These are the prepared remarks I gave last night at the University of Montevallo’s National Alumni Assocation Award Banquet…
Let me begin by saying I am truly honored and humbled to be standing in front of you right now. I’d like to thank the University of Montevallo National Alumni Association for presenting me with this award. I look out into the crowd and see people who I look up to as role models and mentors, and I many of you I call friend.
Before I get to my prepared remarks, there are several people out in the crowd who I feel need special recognition and I want to say thanks. Without them and their support, I would not be standing in front of you today.
Jim Methvin. Jim, you’ve been a mentor and a friend. My only regret is I didn’t know you when I was in college. It sure would have made my life easier at times.
Dr. Susan Vaughn. Thank you for always supporting me, yet challenging me. It has meant more to me than you may ever know. For those of you who don’t know, Montevallo has the top undergraduate social work program in the state. It did when I was in school, and Dr. Hitchcock, Dr. Newell, and Jeannie Duke are continuing on that tradition.
Last but certainly not least, my family who is sitting right in front of me. I don’t have time to thank you enough for all the love, support, and guidance you have given me. They are an amazing support network and I would like to introduce them to you.
Ryan Matson. Ryan is my childhood best friend. My Montevallo story doesn’t begin if not for you. I’m so thankful that you got to choose Montevallo to continue your story.
Jason Booi. My big brother when I got to Montevallo. I’ve learned so much from you and your family. Five years from now we will look back at this moment and smile my friend.
Jamie Purvis. My older brother who has watched over me far more than I realize at times.
Dad, you’ve always been there when I’ve needed you and given timely advice. It is still very much appreciated.
Mom, you are a social worker at heart. You never gave up on me, even after the doctors and other “professionals” did when I was a child. You didn’t take no for an answer. Thank you.
The story I want to tell you today comes from my time as a student and advisor to my fraternity. One of the things required of a pledge was to get an interview from every member of the organization. One of the questions they had to ask is “What do I owe the fraternity?” My answer for over a decade was always the same.
Your time, your heart, and your dues. Your time because you are going to get out of this organization exactly what you put into it. Your heart because if you don’t give it your all, you are just wasting your time and mine. Your dues because where friendship is free, insurance is not.
I’ve taken this same philosophy when it comes to being an alumnus of Montevallo. I give my time, my heart, and my dues. I volunteer my time and help when and where I can. As for my heart, let’s just say I have no shame supporting Montevallo. I really do give it my all. The purple suit has been probably one of the worst kept secrets. Last, but not least, I pay my dues. I was afforded many opportunities to further my education at Montevallo by alumni who gave to the social work program so that I could attend conferences and network as an undergraduate. I feel fortunate that I am able to help afford students the same opportunity now.
I don’t have to tell anybody in this room what a special place Montevallo is. You all already know it. I know I’m speaking to the choir in here, but my challenge to you is ask yourself am I giving my time, my heart, and my dues to help further the mission and vision of Montevallo? By giving of these things you make students, professors, staff, and administrators lives a little bit easier.
In closing, I would like to thank you once again for honoring me with the Alumnus Loyalty Award. Thank you from the whole of my heart. Now may I live up to the honor that you have bestowed upon me…
Final Thoughts on a First Impression 
Awesome! What an honor!