9:54 a.m., March 11, 2009----The upcoming Forum & Reunion Weekend will offer not only parties, live music, entertainment, family-friendly recreation and informative programs showcasing key aspects of the University of Delaware, but also the opportunity to hear one of America's top motivational speakers.

THIS STORY

E-mail

Print

Twitter

Pat Williams, senior vice president of the NBA's Orlando Magic and former general manager of the Philadelphia 76ers, will deliver an inspirational and humorous keynote address on Saturday, June 6. Beginning at 10 a.m. in Mitchell Hall, Williams' talk will follow such early morning activities as a 5K run/walk along Creek Road and a historic walking tour of campus. It will precede a town hall meeting with UD President Patrick Harker, also in Mitchell Hall, followed by an international-foods picnic on The Green.

Forum & Reunion Weekend, June 5-7 this year, launches what is expected to become a new University tradition. It will provide alumni, faculty, students and friends of UD with a host of fun and intellectually stimulating activities, as well as the chance to reunite and celebrate with old friends, former classmates and professors.

For an updated schedule of events, visit the Web site.

Williams, who was born in Philadelphia and raised in Wilmington, Del., led the 76ers to a world championship in 1983. Well-known as a master of marketing, he has been building and leading winning teams in professional sports for more than 40 years and in the mid-1980s spearheaded the drive to bring an NBA team to Orlando. In 1996, he was named one of the 50 most influential people in NBA history.

A popular motivational and inspirational speaker and author of more than 50 books, Williams and his wife, Ruth, also are the parents of 19 children, including 14 adopted from four nations. In one memorable year, 16 of their children were all teenagers. The family has been featured in numerous publications, including Sports Illustrated, Good Housekeeping and The Wall Street Journal.

After attending Wilmington's Tower Hill School, Williams earned a baseball scholarship to Wake Forest University, where he graduated with a degree in physical education and later earned a master's degree from Indiana University. He spent seven years with the Philadelphia Phillies, two as a minor league catcher and five in the front office. Affiliated with the NBA since 1968, he has worked with the Chicago Bulls and Atlanta Hawks in addition to the 76ers and Magic.

He speaks throughout the country on such topics as the keys to leadership and quality, the magic of teamwork and Walt Disney's secrets to success. His books include The Paradox of Power, Marketing Your Dreams, Coaching Your Kids to Be Leaders and How to Be Like Women of Power.

“You inspired, enlightened and challenged the audience with your stories on your life experiences,” a manager with the Coca Cola Co. wrote after hearing Williams speak. “You captured the minds and hearts of the audience with stories regarding your family.”

In addition to his NBA work, writing and speaking, Williams is a marathon runner, serious baseball fan, Civil War buff, adult Sunday school teacher and host of a weekly sports radio show.

His talk at UD, and the town hall meeting with Harker, are included in the registration for all the general-admission activities on Saturday, June 6. To register for part or all of Forum & Reunion Weekend, visit the Web site or call (302) 831-2341.

“Early Hen” registration discounts are in effect for those who sign up before April 16.

Article by Ann Manser