Gold Medalist Billy Mills to Launch Marquette's American Indian Celebration Event Information: Date: Wednesday, Oct. 26 Time: 7:00 p.m. Place: Weasler Auditorium, Marquette campus Billy Mills, winner of the gold medal in the 10,000-meter run at the 1964 Olympic games in Tokyo, will deliver the keynote address Wednesday, Oct. 26, to begin Marquette's American Indian Celebration. The celebration will feature events on campus from Monday, Oct. 24 to Monday, Nov. 21. Mills, whose stunning come-from-behind finish topped the world's best runners of the time, is the only American ever to win the 10,000-meter Olympic event. A member of the Lakota (Sioux) born on the reservation in Pine Ridge, S.D., he fought prejudice, jealousy and scorn to become one of the country's best distance runners. After attending the University of Kansas and serving in the Marine Corps, he is now an entrepreneur and community leader and an active fund-raiser with his charity, Running Strong for American Indian Youth. Additionally, he is a national spokesperson for Christian Relief Services. Mills has been profiled by Tom Brokaw and HBO Real Sports with Bryant Gumble. In 1983, his story was made into a feature film called Running Brave with Robby Benson starring as Mills. The film follows Mills from childhood through college, ending with his 1964 victory at Tokyo. He also co-authored a book with best-selling author Nicholas Sparks called Wokini, A Lakota Journey to Happiness and Self-Understanding. Media are encouraged to attend the event. Mills is available for interviews. Please call Anne Broeker in the Office of Marketing and Communication at (414) 288-0286 to schedule. Office of Marketing and Communication Contacts Anne Broeker Senior Media Relations Specialist Phone: (414) 288-0286 Send e-mail