Events in Mississippi University for Women’s fall Forum Series hosted by the Gordy Honors College will focus on artists and the social relevance of art.
On Thursday, Aug. 30, the Series features dancer and actress Nicole Marquez, who returns to her home state to tell her story of hope and determination.
Having worked in television and radio since her teens and after completing a degree in theater at The University of Southern Mississippi, Marquez was a 25-year-old aspiring dancer and actress in New York City when a devastating fall from the sixth-floor roof of her apartment building changed everything.
Given a grim prognosis, but undaunted by the possibility of never walking again, Marquez persevered through seven months of intensive therapy to walk out of the hospital — and eventually to dance again.
Marquez has told her story in her memoir “Falling Isn’t Failure” and it has been featured widely in the media, including on NPR’s “The Story,” PBS, CBS and Mississippi Public Broadcasting.
Marquez’ talk is cosponsored The W Leadership Program and The W’s Audacity Dance Team and Dancing Diamonds.
Other Forum programs
In her first film “Good Housekeeping,” she explored the burden of utility costs for low-income communities. She has been both a Fellow and Program Coordinator in the Southern Exposure Film Fellowship program.
The Series will also feature presentations by students about their summer 2018 study abroad experience in Peru on Sept. 27, and research presentations by honors students on Nov. 29 and Dec. 6.
All presentations are free and open to the community and begin at 6 p.m. in Nissan Auditorium. For more information, email [email protected], call 662-241-6850 or visit web.muw.edu/honors/forum.
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