Omnibus Lecture Series J.R. Martinez
“FACING ADVERSITY WITH OPTIMISM AND RESILIENCE”
Thursday, Nov. 5, 2026 | Keynote presentation
J.R. Martinez, an actor, bestselling author, motivational speaker, advocate and wounded U.S. Army veteran, will share his story of survival and reinvention in a keynote presentation about facing adversity with optimism and resilience.
While serving in Iraq in 2003, Martinez sustained severe burns to 34 percent of his body after his Humvee struck a roadside bomb. During his recovery, he discovered a new purpose in connecting with fellow burn patients, beginning a journey that would lead him to a career as a motivational speaker.
Martinez went on to portray wounded veteran Brot Monroe on ABC’s All My Children and won season 13 of Dancing with the Stars with partner Karina Smirnoff. He is the author of the New York Times bestselling memoir Full of Heart: My Story of Survival, Strength, and Spirit and host of REBIRTH with J.R. Martinez, a podcast exploring reinvention and human resilience.
Through his experiences in recovery, entertainment, and advocacy, Martinez will offer a perspective on finding purpose and moving forward through life’s challenges.
Tickets are free but required. Tickets are available at pfw.edu/tickets or in person at the Music Center Box Office. Box Office hours are Tues-Fri 1:30pm-5:30pm.
Date
Purdue University Fort Wayne Performing Arts
Performing Arts Box Office located inside the Music Center on the PFW campus selling tickets for PFW Music and Theatre events as well as special events. Open Tuesday through Friday 1:30pm-5:30pm as well as 1 hour prior to any event. Any questions, please call 260-481-6553