Comedian Hicks to Speak April 21
Comedian Ren' Hicks uses laughter to deliver a powerful message about her bout with
lung cancer as a result of her exposure to secondhand smoke. Sponsored by the student
organization Tobacco Free Falcons, Hicks will bring her message to Fairmont State
University on Saturday, April 21, for a talk at 8 p.m. in the Feaster Center.
"The members of Tobacco Free Falcons believe that many people on this campus, whether
student or employee, are unaware of the health risks associated with exposure to secondhand
tobacco smoke," said Beverly Michael, faculty advisor for the club and instructor
for the School of Education/ Health and Human Performance. "Members of this student
organization believe they can play a uniquely effective role in encouraging their
peers and cohorts to consider, talk honestly about and develop responsible habits
and attitudes toward the use or non-use of tobacco products."
Tickets are not required for this free event. For more information, call Beverly
Michael at (304) 367-4274.
Ren' Hicks is a former All-American athlete and a world-renowned comedian. A lifelong
non-smoker, Hicks is a lung cancer survivor since 2001. She has performed her intelligent
and universally appealing humor in countless clubs across the United States and internationally.
She has appeared on numerous television shows, including her own half-hour special,
"Comedy Central Presents...Ren' Hicks." She has also appeared on "The World Comedy
Tour" and "Premium Blend," ABC's "Politically Incorrect," Showtime's "Full Frontal
Comedy" and NBC's "Comedy Showcase" with Louie Anderson. She has also guest starred
on ABC's "Hangin' with Mr. Cooper" and appeared in "Low Down Dirty Shame" with Keenan
Ivory Wayans.
Hicks is popular on the college campus circuit, having performed at over 600 colleges
and universities throughout the United States. She is a two-time recipient of the
coveted National College Comedian of the Year Award and is the first African-American
woman ever nominated for an American Comedy Award for "Best Female Stand-Up."
The comedian will also be the keynote speaker for the 45th annual Fairmont State
Athletic Association scholarship banquet, which will be held at 5:30 p.m. Saturday,
April 21, in the Falcon Center. Tickets for the scholarship banquet are $50 for adults
and $25 for students and are available by calling (304) 367-4220.
