Thank you David for the kind introduction, also to Dean Banks and Jim Weeks for their
leadership at UNCG, Mary Ellen Boelhower, to the current administration, professors, students,
and alumni. Wow, what an honor to be a part of this group. A surprise for sure! Having attended
UNCG as an undergrad I thought the closest I would get to the Bryan school was by attending
the Kenilworth parties and Yum Yum’s often times in the same evening! In all seriousness
though I am lucky and proud to be associated with the University and the Bryan School. I am
going to need a few minutes to thank a lot of people - a guy like me needed a lot of support and
help to get to this point! I need to begin by recognizing Joseph Bryan and his family for all they
have done for the Business School, the University, and the city of Greensboro. I often think
about the individuals that were instrumental to me at a critical time in my life back in 1983 and
in some cases even today. It’s impossible to quantify the influence they have on the people they
encounter! As some of you know I like to try and quantify things! Actually, pretty much
everything. In fact I'm now 37 seconds behind in this speech. Chancellor Moran - the king of
quiet confidence and balance. A gift that has positively impacted so many. Vice Chancellor Jim
Allen - providing unconditional support and love to me and many others at critical age. To this
day over 30 years his influence continues to play a role in my life. Dr. Don Jud - I first met him
in 1984 and worked as an intern for him. His gentle yet demanding method to educate and his
mentoring in the world of economics and finance transformed my lukewarm interest in the
subject to a passion. Without him I am not sure if I would have found my way to the profession I
have enjoyed for three decades.....actually 27 years, 24 days, 7 hours and 27 minutes. But who’s
counting! Nelson Bobb - former AD for UNCG, had and still does this charisma and passion for
the athletic program, the University, and the student athletes that from my perspective was the
key ingredient to take a sleepy and mediocre program and transition it to competitive and
respected across the country. Without leadership, you should expect mediocrity. What a lesson
for young student athletes. My two coaches - Berticelli Parker and Coach Bert. They taught me
responsibility - when you point to blame remember there are 3 fingers pointing back at you.
Simple but often missing today. Coach Parker - excellence - I recall scoring a critical goal in
overtime in the NCAA playoffs and before I could inflate the ego further he tactfully and
lovingly brought me back to earth by saying - you are a forward you are expected to score. See,
I wasn't kidding when I said I needed a lot of help! As I look back at the important aspects of my
development, one of the things that stands out was the fortunate access I and other players had to
the local community. While it was initiated by the brilliance of Nelson Bobb to connect the
student athletes beyond games, to connect socially….Nelson was the Zuckerberg of the 80s! This
connection to local Greensboro families supported me in everyday life as well as providing
invaluable business advice that is not part of the business school curriculum at any school. I just
want to recognize two of them tonight: Darrel Brittsan and Wayne Welch. True friends and
mentors. Of course, I saved the best for last. My family - my wife and children - Gina, Matthew,
and Michael, my sister Donna, and brothers Paul & Michael. My Father - hard working,
sacrificing, honest, insightful yet simple and humble. The foundation which enabled us to
develop in to high quality people. We are lucky! I want to close my remarks by sharing a few
key points that I try to live by and believe are important ingredients, along with luck and great
mentors, to personal development. Passion - find what drives, excites, and motivates you to want
to be the best at it. Because you love it - you will excel! I am sure all of us know that but all of us
hit a wall that feels solid, but it’s really a facade, and that’s fear to fail. Do not avoid that wall,
look for it. Let’s call this..... Striving for excellence through failure - While I often see all the
wonderful traits in most people, this fear of failure is the most common that limits all of us. In
fact, it’s wired in us because we are human. When you hear from the fear of failure take Gina's
approach with me - Don't listen to it. Humility - We are so insignificant in this world and the
work we do is often trivial in the context of the human race. No reason to be arrogant. In
business, the evil twins are arrogance and ignorance. With arrogance comes ignorance. No
matter how you define success, do it with humility. It will allow you to continue to learn and
grow. Last but not least is Responsibility - that simple finger pointing illustration had a profound
impact on me. While simple and somewhat hokey, the freedom and control you gain be taking
responsibility is a powerful edge. Responsibility beyond comfortable accountability, expand it to
include uncomfortable accountability. Let me give you a simple example…..a 1991 running in
the rain example. I realized how this applied every day in life. Let me close with a very
important point most directed to the young people in the room. Without mentors, which I have
been blessed and lucky to have, the hurdles to develop and thrive are much higher. Early on or
maybe even later in your career, you will be faced with what you will think is an easy decision a career opportunity that pays very well and an opportunity (that you may not see at the time) to
take a risk to work for a great mentor and give up the big money. Take the mentor option if you
have confidence in yourself. The money will come and even if it doesn't, you likely have more
joy and fulfillment than you could even possibly think of at this early point in your career. Look
for and find mentors no matter what stage you are in your life! When I think of the people that
make UNCG what it is today, for me the mentoring and support make all the difference. Thank
you and good night!