Maryville University will host senior correspondent and sports business reporter for ESPN Darren Rovell on Thursday, Oct. 20 in the Auditorium.

Marc Schreiber of the St. Louis Sports Commission will moderate the event, which begins with a reception at 5 p.m., followed by the 5:30 p.m. presentation.

Rovell is the author of two books, including First in Thirst, exploring the history of Gatorade. It was named one of the best business books of the year by Soundview Summaries in 2005.

Rovell has spent the last 11 years at ESPN. Hired out of Northwestern University at the age of 22, he was one of the youngest on-air reporters in the company’s history. He worked there from 2000-2006 before leaving for a six-year period at CNBC.

As one of the most recognized reporters on social media, Rovell has amassed more than 1.5 million followers on Twitter.