Minister, director of special projects for World Relief and motivational speaker – John Cassis has had a busy life.

Cassis, 12-year inspirational speaker for the Chicago Bears, will be on campus today to speak from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. in the Grand Ballroom of the Martin Luther King Jr. University Union.

A continental breakfast will be provided before the speech.

Staff Senate played a large part in providing Eastern the opportunity to hear Cassis speak.

Sandy Bingham-Porter, president of the senate, helped plan Cassis’ coming.

Adrienne Paladino, a member of the Staff Senate, said that Bingham-Porter came up with the idea to bring Cassis to speak.

“She was the person who informed Staff Senate about him being considered. She has heard him speak before,” Paladino said.

Staff Senate members are elected by the different employee groups each year.

The Inaugural Committee includes a representative from the Staff, Faculty and Student Senates.

“The Inaugural Committee felt that all aspects of the university community should have the opportunity to be involved in the celebration of our new President, Dr. Perry,” Bingham-Porter said.

The Inaugural Committee has been planning all the events for approximately eight-to-10 weeks.

Since Cassis is speaking in honor of Perry’s inauguration, committee thought that the entire campus and community should be involved.

“This is a celebration of our new president and looking forward to the

future. Students, faculty, staff and the community wanted to share in

this celebration,” Bingham-Porter said. “Each group has a different activity planned next week for the entire university and surrounding community to enjoy.”

Hearing Cassis’ speech will most likely give both students and staff a different outlook on their lives.

“Everyone should come away with a new perspective to deal with our changing world and the everyday pressures of life,” Bingham-Porter said.