UNK-Best-selling author of A Child Called It, The Lost Boy, and A Man Named Dave, Dave Pelzer, will be speaking at UNK on Feb. 28 at 7 p.m. in the Fine Arts Recital Hall. Pelzer was the first person to have three books simultaneously on the New York Times Best Seller List. A testament to resilience and personal responsibility, he overcame one of the most severe child abuse cases in the history of California.
As a child, he nearly died at the hands of an alcoholic mother. He was placed under foster care until he enlisted in the Air Force. Refusing to dwell on the past, he has gone on to become a member of the Air Force’s most elite and was named one of Ten Outstanding Young Americans, an honor shared with John F. Kennedy, Orson Wells, Walt Disney, and Nelson Rockefeller. Pelzer has also been recognized by personal commendations from Presidents Reagan, Bush, and Clinton.
Pelzer pays homage to educators, social services, foster care, law enforcement, and volunteers – those individuals making a difference in the lives of children. He offers a powerful message about overcoming life’s obstacles and accepting accountability for one’s future.
“Dave Pelzer is an individual whose life has always looked towards the positive even though he faced overwhelming odds against him. He is a champion for people going against the odds and is very outspoken. He impacts the lives of so many by what he has shown and by his encouragement,” said Tim Danube, associate director of the Nebraskan Student Union. Admission to the program is free with a valid UNK I.D. This program is also open to the public. Tickets are $2 at the door.
This program is sponsored by the Leadership Development Council.
