Elizabeth A. Wentz Distinguished Lecture with Anthony Robles

Join Arizona State University's Graduate College for the 2025 Elizabeth A. Wentz Distinguished Lecture featuring Anthony Robles, as he shares his powerful journey of perseverance, adaptability and inner strength. Anthony Robles is an ASU alumnus, NCAA wrestling champion, renowned motivational speaker and the subject of the movie Unstoppable, which stars Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome. Through his story, Robles challenges us to rethink what we believe are our limitations and believe in what’s possible when we lead with courage and purpose.

The evening will also feature a moderated Q&A panel, where Anthony Robles will be joined by Shawn Banzhaf, a veteran and advocate for those suffering with PTSD and Executive Director of ASU Academic Enterprise Enrollment. The moderator is Dr. Cassandra Aska, Deputy Vice President at ASU’s Educational Outreach and Student Services.

You can submit questions for Anthony Robles and the panel in advance through your event registration.

Cost: Free and open to the public. A donation is encouraged. Please click here to donate. Your donation ensures that students have the support they need to fund and successfully complete their graduate education. All sponsorships directly contribute to graduate student enrichment at ASU.

Seats are limited — reserve yours today.

Agenda

• 4:15 p.m. – General reception
• 5 p.m. – Keynote: Anthony Robles, “Being Unstoppable”
• 5:45 p.m. – Panel discussion with Anthony Robles, Shawn Banzhaf, moderated by Cassandra Aska

About the Speaker

Anthony Robles is an ASU alumn, three-time NCAA wrestling champion, born with only one leg. The subject of a major motion picture, “Unstoppable” (2025) starring Jennifer Lopez and Jharrel Jerome, Anthony Robles shares his extraordinary, against-all-odds story. Lighting up the stage with his authentic positivity and charisma, Anthony shares with audiences his personal strategies for success: A limitless belief in self, unrelenting determination, and the motivation to do things no one ever thought possible. In 2011, he earned a bachelor's degree in interdisciplinary studies from the College of Integrative Sciences and Arts.

About the Panel

• Shawn Banzhaf, a veteran and advocate for those suffering with PTSD and Executive Director of ASU Academic Enterprise Enrollment
• Moderated by Dr. Cassandra Aska, Deputy Vice President at ASU’s Educational Outreach and Student Services.

About the Elizabeth A. Wentz Graduate College Distinguished Lecture Series

Named in honor of her generous endowment, ASU’s Vice Provost and Dean Elizabeth A. Wentz is committed to continuing the Graduate College Distinguished Lecture Series as a platform for recognizing and discussing important topics in innovation, leadership, sustainability, and graduate education as a public good, helping academics make a meaningful impact in their fields of research and their communities.

All funds will be deposited with the ASU Foundation, an independent private 501(c)(3) organization that exists to support ASU. Tax identification 86-6051042. Gifts in support of ASU are subject to foundation policies and fees. Due to the fair market value of benefits received, only payments in excess of fair market value may be considered a charitable contribution. This serves as the official tax receipt for the gift portion. Please consult your tax advisor regarding the deductibility of charitable contributions. The ASU Foundation is not a recognized charity in Canada. Please contact www.cra-arc.gc.ca/charitiesandgiving for more information.

Host or Publisher Graduate College