No humility at all...me

[Tod]

I almost hesitate to post this, but I am kind of excited.

Based on a confluence of events (a chance meeting of my parents and a member of the institution's governing board, and the small success I have had in life, and the story of my tumor) I have been asked (and accepted) to give the December Commencement address at MSSU in Joplin, MO. My wife and I both graduated from there and my father retired from there.

It is very much an honor to do something like this. Even more so, at least in my mind, to be the one to speak at the first commencement following the massive tornado that hit the town in May (the day following the last commencement ceremony).

Yes, I am really excited about this.

Tod

[Kaybo]

CONGRATULATIONS TOD!!

What an incredible thing to be asked to do!!  So proud & excited for you!!

K   

[opp2]

That's wonderful. Congratulations!

[CHD63]

Yaaaaaay Tod!!  What an honor and a privilege all at the same time!  You will do an outstanding job!

Clarice

[dalern]

What an amazing opportunity and Honor!  Congratulations, way to go!!!!
~Dale

[ppearl214]

Tod!!!!!!!!!!  MAJOR congrats for such a distinguished honor! Someone needs to video and share with us so we can see you do such an honor! 

Phyl

[Tod]

Thanks everyone, I do appreciate it. I think I am kind of a silly choice, but maybe that's not a bad thing in that it will help me to work very hard to prepare.

I love Joplin, and I love my experiences at MSSU, both times I was there. It will be difficult to say enough without saying too much.

Thanks again,

Tod

PS - I should mention that my son, in his third year of college, had the following response:

What's commencement? Why you?

He never gives me a break. 

[Lynn Mc]

Congrats!!!  What an honor!!

[Brewers7]

So awesome!

[ksiwek]

So AWESOME!  Any chance we can catch it on YouTube?  Good luck!

[Seamar]

CONGRATULATIONS!  No one deserves this honor more than you!

[Cheryl R]

Good for you Tod, and it is an honor after what Joplin went thru with the tornado.     We had a lot of news about the storm since live in Iowa and even some local people who were there for a high school graduation, so thank heavens they were not in the house that was completely gone.  You will do well with your speech as you understand what starting life all over is like.
                                                       Cheryl R

[leapyrtwins]

Very cool news, Tod.

Congrats! 

Jan

[Jim Scott]

Tod ~

Congratulations on being asked to be the commencement speaker at MSSU in Joplin, Mo.  I'm confident that you'll overcome your trepidation and deliver a memorable, effective address to the graduates. 

By the way, in my opinion, humility is overrated. 

Jim

[Tod]

Thanks again everyone for your support, encouragement, and good words.  I am excited about this opportunity, but I don't think I am as excited as my sister and father.

Jim, I'm glad you think humility is overrated as it is something I have never mastered for any length of time. My ego tends to get in the way. I know who I am, far too well.

For those that have asked about recordings, I know it will be broadcast on the university's cable channel. Beyond that I don't know, but I suspect my sister will post it somewhere.

-Tod