NEWS
|
|
Contact: Bruce Conley
Associate Director of College Relations
Phone: (605) 274-5526
Fax: (605) 274-4903
www.augie.edu
February 8, 2006
Patch Adams to Speak at Augustana College
SIOUX FALLS – Hunter “Patch” Adams, the real person behind the hit movie, “Patch Adams” starring Robin Williams, speaks at Augustana College on Monday, February 27. His presentation begins at 7:30 p.m. in the Elmen Center (33rd Street and Grange Avenue) and is free and open to the public.
Adams is a renowned doctor, clown and social activist, who has provided free medical care to thousands of patients since founding the Gesundheit Institute in 1971. The Gesundheit Institute is dedicated to upholding a radical socio-political vision replacing greed and competition with generosity, compassion and interdependence.
Adams promotes peace, justice, and care by sharing his experiences working in health care.
The movie is the true story of a heroic man determined to become a medical doctor because he enjoys helping people. Unfortunately, the medical and scientific community does not appreciate his methods of healing the sick, while the actual patients, medical professors, and hospital nurses all appreciate the work he can do.
In addition to medicine, Adams believes laughter, joy and creativity are essential to the healing process. He is the author of “Gesundheit,” which chronicles his thoughts regarding the downfalls of the Unites States’ health care system.
Adams says, “Before the Universal Studio movie “Patch Adams” was released, I wondered what to do with fame. Our system of “people fame” values self-centeredness and wealth. I want to live in a world where people become famous because of their work for peace and justice and care. I want the famous to be inspiring; their lives an example of what every human being has it in them to do – act from love.”
Adams’ appearance is sponsored by the Augustana Concert and Lecture Committee.