Most Penn State students know Tipper Gore as the former second lady of the United States.

Through a photographic medley last night at Eisenhower Auditorium, she shared memories of battling clinical depression and her commitment to activism.

With a large screen behind her showing photographs from every stage of her life, Gore recounted memories of meeting her husband and working part-time while being a full-time mother.

"Years ago I never dreamt of marrying a man running for president of the United States," she said.

One photograph depicted Gore hanging laundry up outside their home.

"I got dressed up to do the laundry as a newlywed," she said while the audience laughed.

Gore told the half-filled auditorium she had a problem with depression after her son was severely injured in a car accident in the early '80s.

"I had neglected my own needs and put my health on hold," Gore said.

She said people should not associate mental illnesses with negative stigmas.

"Seeking any kind of counseling or aid is a sign of strength, not weakness," Gore said.

During her husband's tenure as vice president, Gore worked with the homeless.

"Despite the pressure, I was determined to make the most of our public life in Washington," she said.

She shared stories in which she gained the trust of homeless people.

One anecdote about her several experiences with homeless people involved Gore and a homeless woman named Mary.

Gore offered Mary lunch, but Mary said she was married to the president and she did not want him to worry if she left.

Gore took Mary to the gates of the White House, where she had a guard take a message to then President Clinton that Mary would be attending lunch with Gore. Mary agreed to go.

Gore opened her speech with a few comments on the anniversary of the terrorist attacks on America.

She also offered a moment of silence for the victims of last year's Sept. 11 attacks.

Gore stressed that the 2000 campaign for president was a rough time, because it involved having a working knowledge of local, state and national issues.

The previous 2000 campaign for president also included visiting anywhere from six to eight cities in a single day.

To relieve tension during the campaign trail, she went hot-air ballooning, bowling and skydiving.

During the question-and-answer session following the speech, several students asked Gore about her husband's future plans.

Matthew Grace (junior-neuroscience) asked Gore if her husband was planning on running for president in 2004.

"He has not decided what he's going to do at this point," Gore said.

Gore said both she and her husband wrote books that will be released in the near future.

Many students in the audience said they enjoyed the presentation.

"It helped keep the audience more entertained in a lecture format," said John Banionis (junior-religion studies).

Some students wanted to hear Gore speak more in depth on different matters.

"I think she did a good job covering the issues, but I wanted to hear more about mental health," said Valerie Little (senior-music performance).

One student wanted to hear Gore speak on events that are pertinent in today's world.

"It was a good speech, but I was expecting more current issues," said Missy Slomski (graduate-youth and family education).