BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) - Daredevil Nik Wallenda's latest stunt is sure to generate a buzz over the new D'Youville College's Health Professions HUB.
The stunt, which takes place Thursday at 3:30 p.m., will see Wallenda walk on a 5/8 inch wire that's hanging five stories from the ground. He'll begin at the Montante Library building and walk 320 feet across West Avenue to the top of the HUB building.
"We had a moonshot and we said what if we reach for the top and reach for someone who can draw the community to us so we can present this community asset out to the people that will be using it," Lorrie Clemo, D'Youville College President told WBEN. "We could think of no better person than Nik Wallenda who is known in Western New York, that is respected, and could bring in the community so that they could not only see him and this historic walk, but could be a part for this milestone moment for the college as well."
The Pharmacy at D'Youville Health Professions HUB. June 16, 2021WBEN/Mike Baggerman
Wallenda previously walked on a high wire over Niagara Falls on June 15, 2012. His wife, Erendira, also made history with her own stunt on Niagara Falls where she hung by her teeth from a helicopter in 2017. The duo have performed for years and include walks on the Grand Canyon, Chicago River, Times Square, a volcano in Nicaragua, and other well-known areas across the world.
The HUB will allow D'Youville to offer health care services to the Western New York community, particularly around Buffalo's West Side where they are located. They are partnered with Catholic Health for the endeavor. Students at the college will also get an opportunity to have a hands-on learning experience.
"We think Nik Wallenda is really symbolic of what we represent in this hub because of what he is," Clemo said. "He's a person that is brave. He is fearless. He raises all of our aspirations and takes things to new heights. We think that's exactly what this hub is going to be for our community: New technologies, new opportunities and access for people to get health care as well."
D'Youville's HUB includes a health care clinic and a pharmacy directly across the hall. There is also a kitchen which can help people with dietary and nutritional issues learn different methods of cooking to improve their health. There is also a fitness center which can offer physical therapy for people of all ages.
The HUB's Grand Opening ceremony takes place 30 minutes before Wallenda's walk. Clemo said anyone who wants to view the walk to get there early. Campus parking lots will be available. Those walking to the event can access it by walking on Connecticut street. Wallenda told WBEN that those who come out to the walk can get a copy of his new book: "Facing Fear: Step Out in Faith and Rise Above What's Holding You Back".
"I'm just excited to be back out there," Wallenda told WBEN last week.
Tune in to WBEN on Thursday as we will carry a live stream of the Wallenda walk. You can also follow along on WBEN's Facebook page.
