As the calendar year comes to an end, gratitude has clearly become my theme for closing out 2019.
There are, of course, no perfect people, no perfect professions, and no perfect institutions. Such is the nature of everything that involves humans. But this gratitude essay (and video) is about my gratitude for higher education and for the University of Montana, in particular.
Below I’ve posted my 4 minute acceptance speech from this past spring, when I received the George M. Dennison Presidential Faculty Award. Because I wasn’t able to attend the ceremony, I did a short video-recorded thank-you talk. As it turned out, the talk felt very emotional to me, because I spoke about how higher education has changed my life (for the better!).
My higher education experiences included Mount Hood Community College (where I went to play football and baseball), Oregon State University (more football and some psychology), and the University of Montana (graduate school and personal transformations). The memories from these experiences are mostly fantastic. Here’s the video:
John Sommers-Flanagan 
Congratulations to you, sir! So very well deserved! It is an honor to have your wisdom & knowledge shaped me during my graduate studies for counseling. I enjoy everything I read and because you are phenomenal- I embrace it deeply- in the crevices of my being. You & Ms. Rita are truly amazing. As you stated- the words are small but the meaning is GIGANTIC— THANK YOU, IMMENSELY!
Hope to meet you one day! If ever you all are in Houston, TX for seminars, conferences or other, let me know! I’ll attend wherever you are.
Also- I’m takin CPCE very soon! Please send positive vibes and energy my way! Lol I graduate May 9, 2020. So excited!
#HigherEducation
Hi Michell. Thanks so much for your very kind message. Hearing that our work has had a positive influence on you and your professional development means a lot. For Rita and me, that’s the main point of writing. I’ll be in San Diego for ACA, but that’s the closest I’ll be to Houston for a while. Next time I get a gig in Texas, I’ll let you know. Congrats on your upcoming graduation. Well done! All my best to you.
Mr. John- that sounds great! I’ll remain faithful by following you & if you mention you all are in or closer to Texas, I’ll know then.
Thank you!
Many Blessings – Michell
No one could be more authentic and deserving. Way to go, John
Thanks Gary (aka Ospreypaddler). You’re always so darn supportive. I hope to see you this spring semester when I’m back in Missoula! All my best to you and Joyce. I hope your Christmas and New Year’s are awesome, just like the two of you. John
This is easily one of the most beautiful speeches I have ever heard, John. You are doing a fantastic job in your domain. I wish you all the very best in 2020. Merry Christmas and Happy New year 2020!
Hello Little Mermaid. Thanks for the very kind and positive feedback. I followed you back. I hope your Christmas and holiday are great too! Best, John SF
You’re welcome. Thanks for following back. See you around. X
John, I really appreciated the video clip. In my youth I too was shy, had identify issues, and didn’t even come close to having a voice. Doin’ better now on all three. Thanks for the video.
Hi Lew. Thanks for watching. It’s funny and sometimes nice that we change and grow over the years. I’m happy to hear that you also found your voice. Happy Sunday! John
Nice to be honored by UM, your recognition is well deserved! Your legacy building a highly respected graduate counseling program, helping to produce some fine graduates, some of whom became my co-workers, and fellow manager speaks of excellence! Fine work, but save some time for golf!
Thanks Mike! I’ll be around more this spring and so maybe we can hit the links together. I would enjoy that very much. Hope the holiday is going well for you and your family.
Hi JOHNNY, Very nice, You should be proud. You’ve worked hard. And what’s clear to me is most people don’t know you for your accomplishments, they know you as a really nice man. Hope to see you around Ric Mcleod
Hey, thanks Ricky!! I very much appreciate you and all you’ve done for young people and angry people in Missoula. And I not just saying that because I’m a nice guy, although I appreciate you saying that too. Have a great weekend.