Unstoppable: Lessons in Adaptability from Anthony Robles

Join us on October 29 for the Elizabeth A. Wentz Distinguished Lecture Series.

Graduate school is often described as a marathon, not a sprint, but at its heart, it’s also a test of adaptability. 

Every graduate student knows what it feels like to hit a wall. A future that feels uncertain, research setbacks, shifting career goals, financial pressures, or balancing personal and academic responsibilities. What sets graduate students apart isn’t avoiding obstacles, but adapting to them. 

That’s where Anthony Robles’ story begins. 

Born without a right leg, Anthony Robles defied expectations to become a three-time NCAA Champion at ASU and has since built a career as an analyst, speaker, and storyteller whose life has been brought to the screen in the film Unstoppable, starring Jharrel Jerome, Don Cheadle and Jennifer Lopez. His story embodies the power of adaptation; not only to survive challenges but to transform them into strengths.

Anthony joins us this year for the Graduate College’s Distinguished Lecture, “Being Unstoppable,” along with a panel of speakers.

Shawn Banzhaff, Executive Director of the Pat Tillman Veterans Center at ASU, and a Distinguished Lecture panelist, approaches adaptability through the lens of his military experience and his work supporting student veterans. For him, the lessons of service, resilience, and leadership translate directly into the graduate student journey.

“I always think of a statement from the Army’s NCO leadership handbook: ‘When change occurs on the battlefield, you have two choices: adapt and overcome, or become extinct.’ To some extent, that’s true on the battlefield of life as well. We must adapt to live well.”

He offers examples of challenges that he’s faced. “Throughout my own life, limitations have always been present, and I know graduate students see the same in theirs — whether it’s being first-generation, impoverished circumstances or navigating cultural differences. Those perceived limitations can actually fuel us to achieve more, to be better and to give the next generation a fighting chance. Anthony’s mom instilled that drive in him and he used it to set an example for all of us.”

He connects Anthony’s journey to graduate students and encourages them to attend the lecture to, “Capture the heart of a champion like those in the Robles family, and grow space in their own lives for unimaginable possibilities, because in each of us there is a champion.”

Cassandra Aska, Deputy Vice President of Educational Outreach and Student Services expressed excitement to co-facilitate this conversation, “For graduate students facing their own obstacles (academic or personal) Anthony’s journey offers valuable insight into resilience, creativity and self-belief. Attending this lecture is more than hearing an inspiring story; it’s an opportunity to gain perspective, ignite motivation, and strengthen the mindset needed for long-term success.”

Dean and Vice Provost of the Graduate College, Elizabeth Wentz, sums it up with her signature wit and humor. “Graduate school will test your patience, your persistence and occasionally your caffeine tolerance. But at its core, it’s about learning to pivot when the experiment fails, the data don’t cooperate, or the road takes an unexpected turn. That’s why Anthony Robles’ story resonates so deeply. It shows us the importance of being unstoppable when facing obstacles.”

Join us for an unforgettable conversation with Anthony Robles, along with panelist Shawn Banzhaf, moderated by Cassandra Aska.

Together, these voices will highlight what adaptability looks like in action — on the wrestling mat, in higher education and in life.

The event will take place at the Memorial Union on the Tempe campus on Wednesday, October 29, 2025. There will be a general reception with appetizers at 4:15 p.m. The lecture will begin at 5 p.m. and is free and open to all. Registration is required to reserve your seat.