PRESQUE ISLE, Maine — The University of Maine at Presque Isle presents Dr. Laymon Hicks, author and motivational speaker, as the next speaker in its 2022-23 Libra Distinguished Lecture Series on Tuesday, April 11 at 7 p.m. in the Campus Center. His talk serves as the keynote address for UMPI’s 20th annual University Day — the theme of this year’s University Day and the 2022-23 Libra Distinguished Lecturer Series is “Defying Expectations.” The event is free and the public is encouraged to attend.
During his talk, titled “Overcome Any Obstacle and Get Back Up,” Dr. Hicks will share his personal story — from troubled youth to graduating high school at the top of his class to earning his doctorate at the age of 29 — and explain how real motivation comes from within. As one of the leading youth motivational speakers in the country, Dr. Hicks shares his passion and empowers his audiences to believe in their dreams.
Not one to shy away from difficult topics, Dr. Hicks covers subjects ranging from drugs, alcohol, and violence to depression, bullying, and self-doubt. He shares with audiences the details of his troubled teen years: surrounded by drama, embattled with feelings of abandonment, lured by peer pressure into bullying behavior, and, ultimately, expelled from the National Honor Society, which resulted in his descent into depression. He allows his listeners to digest his “frustrations, flops, and faults” and then shares his personal road to redemption.
Real motivation, Dr. Hicks says, comes from inside; from wanting more, needing to do better, and believing you deserve better. Audience members will leave his talk knowing how to “maximize your moment.”
Dr. Hicks’ talk serves as the kick-off for University Day, with a full day of events following on Wednesday, April 12. From about 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., about 130 students are expected to offer talks and presentations on their research and community service. A complete schedule of University Day activities can be found at www.umpi.edu/uday.
The University’s Libra Distinguished Lecture Series was established in 1999. Each year, the LDLS Committee sponsors four to six speakers who come from Maine and beyond, representing a range of disciplines and viewpoints. While the emphasis tends to be on featuring visiting academics, it is not exclusively so. The speakers typically spend two days at the University meeting with classes and presenting a community lecture.
UMPI welcomes the campus and community to hear Dr. Hicks speak on April 11. For more information about Dr. Hicks, visit his website. For more information about this event, contact Denise Trombley at 207-768-9520 or email denise.trombley@maine.edu.
