Tickets on sale for Judson's leaders forum with Mary Lou Retton

Tickets are on sale for Judson University's World Leaders Forum Inspirational Series Oct. 10 featuring Olympic gold medalist gymnast Mary Lou Retton.

At the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, Retton became the first American to win the all-around gold medal in women's gymnastics. She also won silver in the team and vault competitions, and bronze medals for uneven bars and floor exercise. Her five medals were the most won by any athlete at the 1984 Olympics, which earned her Sports Illustrated's Sportswoman of the Year and The Associated Press' Amateur Athlete of the Year titles.

"Mary Lou Retton is known for her athleticism and contagious energy. Even more than that, she embodies faith, optimism and leadership," Judson University President Gene Crume said. "These are the qualities that have made her such an inspiring person, and the reasons why we are so happy to invite the public to our campus to hear her message."

Retton is a motivational speaker and fitness ambassador. She was the national chairwoman for the Children's Miracle Network Board of Governors and a commentator at the 1988 and 1996 Olympic Games.

She will speak at 7 p.m. in the Herrick Chapel on the Judson's Elgin campus, 1151 N. State St.

General admission tickets are $50 through June 30 or $60 beginning July 1. Priority seating costs $100, and VIP tickets are $500.

For more information, visit judsonu.edu. Proceeds will support the World Leaders Forum Student Scholars Program and the Judson University Entrepreneurial Studies Program.