Public invited to hear February presentation from 9/11 survivor
Saint Leo University’s College of Arts and Sciences will host guest lecturer Michael Hingson, a 9/11 survivor and accessibility advocate, at University Campus, at 7 p.m., Wednesday, February 19, in Kirk Hall, Rooms 123 and 124. Admission to the event is free and all are welcome to attend.
Hingson’s topic is “Speaking with Vision.”
Blind since birth, Hingson changed careers after surviving the destruction of World Trade Center Tower One with the help of his guide dog, Roselle. Their experience of escaping the tower, as he tells it, is a testament to the strength of teamwork and the human-animal bond.
Hingson’s book, Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, His Guide Dog, and the Triumph of Trust at Ground Zero is available for purchase and signing immediately following the conclusion of his talk at 8:30 p.m.
Hingson left behind a career in computer sales after the 9/11 attack. In addition to writing, he began working professionally as a motivational speaker, an advocate for accessibility, and a consultant for corporations and organizations that need assistance with inclusivity and diversity training and adaptive-technology training. Although Roselle, the dog who helped him survive 9/11, passed away some years ago, Hingson continues to have service animals. His current dog, Alamo, will be with him during his visit to Saint Leo.
The author and speaker will spend several days at Saint Leo through a special program offered by the Council of Independent Colleges (CIC) and coordinated by the College of Arts and Sciences. He will speak to students during specially selected class sessions, lead some workshops on campus, and meet with groups of faculty and staff as Saint Leo’s Woodrow Wilson Visiting Fellow of 2020.
Hingson’s introductory video is available for viewing here.
For more information or special seating requests, please contact Megan Case, administrator of events and special programs for the College of Arts and Sciences. She can be reached at (352) 588-8401 or by email at megan.case@saintleo.edu.
The views expressed during this event are those of the speaker/presenter and do not necessarily represent the views of the university.
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