September 2, 2025
9/11 Survivor and Inspirational Speaker Michael Hingson to Visit MCLA on September 11, 2025. The World Trade Center Hero Will Share Lessons of Courage, Trust, and Resilience with Students and Faculty.
Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts (MCLA) will host author and inspirational speaker Michael Hingson on Wednesday, Sept. 11, 2025, in the Amsler Campus Center Gymnasium. The presentation will run from 5:30 to 7 p.m., followed by a meet and greet with book signing from 7 to 7:30 p.m.
This year marks the 24th anniversary of the tragic events that forever changed his life and launched his career as one of America's most compelling speakers.
On September 11, 2001, Hingson and his guide dog, Roselle, escaped from the 78th floor of Tower One of the World Trade Center, descending 78 flights of stairs moments before the building collapsed. This harrowing experience became the foundation for Hingson's message of overcoming fear, building trust, and finding strength in the face of unimaginable adversity.
"We are honored to welcome Michael Hingson to our campus on such a significant day," said MCLA Assistant Director of Disability Resources Nancy Rumbolt-Trzcinski. "His story of survival, resilience, and the power of human-animal partnerships offers invaluable lessons for our students as they navigate their own challenges and prepare for their futures."
"Michael Hingson's visit reinforces our commitment to creating an inclusive environment where every student can thrive," said MCLA Director of Disability Resources Cindy MacDonald. "His message about partnership, trust, and overcoming fear speaks directly to the values we work to instill across our campus community."
Blind since birth, Hingson was raised in Chicago with a can-do attitude that saw him riding bikes, mastering advanced mathematics, and excelling academically. He earned bachelor's and master's degrees in physics from the University of California, Irvine, along with a secondary teaching credential, before embarking on a nearly 30-year career in high-tech management.
Following the September 11 attacks, Hingson became a sought-after speaker, sharing his story with world leaders including former President George W. Bush and appearing on hundreds of television and radio programs. He has traveled globally, speaking to Fortune 500 companies, universities, and organizations about teamwork, trust, diversity, inclusion, and adaptive technology.
Hingson is the author of the New York Times #1 bestseller "Thunder Dog: The True Story of a Blind Man, his Guide Dog & the Triumph of Trust," which has sold over 2.5 million copies worldwide. His second book, "Running with Roselle," was written specifically for young audiences to help them understand one of America's darkest days. His latest work, "Live Like a Guide Dog," released in August 2024, teaches readers how to control fear and avoid becoming "blinded by fear in the face of crisis."
In June 2024, Hingson was inducted into the honors fraternity Phi Beta Kappa at UC Irvine, as an alumni member, for his outstanding contributions to academia and society.
During his visit to MCLA, Hingson will present "Turning the Tails on Terror in our Uncertain and Scary World: Labrador Lessons from September 11, 2001," on how people can learn to live better lives by staying focused rather than panicking, even in the most challenging circumstances. He will also engage with students and faculty throughout the day, including a visit to Professor Dr. Anthony Daly's War, Science, and Society course.
Currently serving as National Ambassador for the Braille Literacy Campaign of the National Federation of the Blind, Hingson continues his advocacy work while living in Victorville, California, with his 8th guide dog, Alamo, and rescue cat, Stitch.
About MCLA
At MCLA, we are here for all — and focused on each — of our students. Classes are taught by educators who care deeply about teaching and about seeing their students thrive. In every way possible, the MCLA experience is designed to elevate students as individuals, leaders and communicators, fully empowered to make their mark on the world. In addition to its 130-year commitment to public education, MCLA has strengthened its dedication to equitable academic excellence. The college has appeared on U.S. News & World Report’s list of Top Ten Public Colleges for 10 consecutive years, earning the No. 6 spot on the list of Top Public Liberal Arts Schools in the nation for 2025, after holding the No. 7 spot for the prior three years. MCLA’s focus on affordable education and economic prosperity is reflected in additional 2025 U.S. News rankings: No. 5 among Top Performers on Social Mobility for liberal arts colleges in Massachusetts and No. 2 among Top Performers on Social Mobility for public liberal arts colleges in the nation. These rankings measure how well schools graduate students who receive federal Pell Grants.
