NEW HAVEN – The Knights of Columbus is pleased to announce Matt Birk as the keynote speaker for the 53rd Annual College Councils Conference, in New Haven, Conn., taking place September 28-30, 2018.
Super Bowl Champion Matt Birk is a 15-year veteran of the National Football League and a devoted Catholic. Since retiring from football in 2013, Matt has held a number of roles inside the NFL League Office while launching a successful public speaking career. He is active in the Pro-Life movement, having spoken multiple times at the March for Life in Washington, DC. Following his Super Bowl win in 2013, Matt declined an invitation to the White House due to the administration’s strong support of Planned Parenthood.
A graduate of Harvard University with a degree in economics, Matt is the founder and CEO of Matt Birk and Company, LLC. He was the recipient of the 2011 Walter Payton NFL Man of the Year award for his excellence on and off the field. Matt’s charitable work includes establishing his H.I.K.E. Foundation for at-risk children, launching the “Ready, Set, Read!” program in Baltimore-area public schools, partnering with Scholastic to form “Read and Rise” to support the development of children’s literacy, and the upcoming 2019 launch of a new Catholic high school in an under-served area of Minnesota.
Matt parlays his diverse experiences culled from winning championships, creating partnerships, and educating others into a memorable message that connects with attendees and transforms audiences. He speaks to organizations across the country about the value of true inspiration, the genius of Catholicism, lasting leadership principles, the dynamics of teamwork, the importance of an active faith life, and fulfilling one’s potential. Clients such as 3M, Coca Cola, Catholic Schools Center of Excellence, Northwestern Mutual Life, Faith and Ale, and Walmart have benefited from the programs Matt has presented to their teams.
Matt is a member of the Knights of Columbus and serves on the Board of Directors of the Pro Football Hall of Fame’s Game for Life National Advisory Board, the Gridiron Greats Assistance Fund, the After the Impact Fund, and Wakota Pregnancy Center in West St. Paul. He is the author of All Pro Wisdom: The Seven Choices that Lead to Greatness, and resides in Mendota Heights, Minnesota. Matt and his wife, Adrianna, are members of St. Joseph Parish and the proud parents of eight children.
Held annually since 1966, the College Councils Conference brings college Knights together from across the country and around the world. Attendees participate in a dynamic program of inspiring speakers, networking opportunities and leadership training.
Started in 1910, the Knights of Columbus College Councils program has spread to over 370 college and university campuses across the world, including over 200 in North America. Last year alone, college knights made over $280,000 in charitable contributions, and donated over 411,000 hours of their time.
To learn more and register, visit kofc.org/collegeconference.
Please contact the
Knights of Columbus News Bureau
news@kofc.org, 475-255-0097