Schuyler Bailar to Address Clarke in Mackin-Mailander Lecture
Clarke University is excited to host advocate and athlete Schuyler Bailar as part of its Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series on October 19. The talk entitled, “Breaking Waves: A Conversation with Schuyler Bailar,” is open to the public and will begin at 7 p.m. in Jansen Music Hall on the Clarke University campus.
Schuyler is the first transgender athlete to compete in any sport on an NCAA Division I men’s team. By 15, he was one of the nation’s top-20 15-year-old breast-strokers. By 17, he set a national age-group record. In college, he swam for Harvard University on their winningest team in 50 years.
Schuyler’s difficult choice – to transition while potentially giving up the prospect of being an NCAA Champion – was historic. His story has appeared everywhere from 60 Minutes to The Washington Post. Schuyler’s tireless advocacy has earned him numerous honors including LGBTQ Nation’s Instagram Advocate for 2020. In 2021, Schuyler also released his first middle-grade novel, “Obie Is Man Enough”. And in 2022, Schuyler created LaneChanger.com making gender literacy education accessible to every team, school and company.
During his talk, Schuyler explores the universal challenges of trying to “fit-in” as part of our media-rich world with integrity and authenticity. He explains his struggles and why he ultimately chose to put many potential accolades at risk to be true to himself.
“While Schuyler’s personal experience is extraordinary, he at the same time speaks to the universal human experience of knowing and accepting oneself. By hearing the stories of people like Schuyler, it creates a greater appreciation and understanding that no matter what your life experience may be, we are all seeking love and acceptance and should give that grace to others.”
The Clarke University Mackin-Mailander Lecture Series was established in 1997 after Clarke received gifts from two alumnae, Mary Mackin ’34 and Verna Slattery-Mailander ’20, to establish an endowed lecture series. The annual series consists of three lectures, including a prominent outside speaker, a faculty lecture, and an alumni lecture.
This event is free to students and employees of Clarke, and students can earn GASR credit for attending. General admission is $10 at the door. At this time, we can only accept cash payment.
Visit clarke.edu/artsatclarke to learn more.