In less than 24 hours, an event featuring actor Penn Badgley doubled in size – surprising organizers at the UNM's Baha’i Association. 

Badgley is known for his break-out role in CW’s “Gossip Girl" and is currently starring in the Netflix Series, “You.” The event will be held Wednesday, Jan. 22 from 7 to 9 p.m., in the Student Union Building Ballrooms.

  • Organizers have already issued 600 tickets; 200 additonal students without tickets will be admitted with their Lobo ID on a first come, first served basis.

"We're excited to host Penn Badgley at the SUB," UNM Baha'i Association President, Stephen Morris, said. "He'll be focusing on what we're all about: Selfless service to society creates the possibility for both personal growth and enhancing capacity to contribute to social progress."

Titled “Service and Self-Discovery: An Evening with Penn Badgley,” the public will have the opportunity to enjoy a night of stories, questions and answers about his personal journey. Badgley will discuss how he balances life in the entertainment industry with a deep dedication to serving others and a guiding sense of purpose.

Badgley began acting at a relatively young age and has quickly built a name for himself. He began his Hollywood career on the TV show “Will & Grace” and over the years built his film resume with movies like “John Tucker Must Die” and “Easy A.” However, Badgley’s career really took off for his starring role as Dan Humphrey in the CW’s teen drama series “Gossip Girl.” In the series, Badgley portrayed a poor outsider, often nicknamed “Lonely Boy,” who is trying to navigate the social lives of the Manhattan elite. On the show, Badgley starred with Hollywood stars like Blake Lively and Leighton Meester.

More recently, Badgley has continued to make a name for himself through his starring role as Joe Goldberg in the Netflix thriller series “You.” In the series, Badgley plays a serial killer, stalker and former bookstore manager who has the tendency to develop toxic and delusional obsessions. The show also features stars like John Stamos and Elizabeth Lail. Badgley also is the lead singer of the indie band known as MOTHXR.

The event is intended for people aged 15 and up. Attendees are advised to park in the Cornell Parking Structure across from Popejoy Hall.

For more information, contact the UNM Baha’i Association at bahai@unm.edu.