New York Times bestseller Wes Moore mentors Tuskegee students on the value of higher education

“I am touched, humbled and honored..." --Wes Moore

Tuskegee, Ala (February 25, 2016) – Attendees of Tuskegee University’s Lyceum Series event featuring Wes Moore were treated to an enlightening perspective on a variety of topics, such as his personal story, his experience as a published author, and even the current political environment. But one of his most eye-opening points of discussion was related to the question of what it truly means to be higher-educated. Students, faculty and members of the public gained a unique perspective on this distinctive range of topics. 

Climax event of the year-long common reading experience

Many people within the university community have been participants in Tuskegee’s Year Long Common Reading Experience, including first-year students. Launched last fall, the inaugural year of this initiative has been centered on Moore’s bestselling book “The Other Wes Moore.” After participating in book discussions with President Brian Johnson and other related activities, students were able to finally interact with the author himself at Thursday’s event.

While there were a variety of attendees, Moore personally addressed university students, stating “You are exactly who I wanted to read [my] book.” Moore gave insight on not only the book itself, but his writing process, his publishing experiences, and personal life growing up in the still tumultuous city of Baltimore, Maryland. Though he is a well-respected author and speaker, he revealed himself to be a modest yet charming personality, stating “I am touched, humbled and honored that you read [The Other Wes Moore].”

Mentorship and motivation

One of the goals of the Lyceum Series is to expose the university community to learning opportunities outside of the classroom, beyond the curriculum structure. Moore encapsulated this goal at Thursday’s event by sharing anecdotes and lessons on how students and attendees could go beyond the basics of higher education, to gain a broader level of personal achievement that can still change the world.

In discussing his own experiences as a college student, Moore tackled the importance of a question many students will face, a question he had to deal with himself: “What is your major?” In explaining how his life unfolded after he completed his undergraduate studies, Moore pointed out that this question becomes less important after you graduate and will be replaced with what he calls the most important question: “Who will you choose to fight for?” It was in this moment that Moore finally presented the deeper inspiration behind his visit, his book, and even his life: to help others see how their goals and achievements can be a platform, a way to stand up for the people and issues they believe in. 

The benefits and purpose of higher education

Moore’s address to attendees was as intellectual as any could have assumed it would be, if not more – but it went beyond the academic model, as he used his insight and transparency to reiterate that while higher education is important, it is not the peak of one’s learning experience. “The point of higher education isn’t just about your GPA, it’s also about your GPS. You have to know where you are going.” 

Moore’s presentation was full of many such gems of wisdom. He explained to all in attendance that “we are not products of our environments; we are products of our expectations.” Even though he mentioned this in regards to how he overcome the environmental dangers of his beloved hometown, it also provided perspective on how to view higher education: as simply an environment in which a person’s expectations for themselves (their hopes, dreams and goals) can be realized into a greater plan. Higher education is not a mark of success, but a path to success that still demands individuals know exactly where they want to go. In making this clear, Moore ensured that all in attendance truly gained the tools to become “the other” version of themselves, the one that moves beyond their environment and into their expectations.


Students were eager to dialogue with Moore during the Q&A Session.