Ronnie Lott will serve as Gateway Public Schools’ keynote speaker for the 13th Annual Matters of the Mind Luncheon on Thursday, October 15, 2015 at Gateway High School.
Lott is considered one of the best defensive backs in NFL history. In his first NFL season, Lott led a young secondary that helped the San Francisco 49er’s win Super Bowl XVI. In his ten seasons with the 49er’s, San Francisco won eight NFC Western Division titles and four Super Bowls. He was inducted into the Hall of Fame in 2000. Lott is highly respected within the community for his long history of philanthropic involvement and tireless advocacy for children.
“Lott’s passion for the empowerment of young people regardless of background or circumstance is very much aligned with Gateway’s philosophy and mission,” said Sharon Olken, Gateway’s Executive Director. “We are thrilled that he will be part of this inspirational event.”
Now in its 13th year, the Matters of the Mind Luncheon serves as Gateway's biggest fundraiser of the year, and provides the funds and support necessary to deliver an exceptional public school education. Gateway Public Schools is a high performing, college preparatory public charter school organization in San Francisco that is committed to serving an academically disadvantaged population. Since its founding in 1998, more than 96% of Gateway's graduates have gone on to college, double the statewide rate.
Lott joins Gateway’s list of renowned speakers for the Matters of the Mind Luncheon. Past luncheon speakers have included Doris Kearns Goodwin, Condoleezza Rice, Tony Kushner, Michael Lewis, David Kelley, and Jeffrey Toobin.
The event is expected to attract over 600 leaders, philanthropists, and public education advocates from the San Francisco community. For more information on how to join the event please visit www.gatewaypublicschools.org or contact Anna Heidinger, Director of Development and Outreach, at [email protected] or (415) 749-3600.
Gateway Public Schools is committed to the outreach and inclusion of all communities, especially those with historically at-risk students. Our mission is to send well-prepared students to college, and everything we do successfully supports this mission. By serving as a model school public school organization, we demonstrate that public education can and does work for diverse learners, share best practices, and serve as a catalyst for change within the public sphere. For more information about Gateway Public Schools please visit www.gatewaypublicschools.org