Gold medal Olympic gymnast Aly Raisman will speak at UB on Nov. 16 as part of the 2021-22 Distinguished Speakers Series.

The talk will take place at 7 p.m. in the Center for the Arts.

Raisman is the third most decorated American gymnast of all time and was team captain of the Olympic gold medal-winning women’s teams in 2012 and 2016. She captured the hearts of millions when she became the first American gymnast to win gold in the floor exercise. One of only three U.S. gymnasts to make back-to-back teams in more than 20 years, she helped guide the team to gold and landed a silver medal in the all-around competition at the 2016 games.

A leader off the gymnastics floor as well, Raisman uses her platform to help normalize the conversation around mental health, encourage positive body image and promote the importance of self-care. In her New York Times best-selling memoir, “Fierce,” she shares the highs and lows of her journey, including surviving sexual abuse. Inspired by an army of survivors, Raisman continues to advocate for systematic changes within the sport of gymnastics and the eradication of sexual abuse.

Tickets for Raisman’s lecture range from $28 to $48 and can be purchased online through Ticketmaster or in person at the Center for the Arts box office from noon to 6 p.m. Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Those attending the lecture will be required to show proof that they are fully vaccinated against COVID-19. Individuals are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after their second dose in a two-dose series, or two weeks after a single-dose vaccine. A vaccination card, a photo of a vaccination card, an Excelsior Pass or a digital vaccine card are all acceptable. Attendees should be prepared to show photo ID as well.

Face coverings continue to be required for all inside campus buildings. For children under 12 who are not vaccinated, they still may be admitted with a ticket, but must be masked at all times. View the announcement of this policy and check UB's website regularly for the latest health & safety guidelines.