Judson University will welcome American gymnast and Olympic champion Mary Lou Retton as keynote speaker for the Elgin-based university’s World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series.

“We invite the Chicagoland community to join Judson leaders and students in hearing Retton’s inspiring message of faith, optimism and leadership,” Judson says on its website.

The event takes place at 7 p.m. Monday (Oct. 10, 2016) in the Herrick Chapel at Judson University, 1151 North State St., Elgin. All proceeds are donated to the Entrepreneurship Program and the World Leaders Forum Scholarship Fund at Judson University.

About Mary Lou Retton

Mary Lou Retton catapulted to international fame when she won the all-around gold medal in women’s gymnastics at the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles. She was the first American woman to ever do so.

Additionally, Retton won silver medals in the team and vault competitions, and bronze medals for uneven bars and floor exercise. Her five medals were the most won by any athlete at the 1984 Olympics. She was honored as the Sports Illustrated Sportswoman of the Year and the Associated Press Amateur Athlete of the Year in 1984.

Retton has since become a worldwide motivational speaker and fitness ambassador for good nutrition and regular exercise. She has served as the national chairperson for the Children’s Miracle Network Board of Governors, as a commentator at the 1988 and 1996 Olympic Games, and in several other media roles.

She also is the author of Mary Lou Retton’s Gateways to Happiness: 7 Ways to a More Peaceful, More Accomplished, More Satisfying Life.

Retton and her husband, former Texas Longhorns quarterback Shannon Kelley, have four daughters.

SOURCE: Judson University