CHARLESTON, W.Va. — NBA Hall of Fame member David Robinson is headlining the University of Charleston’s Nexus of Leadership Symposium set for Monday and Tuesday in the Capital City.
Robinson, a Navy veteran, NBA champion, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist along with many other accomplishments, has a connection to UC, symposium spokesman Louis Gaunch said.
“His sister, Kimberly, is a graduate of our doctoral program and he came down to her graduation (a few years ago) and we met him and struck up a friendship,” Gaunch said.
Robinson and others will speak on how important leadership is in all walks of life, Gaunch said.
“We’re trying to make positive impact and leadership really does reach all of those areas,” Gaunch said.
Panel discussions begin Monday. They will include leadership shown in responses to the recent Harvey and Irma hurricanes, leadership through the addiction crisis and leadership in care and administration.
Robinson will lead a discussion Tuesday morning about leadership in action. He’ll be joined by state Adjutant General James Hoyer and Triana Energy’s Dr. Henry Harmon.
Gaunch said Robinson exudes leadership.
“It’s not only in sports,” Gaunch said. “After his retirement in San Antonio he started a school there which has really changed a lot of lives in San Antonio. He basically funded the start up.”
Robinson will also speak Monday night at a ticketed fundraising dinner that is sold out.
The Nexus of Leadership Symposium had former Florida State coach Bobby Bowden as its speaker last year.
“Leadership is a big part of what we’re doing at the University of Charleston. We’ve renamed the school of business to the school of business and leadership because leadership is applicable in almost any situation,” Gaunch said.