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    Keynote Speaker

    We’re thrilled to announce Arshay Cooper - bestselling author, motivational speaker, and changemaker - as the keynote speaker at this year’s Modern Campus User Conference. You won’t want to miss this inspirational keynote that will challenge, uplift, and unite! Arshay Cooper is a Rower, Bestselling and Award-winning Author, A 2x Golden Oar recipient for his contributions to the sport of rowing, a motivational speaker, and the protagonist of the film A Most Beautiful Thing. Arshay grew up on the West Side of Chicago in a community surrounded by poverty. In 1997, he joined (and later became captain of) the country's first All-Black high school rowing team at Manley High School, an experience that changed his life. Arshay’s book (also titled A Most Beautiful Thing) was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and won the 2020 Nautilus Award. The film won the 2021 Gracie Award, was nominated by the NAACP for an Image Award, was nominated by the Critics’ Choice Association for Best Sports Documentary, was nominated by the International Press Academy for Best Documentary, and was named one of the best films of 2020 by Esquire. Arshay is the founder of the National Award-Winning Non-Profit, the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, which introduces thousands of under-resourced youth to the sport of rowing. Arshay has just written his second book, Let Me Be Real with You, which will be released by HarperCollins in October of 2025. Arshay's message has spread all across the world, and he has spoken to members of Congress, the NBA and WNBA, the NAACP, the Obama Foundation, and countless professional sports teams, colleges and universities, and corporations and nonprofit organizations. Arshay and his work have been featured in the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, LA Times, Today Show, NBC Nightly News, BBC, Men’s Health, Sports Illustrated, Hollywood Reporter, Chicago Tribune, BET, NPR, and many others.

    About Arshay Cooper 

    Arshay is a bestselling author, motivational speaker, and changemaker whose story is at the heart of the award-winning documentary A Most Beautiful Thing. Growing up on Chicago's West Side, Arshay became captain of the first All-Black high school rowing team in the U.S. - a transformative experience that inspired his memoir and advocacy work. 

    A two-time Golden Oar recipient, Arshay’s influence spans sports, education, and social justice. His acclaimed memoir was nominated for an NAACP Image Award and adapted into a film executive produced by Common, Grant Hill, Dwyane Wade, and the Winklevoss Twins. He is also the founder of the A Most Beautiful Thing Inclusion Fund, bringing rowing to thousands of under-resourced youth nationwide.
    Arshay has spoken before Congress, the NBA and WNBA, the Obama Foundation, and numerous institutions across the globe. His next book, Let Me Be Real with You, will be released by HarperCollins in October 2025. 

    Keynote Synopsis

    Arshay believes in bringing people together, seeking out opposing ideas to collaborate and find consensus rather than focusing on differences and “othering.” Arshay helps audiences navigate difficulties and challenges with grace, awareness, hope, and even humor, and fortify their commitment to a life lived in service to others without sacrificing their own self-care.

    As higher education navigates a period of profound change, Arshay's message offers timely insight: how we come together, lead with purpose, and build a future grounded in equity, collaboration, and human connection. Arshay's unique, empathic, and vulnerable approach of calling in is not only refreshing but gravely needed. Arshay's strengths and influence shine through his storytelling and he urges audiences to engage in our divided world with gentle and driven intention. 

    Join us for a keynote that will challenge, uplift, and unite. Together, we'll explore a path forward for our institutions, our students, and our shared mission to engage learners for life.

    Meet Arshay

Contact the organizer
Contact the organizer