On Saturday morning, walking across the quad with rain threatening the festivities of the day and as our most faithful tailgaters began to set up their tents, I encountered the father of one of our undergraduates.  The family is from out of state, but I see them regularly for events on campus.  We stood for a few minutes and surveyed the dampened surroundings.  It was a glum view for me, but the father had nothing but sunshine in his heart for Samford.  He spoke of his appreciation for the education his daughter is receiving, of the spirit that pervades the place, and even of the happiness of tailgating on the quad before football games—in spite of the rain.  For the thousandth time, I was reminded that others are grateful for what I too often take for granted.    

 The world is better because of the simple blessings of Samford.

 

 
Samford is a leading Christian university offering undergraduate programs grounded in the liberal arts with an array of nationally recognized graduate and professional schools. Founded in 1841, Samford is the 87th-oldest institution of higher learning in the United States. Samford enrolls 5,791 students from 49 states, Puerto Rico and 16 countries in its 10 academic schools: arts, arts and sciences, business, divinity, education, health professions, law, nursing, pharmacy and public health. Samford fields 17 athletic teams that compete in the tradition-rich Southern Conference and ranks 6th nationally for its Graduation Success Rate among all NCAA Division I schools.