When he enters a room, people notice.

It's not because he's loud or rambunctious.

It's not because he is wearing bright colors or light is emitting from him.

Eugene Stacy, a senior at Sacred Heart, often draws stares because he is in a wheelchair; but that doesn't bother him.

"If I'm looked at different because of my wheelchair, I can't see it anyway," said Stacy who is legally blind.

Stacy is a prime example of someone who has challenged and overcome those social barriers.

"I don't allow myself to dwell on those things I cannot do, but instead think about only those things I am able to accomplish," said Stacy.

Stacy has cerebral palsy. According to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders, cerebral palsy refers to a neurological disorder that appears during infancy or early childhood, which permanently affects body movement and muscle coordination.

It is caused by abnormalities in parts of the brain that control muscle movements. There is currently no cure.

But that's not the worst of it, explained Stacy, who said that his biggest obstacle isn't his physical disability, but his blindness.

Despite everything, Stacy has not allowed his disabilities to limit him at all. Since he came to Sacred Heart in 2000, Stacy has held a two-hour block on WHRT, the in-house student run radio station.

Stacy is an English major with a minor in music.

"The dedication he shows to his studies puts most of us - students and teachers - to shame. Nothing seems to get him down or discourage him," said one of Stacy's professors, Dr. David Curtis.

"I'm rich for having known him."

Stacy currently works for the American Red Cross and plans to continue working with them after he graduates this spring.

He is also currently writing a mystery novel entitled "All That Jazz" which he hopes to someday have published.

But like most college students, Stacy enjoys his time off from school and work.

"I love to read, listen to music, write, talk to my friends," he said.

And when it comes to friends, Stacy has tons, said his sister, Jenna Stacy.

"Gene's best quality is his outgoing personality. He will go up to anyone, anywhere, and talk to them. Because of that, he has a plethora of friends."

Jenna Stacy is certainly right about that.

"I met Gene in the Mahogany Room where he had just come up to say 'hi.' That was the beginning of an ongoing friendship," said sophomore Ali Bredehorst.

Stacy's extroverted personality doesn't stop there.

He is also good friends with Steve Tyrell, a world renowned jazz musician and producer. Tyrell and Stacy keep in close touch through email. Stacy said that Tyrell respects his opinions on matters of musical substance and that his friendship has made him "feel important" and as though he has a lot to give.

Stacy also identified Tyrell as the person who has had the biggest influence on him in life and served as a hero-like figure to him.

Despite all of the physical challenges that Stacy is presented with on a daily basis, he still manages to maintain a positive outlook on life and he certainly hasn't let his disabilities interfere with his dreams. Regardless of himself and his problems, Stacy is always looking to help others.

"He is always willing to help me with any problem that I may have. He puts everyone before himself," said Bredehorst.

Not only does Stacy put others first, but he also refuses to be held back by his disabilities.

Jenna Stacy said, "Gene doesn't let anyone get him down. He takes negativity and fuels it towards bettering himself."

No matter what, he will succeed.