UMD News

Director of Public Relations:
Susan Beasy Latto, slatto@d.umn.edu
315 Darland Administration Bldg.
1049 University Drive
Duluth, MN 55812
(218) 726-8830 Cell: (218) 348-5688
Fax: (218) 726-7413

March 1, 2002

Contact:
Susan Beasy Latto, Director of Public Relations 218 726-8830
Penny Cragun, Director of Access Center/Disability Services 218 726-8727

UMD will present four events in celebration of "disABILITIIES Awareness" March 5-11 on the UMD campus. All events are free and open to the public. See attached page for complete schedule.

KEYNOTE ADDRESS:
Geri Jewell, known to millions as Cousin Geri from the TV sitcom "The Facts of Life", will deliver the keynote address titled "Celebration of Abilities" on March 7 at 7 p.m. in the UMD Kirby Student Center Ballroom. Her speech will be preceded by an afternoon workshop (1:30-2:30 p.m. or 3:00-4:00 p.m.) in the Kirby Rafters (3rd floor).

Geri Jewell was the first person with a visible disability to become a regular performer on a national television show. A powerful motivational speaker and trainer, Geri is famous for her uncanny ability to captivate the hearts of the audience using humor to facilitate attitude changes.

Geri Jewell will be available for media interview. Contact Penny Cragun at 726-8727.

(An attached page had a complete event schedule.)