Spencer Duhm, the Lakeland native who appeared this year on "Survivor," will speak at the University of South Florida Polytechnic June 17 from 5:30 p.m. to 6:15 p.m. in the Lakeland Technology Building Auditorium.

Duhm will appear as part of the Pride 2009 celebration, sponsored by USFP's Pride Awareness Committee.  Timed to coincide with Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual and Transgender Pride Month, the event also features "Pupa," a photo show by Gregory Slimko, and "Contentedly Quirky," a one-man show by Jared O'Roark. Admission is free and the public is invited.

A graduate of Bartow's International Baccalaureate School, Duhm was the youngest competitor ever to appear on the CBS hit show. He was the fifth contestant voted off "Survivor: Tocantins - The Brazilian Highlands" in March. Duhm will relate his experience on "Survivor" to a universal message of surviving.   

Pride 2009 begins with a series of short films from 4:00 p.m. - 5:30 p.m. in the Lakeland Technology Building Auditorium. They are presented by Celebrating Life in Pictures (CLIPS), which puts on the annual International Gay and Lesbian Film Festival in Tampa. "Pupa" can be viewed from 4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. in the Lakeland Technology Building Art Gallery. "Contentedly Quirky" takes place in the same location from 6:15 p.m. - 7:15 p.m.

According to Susan Hurley, counseling specialist and Pride Awareness Committee chair, "The purpose of this event is to increase awareness and understanding for the campus and Polk County and to develop an inclusive environment for the campus where everyone feels welcome. Regardless of color of skin, religious beliefs, or sexual orientation, USF Polytechnic is a campus community which appreciates and supports all diversity."

USF Polytechnic is located at 3433 Winter Lake Rd., Lakeland. For more information contact Pride Awareness Committee member Sal Torres at (863) 667-7086 or storres@poly.usf.edu.