Christopher Gardner, whose life story was portrayed in the recent film The Pursuit of Happyness, will speak at the Kent State Stark campus tonight at 7:30.

As the third speaker in the regional campus’ 2006-2007 Featured Speakers Series, Gardner will present to Kent State students, faculty and the general public.

The film, starring Will Smith, is based on Gardner’s memoir “The Pursuit of Happyness.” The book tells of the internship Gardner fought for in order to help pull himself and his young son out of homelessness in the 1980s.

Now a successful entrepreneur and businessman, Gardner is president and CEO of his own brokerage firm, Gardner Rich & Company Inc.

The free event will be held in the Kent State Stark Timken Great Hall.

– Kate Bigam