Renowned Forensic Neuropathologist to speak

Wednesday, March 9, 2016

Dr. Bennet Omalu will discuss his path to discovering chronic traumatic encephalopathy in American football players, which inspired the Will Smith movie “Concussion”, during his visit to Oklahoma State University on Wednesday, March 9 in Stillwater.

Omalu is known for the first discovery of chronic traumatic encephalopathy. After discovering this football-related brain trauma in a pro player, Omalu was determined to spread awareness. While publishing his findings and attempting to work with the National Football League, the relationship with repeated blows to the head and chronic traumatic encephalopathy was dismissed. It was not until seven years after Omalu’s discovery that the NFL publically acknowledge the link between concussions sustained in football and chronic traumatic encephalopathy. 

Ryan Neal, Speakers Board assistant director, said it is the Speakers Board mission to provide a range of speakers that will all have something unique to share with the student body at Oklahoma State University, and Stillwater residents.

“Dr. Omalu has overcome adversity in his field and created a positive change in sports medicine,” Neal said. “With his experience and drive we know that Dr. Omalu will be an inspirational speaker that will empower the people in attendance.”

The OSU Speakers Board will host Dr. Bennet Omalu at the Wes Watkins Center at 7 p.m. on March 9. The event will close with a brief audience Q&A session. Admission is free for the public.  Doors will open at 6 p.m.

The OSU Speakers Board is a sector of the Student Government Association that works to bring top-notch speakers to the Oklahoma State University campus. SGA allocates funds to clubs and organizations for events that can be enjoyed by the entire student body. It also designs programs to better the OSU campus, community and most importantly, students’ way of life.