Arts and Entertainment

Intern credited with saving Gabrielle Giffords’ life discusses 'Becoming a Hero'

Daniel Hernandez Jr. is the former congressional intern credited with saving Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ life in the aftermath of her attempted assassination. In his presentation, “Becoming a Hero,” Hernandez will discuss the title he disputes at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 16, in the Perkins Student Center Auditorium. This event is free and open to the public.

On Jan. 8, 2011, Giffords was the victim of a shooting outside a supermarket near Tucson, Ariz., where she was meeting with constituents. Six people were killed and 13 others were injured during that incident.

His medical training, quick thinking and brave actions on that day have caused Hernandez to be celebrated as a true American hero, a title he humbly rejects, even though he has received nearly 40 awards and honors due to his actions. In this lecture, Hernandez stresses the importance of people “getting off the sidelines and becoming involved in their communities.” He redefines the traditional definition of “hero” from someone with supernatural powers to an ordinary person who works day-in and day-out to better his or her community, not for recognition but because the work needs to be done.

This presentation is part of the Penn State Berks Arts and Lecture series. For more information, contact the Office of Campus Life at 610-396-6076.

Last Updated September 11, 2013

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