This video honored Warren (Dusty) G. Rhodes who received an honoree Doctorate of Law during Spring Convocation held in the Alumni Memorial Gym on April 6, 2006. This video begins with Alan White providing an introduction speech on Warren (Dusty) G. Rhodes’ accomplishments. White stated that Rhodes attended Purdue University, University of Maryland, and Harvard Business School. Rhodes’ heart belongs to Elon University. Rhodes invested himself into his adopted institution and has taken pride in his contributions to Elon University. Rhodes liked to invest in something and watch it grow. His resume expanded from engineering to technology. Rhodes joined a start-up company called Cisco Systems, in 1988. He was one of original 17 employees; he had the opportunity to assist Cisco expand to the company it is in 2006. And within a decade of 1988, Cisco had 25 thousand employees and was a leading force in the technology market. Rhodes was charged with opening a Cisco office in the Raleigh area of North Carolina. He settled with his family near Elon College (known to them as the Alma Mater of their son, Larry and son-in-law, Mike Ford). Rhodes saw an opportunity to invest himself in another organization with great potential such as Elon. He and Peggy (Rhodes’ wife) became Elon supporters. The Rhodes, along with their children (Larry, Deborah, David, and Jennifer Ford) generously supported Elon at a critical moment in its history. White stated, the Rhodes were the most generous benefactors among the Elon donors. The Rhodes provided financial assistance to many Elon students through a variety of scholarships and privately assisted a number of international students. The Rhodes family donated a leadership gift for Elon’s first on-campus football stadium which bears their name (Rhodes Stadium). The Rhodes supported many other Elon building facilities, including: Belk Library, McMichael Science Center, and Koury Business Center. Rhodes anticipated the needs of Elon University. His most significant gift has been his gift of time. In 1997, Rhodes was elected to the Elon College Board of Trustees. Rhodes and his wife (Peggy) attended a lot of the campus cultural events. The Rhodes’ faithful support for Phoenix athletics was recognized with a Southern Conference Distinguished Service Award in 2004. Rhodes is a goodwill ambassador of Elon wherever he goes. General Colin Powell’s well known for his positive, optimistic, and is a force multiplier which grows out of the Army’s research to multiply its impact and effectiveness. Rhodes has the same beliefs as Powell. Rhodes stated it just makes us feel good to help people. Rhodes looked at the multiplier factor as touching one person and they can touch another. Lambert stated, Warren (Dusty) G. Rhodes by the virtual authority of the state of North Carolina and vested in me through the Board of Trustees of Elon University, I (Lambert) upon you (Rhodes) honor you with the Doctorate of Law which titles you to all the rights, privileges, and responsibilities. Nancy Harris placed the hood over Rhodes’ shoulders. Lambert shook Rhodes’ hand and presented Rhodes with a plaque. White shook Rhodes’ hand. Rhodes made a speech which included: to the honors students and students, this is your day; to the faculty, you turn classrooms into educational experiences. Faculty take a look around you and see the rewards of your endeavors, he continued. This is what education is all about, stated Rhodes. For those in the audience, this is what makes Elon University a great family because of the students, faculty, staff, parents, and supporters. He thanked Dr. White for his comments. Rhodes stated without White’s friendship and dedication to this institution, I (Rhodes) would not be here. White has led me (Rhodes) to know Elon University students, faculty, and staff. He explained to the audience, he cannot express what this honor meant to him and especially his family. Rhodes said to Powell: General Powell, if you were not aware five years ago on April 10, 2001, your former boss, former President George H.W. Bush was Elon’s Convocation speaker. Rhodes said, for many of us great relationships and friendships come later in life. Rhodes continued, for many of these students that I see sitting in Alumni Memorial Gym today (April 6, 2006), Elon University has come early and you will meet the world to become a notable leader by words or deeds – just as Colin Powell. For Rhodes he wanted to thank Peggy for over 54 years of marriage (in 2006), and his 4 children who were born in four different states and had seven changes in residences and homes. We have Larry and Scarlet and grandson, Dalton who keep us young at heart. Our daughter, Jennifer, married (Larry’s roommate) Mike Ford. My wife, children, and grandchildren are the people that keep me going. And having a family closer makes it easier. Rhodes thanked Dr. Lambert for his (Lambert’s) outstanding and continuing leadership at Elon University. Rhodes provided a tribute to the former president of Elon College, J. Fred Young. I (Rhodes) am extremely proud to represent Elon University and I hope I do it well. The Rhodes family was proud for the naming of the football stadium and other facilities; I want you to know we did not do these things to get our name in lights, stated Rhodes. We did this for these students who are here to get an educational experience now and for the future. May the students’ lives be enriched with their Elon experiences. Rhodes thanked the Honorable Colin Powell who came to Elon as the Spring Convocation speaker for sharing this podium on the most memorable occasion of Elon University in 2006. Rhodes thanked everyone for their friendship and dedication to Elon University. Rhodes received applause from the audience.