Mark Inglis is the first and only double amputee to ever summit Mount Everest, and he was here at the Kartause to speak to the student body on October 1st. Mr. Inglis is also a formidable wine-maker and consultant, founding trustee to several charitable trusts, created of his own high performance fuel called Peak Fuel and an internationally renowned speaker.
We were lucky enough (or call it providence) to have him here. What first appeared to be insurmountable obstacles disappeared rapidly to make it seem like it was just "Meant to be."
Mark first spoke to the many children at the Kartause in a special afternoon session where he took off and passed around one of his legs for all to see. The kids were thrilled to have him all to themselves.
Later that evening, Mark addressed a jammed audience of nearly 200 faculty, staff, students, and guests. He ended to a standing ovation. I think little else needs to be said for how well it was taken.
Mark encouraged the students to dream big, to be able to take healthy criticism so as to improve, and to push themselves to the limit so that they can surprise themselves (and others) just how far they can go.
Mark also gave a powerful testimony of how his charitable trusts have gone to help countless people. He said, "helping Tellee (double amputee in Nepal) gain a pair of artificial legs meant more to him than summiting Mount Everest." He encouraged students to help others in their work and to give back to society.
Mark also touched on the idea of sustainability. He said that he often finds buildings which were donated or funded through charitable organizations just rot into the dirt. He said that our charities should seek to become trusts which just use the interest for their projects. In this way, the money supply never runs out and can continue on into perpetuity.
Overall, the evening was memorable to all. Special thanks to Professor Herrera for the pictures which I have been able to upload.
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