U of M’s influence:

“The degree I received from the U of M allowed me to advance in my career. The education I received helped me to understand life and what was going on around me after I graduated.”

U of M pride:

“I have lived and traveled all over the world. In my travels, when people learn I am from Memphis they will ask questions about the U of M. I am often surprised that so many people around the world actually know and have information about the U of M.”

Giving back to the Memphis community:

“My unique position of being an Iraq kidnap survivor has allowed me to speak to several groups in the Memphis area. One special event that sticks in my mind is when I was asked to speak to the basketball team in the middle of the 2009-10 season. I was happy to do that and I hope the players were able to understand a little better about adversity and overcoming the negative factors we all face every day.”