Inspirational, encouraging, motivational and passion-driven are words to describe the fall season of speakers for the fifth anniversary season of “United We Can” luncheons and events series.

Five years ago, the luncheon series kicked off its inaugural season with then Penn State Women’s Basketball Coach Coquese Washington.

Since then, the luncheons have hosted such speakers as NASA Administrator Jim Morhard, Two-Time Olympic Gold Medalist Michelle Duncan, MMA wrestler Charlie Brenneman, The Voice’s Jimmy Mowery, Shark Tank’s Lani Lazzari, The Biggest Loser Erin Willet, Former Penn State Men’s Basketball Coach Pat Chambers, Miss Pennsylvania Meghan Sinisi, State Rep. Lou Schmitt and the mother of the youngest passenger on Flight 93 Debra Borgza among others.

The luncheon began as a result of founder Sue Griep seeing a need to invigorate others to pursue their dreams and to hear powerful stories of struggles and joys in people’s journeys to success.

“Our speakers are people who never gave up on their dreams,” Griep said. “They share the good, bad and ugly of their life story, and thus they ignite a fire in us to keep pushing forward. I think we all need that extra push and belief in ourselves that we can teach our dreams.”

Griep said the luncheons are making a difference for local students and community members. One student had no goals at the beginning of last season and by the end had enrolled in art school. There are attendees that have decided to take pilot lessons, ballroom dancing classes, and ice skating lessons. “It is exciting to see people pursuing their dreams.”

The fifth anniversary season kicks off Sept. 27 with Rocco Scalzi, founder of the “Beating the Odds” Foundation located

in Hollidaysburg.

He will share his personal story of how he overcame adversity in his own life to create his foundation to help others.

On Oct. 6, Tom McConnell, who recently retired as head coach of the women’s basketball team at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, will take the stage.

McConnell also has roots locally, having coached at Bishop Guilfoyle Catholic High School, Altoona, and Saint Francis University, Loretto.

McConnell, who coached for approximately 40 seasons, will share what the players taught him throughout the years.

Closing out the fall season will be Michael DelGrosso of DelGrosso Foods. While many are familiar with the sauce, the park and his family, he will walk through his family story of how and why it all began, and what’s to come.

The presentations are open to the public.

Reservations must be made by emailing suegriep17@hotmail.com no later than a week in advance of the date of the speaker.

Cost is $11 per person for lunch and speaker. Luncheons are noon to 1:30 p.m. at The Casino at Lakemont.

Luncheon partners include Saint Francis University, Tyrone Events and Promotions, Penn Highlands Community College, Indiana University of Pennsylvania and The Casino at Lakemont.

For more information, email suegriep17@hotmail.com.