Date: October 18, 2006
Contact: Lindsay Gladstone
Governors State University
Phone: (708) 534-7090
Fax: (708) 534-8399
Email: l-gladstone@govst.edu
For Immediate Release
University Park, October 18, 2006 – The story of Chris Gardner’s life is not in the happily ever after ending he is living now as a millionaire businessman, president and CEO of his own Chicago-based company, inspirational speaker, and philanthropist. His story is in the years he spent working to succeed, raising his young son by himself, and coping with their homelessness.
Gardner will tell his remarkable story as part of the Distinguished Lecture Series sponsored by the College of Arts and Sciences at Governors State University at 5 p.m. on November 2 in Sherman Music Recital Hall.
“This is a unique opportunity for members of the community and university to share in this wonderful story,” explains Sheree Sanderson, Director of Communication for College of Arts and Sciences. “Gardner became homeless and a single father of a toddler at the same time, but still managed to earn a successful career and keep his family together. His story is extraordinary.”
In his recent autobiography, “The Pursuit of Happyness,” Gardner details his journey from homeless single father to self-made millionaire, honestly explaining how and why he became homeless, his determination to raise his son himself, and his drive to achieve the American dream.
Gardner’s amazing story is also the subject of a movie by the same title, starring actor Will Smith as Gardner. The film is scheduled for release in December 2006 by Columbia Pictures.
Governors State University is located at 1 University Parkway, University Park. For more information, call (708) 235-3956 or visit www.govst.edu/cas.
