Keynote Presenters

Dr. Maya Angelou

Chosen by President Bill Clinton, Dr. Maya Angelou delivered her dedicatory poem "On The Pulse of Morning" at the inaugural ceremony in January 1993. Considered one of our national treasures, and the author of many best-selling books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings, her performance/lecture stresses the value of ethnic, economic and religious diversity in all undertakings. A passionate and powerful speaker, Dr. Angelou challenges her audiences to invest their spirits and hearts in the elevation of the human condition.

Dr. Maya Angelou is hailed as one of the great voices of contemporary literature and as a remarkable Renaissance woman. A poet, educator, historian, best-selling author, actress, playwright, civil-rights activist, producer and director, Dr. Angelou continues to travel the world making appearances, spreading her legendary wisdom. A mesmerizing vision of grace, swaying and stirring when she moves, Dr. Angelou captivates her audiences lyrically with vigor, fire and perception. She has the unique ability to shatter the opaque prisms of race and class between reader and subject throughout her books of poetry and her autobiographies.

Dr. Angelou has authored numerous best-selling books, including I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings and Even The Stars Look Lonesome.

In 1981, Dr. Angelou was appointed to a lifetime position as the first Reynolds Professor of American Studies at Wake Forest University. In January 1993, she became only the second poet in U.S. history to have the honor of writing and reciting original work at the Presidential Inauguration.

Thomas Sparough

Tom Sparough is a juggler, storyteller, writer, and facilitator. He is known as The Space Painter, which comes from a description of juggling that Tom received from a two-year-old child. When you witness his spectacular presentation, you, too, will understand. The Space Painter has performed to mesmerized crowds of all ages across North America and in Europe for corporations, churches, conferences, schools, parks, festivals, and special events. As a facilitator and workshop leader, this 25-year veteran juggler has taught hundreds of thousands of people the arts of juggling and balancing. With a master’s degree in psychology, Tom weaves important life-skill messages into his presentations. He offers a wide range of hands-on experiences that promote self-esteem, analogy insight, fellowship, and team building.

*Other keynote presenters to be announced. Times and presenters subject to change without notice.