Olympic Gold Medalist Gives Keynote Semler Lecture

Billy Mills

Olympic gold medalist and national inspiration Billy Mills was the keynote speaker for the Oct. 6, 2009, leadership lecture presented by the Randall L. Tobias Center for Leadership Excellence.

The story of Mills, whose rise to fame as an Olympic runner was featured in the movie “Running Brave,” is not unfamiliar to national audiences. He was raised on the Pine Ridge Indian Reservation in South Dakota before earning a track scholarship to the University of Kansas and unexpected Olympic glory in 1964. He still holds the honor of being the only American to ever earn a gold medal in the 10K event.

“Young runners who have heard Billy Mills speak say he gave them goose bumps. Adults who heard him speak years ago still remember what he said,” according to Carol Madison, executive director of the Tobias Center. “Billy Mills is a great speaker and a living example of giving back to the community—exactly what we hope the Semler Lecture on Leadership will inspire people to do.”

The Semler lecture is an annual event that recognizes Jerry Semler, a well-known Indianapolis humanitarian. Through inspirational stories and calls to action, the event is designed bring people together to explore community leadership opportunities in Indianapolis.

The lecture is free and open to the public, although an RSVP is requested due to limited seating. It will be held at 6 p.m., Oct. 6, 2009, at the Clowes Auditorium at the Indianapolis Central Library with a reception to follow. Call 317-278-2800 to register or visit www.tobiascenter.iu.edu.

Although his Olympic win still ranks among the best in American history, Mills is equally recognized for his humanitarian work. He serves as the national spokesperson for Running Strong for American Indian Youth and travels about 300 days a year speaking to American Indian communities about living healthy lifestyles and respecting their heritage.

Mills has used his fame to inspire others to invest in their communities and the futures of their youth. He co-authored the book “Wokini: A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Understanding,” now in its eighth printing, which uses traditional Indian legends to teach life lessons about gaining happiness.

Included among his running achievements are the gold medal in 1964, a world record in the six-mile run in 1965, seven American track and field records and the 2000 award for Athlete of the Century from South Dakota, as recognized by Sports Illustrated. He also is a member of five sports Halls of Fame.

He also was presented the American Hero Award from the National Handicapped Sports Association (1990), the Jackie Robinson Humanitarian Award from the U.S. Sports Academy (1995), the International Outstanding Motivational Speaker award by the Toastmasters (1996) and induction into the U.S. Marine Corps. Sports Hall of Fame (2001).

The Semler Lecture on Leadership is sponsored by OneAmerica Financial Partners, Inc., in cooperation with the Tobias Center and the Center for Leadership Development.
 

Updated Oct. 12, 2009