I know about the custom of American colleges and universities recognizing long-serving presidents by naming buildings or other perishable things in their honor. It's like a "tip." The custom is a bit curious because presidents are paid handsomely for their work.
In my family, "tips" were "no, no's" as my sisters remember. We all worked in Dad's grocery store, and we were never allowed to accept tips, and I was the one who delivered groceries all over downtown Philadelphia often in rain or snow. Even though I never fully understood my father's reason, I thought something bad might happen if I did, so I didn't accept.
But the "tip" you generously offer today is big enough to really tempt me. It's been worth waiting for. As I think about it, though, I can see the development of irony, if not a full Greek tragedy.
Why? Because we coined the name "The Apollo of Temple" for a controversial project. We intended it as a temporary name, but our marketing was so successful that it stuck with the public.
The irony is that because of our success, the parent name "Liacouras" could be drowned out (or "slain") by its own offspring "The Apollo of Temple." If so, that'll teach me for disobeying my parents and accepting a "tip."
Members of the Board of Trustees, thank you sincerely. I accept this honor with humility and pride.
My pride is for all of our family and clan -- regardless of the name they happen to carry … whether father's Liacouras, mother's Lagakos, Ann's father's Myers, her Mother's Locke, our grandchildren's Marshall and Santamaria, and
My pride is for the countless families and clans who have accomplished much more than I and who will be honored in God's rolls -- even if their names are not placed on buildings or other perishable things.
Thank you.
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