As part of the newly launched John Wooden Global Leadership Program, UCLA Anderson School of Management and legendary coach and author John Wooden presented the inaugural John Wooden Global Leadership Award to Howard Schultz, chairman, president and CEO of Starbucks (NASDAQ:SBUX), last night at the Beverly Hilton.

The celebration of leadership began with a candid conversation on the ethics and character traits necessary for leadership with Schultz and Coach Wooden. “Love is the strongest word in the English dictionary,” said Coach Wooden, when asked about what he thought made a great leader. “I never liked my players all the same and they certainly shouldn’t be treated all the same, but I truly loved them all the same. A great leader shows that they really care for each and everyone on the team.”

The 500-plus attendees included UCLA Anderson School of Management Board of Visitors, alumni, faculty, students, business community leaders, as well as friends and family members of Howard Schultz and Coach Wooden. “We live in a world that demonstrates such a fracturing of humanity,” said Schultz. “At Starbucks, we serve a great cup of coffee by building a company with soul. I am truly humbled with this award and I will do my best to live up to the convictions of a leadership quality that Coach Wooden strongly represents.”

Coach Wooden’s fame as an author, philosopher and motivational speaker has enhanced his record as the most winning college basketball coach in history. Wooden has spoken at conferences around the globe, presented his leadership philosophy to many of the world’s major corporations and their leaders, and been honored by numerous institutions and heads of state. This award, Wooden says, “Represents my conviction that character is more important than any other leadership trait.”

“Howard Schultz is an inspiring choice for this award as he embraces Coach Wooden’s leadership ideals and values and has led his company to become one of the most respected brands around the world,” said Judy Olian, Dean of UCLA Anderson School of Management, as she presented the award to Schultz. “It is an honor to present this first-ever John Wooden Global Leadership Award to one of the most influential business leaders of today.”

Each year, one exceptional leader will be honored with this prestigious award for his or her exemplary leadership and service to the community. Proceeds from the dinner will fund John Wooden Leadership Fellowships, awarded annually to two UCLA Anderson MBA students who have displayed value-based leadership.

UCLA Anderson School of Management is among the leading business schools in the world, providing management education to more than 1,700 students enrolled in full-time, part-time and executive MBA programs, as well as specialized master’s and doctoral programs.