“Armless Archer” to Give 2026 Commencement Address for Rio
Rio proudly announces that Matt Stutzman, a 2024 Paralympic Gold Medalist and internationally renowned motivational speaker, will serve as the commencement speaker for the upcoming graduation ceremony.
Born in December 1982 without arms, Matt Stutzman’s life has been a testament to resilience, perseverance, and the power of determination. After being placed for adoption as an infant, Matt was welcomed into the home of Leon and Jean Stutzman in January 1984. With patience, compassion, and an unwavering belief in independence, the Stutzmans raised Matt with a simple but life‑changing philosophy: he was allowed to try almost anything, so long as he could do it on his own.
That mindset shaped Matt into an extraordinary individual who lives fully and independently without prosthetics or physical modifications. He completes everyday tasks, from grooming and writing to driving and car maintenance, entirely with his feet. What began as adapting to the world around him evolved into mastering it.
Matt’s journey into archery started with marksmanship, teaching himself to shoot a penny from 50 yards. He later took up the bow so he could hunt alongside his father, and the sport quickly transformed into a lifelong passion and ultimately a world‑class career. What others might view as a disadvantage; Matt considers an advantage. Shooting with his leg provides exceptional stability, while his patience and mental toughness have defined his success.
A member of Team USA’s Paralympic Archery Team, Matt earned a Silver Medal at the 2012 London Paralympic Games. At the Paris 2024 Paralympic Games, he defeated the top three ranked archers in single‑elimination competition and secured the Gold Medal, setting a Paralympic Games record with a near‑perfect score of 149 out of 150 in the final match.
Known worldwide as “The Armless Archer,” Stutzman’s story has been featured across global media and in the Netflix documentary “Rising Phoenix.” An accomplished public speaker, he engages audiences with humor, live demonstrations of his foot skills, and powerful messages about overcoming limits and redefining possibility.
Matt’s achievements include:
• 2024 Paralympic Gold Medalist
• 2022 ParaArchery World Champion
• 2017 U.S. National Target Champion (Able‑Bodied)
• Guinness World Record Holder — Longest Accurate Archery Shot (310 yards)
• 2012 Paralympic Silver Medalist
• Four‑time Paralympic USA Team Member
As commencement speaker, Stutzman will challenge graduates to embrace perseverance, pursue independence, and approach obstacles not as barriers, but as opportunities. His message aligns powerfully with the spirit of graduation and reminding students that limitations do not define potential, determination does.
University of Rio Grande and Rio Grande Community College’s Annual Commencement Ceremony will be held on Saturday, May 9 at 1 pm on the Campus Green. Learn more about commencement at rio.edu/commencement.