A Few Words (As Prepared)

 After the incredible emotions of the Alumknight awards reception, I spent some time reflecting on the evening. As I mentioned, my wonderful mentor Doc Morgan’s introduction was so heartfelt that it nearly brought me to tears—and he even used an anecdote I was planning to share! I had to rewrite my own remarks on the fly, but I wanted to post the words I had originally intended to say.

Here’s what I had planned:

Wow, I am humbled by this recognition! Thank you Dean Maggy, but I have to ask are you sure you have the right guy? I am really honored to be named in the same group as the esteemed recipients who have walked across the dais this evening.

Well, I had some words to say, but I have to rethink my comments, because Doc Morgan shared the anecdote that I have written here. So, let me start with Maggie Leclaire.

Throughout my academic career, Maggie helped me (and SO many others) in SO many ways. But the one that is most important to me was helping me navigate the labyrinthine bureaucracy that was UCF in the ‘80s. She was pivotal in helping me get my degree awarded and made possible the transition from Student to Contributing member of society.

Doc’s advice not to drop my studies in Computer Science entirely was downright prescient for the early ‘80s! Back then computers were glorified adding machines and were huge; today most of us carry around a computer in our pocket more powerful than the ones that were on campus at the time. I have made a very nice career off that piece of advice and now work designing the software systems that run the computers Doctor Morgan predicted.

This is why I support UCF; because I believe in the transformative power of education and mentorship. I urge my fellow alums to join me in actively supporting our alma mater, so that future generations can also benefit from the guidance we received at UCF. As we did before them, let us enable generations of the future to stand on the shoulders of giants and reach for the stars.

So, again, thank you for this incredible Honor! And in closing let me just say: “Black and Gold forever!” And “Go Knights!”

Wherever you are today, I hope you find the right words for the big moments.

Don Bergquist – 13 March 2024 – Orlando, Florida, USA