The challenges facing Tom Crean as he attempts to rebuild Indiana University’s once mighty men’s basketball program aren’t very different from those the nation faces in rebounding from the global economic crisis.

That’s the driving philosophy behind Crean’s appearance Thursday as the featured speaker at the first Anderson Black Expo Corporate Luncheon at Hoosier Park Racing and Casino.

The Black Expo hopes to make the luncheon an annual event.

“The theme is ‘Diversity is the one thing we all have in common. Celebrate it every day. Yes, we can,’” said Black Expo state representative Marilyn Goree.

Crean led the Hoosiers to a 6-25 record in his first season as head coach last year. The team was racked by defections in the wake of former coach Kelvin Sampson’s firing and had few scholarship players.

Crean’s track record suggests better days lie ahead for IU. He led Marquette to the Final Four in 2003 and was an assistant under Tom Izzo during Michigan State’s run to the Final Four in 1999.

The luncheon will raise funds for the Anderson Black Expo’s programs throughout the year. Chief among them is the Summer Festival, a weeklong celebration of diversity scheduled for Aug. 2-9.

Indianapolis-based R&B singer Brian Jackson also will be on hand Thursday to sing Gospel songs.

“I hope everyone comes out and enjoys the luncheon,” Goree said. “It’s going to be very exciting.”

Admission is $30 per person or $240 for a table of eight. For tickets, call Goree at 623-7863 or Jan Stith of Key Bank at 646-6627.