Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Ron Suskind will speak at the MSU Wharton Center for Performing Arts in the Cobb Great Hall on Monday, October 15, 2018, at 7:30 p.m. as part of the College of Arts & Letters’ Leading Voices Series. 

Suskind’s book, Life, Animated: A Story of Sidekicks, Heroes and Autism, examines his family’s 20-year adventure of the heart with his son, Owen. Having lost his speech at age 3, Owen used animated Disney movies to make sense of the world. As his family learned to “speak Disney” along with him, Owen created a method to help parents and medical experts reach kids with autism.

In this deeply personal but universally resonant presentation, the Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist shares Owen’s journey from quiet solitude to animated communication. Their motto, “your passion is your pathway,” now guides educators, therapists, and parents with tapping into the deep potential in all of us.

This presentation, part of the World View Lecture Series, is made possible in part by the MSU Office of the President. It is being presented in partnership with the Wharton Center and the Leading Voices Series of MSU’s College of Arts & Letters and the Department of Theatre. It is generously supported by the Broad College of Business, College of Natural Science, and University Outreach and Engagement.

Tickets are now on sale through the Wharton Center’s event page and at the Wharton Center’s Ticket Office. MSU students, faculty, staff, and retirees may present their MSU ID in person at the ticket office to receive two free tickets to the event.