February 11, 2003

WORLD RENOWNED MOUNTAINEER TO TALK AT BOISE STATE FEB. 18

On May 27, 1998, Tom Whittaker pushed the limits of human achievement when he became the first person with a disability to stand on Mount Everest’s 29,035 foot summit. After a devastating accident in Sun Valley resulted in the amputation of his right foot in 1979, Whittaker’s dreams of becoming a world-class mountaineer seemed unattainable. However, he overcame the post-accident pain, anger and suicidal thoughts to emerge a man who achieved his goals against all odds.

Whittaker will share his story at 7 p.m. on Feb. 18 at the Boise State University Jordan Ballroom.

Whittaker’s presentation, titled "To the Top of the World: The First Disabled Ascent of Mount Everest," will focus not on his disability, but on the ability we all possess to learn from experience and turn adversity into triumph. Whittaker went from a never-walk-again prognosis to the summit of Mount Everest, and now he is committed to inspirational and motivational speaking and disability outreach. To learn more about Whittaker visit www.tomwhittaker.org.

Everyone is welcome to this free event, but seating is limited, so early arrival is advised. This event is presented by Boise State University Student Union and Activities, Intermountain Orthopaedics, Micron Foundation, Brownfield’s Prosthetic and Orthotics Technologies, Sawtooth Orthotics and Prosthetics Inc. and St. Luke’s Idaho Elks Rehabilitation Services. For more information call 426-1223.

Leah Barrett

Student Union and Activities

426-1988

Pat Pyke

communications and marketing

426-1987

Patri Ann Thompson

communications and marketing intern

426-3196

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