In December of 2008, when I announced my plans to retire from Cox Communications the following June 30th, everyone began congratulating me on a great career, and wishing me the very best in the future.  The well wishers were in abundance — in numbers and intensity that were quite overwhelming, in fact.  All expressed sadness and jealousy at seeing me “go” and couldn’t believe that I would or could actually exit an industry with which I had been associated for over 28 years!  After all, they would say, “You’re WAY too young”.

As it got closer to June 30th, and the reality of my retirement loomed, the themes behind the “well wishing” began to shift a little bit.  I received a number of inquiries to consider being on Boards of Directors or Technical Advisory Boards, or to provide advice and counsel to early stage companies and entrepreneurs and their executives, or to possibly consult on specific projects that might be of interest.

Thank you…you know I’m always embarrassed by long, glowing introductions like that. Simply introducing me as MC Rosher’s uncle would have been quite sufficient — given all of her accolades and awards this year! And if I combine that with the fact that she has now confirmed me as a “friend” on FaceBook — my life is now perfect!

But seriously, I stand here today quite humbled by it all, and amazed, really, that Pacelli would ask me back to speak — after – ahem – all this time. Certainly there are MANY more-deserving alumni than I to be giving this speech today, so I’m pretty sure this is a case of “It’s not what you know, but who you know.” Because after all, it’s kind of tough to say NO to your niece. Especially when she’s the Valedictorian!

This is a test of my iPhone’s ability to easily post to my new blog. There will be a lot more testing before I decide to use it for really meaty topics.