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ABOUT THE EVENT:

Anthony Ianni is one of the most sought-after motivational speakers in the country. He is a proud alumni of Michigan State University and currently works for the Michigan Department of Civil Rights.

At the age of four, Anthony was diagnosed with Pervasive Developmental Disorder (PDD-NOS), which is on the Autism Spectrum (ASD). Doctors and specialists told Anthony's parents that he would barely graduate high school, be an athlete, and never attend college. But more importantly, he is here today to share with you a message about how to go out and be the change in life and go out and make the change you wish to see in life.

Despite adversity and numerous personal challenges, Anthony worked hard and never gave up. Not only did he earn his Bachelor's Degree from Michigan State University in Sociology, but he is also the first athlete with autism to play NCAA Division One College Basketball. Anthony played for legendary coach Tom Izzo while at MSU. He won two Big Ten Championships, a Big Ten Tournament Title, was the recipient of the 2011 Tim Bograkos Walk On Award and the 2012 Unsung Player Award, and was also a member of the 2010 Final Four team.

In his senior year of college, Michigan's Lieutenant Governor Brian Calley gave him an opportunity that made him realize his story had the power to inspire others. Before his final basketball season had ended, Mr. Calley asked Anthony if he was interested in giving the keynote address at an autism gala in Detroit hosted by the Autism Alliance of Michigan. He delivered a ten-minute speech and received a great reaction and ovation from the crowd. This moment ignited his speaking career.

In March of 2015, Anthony was hired by the Michigan Department of Civil Rights to continue his work as a motivational speaker in both autism awareness and the fight against bullying. Since making a move to MDCR, the Relentless Tour for Autism and Anti-Bullying has continued to grow, reaching thousands of young people in K-12 schools, colleges and summer camps each year. Anthony has presented 400+ schools across the state of Michigan and the country and has spoken to almost 400,000 individuals.

In September 2021, his book Centered: Autism, Basketball, and One Athlete's Dreams was released with rave reviews. In this remarkable memoir, Anthony reflects on his experiences with both basketball and the autism spectrum. Centered, an inspirational sports story in the vein of Rudy, reveals Ianni to be unflinching in his honesty, generous in his gratitude, and gracious in his compassion.

Please join us to hear Anthony's inspiring words, followed by a book signing and meet and greet. This event is brought to you by the Autism Society of Colorado, The Colorado School of Mines and Prospect Academy Charter School located in Arvada.

IMPORTANT EVENT INFORMATION

*COVID-19 measures: Admission to this event will be limited. Masks are REQUIRED for all attendees regardless of vaccination status.

*Location: BUNKER AUDITORIUM in the Green Center 924 16th Street, Golden, CO, 80401

*Anthony's book: Centered: Autism, Basketball and One Athlete's Dreams will be available for purchase at the event.

*Parking: Parking on campus is free after 5pm and the lots closest to the Bunker Auditorium/Green Center are Lot O, Lot I and CTLM Lot.