Featured Stories
June 2008 News Archives
“Savage Love” Columnist Dan Savage Becomes Keppler’s Newest Exclusive Speaker
Columnist Dan Savage, the popular and candid writer of “Savage Love,” is available now for fall dates, only through Keppler Speakers!
Savage has been delivering his unique brand of sex advice in the wildly popular column since 1991. Syndicated to millions of readers in the United States, Canada, Europe, and Asia, “Savage Love” is a cultural force that, over the years, has brought LGBT relationships into the mainstream. Savage serves as the LGBT community’s own Ann Landers, but he appeals to readers – gay and straight – because of his frank, forthright, and funny discussions on sex and relationships.
In addition to “Savage Love,” Savage is a regular contributor to the New York Times and This American Life, as well as the author of four books, including the most recent, The Commitment: Love, Sex, Marriage, and My Family.
Boldly covering everything and anything related to sex and relationships, Savage answers questions about virginity, orgasms, monogamy, and more. Not just an LGBT speaker, Dan Savage creates a space for all students to honestly discuss “taboo” topics. Contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on bringing “Savage Love” to your campus!
From Baghdad to Coming Out: Speaker Eric Alva Shares His Story
The first American wounded in the Iraq War and an outspoken voice against the military’s “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy, Eric Alva is an inspiration and hero to millions. This week, he shares his story of adaptation, advocacy, and achievement with Keppler Speakers bureau.
Five years ago this March, my life changed forever. Three hours into the invasion of Iraq, I stepped on a landmine. I was the first American wounded in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
My injuries were severe. I sustained a broken right arm, severe nerve damage, and the tip of my right index finger was taken off in the blast; I also had a broken left leg and a severely damaged right leg, which, hours later, was amputated.
I medically retired from the United States Marine Corps in June 2004. That year, I went back to college. I was incredibly nervous because I was still very self-conscious about my prosthesis, but I got over it by throwing myself into extracurricular activities like scuba diving, cycling, and volunteering.
Volunteering is what set me on my path today. I began at the Brooke Army Medical Center, where I spoke with other veterans and worked with the Amputee Coalition of America as a peer visitor. Instantly, I knew I wanted to be a social worker and help people. I wanted the chance to take care of people like I had been taken care of during my own recovery.
That is why, in February 2007, I revealed to the world that the first American wounded in Iraq was gay. I wanted to take care of the people in this country who are like me and to stand up for social justice. I traveled to Congress and testified about my experiences and the “Don’t Ask, Don’t Tell” policy.
I used to think that I got lucky in life, but I never say that anymore. I am not lucky, I am blessed. With the help of Keppler Speakers and the Human Rights Campaign, I have traveled the country speaking to incredibly diverse groups. Colleges and universities; businesses like AOL, Pepsi, and Citi; veterans groups; and local schools, have all heard my personal story.
Even more unexpected to me are the awards I’ve received. Last April, the Houston Human Rights Campaign gave me their Courage Award, and in November, the Dallas chapter presented me their Hero Award. Now, after earning the Public Citizen of the Year Award for the city of San Antonio and the state of Texas, I was awarded the 2008 National Public Citizen of the Year Award on June 16th.
I have done all my travels and speaking while still finishing my degree, which I received on May 17th. It was never easy, but I did it. Sure, there are frustrations here and there, but most of the time, I’m at peace. I know I am right where I am supposed to be in life, helping people and sharing my story. Because Keppler Speakers helps me tell my story, they are helping people. Because of them, the rest of us get to see life up front. Real People. Real Stories.
For more information on inspirational speaker Eric Alva, contact Keppler Speakers bureau.
Leadership in Times of Crisis with “Katrina General” Russel Honoré
Unforeseen emergencies can strike a college campus at any time. From text messaging and e-mail protocol to lockdown drills, schools are making sure they are prepared for the unexpected. Leadership is essential during times of crisis, and there is no strong leader than speaker Lt. General Russel Honoré.
The commander of Joint Task Force Katrina who oversaw the recovery from the devastating hurricane, Honoré has made it his life’s mission to prepare Americans for sudden disaster. In any type of crisis, strong leaders are needed to rise to the challenge, and Honoré’s bold action in the Gulf Coast solidified his status as the country’s foremost expert on preparedness. His personality, commanding swagger, and take-charge attitude resonates with audiences and makes an impact. Honoré changes the way campus communities relate to one another, focusing them on what matters most - safety and well-being.
Contact Keppler Speakers bureau for more information on leadership speaker Lt. General Honoré and his lessons in preparedness. Your campus community will learn the fundamentals of leadership exemplified by a true American hero.
Inspirational Speakers: Perfect for Commencements and More
Congratulations, graduates! Keppler Speakers bureau has been privileged to work with you in presenting the country’s most respected and exciting speakers on your campuses over the last few years, and we hope that our speakers have made a difference in your college experience. We wish all of you the best of luck in the future.
As you depart your university for graduate school, jobs, or travel and adventure, keep in mind speakers for the students that will follow you. Some of Keppler Speakers’ biggest names have delivered commencement addresses around the country, and their words of wisdom inspire no matter what the audience or time of year. This spring, the following speakers presented at commencements around the country.
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Colonel Eileen M. Collins First Woman to Pilot and Command an American Spacecraft |
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Robert F. Kennedy, Jr. Environmental Activist and Attorney |
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Rod Paige Former Secretary of Education |
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Cal Ripken Jr. Baseball's Iron Man and Hall of Famer |
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Lesley Stahl Legendary Broadcast Journalist and Co-Editor of 60 Minutes |
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Ray Suarez Author and Senior Correspondent for The NewsHour |






