Andrew
Garner, Perspectives Editor
posted
on April 20, 2006
The
11th annual Helen Keller Lecture series took place in Claudia Crosby
Theater on April 13.
The theme of this year’s lecture was “Overcoming Life’s
Challenges.”
Don Jeffrey, dean of the College of Health and Human Services, presided
over the event.
The lecture highlighted those who have succeeded despite their challenges.
The featured speakers at the lecture were Tara Blackwell, Don Hackney
and Donovan Beitel.
Blackwell and Beitel are currently enrolled at the university.
Tonya Terry, news anchor for WSFA 12 and Troy University alumna,
was the moderator for the question and answer portion.
Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of Troy University, made introductions
and sat in on the discussion.
“We are here to celebrate an Alabamian that took on the world,”
Hawkins said.
Hawkins pointed out the past accomplishments of the deaf and blind.
After the introduction, the singing group “B-Boys” took
the stage.
The group is composed of three students who have made numerous appearances
around the state.
The “B-Boys” performed at events such as the Talladega
Super Speedway and for the EA Sports Race 500.
Two of the songs that the “B-Boys” performed were “You’ll
Find Better Love” by Tim McGraw and “Dance With My Father”
by Luther Vandross.
Terry led the question-and-answer portion asking questions that
reflected the theme of the lecture.
Some comments made by the panelists were to set goals, treat disabled
persons as if they were normal and think around the negative aspects
of the disability.
Each guest noted their faith in God as the core of their living
every day life.
Terry asked if stem cell research was an option and Hackney and
Blackwell fully supported the research.
“The lecture is bringing awareness to the organization and
gets bigger and better every year,” Jeffrey said.
The lecture series is an inspiration on Helen Keller’s life.
While being both deaf and blind, Keller overcame her handicaps.
Keller served on the Massachusetts Commission for the Blind and
lectured in the United States and Europe.
Some of here famous writings include “The Story of My Life,”
“The World I Live In” and “Out of the Dark.”
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