Former Olympic gymnast Carly Patterson returns to speak at DeSales University on Wednesday, April 1, at 3:00 p.m., in the DeSales University Center. The lecture, which is free and open to the public, will be followed by a question and answer session.
Patterson began her gymnastics career in 1994 at the age of 6 and was competing professionally less than a decade later. She won consecutive American Cup titles in 2003 and 2004 and was given the title of 2004 Co-National Champion. She also competed in the 2003 World Championships where she earned a silver medal in the all-around and helped the United States team to their first-ever gold medal. Her performance earned her a spot on the Team USA roster for the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens.
Patterson earned a silver medal on the balance beam as well as helping the U.S. women earn the team silver medal. She was awarded the 2004 All-Around Olympic Gold Medal, the first American Woman to win the award since Mary Lou Retton in 1984.
As last year, Patterson’s speech will be the April keynote address for the Character U program at DeSales University, and the program is sponsoring her lecture. Character U is a component of the DeSales Experience and is a first-year program for students to help them transition to college life. The program provides students with opportunities to develop character through keynote speakers, campus programs and events, and access to peer mentors.
For more information, contact Chad Serfass, director of the DeSales Experience in Character and Leadership, at 610-282-1100, ext. 1599.