TEN QUESTIONS WITH ONE PETREL

1. What is one thing that really makes your day?

What really makes my day is when my wife Maria and I hear from either (or both!) of our sons, Luke and Nicholas, on the phone. Luke is in graduate school in Virginia, and Nicholas is working in California, so a call from them, since they are both active and far away, is simply the best.

2. What do you value about the education you received at Oglethorpe?

The value of my Oglethorpe education has been immeasurable to me. Outside of my faith and my family, the two institutions that shaped me the most in life have been Oglethorpe and Chick-fil-A. My experiences at Oglethorpe helped me grow as an individual and as a leader. I left Oglethorpe with both a broadened perspective of the world and more confidence so that I could make my way in it.

3. What’s one item on your bucket list?

A big “bucket list” item for me is to make a visit with Maria to the Holy Land. We had a trip scheduled last year, but of course, the conflict in the Middle East meant we had to cancel it. We are looking forward to getting it back on our schedule.

4. Which Oglethorpe tradition is your favorite?

Boar’s Head is my favorite Oglethorpe tradition. It was special when I participated as a student and it is still special today whenever I am able to attend.

5. How have you seen alumni make an impact at Oglethorpe?

Alumni have made such a difference at Oglethorpe over the years. In my experience, I have been so grateful for alumni who have helped recruit future students, mentored current students, and supported other alumni. The offering of both time and resources to the University by alumni is a true “game changer.”

6. Cats, dogs or house plants?

We have had both dogs and cats as part of our family for a number of years and the joy that they bring lifts our spirits every day.

7. What does “Make a life. Make a living. Make a difference.” mean to you?

“Make a life. Make a living. Make a difference.” is more than a motto or theme for Oglethorpe. It is an expression of the DNA of the institution. When students fully engage in the life of the university, they will experience the richness of a full life, the preparation for a great career, and an opportunity to serve others with impact and influence.

8. What types of things would you like to see offered for future Petrels?

I would love to see every future Petrel have an alumni mentor whether it be through a formal program or an informal relationship. As alumni, we’ll never be able to give back to the university all that has given to us, but we can pay it forward by investing in the lives of others.

9. Who were a few of your favorite professors, and why?

I was so fortunate to have had amazing professors during my time at Oglethorpe. Professors Bilancio, Thomas, Key, Waldner, and Palmer were major influences on me in my study of History and Political Science, while Professors Brightman, Nishimura, Neujahr, Clark, Vardeman, and so many others influenced me outside my major. Dean Amerson also had a big influence on my time at the university. My professors were committed to student learning and to setting a high standard of excellence. The relationship that I had with my professors was a key part of my experience at Oglethorpe.

10. What advice would you give to alumni who want to get more involved?

My advice to other alumni who want to get more involved with Oglethorpe is to find an area of academic or campus life that you are passionate about and reach out to the staff, faculty, or other alumni in that part of the university and find out where you can make a difference. Bottom line, the best way to engage is by serving, supporting and giving back to the university.