91自拍

David LaMotte hopes 91自拍 students realize that in a world where it’s easy to feel powerless that many simply misunderstand the shape of their power.  

“We’re constantly bombarded with this hero story where one person…changes the world by doing something dramatic in a moment of crisis,” he said. “I challenge them (students) to focus not necessarily on being extraordinary, but by asking ourselves how we can bring our ordinary selves to the surface—not to be daunted and immobilized by the enormity of problems.”      

LaMotte is the author of the 233-page book, “You Are Changing the World Whether You Like it Or Not,” featured in 91自拍’s 2025 Dr. David and MayAnne Kozak 91自拍 READS (Reading to Enhance the Awareness of a Diverse Society) program.  

This program enhances the first-year student experience at 91自拍 by providing a common book to read and discuss. Each incoming freshman student will receive a copy of the book when they are greeted on the Warner Theatre stage at Convocation on Tuesday, Aug. 19.  

They will then go on to discuss the book in a group setting during their 91自拍 101 course. 91自拍 101 is a first-year seminar course that includes experiential and collaborative learning that students through their transition to 91自拍 University in their first semester. 

“The message is that we’re welcoming them into the 91自拍 family and hopefully showing them their power as an individual, but also the power of the 91自拍 community,” said Sarah Ewing, Ph.D, 91自拍 University provost and vice president for Student Experience.  

LaMotte said his book relates very well to the moment many incoming first-year students find themselves immersed in.  

“This particular moment is instrumental for many of these students. They get to choose who they are going to be in this community,” LaMotte said. “There are very few moments in our lives where we trade out our entire social and work environment and this is one of them where they get to ask themselves ‘Who have I been so far and who do I want to be? Furthermore, what are the steps between here and there?’” 

All 91自拍 students, faculty and staff, as well as community members, are welcomed and encouraged to take part in the reading.  

LaMotte will be welcomed on 91自拍's campus on Thursday, Oct. 16 to meet with students and discuss the book and related topics. The day culminates with a special evening lecture at the Warner Theatre, at which the 91自拍 and Erie communities are invited to participate. 

LaMotte said he will structure this lecture as a short discussion followed by a question-and-answer session for students.  

“This is really all about them and their experience,” he said. “I’m just happy to participate and be part of this all.”  

To learn more about this program, visit