Cedric Jennings speaks at Rochester Institute of Technology, Sept. 19

Cedric Jennings, the main character of the best-selling book, A Hope in the Unseen: An American Odyssey from the Inner City to the Ivy League, is the featured speaker for the Student Affairs Convocation Program at Rochester Institute of Technology, Sept. 19.

Jennings will speak about his experiences as a self-professed “black kid from the ghetto” and how he was able to achieve great academic achievements despite the obstacles he faced, from 10 to 11:45 a.m. in Ingle Auditorium in the Student Alumni Union. After the program, he will sign copies of the book, A Hope in the Unseen, in the 1829 room of the SAU. From 1 to 2:30 p.m., Jennings will have lunch with several student groups.

A Hope in the Unseen was written by prize-winning author Ron Suskind. Suskind first wrote about Jennings in a pair of articles for the Wall Street Journal, which later won the Pulitzer Prize. The book is the inspiring true story of a ferociously determined young man who, armed only with his intellect and his willpower, fights his way out of despair.

Jennings will also be on campus the previous day, Sept. 18, from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. for a late pizza supper and chat with RAs and residence hall students.

NOTE TO MEDIA: To cover this event, call Silandara Bartlett at 475-4948. Videotaping and photography will be allowed only during the first 5 to 10 minutes of the presentation.