Patch Adams, a professional clown, doctor, author and political activist spoke to a group of about 50 students and community members yesterday at the Nittany Lion Inn.

Adams, dressed in rainbow colored pants and sporting hair dyed Penn State blue and white, spoke about an array of topics including his views on health care, poverty and the United States government.

In 1971, Adams, who was portrayed by Robin Williams in the movie Patch Adams, founded the Gesundheit! Institute, which provides free health care for people who can not afford it otherwise. In the next 15 years, the institute treated 15,000 patients completely free of charge.

"I want peace and justice and care for everybody on the planet," Adams said.

The Gesundheit! Institute takes trips every year to destinations ranging from Russia to Cambodia. He said on the trip participants' dress as clowns and entertain patients as a way of healing.

"I'm a clown that is a doctor, not a doctor that is a clown," he said.

Adams was well received by the crowd, and seemed to have an impact of several students.

Lisa Santini (junior-anthropology) said Adams' views apply greatly to college, and students should be the ones spreading his message.

"I'm going to start preaching on campus about love," she said.

Check Monday's Collegian for the full story.