The annual convention of the Rick Institute Alumni Association has over the years presented rich possibilities for connection with our family and friends. Perhaps, there is no event that commemorates such a large group of people who shared our childhood and adolescence experiences.

During this year’s convention, I searched to answers the question as to what forces, supports, shoulders, sacrifices, etc., have shaped the lives of those who journeyed the Path of our Alma Mata. The spiritual components of the convention spoke loudly as I’ve come to realize that the greatest rewards of one’s life can only be attributed to ones spiritual enlargements. And now, what can we give back for what was received?

The verse of the Ricks School Ode echoes at this point, “With God before us, success we are assured”. We have been blessed with the gifts of life, resources, time, etc. How do we measure the successes achieved to assure the sustainability of these successes? Are we willing to share our gifts, our time, efforts, to sustain others? The challenge is at hand. Now we must enrich the paths that we traveled to provide others with the opportunities we had.

Congratulations to the New York, New Jersey Chapter for such a wonderful convention. You are down in history. To the greater Washington Chapter, The challenge is ours. The real challenge is at hand... 300 plus days for our sponsorship. We can do it!

Until we meet again, Blessings and much love to my Ricks family and well wishers.