In less than three weeks, the Man of Steel is scheduled to arrive on Penn's campus.
Acclaimed actor and director Christopher Reeve has been announced as the Social Planning and Events Committee Connaissance's spring speaker.
The event, entitled "An Evening with Christopher Reeve," will take place on Tuesday, March 30, at 8 p.m. in Irvine Auditorium.
Reeve was chosen from a list of 150 possible candidates by SPEC Connaissance, which has been planning this event since November.
"We were looking for someone who can provide insight to students, someone who can provide a unique perspective and someone who can bring something of value to students, faculty and staff," Wharton junior and Connaissance Co-Director Jeff Shuster said.
The committee felt that after having political personalities like Queen Noor and Michael Moore, this semester's speaker should come from a different background.
"We discussed what we want and what we think the University wants ... and came up with Christopher Reeve as the best option and opportunity for this spring," said Mark Guterman, College junior and Connaissance co-director.
Organizers said they are excited about the selection.
"He is an excellent choice, as most people have not had the chance to hear him speak," Shuster said.
Most famous for his role as Superman, Reeve has starred in dozens of stage, screen and television roles. Reeve is also an award-winning director and bestselling author.
Injured in an equestrian accident in 1995, he has used his high-profile persona to become the leading spokesman for people with spinal cord injuries.
As chairman of the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Foundation, he advocates for those living with disabilities. Reeve has continually lobbied Congress to increase medical funding -- including funding for stem-cell research.
He is currently working to pass the Christopher Reeve Paralysis Act to advance collaborative research, rehabilitation and quality-of-life programs for people living with all forms of paralysis.
Although Reeve has not made public the topic of his speech, Guterman said, "It will be an open-ended forum ... geared towards an undergraduate population."
Reaction to the announcement was overwhelmingly positive.
"It's awesome that he's coming because you have heard all the stories about him and all the struggles he went through," College senior Christopher Lee said. "I bet he's a great storyteller."
College freshman Barry Dolinger added, "I think it's great for someone who has overcome as much as he has to speak to students at Penn. People who overcome so much adversity are an inspiration for us to use the abilities we have to achieve great good."
Others were equally enthused.
"Oh my God, I'm so psyched," College junior Julie Garson said, adding, "He's in my favorite movie, and I have his book about overcoming obstacles. I really hope I get tickets."
