningful change and representing their countries at the Enactus World Cup. Belmont University, Nashville, Tennessee represents America as the Enactus USA National Champion team. KPMG is the presenting sponsor of the Enactus World Cup 2012.

About Enactus
Enactus is an international non-profit organization that brings together student, academic and business leaders who are committed to using the power of entrepreneurial action to improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. Guided by academic advisors and business experts, the 57,000 student leaders of Enactus create and implement 6,500 community empowerment projects in 39 countries each year. An annual series of regional and national competitions provides a forum for teams to present the results of their projects, and to be judged by business leaders. National champion teams advance to the prestigious Enactus World Cup. The experience not only transforms lives, it helps students develop the kind of talent and perspective that are essential to leadership in an ever-more complicated and challenging world. For more information, contact Enactus World Headquarters at 417-831-9505 or visit www.enactus.org.

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SOURCE Enactus