Rudy Ruettiger
Motivational Speaker; Former Football Player at the University of Notre Dame; Basis for the Award-Winning Movie "Rudy"
Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, best known for his awe-inspiring story of carving his name into the history books of college football and becoming the most famous graduate of the University of Notre Dame. The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles…
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Full Bio
Daniel “Rudy” Ruettiger, best known for his awe-inspiring story of carving his name into the history books of college football and becoming the most famous graduate of the University of Notre Dame.
The son of an oil refinery worker and third of 14 children, Rudy rose from valleys of discouragement and despair to the pinnacles of success. Today, he is one of the most popular motivational speakers in the United States. It took years of fierce determination to overcome obstacles and criticisms, yet Rudy achieved his first dream – to attend Notre Dame and play football for the Fighting Irish. As fans cheered RU-DY, RU-DY, he sacked the quarterback in the last 27 seconds of the only play in the only game of his college football career. He is the only player in the school’s history to be carried off the field on his teammates’ shoulders.
In 1993, TRISTAR Productions immortalized his life story with the blockbuster film, RUDY. Written and produced by Angelo Pizzo and David Anspaugh, the award-winning team who brought us HOOSIERS, the critically acclaimed RUDY received “Two Thumbs Up” from Siskel and Ebert and continues to inspire millions worldwide.
Today, a highly sought after motivational speaker, Rudy entertains international corporate audiences with a unique, passionate, and heartfelt style of communicating. He reaches school children, university students, and professional athletes with the same enthusiasm, portraying the human spirit that comes from his personal experiences of adversity and triumph. His captivating personality and powerful message of “YES I CAN” stays with his audiences forever. Rudy’s opening remarks receive thunderous applause and standing ovations from audiences of 200 to 20,000 people who emotionally chant RU-DY, RU-DY!
Rudy has appeared on various high profile nationally televised talk shows and radio shows across the country, is featured in national magazine publications, and has been honored with the key to many cities in the United States with special proclamations for his inspiration, commitment, and human spirit. Rudy received an Honorary Doctorate Degree from Our Lady of Holy Cross College, the Distinguished American Award, A Proclamation from the Governor of Nevada granting an Official Rudy Award Day, was inducted into the Speakers Hall of Fame, and spoke at the White House during the presidencies of George W. Bush and Bill Clinton.
In addition to his motivational speaking, Rudy has co-authored several books, including: “RUDY’S INSIGHTS FOR WINNING IN LIFE”, “RUDY’S LESSONS FOR YOUNG CHAMPIONS, RUDY & FRIENDS”, “THE RUDY IN YOU”, and “RUDY: MY STORY”. ?He co-founded the RUDY FOUNDATION, whose mission is to strengthen communities by offering scholarships in education, sports, and the performing arts. The Rudy Foundation makes a positive impact by bringing people together. The Rudy Foundation develops and supports programs that positively impact the lives of children cognitively, emotionally, physically and spiritually. The RUDY AWARDS TM Program was created by the Rudy Ruettiger Foundation to recognize children who make an outstanding, exceptional effort to do their personal best everyday, overcome obstacles, set goals, stay on track to reach their Dreams and build the qualities of Character, Courage, Contribution, and Commitment into their lives everyday.
The RUDY AWARDS TM is about a child’s heart, will to change, and desire for self-improvement. Rudy has two awesome children; Jessica Noel Ruettiger and Daniel Joseph Ruettiger.
Testimonials
Ernie was perfect for our Elders Conference at Little River Casino Resort in Manistee, Michigan. We will definitely be using PDA again!
LITTLE RIVER BAND OF OTTAWA INDIANS
Our speaker was great and the crowd enjoyed her! She was very engaging. Thank you again PDA for the great list of suggestions!
MEDTRONIC
Everything went great! and our speaker was wonderful! Thank you so much for all your help PDA! Looking forward to the next one.
UNIVERSITY OF MISSOURI – KANSAS CITY
I hope that this message finds you well. We had a phenomenal time with Atsuko this past Thursday. We wanted to just let you know how amazing she was. All those that were in attendance thoroughly enjoyed her and had nothing but amazing things to say about her. Thank you for working with us to make sure this happened!
BAYLOR UNIVERSITY CAMPUS
We had a fantastic day with Inge! She was very engaging with all those that attended. Her personal stories about the holocaust were very special and we were moved that she was willing to share them with everyone. Thank you again, PDA for all your hard work and dedication to make this program such a success!
SALT LAKE COMMUNITY COLLEGE
Dear PDA Group, Thank you so much for your hard work in scheduling our speaker! From the moment we reached out to you the first time, you worked with us on all details and logistics and kept us up-to-date on the progress. Thank you for all your hard work on making our event such a success! We couldn't have done it without you and your team!
SAP COMPANY
Thank you again, Dr. Kimbrough, for a great presentation, our attendees are still talking about it!
CAMPUS LABS
Dr. Henry Lee's presentation was entertaining, insightful and wise. I, and everyone at Pfizer, especially appreciate the remarks you directed about following your passion and preparing yourself to excel. Thank you, everyone, at PDA for helping to make this happen!
PFIZER
The event was successful! I received many messages expressing how awesome, outstanding and inspiring Ms. Webb-Christburg's speech was."
DR. MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR. MEMORIAL BREAKFAST, BOSTON, MLK SPEAKER
Everything went well. Atsuko was very easy to work with and the students enjoyed her performance! Thank you again for your recommendation and I hope to work with you again in the future!
CENTRAL MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Dr. Novello left this morning after a very successful event on our campus! Thank you PDA Group for your help from the first phone to the last you were with us every step of the way.
GRAND VALLEY STATE UNIVERSITY
Jordan Carlos was very very entertaining! A majority of students who answered the event survey indicated they really enjoyed Jordan and definitely will bring him back!
WESTERN CAROLINA UNIVERSITY
On behalf of myself and my organization Entertainment Unlimited the Campus Programming Board of Ferris State University, we thank you PDA and Dan for a successful event!! Dan was magnificent! Students really enjoyed the presentation. I know I did. Can't wait to bring in more programs with PDA Group.
FERRIS STATE UNIVERSITY
It was a great pleasure to work with PDA Group! The communication was always prompt, friendly and helpful. We loved the speakers and events we booked through Mr. Peter Walker (PDA Group).
WESTERN MICHIGAN UNIVERSITY
Thank you, Peter, for all your help, you'll be happy to know that the event went incredibly well! Aneesa Ferreira was by far one of the best speakers we've ever had!
FURMAN UNIVERSITY
Topics
Corporate Program
Rudy will come to your organization and give his motivational presentation. Rudy’s message of overcoming obstacles and staying on track to reach your dreams will inspire your audience and bring them to their feet! Rudy’s presentation includes a video production that touches the spirit and impacts the audience with an overwhelming “Yes I can” attitude.
Positioning Yourself for Greatness
Don’t tell people where you’re at, tell them where you’re going, Ruettiger said.
Success isn’t always about the stuff we get or what we achieve. It’s about creating an environment where you can become your best. That’s why Rudy Ruettiger resonates with us… I think most of us are like Rudy. It’s about us aiming for our dreams.
University Program
Rudy will come to your college or university and give his motivational presentation to the students. His message of overcoming obstacles and staying on track to reach your Dreams will inspire your audience and bring them to their feet! Rudy’s presentation includes a video production that touches the spirit and impacts the students with an overwhelming “Yes I Can” attitude.
To add a special touch to your event and keep Rudy’s message alive in your group, Rudy will be available immediately following the event to meet and greet the audience and offer his books and tapes to your group along with a personalized autograph on any item purchased. You can choose Option 1 or 2. Option 1: The college or university may purchase any of Rudy’s product in advance at a discount, and may either use it as a give-a-way or as a fundraiser to sell at retail after the event. Option 2: Rudy will have his product available for sale after the event at no expense to the client. All proceeds from product sales goes to the Rudy Foundation for children.
Education Program
Rudy will come to your school and do an assembly with a video presentation. After the assembly he will visit with (2) selected small groups to interact with students and teachers one on one. The small groups may include: sports teams, teachers, or a selected group of individuals who have worked hard to earn special time with Rudy. All of the activities with Rudy must take place on the school property and must be within the scheduled school day. All activities must be approved in writing by Rudy International.
Corporate Training Program
The Rudy Corporate Training Program was established for organizations who want a follow-up program to Rudy’s Motivational Keynote Presentation. Rudy kicks off the RUDY Corporate Training Program with an inspirational, uplifting, Motivational Key note presentation accompanied by a video production. Then our Rudy Corporate Trainer will show your group how to implement Rudy’s message into their lives everyday, work together as a team, accomplish their goals, overcome obstacles, and get the results needed to take your company to the next level. Rudy International has a team of RUDY Corporate Trainers. Our staff will obtain a detailed company profile on your company in order to recommend the RUDY corporate trainer that would best fit the needs of your group. Then our staff will schedule a conference call between you and your Rudy Corporate Trainer to outline your custom made corporate training program. This program will give your team something to look forward to everyday and a reason to make things happen!
Videos
Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger Speaker
Daniel "Rudy" Ruettiger: Heart of the Game
News
Testimonials
In spite of many obstacles, Rudy has become a huge success. His personal motivation, perseverance and determination were major factors in his significant accomplishments. I witnessed his resolve firsthand as his college football coach.
Mr. Ara - Coach
Rudy gave a presentation to the Lakewood Police Department and the West Metro Fire Protection District. With his charismatic and down-to-earth style, Rudy has given many the motivation they need to try again, to believe, to succeed.
Mr. Gary - Chief of Police
Rudy has impacted millions of American lives by being an example of perseverance, determination, and diligence. He is a man that has shown strength of heart and amazing spirit in times that are not always kind.
Gov. Kenny - Governor
Rudy’s presentation was a huge hit and helped make Monster.com’s Global Sales Conference a booming success!
Jocelyn Talbot, Sr. VP
From the start we were impressed – from our first call to your office to the last goodbye with Rudy. We appreciate all the attention to detail, his rapport with the students and parents, but especially we appreciate his message.
Colleen Welsh, Principal
Wow! This is what our members are still saying three weeks after your appearance. Your presentation at the North Carolina Auto Dealers Annual Convention last month in Asheville, North Carolina was truly inspirational. Thank you for your part in making our convention such a great success.
Robert J. Glaser, Executive Vice President, North Carolina Automobile Dealers Association
I want to express my appreciation for the incredible presentation you gave to the Business Development department at the United Parcel Service. The likelihood of a repeat performance to other areas of our company has greatly increased because of the positive outcome. The investment in our people was well worth the monetary cost to UPS. It was great to hear the comments from our management team about how positively you affected their feelings about doing their personal best in their job as well as in their daily life.
Carla Atencio, United Parcel Service
Just a note to let you know how pleased I am with your presentation to our group in Hawaii. You exceeded all of my expectations and based on the comments I have heard from our group you exceeded theirs as well. Our people really enjoyed your message and appreciated the opportunity to meet you after the presentation.
Terry Carstens, Physicians Mutual Insurance Company
Thank you for speaking at our Region One Annual Lenders Meeting. Many, many of our lenders and other guests have been calling me or writing notes to let us know how much they enjoyed your presentation. Some stated how they have already put some of your ideas to work in their lives. We will also be placing a rather large order for additional books. The requests are still flowing in.
Daniel J. Mekemson, First Vice President, Firstar Home Mortgage Corporation
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