Lyceum begins this Thursday, May 25, and continues through Sunday morning’s Spirit of Lyceum session. If you haven’t made your plans yet, it’s not too late! You may register at the door when you arrive. You won’t want to miss this year’s evening keynote speakers.

Soon to be the subject of a major motion picture, Neal Petersen’s inspirational story of overcoming physical, financial and political challenges comes to Sherman as Friday night’s Big Top keynote session. Petersen delivers a powerful message of hope, dedication and the will to never let anything stand in the way of your goals.

He has faced and overcome hurdles most of us cannot imagine. Born physically challenged with only one hip joint and in a black working-class family during South Africa’s racist era, Petersen was the least likely person to become an international yachtsman, especially in what was perceived to be a “white, wealthy and elite sport.”

“When you overcome obstacles, you become strong,” Petersen says. His dream was to have his own yacht, to race around the world’s toughest oceans, and eventually alone around the globe. Many said he could not do it. But Petersen persevered, overcoming his handicap, working hard and saving the money that would give him the means to eventually design and build his own boat. At the age of 31, he raced 27,000 miles alone around the world via the Southern Ocean and Cape Horn, in the famous Around Alone Race to earn the distinction of being the first black man to race solo around the world. All in a home-built boat!

A wildly popular motivational speaker, Petersen has inspired individuals and Fortune 100 companies. His story has reached mythic proportions, the subject of the PBS documentary “No Barriers: The Story of Neal Petersen,” and is in development for a major motion picture, “Of Wind and Water.” Petersen’s book, Journey of a Hope Merchant, will be available on campus, and he will sign copies after his presentation.

Excitement and inspiration will also be found at this year’s Lyceum on Thursday night when one of the top speakers in the chiropractic profession, Jim Sigafoose, D.C., takes the stage to present, “The Glory of Going On.” Sigafoose will share his thoughts on B.J. Palmer’s Green Book of the same title about the glory chiropractic philosophy brings from preserving the truth about chiropractic.

Sigafoose is recognized worldwide for his inspirational chiropractic philosophy and motivational skills. Sigafoose ran a busy practice and has been named Chiropractor of the Year by Dynamic Essentials and Parker College of Chiropractic.

Our traditional fireworks display will cap off the evening sessions and may seem like the finale Friday evening, but the fun will continue until midnight with a new open-mike music event in the alumni tent. So make plans to be on campus both Thursday and Friday night for these inspirational events that people will be talking about for months to come. We’ll see you there!