Biography

Rich Ruffalo is a dynamic motivator, author, educator, and
internationally recognized athlete that inspires a wide range of
audiences everywhere, from children to adults and students to
business gurus. Ruffalo is a true role model for all ages.

At age 32, Ruffalo lost his eyesight but never lost his
“vision.” At the Walt Disney Company/McDonald’s American
Teacher Awards, Ruffalo was named both the Outstanding
Coach of the Year and the Outstanding Teacher of the Year of
1995. Vice President Al Gore presented the award to him on
nationwide television.

Ruffalo continues motivating every audience to a high level
of inspiration while speaking to Fortune 500 companies,
schools, and conventions. In 1994 he was selected as one of
five educators from the United States to be inducted into the
National Teachers Hall of Fame.

In addition, Ruffalo has won numerous honors and awards
for his athletic ability. He is the winner of four different world
titles in shot put, discus, javelin, and powerlifting. He has
earned 17 international gold medals, won 32 national titles, set
9 world and 15 national records, and has won 13 USA Track
and Field Master’s State Titles against sighted competitors.
In 1988, the United States Olympic Committee named
Ruffalo as the Disabled Athlete of the Year for athletic, civic,
and professional accomplishments. He is a three-time winner
of the coveted Governor’s Cup Award and winner of the Victor
Award, the Academy Award of Sports, as the nation’s most
inspirational athlete of 1989. In 1994, he was also inducted into
the National Italian American Sports Hall of Fame.

Ruffalo was named one of the ten Healthy American Fitness
Leaders by the U.S. Junior Chamber of Commerce, as well as
one of America’s “ Hometown Heroes” on the Children’s
Miracle Network Telethon. In addition, Ruffalo received an
honorary doctorate for his life’s work and was named “New
Jersey’s Teacher of the Year.” In September of 1998, he was
presented the Always Kids Hometown Heroes “Salute to
Excellence Award” presented on TNT by the Quaker Oats
Company as a role model for kids across the country.

Rich Ruffalo is an inspiration and a motivator for everyone.

The Seven P’s To Positively Enhance Performance (Based on Rich’s book by the same name)The 7P’s are the seven major components for achieving success.  This program provides the mirror for audiences  to look inside themselves through Rich’s life journey. Each “P” from every chapter may help them find the change to help weather the storms of life and find their personal finish lines whether in sports, business or life.

Tools For Success In Education And In The Classroom

Rich gives tips on how to maximize your academic potential to help you reach your personal finish line to become a life long learner and a life long earner.

Discovering The Champion Within

Through personal vignettes the audience will see themselves through Rich’s presentation and how the ingredients for being a champion and winner in life may be realized.

Turning Obstacles Into Opportunities

Challenges make champions and a champion under pressure, like coal, can become a diamond. Rich shares through his journey how your human potential is like buried treasure. It may rise to the surface with courage and it may be salvaged through faith and hard work.

Tools For Success In Sales and Business                                                                                                                                                                           

Rich shows the way to build bridges and relationships and how to connect with clients and colleagues by tapping your limitless potential and turning goals into expectations with tips that can be implemented to increase your sales, closures and your bottom line.

Thank you again for your willingness to serve as a Keynote Speak at the Honors Convocation for the School of Natural Sciences, Nursing, and Mathematics. To say that you were well-received would definitely be an understatement. “Absolutely superb!” “Inspirational!” I would go on and on with the comments expressed by many who were in the audience during your address. About a week after your visit, a student approached me as he was about to enter a lecture hall. After inquiring as to how we had learned about you, he proceeded to tell me how much your message had meant to him. He plans to become an Earth Science teacher and said your story about “one candle can light other candles” was so inspirational that he would always remember it. This is the kind of experience that clearly exerts a positive impact both inside and outside the classroom. Lourdes F. Prieto, Assistant to the Dean, Kean College

I am pleased to extend my congratulations as you are inducted into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. You are being honored for your outstanding contribution to this important effort. Your distinguished leadership and extraordinary service as an educator reflect your commitment to improving young lives. I commend you for your achievements in education and look forward to your continued service.-Bill Clinton, Former U.S. President

I am delighted to congratulate you upon your induction into the National Teachers Hall of Fame. Your accomplishments in and out of the classroom have made you an excellent choice for this prestigious award. As a biology teacher and coach at Belleville Senior High School, you have set standard of excellence and inspired many young minds. As Governor, I am proud to join your friends, family and colleagues in applauding your exemplary achievements, and in thanking you for a job well done.-Christina Todd Whitman, Former Governor, New Jersey