Rob Summers, an athlete who was paralyzed below the neck in a hit-and-run accident shortly after playing on the Oregon State University baseball team that won the 2006 College World Series, will provide the commencement address at OSU- Cascades on Sunday, June 15.
Rob has demonstrated courage, determination and optimism both as an athlete, and as someone who has overcome extreme physical challenges, said OSU-Cascades Vice President Becky Johnson. His story will inspire our graduates as they prepare to enter the next phase of their lives.
Born in Portland, Ore., Summers was an exceptional athlete. He led his high school baseball team to a state championship and was named a three-time all-state pitcher and outfielder. Summers was approached by professional scouts as a high school junior, but opted to pursue a college education and enrolled at OSU.
Summers was struck in an accident a month after the championship world series game and his injuries ended his ambition to become a professional baseball player. His injury was similar to that sustained by the actor Christopher Reeve. Summers underwent therapy at the Christopher and Dana Reeve Foundation and served as a spokesperson for the foundation.
In December of 2009, an electric nerve stimulator was implanted in Summers' spine. Because of the surgery, Summers became one of the first paralysis patients to undergo a procedure that uses nerve impulses to help move parts of the body that were previously considered permanently paralyzed. Three days after surgery he was able to stand and nine months later, took his first steps. His story was featured in national and international news.
Summers has become an advocate for people with spinal cord injuries. He lives in Los Angeles and functions in a wheel chair daily, but can stand for an hour and a half.
The commencement ceremony will take place at the Les Schwab Amphitheater in the Old Mill District on Sunday, June 15 at 12:00 p.m.