Posted on Oct 2, 2009

On Wednesday, Oct. 14, Union welcomes a man of incredible talent with an amazing story to share. At 7 p.m. in Old Chapel, John Robinson will deliver the Campus Diversity Lecture. His talk is titled “Get Off Your Knees: The John Robinson Story.”

John Robinson enjoys a round of golf.

Robinson, director of corporate support for WMHT television and radio, was born a congenital amputee. At three feet, nine inches tall, he has no hands, his arms stop at his elbows and his lower legs are attached to his hips without knees. When Robinson was a child, his parents worried about whether he’d be able to attend school or support himself as an adult.

Yet through remarkable talent, tenacity and faith, Robinson has succeeded in business and life. He plays golf, drives a car and happily enjoys many experiences other people often take for granted.

People with disabilities are one of America’s most vulnerable populations, and as a group, face obstacles in everyday life that seem insurmountable. Robinson’s story teaches individuals – with and without disabilities – that anything is possible with a strong education and supportive friends and family.

The lecture, which comes during National Disability Awareness Month, is sponsored by the Union College President’s Office, the Campus Diversity Office, Multicultural Affairs, Student Support Services and Sorum House.

For more information on Robinson, click here.