A loud round of applause erupted from several thousand people at The Bryce Jordan Center as the "Man of Steel" came out onto the stage last night.

Christopher Reeve offered his advice and words of experience to a large crowd of students and community members. Although Reeve's demeanor was strong, his voice was raspy due to a ventilator and his body restricted to a wheelchair.

Reeve broke the serious mood of the audience when he jokingly said, "I know you have had quite a roster of distinguished speakers. Thank you for making an exception for me."

He went on to casually mention his connection to Penn State through his father-in-law who was expelled from the university for a fraternity prank in the 1950's.

Reeve continued to talk about his family but in a more serious manner. Using his brother's experience in the Peace Corps, Reeve illustrated his philosophy that a person should take his own journey in life until he find what fulfills him. In his brother's case, that was helping others through the Peace Corps.

"We have to do ethical things with our skills, ethical things that help other people as well as ourselves," Reeve said.

Reeve realized how many people are affected by disabilities after suffering a life-changing spinal cord injury in an equestrian accident five years ago. He has become a national spokesman for research in spinal cord injuries and other diseases.

"It took an accident to make me realize that now I have an opportunity to really understand adversity," he said.

He addressed the need for people to take a stand for the disabled and those struggling with diseases. He specifically mentioned the problems that patients have with insurance companies.

Reeve's keeps an optimistic outlook on life despite his injury and maintains hope for a cure in the future.

"With continued work, I have a good chance of getting off the ventilator," he said. "There will be a cure."

Reeve's words stirred various emotions in some members of the audience.

Jaclyn Hoffman (freshman-division of undergraduate studies) realized the lack of compassion for the disabled.

"There's not enough being done in society today. It makes me want to help," she said.

Reeve's speech also taught Kyla Black (senior-biobehavioral health) an important lesson.

"You never know what is going to happen. You have to live every moment for what it is."

A standing ovation followed Reeve's closing words of advice.

"We need to think outside the box. None of us are strangers. We're just equals who haven't met yet. You need to put yourselves in other people's shoes, then miracles can be delivered."