The Winona State University CLASP Lecture Series will host “Redefining Possible: Becoming a Force for Positive Change in the World” with guest speaker Spencer West at 7 p.m. Wednesday, Nov. 4, in East Hall, Kryzsko Commons.
West will speak about his belief that anyone at any age can overcome personal roadblocks, embrace leadership skills and become a force for positive change in the world. West himself learned to navigate a world set against those with disabilities after losing both legs from the pelvis down at the age of five.
In 2012, West helped bring awareness to the devastating drought in Kenya by climbing Mount Kilimanjaro on his hands and in his wheelchair. He also served as the featured keynote speaker at the Young Presidents’ Organization/World Presidents’ Organization Global Summit in Istanbul, Turkey, that same year. In 2013, West completed a 300 km (187 mile) trek by wheelchair and on his hands from Edmonton to Calgary, Canada, to raise awareness and money for Free The Children’s clean water projects.
This event is part of WSU’s 2015-16 University Theme, Equity as a Human Right: Building Inclusive Community. Equity as a Human Right is about upholding people’s rights, valuing diversity, challenging intolerance, and making institutional change around issues of social justice. For WSU and its communities, partnering around a university theme has proven to be an effective strategy for bringing faculty, staff, students, and community members to the engagement table. The year-long focus will enable students, faculty, staff, and members of the wider Winona and Rochester communities to explore the intersections of identities, cultures, and abilities.
This event is free and open to the public.
For more information, contact David Speetzen at DSpeetzen@winona.edu.
