Hey Mom, I’m a Hall of Famer!
FULL SAIL
HALL OF FAME X
On May 23, 2019 I was humbly inducted into the 10th annual Hall of Fame Class
Each year six new graduates are chosen for the Hall of Fame. This honor serves as a tribute to the creative inspiration, technical brilliance, and determination of each inductee, their unyielding dedication to more than a decade of excellence in their professional career, and their heartfelt commitment to the students, faculty, staff, and graduates of Full Sail University. Hundreds of candidates are considered for selection. The individuals chosen for a given year's class are confirmed by a Full Sail committee of faculty, administrators, and past Hall of Fame inductees.
Full Sail has always been a special place. From the first time I stepped foot on campus more than 25 years ago, each time I go back to meet with the students and most recently during the Hall of Fame 10 Week. When on campus, I feel energized, clear-headed, and blessed that I have found my tribe. It's not just the industry standard technology or the incredibly unique decor that screams, "I'm not your typical college." Still, by the vibe, you get from being around so many industry icons, like-minded and creative-driven students, and a staff that makes everyone feel like family. Time disappears as I engage with the students during portfolio reviews, Q&As, or sharing advice on getting into the "industry." Often, when I leave, I feel guilty as if I was stealing some of the university's positive energy and taking it back to Atlanta with me.
"I'm just a sports guy," I always thought until one Sunday afternoon, I was photographing the Falcons vs. at our stadium. During an early first quarter break, I was jogging upfield to get ahead of our offense for a better shooting position, like many other photographers. I noticed several of them were pointing their cameras at the halo video board and me. I just have shot one of the photographers a look that showed how clueless I was of what was happening around me. She pointed up to the video board and said, "That's you!".
As I looked up, I saw a graphic that announced my induction to the 10th Annual Full Sail University Hall of Fame. In the next several months, I was adopted into the Hall Of Fame family and formed what will surely be lifelong friendships with the world's top creative talents. Grammy, Oscar, Emmy winners. Visual effects artists, directors, entrepreneurs, record producers. The list goes on…
On-campus with students, staff, friends, family, and my new Hall of Fame Family, I spent May 19-23 celebrating my career and commitment to the creative industry. Thank you to everyone who helped make this week one I will never forget.