My mind was still jumbled from the activities of the morning so I can’t remember his exact words, but the essence is easy to recall.  He began by saying that, of all the money he has ever spent, even with sending three children to three other universities, he didn’t think he had ever made a better investment than in the experiences his daughter received at Samford.  He spoke of the ways in which his daughter had grown, academically, emotionally and spiritually.  He praised the members of our faculty.  He spoke in glowing terms of our students.  I found myself carried away, as I always am, with the depth of gratitude that I also feel for Samford, as an employee, as the parent of a graduate and as a lifelong admirer for the timeless goals of education.     

The world is better because of Samford University, a unique, beautiful, flawed, aspiring, hopeful place.  Jeanna and I wish the happiest of Christmases for each of you.