The Student Programming Association will begin its Distinguished Speaker Series (DSS) this week with a visit from the man behind the rags-to-riches story featured in the memoir and film The Pursuit of Happyness.
At 8 tonight, Christopher Gardner will speak about his life story -- in which he overcame setbacks and ultimately found success -- to a sold-out crowd in the Schwab Auditorium. Gardner is currently a philanthropist, motivational speaker and CEO of his own brokerage firm with offices in New York, Chicago and San Francisco.
His best-selling autobiography, The Pursuit of Happyness, was released in May of 2006 and tells the story of his journey as a single parent trying to raise his son despite financial woes. Actor Will Smith played Gardner in a film of the same title based on Gardner's life. Gardner served as an associate producer for the film.
However, even before the widely popular movie was released, the DSS committee showed interest in bringing him to Penn State, said Matt Steiner, a DSS committee member.
"He's someone whom the committee has been looking into for a few years now," Steiner (sophomore-mechanical engineering) said.
Steph Gilmour, who is also a DSS committee member, said she believes students will be enthusiastic about Gardner's appearance.
"I think a lot of students have probably seen the movie, and it's awesome to put a face with the movie," Gilmour (senior-Spanish) said. "I think he'll be a good speaker and someone we can all learn a lot from."
Gardner's second book, Start Where You Are: Life Lessons in Getting From Where You Are to Where You Want to Be, was published in May of 2009. The book offers readers advice on how to take advantage of life's opportunities and ultimately reach their full potential.
Mike Perone, DSS chairman, said he hopes Gardner's story will inspire students who attend the event.
"He kicks off the Distinguished Speaker Series well," Perone (senior-bioengineering) said. "His story shows that hard work does pay off."
Other guests to appear at Penn State this year as part of the series include politicians Howard Dean and Karl Rove, who will engage in a structured debate later this fall.
Members of the DSS committee said they were lucky to book all their top choices for the series this year.
"I think our goal is to provide a diverse series," Perone said. "Everyone we bring in is from a diverse background with different views. The students can take away something from any given one, and that's what makes it appealing."
