News

Lee University will welcome Lee alumna and motivational speaker Lisa Manyata Olson to the chapel stage on Thursday, March 27, at 10:40 a.m. in the Conn Center.

Olson, founder of Manyata Ministries, will share the message of how God’s divine hand has been evident upon her life since being born without arms and legs in India. Soon after birth Olson was abandoned to die, brought to a hospital, and saved by a Christian doctor who placed her in a mission. At the mission, she was given the name Manyata, which means “acceptance.”

At the age of five, Olson was adopted by an American missionary woman in Carmel, N.Y., where she spent her childhood. During her high school years, she moved to Roswell, Ga., with her adoptive mother, and later attended Lee College where she earned her bachelor’s in communications (’96). After Lee, Olson earned a Master’s degree in Journalism, with an emphasis in Public Relations.

Olson was one of the first disabled students to attend and graduate from Lee. While at Lee, she helped to devise a campus accessibility plan. Olson also worked on the school’s yearbook and newspaper staffs, stage managed and helped produce a documentary video. During her senior year, she went on the Cambridge study abroad trip.

Olson received recognition on The National Dean’s List (‘95-96’) and Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges (‘97).

She cites being tapped as a “Little Sister” for Alpha Gamma Chi as her most special experience while at Lee.

Olson’s desire is to deliver God’s message of acceptance and love to the nations. She brings an inspirational message of hope and encourages her audience to meet their God-given purpose regardless of any life obstacles. Her ministry reaches churches, educational institutions, children’s organizations, disability organizations, medical professionals, adoption agencies, and more.

“The underlying themes of my life have been acceptance and overcoming obstacles,” said Olson. “The Lord has been so faithful and has truly blessed me.”
Chapel is designed for student worship, but the community is always welcome to attend.

The Lee University Conn Center is located on the corner of Parker and 11th streets.

For more information about chapel services at Lee, contact Campus Ministries at 423-614-8420.

For more information about Manyata Ministries, visit www.manyataministries.org. Olson can be followed on Facebook (at Lisa Olson – Manyata Ministries), Twitter, LinkedIn and Pinterest.