It is not often you get to see the first openly gay player in the NBA speak, but on Monday, October 15^th at 7 p.m., Penn State alumnus John Amaechi will be returning to campus for a discussion in the HUB auditorium.

The Penn State All-Sports Museum and the Penn State Commission on LGBT Equity are proud to welcome former Nittany Lion basketball star to lead a lecture informing students of different ways sports can be used to transform society in a positive way.

Amaechi had the characteristics of most Penn State athletes: amazing and passionate. He was recognized as All-Big Ten in 1995 and two-time Academic All-American in 1994 and 1995. After leaving Penn State, Amaechi moved on to the NBA where he first started proving to people that the average person can become more than anyone expects them to be. Sixteen years after coming out, Amaechi still remains the only black, openly gay sportsman in the entire world.

The New York Times bestseller “Man in the Middle,” written by Amaechi, emphasizes to individuals everywhere the importance of being true to yourself even when people tell you that you don’t fit a stereotype or aren’t capable of doing great things.

Amaechi works vigorously to promote the message that the leadership of a company should be one that allows its employees to feel no shame in being themselves, and in turn individuals should always act as so.

If this didn’t make you feel inspired enough, you should probably know that this man also turned down a $17 million contract from the Lakers in 2000 and chose to stay in Orlando for $600,000 a year.

The Penn State All-Sports Museum is celebrating its tenth year honoring and recognizing the incredible achievements of the men and women who have contributed to the tradition of Penn State Intercollegiate Athletics.

Show up at the HUB next Monday if you want to be inspired by one of Penn State’s proudest graduates. Admission is by a “suggestion donation” of $5 for adults and $3 for children, seniors, and students.