Wambach Talk is Still on at the U of A

Photo Submitted

Abby Wambach.

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. – The University of Arkansas student-sponsored Distinguished Lecture Series committee doesn’t plan to cancel an upcoming appearance by soccer legend Abby Wambach.

Her talk, in the format of a moderated question-and-answer session, is scheduled for 7 p.m. Monday, April 18 in Bud Walton Arena. The event is free and open to the public, and no tickets are required.

Wambach was arrested Saturday night on a DUI charge in Portland, Oregon. She posted this statement on her Facebook page:  

“Last night I was arrested for DUII in Portland after dinner at a friend's house.

“Those that know me, know that I have always demanded excellence from myself. I have let myself and others down.

“I take full responsibility for my actions. This is all on me. I promise that I will do whatever it takes to ensure that my horrible mistake is never repeated.

“I am so sorry to my family, friends, fans and those that look to follow a better example.”

“Everyone knows Abby Wambach is a great athlete, but the fact she is taking full responsibility for her actions shows she is also a good person,” said Stephanie Long, co-chair of the student Distinguished Lecture committee. “We believe she will have many important life lessons to share with our students and everyone who comes to hear her talk. Her mistake – and the way she is responding to it – is just one example.”

The Distinguished Lecture Series is a student-sponsored program. Speakers are chosen by a committee of students, faculty and staff, and the events are funded by a student-approved fee, appropriated by the Programs Allocation Board.

About the University of Arkansas: The University of Arkansas provides an internationally competitive education for undergraduate and graduate students in more than 200 academic programs. The university contributes new knowledge, economic development, basic and applied research, and creative activity while also providing service to academic and professional disciplines. The Carnegie Foundation classifies the University of Arkansas among only 2 percent of universities in America that have the highest level of research activity. U.S. News & World Report ranks the University of Arkansas among its top American public research universities. Founded in 1871, the University of Arkansas comprises 10 colleges and schools and maintains a low student-to-faculty ratio that promotes personal attention and close mentoring.