To my fellow University of Arkansas Black Alumni Society (BAS) old, new and future members, greetings!  “How ‘bout them Hogs?”

First of all, I want to extend a belated, but non-diminished greetings of “THANKS” to all my fellow alumni veterans; Soldiers, Sailors, Airmen, Marines and Coasties! Thanks for your enduring efforts in sustaining the liberties we all enjoy in this and all of the other great United States of America!

As we are quickly approaching the Thanksgiving holiday, I am reminded of one of the least thought of blessings I’ve received.  Although clearly demonstrated every day, in every aspect of and interaction in our lives, it is most commonly overlooked and/or downplayed.  That powerful attribute is one’s innate ability to influence others.  And we all influence others, in some way or another, intentionally or not.  Never was this more evident in my own life than about almost 20 years ago.  In May 1990, I had the opportunity to serve as the keynote speaker for the Altheimer High School Academic Awards Banquet.  As a Red Devil alumnus, I recall telling the students that night that “If I could ever help them in any way, I would consider it a personal insult if they failed to ask.”  About two years later, I received a telephone call at home in Augusta, GA from a young man who was in the audience that night.  He was then a student at Morehouse College in Atlanta and reminded me of my remarks.  He was interested in a career in medicine.  Living up to my word, I invited over and he accepted the offer.  He stayed with me for two days while  shadowing me in the Medical Intensive Care Unit.  Today, he is a physician, practicing radiology in a neighboring state.  Just as I played an influential role in his life and career choice, each and every one of us have been inherently endowed with the power of influence. Instead of overlooking or downplaying your power to influence others, I ask that you use that power of influence, which lies within you, exert it positively upon our students of color at your alma mater, the great U of A.

During this Thanksgiving season and daily, I humbly ask that each of us remember to be thankful for the power of influence and demonstrate that thankfulness by paying it back and getting a head start on paying it forward.  I can’t think of a better way than to “Think Back, Look Back, Come Back and Give Back” to those who deserve, need and will appreciate your verbal, physical and fiscal support.  Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you!

A Luta Continuum,

Bobby W. Jones, M.D.

President, UofA Black Alumni Society