Award-winning author Rob Quillen will speak Thursday, March 12, at 3 p.m., in the McCaskey Lyceum of the Saemann Student Center at Wartburg College.

Quillen will share how a chance meeting with a stranger the day before Sept. 11, 2001, changed his life for the better. The event is free and open to the community.

“Other than hearing Rob’s unbelievable story, takeaways from the event include making other people’s dreams come true, defining who you are through the process of helping other people and realizing that life isn’t necessarily about us,” said Torrence Warren, Pathways Center associate for vocation and mentoring. “We are all here to help others.”

Quillen has traveled the United States telling his story, including appearances on “The Today Show,” “NBC Nightly News” with Tom Brokaw, ESPN and NASCAR.com. His book “Why Wait? Fulfilling Dreams From Tragedy,” was published in 2011.

“Rob has been known to captivate his audiences and encourage them to utilize their gifts to change the lives of others for the better. His message is unlike any other, and it will truly inspire you,” Warren said.