Normita Fenn’s speech at Volunteer Award, GGU Alumni Awards Luncheon, Wednesday, October 18, 2006
Thank you, Bob, and thank you, Mr. Burr, for the kind words. This is indeed a great day for GGU alums! Let us give Golden Gate University a big round of applause! Thank you!
Much has been said about my long history with GGU, from the time I came to Golden Gate College as a young foreign student in 1963, then in 1980 to pursue my MBA. I am delighted to herald my experience of those wonderful times, but we are here today with our family, friends and colleagues to celebrate and congratulate the momentous achievements of our fellow recipients. Let us give them a big round of applause.
With a great sense of humility, I would like to thank Golden Gate University for this recognition. I am humbled to be in the company of such a prestigious group of recipients. From one alum to another, I share this honor with you, with fellow alumni in Hawaii who have been affected by the earthquake, with all the dedicated past board members of the GGU Alumni Association, for paving the way toward a meaningful mission; with the board members and student association leaders who served with me in sharing a common thread of commitment; and to the seating alumni board members, led by Jim O’Neill, that you be inspired by the goals and aspirations of this institution. I will be remiss if I don’t mention one individual who guides the alumni board’s activities, and that is Lenore Junker, associate director of alumni services. Thank you, Lenore!
The past few years have been quite uplifting and rewarding. This involvement with Golden Gate University has truly brought to light the essence of volunteerism – along the hallways, in the elevators, and on the streets, students and staff waived and smiled to express their gratitude for every bit of service we gave. Every call we made, every note we wrote, were done with fervent hopes that they will make a difference in the lives of the students and the community we live in.
I encourage you, my fellow alumni and students, to stay in touch, to stay engaged, to be there when GGU calls or writes, as we are all part of what this institution is all about:
to educate, to build a better tomorrow for the students and the community, and to have a place to go to when we need to re-energize ourselves in this rapidly changing world.
My best wishes to all of you, until we meet again!