(April 29, 2013)

Alumnus and author hosts reading, book signing May 11

SHREVEPORT, LA — Tom Ufert '88 will read from, discuss, and sign copies of his book, Adversity Builds Character — A Second Chance, Saturday, May 11, from 1-4 p.m. at Barnes and Noble on Youree Drive. In celebration of Ufert's mother and grandmother, the book signing is being held Mother's Day Weekend.

Tom Ufert
Tom Ufert '88

"The human spirit is an enduring phenomenon, but one never knows how much he or she can take," said Ufert. "In many ways your view of the world and how others receive you can exert an immeasurable influence on how you deal with your circumstances."

Adversity Builds Character
follows Ufert's journey from a family ravaged by divorce to a promising political career almost ruined by drinking and sexual experimentation. Throughout the narrative, Ufert chronicles his continued struggle with a spinal fracture, multiple sclerosis, and HIV.

Ufert is a 46-year-old quadriplegic who received his bachelor of arts in political science and history from Centenary College of Louisiana. Both political parties have benefited from his work in 11 campaigns. Politicians for whom he has worked range from Buddy Roemer to George H. W. Bush, Senior Assistant Chief of Staff Henson Moore and current U.S. Trade Ambassador Ron Kirk. In recent years, he has worked as a volunteer fundraiser for numerous AIDS charities.

The book signing will also feature a bookfair fundraiser in support of the Literacy Volunteers at Centenary College.

Adversity Builds Character—A Second Chance is Ufert's first book released through IUniverse Publishers. To learn more about Tom Ufert and his work, visit tomufert.com.