NEW ALBANY, IN (Jan. 7, 2011) – Local author and inspiration Patrick Henry Hughes is bringing the message of potential to Indiana University Southeast.

Hughes and his father, Patrick John Hughes, will speak at noon on Wednesday, Jan. 19, in the Hoosier Room at IU Southeast in honor of National Mentoring Month. The presentation, sponsored by the Center of Mentoring at IU Southeast, will share Hughes’ story of “overcoming obstacles, breaking barriers, seeing what’s on the inside, and doing and being more than you think you can.”  

Hughes, a magna cum laude graduate of the University of Louisville and gifted musician, was born without eyes and without the ability to walk. He started playing piano at nine-months-old, and is an accomplished trumpet player and singer. He was a member of the University of Louisville Marching Band, assisted by his father who maneuvered Hughes’ wheelchair through all the formations.

Hughes, from Louisville, and his family were featured on an episode of ABC’s Extreme Home Makeover when they received a specially constructed home from Elite Homes. He has appeared on ESPN, “The Oprah Winfrey Show,” “The Ellen Show,” and many other national programs. Hughes is also the author of “I Am Potential.”

National Mentoring Month is in its 10th year. Created by the Harvard School of Public Health and MENTOR, National Mentoring Month focuses attention on the need for mentors and the positive effect of mentoring on the lives of youth across the nation.

The presentation is free and open to the public. Parking is available at metered spots or by purchasing a temporary parking pass for $1 at the campus entrance. For more information, please call the Center for Mentoring at (812) 941-2516.