MCCC’s Presidential Symposium on Diversity Features Roberto Clemente Jr., philanthropist, entrepreneur and former professional baseball player and broadcaster

MCCC’s Presidential Symposium on Diversity Features Roberto Clemente Jr., philanthropist, entrepreneur and former professional baseball player and broadcaster
January 3, 2025, Blue Bell/Pottstown, Pa. — Montgomery County Community College is excited to host Roberto Clemente Jr., philanthropist, entrepreneur and former professional baseball player and broadcaster, as the keynote speaker for its annual Presidential Symposium on Diversity. The event will take place on Tuesday, Feb. 11, at 11 a.m. in MCCC’s newly renovated Cultural Center Theater, Science Center building, 1313 Morris Road, Blue Bell.
The Symposium is free and open to the public, but tickets are required. To reserve a seat, visit mc3.edu/tickets.
Clemente Jr. is the son of the late Roberto Clemente Sr., the first Latin American player to achieve 3,000 hits in Major League Baseball history and the first Latino to be inducted into the National Baseball Hall of Fame. Beyond being a legendary athlete, Clemente Sr. was a dedicated humanitarian, committed to improving the lives of those in need.
Focusing on the Symposium’s theme of Lead by Example: Opportunity and Access, Clemente Jr. will share his unique life experiences as the eldest son of Clemente Sr., including the impact of his father’s unfortunate death, overcoming racial and social inequalities, finding motivation through sports and business and the importance of education and humanitarianism.
“We are honored to welcome Roberto Clemente Jr. to share his inspiring message about how true leadership emerges through overcoming obstacles, pursuing opportunities and paving the way for others to succeed,” said Dr. Stephanie Allen, MCCC Director of Equity, Diversity and Belonging. “Through his heartfelt words, audience members will gain valuable insights into how fostering access and inclusion can drive meaningful change in their lives and communities.”
Born in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Clemente Jr. spent his early years traveling between Puerto Rico and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, where his father played professional baseball for the Pittsburgh Pirates for 18 seasons, primarily as a right fielder.
In 1972, while Clemente Sr. was taking relief supplies to Nicaragua earthquake victims, his plane tragically crashed, claiming his life and leaving behind is wife and three young sons.
In the years following his father’s passing, Clemente Jr. became the family’s spokesperson and carried on his father’s legacy. He played professional baseball for the Philadelphia Phillies, San Diego Padres and Baltimore Orioles before injuries ended his career. Returning to Puerto Rico, he established the RBI Baseball Program, which promotes youth participation in sports, particularly among disadvantaged children.
Clemente Jr. also established the Roberto Clemente Foundation, which supports at-risk youth, provides disaster relief and promotes global service leadership. Over the past 30 years, the Foundation has helped thousands of children and their families, continuing Clemente Sr.’s humanitarian spirit.
Deeply involved in charity work, Clemente Jr. has served on numerous boards and assisted in countless fundraising efforts. He recently served as the global ambassador for Food for The Hungry, a non-profit focusing on serving the most vulnerable populations worldwide. He also is a member of the National Hispanic Foundation and serves as an Ambassador Human Performance sitting chair on a Brain Health Application called RC21X. Additionally, he is a producer for an upcoming reality show and film series. Clemente Jr. is widely known for his assistance within the corporate and education realms, serving as a motivational speaker, connector, consultant, and racial injustice educator.
In its 15^th year, MCCC’s Presidential Symposium on Diversity serves as a capstone event that fosters and advances ongoing public dialogue on diversity and inclusiveness among students, employees and community members. Since its inception in 2010, the Symposium has featured an array of distinguished speakers including Dyana Williams, Dr. Lorene Cary, Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Richard Blanco, Dr. Tara Westover and Wes Moore, among others.
For more information about Roberto Clemente Jr. and the Presidential Symposium on Diversity, visit mc3.edu/symposium.
Photo:  Headshot of Roberto Clemente Jr. (Courtesy of Roberto Clemente Jr.)
About Montgomery County Community College 
Since 1964, Montgomery County Community College has been transforming lives and communities to meet the evolving educational needs of Montgomery County. The College’s comprehensive curriculum includes more than 100 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as customized workforce training and certifications. Students enjoy the flexibility of learning at the College’s thriving campuses in Blue Bell and Pottstown and online.  
 
As an Achieving the Dream Leah Meyer Austin Alumni Award recipient, the institution is positioned at the vanguard of national efforts to remove barriers to access, improve learning outcomes, and increase completion for all students. The College also is recognized regionally and nationally for its sustainability leadership, work with military veterans, community service and service-learning opportunities, and use of classroom technology. For eight years, MCCC has been named one of the Most Promising Places to Work in Community Colleges in the nation by the National Institute for Staff and Organizational Development for its commitment to diversity through inclusive learning and work environments, student and staff recruitment and retention practices, and meaningful community service and engagement opportunities. For more information, visit https://www.mc3.edu.