HU Welcomes Christopher Gardner for Commencement

Hampton, VA - Christopher Gardner will serve as the keynote speaker at the 138th Annual Hampton University Commencement Exercises on May 11 at 10 a.m. in Armstrong Stadium.

Gardner, CEO of Christopher Gardner International Holdings with offices in New York, Chicago, and San Francisco, overcame many obstacles to become a successful entrepreneur. Gardner is an avid motivational and inspirational speaker, addressing the keys to overcoming obstacles and breaking cycles.

The amazing story of Gardner's life was published as an autobiography, "The Pursuit of Happyness," (Amistad/Harper Collins) in May 2006, and became a New York Times and Washington Post No. 1 bestseller. In paperback, the book spent more than 20 weeks on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into 14 languages. Gardner was also the inspiration for the movie "The Pursuit of Happyness," released by Columbia Pictures in December 2006. The movie is the No. 2 all-time domestic grossing drama. Will Smith starred as Gardner and received an Academy Award, Golden Globe and Screen Actors Guild nominations for his performance. Gardner was an associate producer on the film.

For more information about HU Commencement Exercises, please call 757-727-5402.