Henry Winkler, the well-known actor, director, and producer, and, will be the first speaker in a new series of programs entitled "Stars for Scholars." The series is designed to bring top-name talent to the area and raise funds for Aquinas scholarships. Each year the College awards approximately $10 million of scholarship money to deserving students.

"It is part of the mission of Aquinas College to provide access to higher education to a diverse group of students who might not think that a private education was available to them. This new series will help us to extend that mission by funding critical scholarship assistance to an even larger group of deserving students," said C. Edward Balog, Ph.D., President of Aquinas College.

Many know Winkler as a talented actor, director, and producer. However, he was chosen to appear because he is a tireless advocate for children, especially those with learning disabilities. He is the co-author of the "Hank Zipzer" series of children's books, which is based on his life as an imaginative child with dyslexia and other difficulties.

Winkler will speak at a ticketed event at the Aquinas College Performing Arts Center at 2 p.m. on Monday, March 10. The event is free and open to the public. Tickets will be distributed at the Theatre Box Office beginning at 1 p.m. and are on a first come-first served basis. Seating is limited. The doors to the theatre will open at 1:30 p.m.

A fundraising dinner and program, "A Conversation with Henry Winkler," will take place at 6:30 p.m. on March 10 at the Frederik Meijer Gardens and Sculpture Park. Tickets for this event are $125 per person, and sponsorships are also available. For reservations or more information, please contact harbuell@aquinas.edu.