Tom Hanks will have a long-lasting impact on Motion Pictures program

Acclaimed actor, producer and director Tom Hanks visited Wright State University to dedicate the Tom Hanks Center for Motion Pictures, saying he hopes the center inspires students to do the hard work necessary to launch film careers.

“We have a very competitive program,” said Michaela Scholl, a senior motion pictures major. “I think Tom Hanks’ name will bring more students to the program.”

Nearly 2,000 students, faculty, staff and others turned out April 19 to see Hanks and witness the ribbon-cutting for the newly renovated center.

“I hope that this building spurs the students that come here — the freshmen that are here now and the freshmen that will be here in the next 20 years — I hope that it spurs them to working harder than they ever have in their lives,” said Hanks. “Because if you work the hardest you ever will in your life at the beginning of your career, the rest takes care of itself.”