F irst, let us give thanks to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, because everyday we have the opportunity to enjoy the breath of life and the spirit of brotherhood and sisterhood; it is truly a blessed day. So who is Rod Adkins? Well, I am a grateful son, a devoted husband, a proud father, a dedicated profes- sional, a true friend and a loyal member of Kappa Alpha Psi ® . I bring you greetings. You know it is truly a blessing, whether by destiny or by fate, that I’m being recognized with the Laurel Wreath here in Orlando. It turns out that my special bond with this Fraternity began 38 years ago, here at Rollins College, just a few miles away. Don’t you just love being here in the Florida? Some of the brothers have heard me say this before, but the folks here are so gracious. A very pleasant looking young lady told me, “You look like new money.” Now I’ve dealt with money from over 70 countries around the world, in all forms…coins, paper, credit cards and electronic. I don’t know what you think new money looks like, but I’ve never seen new or even old money that didn’t look good. My time with you this evening does not permit me to thank everyone properly, because I trust that you know, you don’t become successful alone. Success is the combination of events that go your way and a collection of support from many people in your life. But I do want to make a few acknowledgements. I have a great Delta Sigma Theta lady who became my Kappa sweetheart 38 years ago. To my wife Michelle, thank you for being my best friend and my partner. We’ve gotten a pretty good ROI, return on our investments over the year. Especially creating derivatives, our sons who are two fine young Nupes.
To my sons and brothers, Rodney II and Ryan, thank you for giving Michelle and I some of the best times in our lives and a continued reason for enjoying life.
To my parents, what can I say? Thank you for who I am and for being a constant positive influence in my life from the day I arrived two months prematurely. As you can see, I’ve been impatient and moving fast even before I was born.
To my family and friends, thank you for dealing with me because I know I’m an acquired taste and I have multiple personalities, which most of them are charming. You have allowed me to be me.
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