[063] ‘How Starbucks Saved My Life’ Author Gill Speaks

Release date: Aug. 28, 2009

News & Public Affairs contact: Randy Weiler, 615-898-2919 or jweiler@mtsu.edu
Academic Support Center contact: Dr. Laurie Witherow, 615-898-2339 or lwithero@mtsu.edu


‘How Starbucks Saved My Life’ Author Gill Speaks
Sunday at MTSU’s Annual Fall Convocation


(MURFREESBORO) — Author Michael Gates Gill, who penned “How Starbucks Saved My Life: A Son of Privilege Learns to Live Like Every One Else,” will speak at 2 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 30, in MTSU’s annual Fall Convocation in Murphy Center.
Gill’s book, which became an instant best-seller, has been the Summer Reading Program project for MTSU’s freshmen class.
The Summer Reading Program, created in 2002, aims to provide a unifying experience for entering freshmen, give them a chance to read and interact with acclaimed authors and affirm the importance of reading for a successful and fulfilling life.
Incoming freshmen are expected to read the book before fall classes start Aug. 29, and all University 1010 classes will discuss the selection.
“All new students are required to read the book prior to their arrival on campus in the fall, so ‘How Starbucks Saved My Life’ may be perfect as the basis for an early writing or other assignment,” said Dr. Laurie Witherow, Academic Support Center director. “The students will be expecting to discuss their summer reading book from a variety of perspectives.”
Faculty members were asked to incorporate the book into their classes when possible, Witherow added.
Nearing retirement, Gill lost it all, according to information in his bio supplied by The Lavin Agency. A Yale-educated ad exec making six figures, Gill was let go from his job (ostensibly for being old), saw his marriage disintegrate and was diagnosed with a brain tumor. At 63, desperate and without health insurance, he found redemption and a new sense of purpose where he least expected: behind the counter of a Starbucks.
As part of Gill’s visit, he will speak at 7 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 29, at Linebaugh Public Library. Tickets are $10 per person. Seating is limited and reservations are required.
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