UMD News Releases

The UMD Labovitz School of Business and Economics will host its ninth annual "Professor for a Day" event, April 22 at 9 a.m. in the UMD Weber Music Hall.

The featured speaker will be visionary entrepreneur and speaker David W. Anderson, founder of Famous Dave's of America the legendary BBQ franchise, with over 120 restaurants. Voted the "Hottest Restaurant Concept in America" by Nation's Restaurant News, Famous Dave's has received unprecedented recognition.

The event is free and the public is cordially invited to attend. Refreshments will be served prior to the event at 8:30 a.m. in the Weber lobby.

A highly sought-after key note speaker, Dave shares his heartfelt optimism, using his life story to share valuable insight and life lessons in dealing with today's fast changing and challenging world. He is an enthusiastic advocate of the American Dream, stressing that no matter how tough things may seem today, if you never give up your dream, and work hard, tomorrow's rewards will always come.

The title of his speech is "Think Big—Entrepreneurship and Leadership in Challenging Times".

Anderson has also helped found three publically traded companies on Wall Street and created over 20.000 new jobs. In his own life, he has experienced adversity, frustration and bankruptcy as well as tremendous success. His life story has been featured in two New York Times best selling books. He has served two presidents and three governors in advisory positions.

As a Native American, Dave devotes his life to making a difference in his community and in the lives of others less fortunate. Oprah Winfrey's Angel Network recently recognized his leadership development work with at-risk youth.