‘Free Hugs Guy’ brings message of peace to Lincoln College campus
Ken E. Nwadike, Jr., Latest Excellence in Leadership Speaker

[September 22, 2017]

LINCOLN

Ken E. Nwadike Jr., founder of the Free Hugs Project, brought his message of peace and reconciliation to the Lincoln College campus on Tuesday, September 19, as part of the Lincoln College Excellence in Leadership speaker series.

Popularly known as the Free Hugs Guy, Nwadike founded the Free Hugs Project in 2014 to spread love in response to the bombing of the Boston Marathon. The project has gained popularity as Nwadike made major news headlines for his peacekeeping efforts and de-escalation of violence during protests, riots, and political rallies. Nwadike was featured in Google’s 2016 Year in Search video as a highlight among some of the year’s most defining moments and he has made many appearances on news programs, including CNN, USA Today, Good Morning Britain, and BBC News.

The Lincoln College Student Government Association and Student Activities Board hosted Nwadike.

During his talk Tuesday evening, he detailed his former homelessness and his own efforts to overcome insecurities by getting involved in running and other extracurricular activities in school. He told of the support he received from coaches, teammates, and friends while playing sports and participating in student government activities.

[Mark Gordon
Public Relations and Media Manager
Lincoln College]