ERIE, Pennsylvania (May 6, 2025) –The Jefferson Educational Society brings one of the best of the region to the Global Summit series with Jim Kelly, a Professional Football Hall of Fame quarterback who spent his entire career as a Buffalo Bill. He led the Bills to an unprecedented four straight AFC championships during his 11 years in the National Football League. His biggest hurdles weren't always on the field, though. In “A Journey of Perseverance” Kelly will talk about his career from his time growing up in East Brady, Pennsylvania, to a career-threatening injury in college, along with his battles off the green. After his retirement, Kelly survived three battles of cancer and lost his son Hunter at the age of 8 to a rare nervous system disease. His tale of leadership and the power of faith, friends, family, and fans will take place at 7 p.m. Oct. 22. The location will be announced in the coming months. “Over the past few years, we have been encouraged by interest in sports-based events at the JES – from hosting famed college basketball coach John Calipari to broadcasting legend Stephen A. Smith at previous Global Summits,” said Dr. Ferki Ferati, president of the JES. “We are excited to continue these conversations – how sports influence our lives and shapes our culture – by welcoming Jim Kelly, whose accomplishments and lessons learned off the field are just as important as his days on the gridiron.” Tickets begin at $25 and are available on the think tank’s website, JESErie.org, by calling the JES at 814.459.8000, or visiting the Jefferson at 3207 State St. Like all JES events, the event is free to students with proof of enrollment upon registration. Early this year, the JES announced famed astrophysicist Neil deGrasse Tyson (Wednesday, Oct. 29) and New York Times best-selling author, four-time Emmy winner, and one of the nation’s most respected political analysts Larry Sabato (Friday, Nov. 14). Tickets for each of those events also remain available on the JES’s website, by calling 814.459.8000, or visiting the JES’s offices during hours of operation.
The Global Summit, which has garnered national attention for the world-class authors, researchers, reporters, and thinkers it brings to Erie, is hosted each year by the JES in cooperation with numerous major sponsors, including LECOM Health and Erie Insurance, among many others.
For more information, please contact:
Ben Speggen Vice President Jefferson Educational Society
814.459.8000
Speggen@JESErie.org
