Name: Penny Stamps Series: Shane Ward
Start: 2026-10-15
End: 2026-10-15

The [Ann Arbor Sports Commission](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/ "Ann Arbor Sports Commission") works diligently to improve the quality of life through sports for all of Washtenaw County. The [Ann Arbor area](https://www.annarbor.org/ "Ann Arbor area") attracts both sports enthusiasts and participants alike. Thanks to its [easy accessibility](https://www.annarbor.org/plan/getting-here-getting-around/ "easy accessibility"), [wide range of facilities](https://www.annarbor.org/sports-commission/facilities-venues/ "wide range of facilities") available and variety of [dining](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "dining") & [entertainment](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/ "entertainment") options, the Ann Arbor area is a favorite of sporting event organizations. The area has a rich sporting culture seeding in the history of two Division 1 athletic programs ([University of Michigan](https://www.annarbor.org/university-of-michigan/ "University of Michigan") and Eastern Michigan University) and several other small institutions. The Ann Arbor Sports was formed to attract amateur sporting events to the Ann Arbor region by assisting organizers every step of the way.

Ann Arbor is a dynamic mix of energy and charm—a bustling university town, a [foodie’s paradise](https://www.annarbor.org/foodanddrink/ "foodie's paradise"), and a cutting-edge tech hub, all wrapped in a [walkable downtown](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/downtown/ "walkable downtown") bursting with [world-class arts and culture](https://www.annarbor.org/things-to-do/arts-culture/ "world-class arts and culture"). Located in Michigan’s southeast Lower Peninsula, Ann Arbor is the heartbeat of a vibrant network of [communities across Washtenaw County](https://www.annarbor.org/surrounding-destinations/ "communities across Washtenaw County"). With its creative spirit, diverse flavors, and unique neighborhoods, Ann Arbor shines as a exciting oasis.

Ann Arbor Sports Commission

**Penny Stamps Speaker Series**

Free and open to the public. Seating is on a first-come, first-serve basis  
  
Raised on Detroit’s west side as one of seven children, **Shane Ward’s** path to global design leadership was anything but conventional. A full academic scholarship to the University of Michigan opened doors that introduced him to the transformative power of imagination, creativity, and design. What began as a passion for drawing, storytelling, and community evolved into a career spanning more than three decades in the footwear industry, ultimately leading to design leadership roles with some of the world’s most influential brands.  
  
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Ward began his career with Adidas in Portland, Oregon, where he also developed a lifelong appreciation for the outdoors. Over the years, he has designed footwear for brands including Puma, Converse, Keen/?Fila, Rockport, and G.H. Bass.

Penny Stamps Series: Shane Ward

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