The Spring 2015 Freeman Lecture Series features Danny Wuerffel
Danny Wuerffel is well known for his accomplishments on the football field. During his college years at the University of Florida, Danny, the Gaters' starting quarterback, helped lead his Florida team to many victories including the 1996 national championship. He was recognized for countless awards including All-American, Quarterback of the Year, MVP, and was awarded the Heisman Trophy award in 1996.
Upon graduation, Danny played for four NFL teams - the New Orleans Saints, the Green Bay Packers, the Chicago Bears and the Washington Redskins.
While his accomplishments on the field spoke volumes to the type of athlete he was, his leadership, commitment, and drive off the football field exemplified bigger passions of his.
As a rookie with the New Orleans Saints, Danny volunteered with Desire Street Ministries, an organization whose mission is to revitalize impoverished neighborhoods through spiritual and community development. Danny recollects his first experience in the Desire neighborhood in a video interview as eye-opening.
"I saw these huge project buildings. They looked to me like they should have been torn down a decade earlier. Then, I saw a little girl walk out of one of these building holding her doll and I realized, this girl lived there. That was her home." He said he knew then that he needed to do something. (To hear more about Danny's experience with Desire Street Ministries, visit: Desire Street Ministries website)
A Call to Action
In 2004, Danny decided to retire from professional football, leaving behind a myriad of honorable trophies and awards and a promising career in the NFL, to work full-time at Desire Street Ministries.
He now serves as the executive director and helps lead his new team (off the field) connect with inner-city ministries to help equip, educate and support them as they minister to individuals and families in some of the most impoverished neighborhoods.
Leading a Life of Servant Leadership
As one who demonstrates a commitment to extraordinary service, Danny Wuerffel is the special guest speaker for the spring Ross and Fern Freeman lecture Series at Sterling College on Friday, March 6.
This special event will take place in Gleason Gymnasium at 10 a.m. Students, employees, alumni and guests of the College are welcome.
The Freeman Lecture Series was developed as part of Sterling's strategic plan to continuously improve and strengthen its academic program. This included enriching the student experience by implanting a lecture series. Ross and Fern Freeman of Topeka, Kansas, supported this endeavor with their leadership and financial support to fund the biannual leadership series.
"Sterling Colllege has emphasized servant leadership for many years, and the Freeman Lecture Series is just one way we are purposefully integrating the concept into the campus culture. We believe that our actions speak volumes and hope to challenge both employees and students to reflect on how they can grow in this area," said President Scott A. Rich.
Sterling College cordially invites you to join us for this Freeman Lecture Series, featuring Danny Wuerffel, on March 6. RSVP's may be made by calling 620-278-4219. If you are interestd in bringing a group with you, please make arrangements with Luke Cureton by March 2.