Azusa Pacific University

*Azusa Pacific University*

In the thankful speeches of awarded Cougars,
Who are recipients, but share the credit,
The names accounted for are never forgotten,
They pour out easily for they are embedded.

They thank fathers who’ve been there from birth,
And who stuck around—to hear the first utters,
Mothers who have helped develop this speech,
And help work through life’s stumbles and stutters.

They thank professors who kept them in place,
And their eyes on the prize during each saccade,
They helped pry apertures before departure,
In order to spot light from the facades.

Now they share the spotlight with true friends,
Or coaches who pushed them to push back
When met with adversity, trials of the varsity,
And to claim awards of glory with tact.

They thank conductors who directed the choir,
Of the Chamber Singers who pulled them through,
To uplift to a praise from the ICC,
And they’re sure to give thanks to APU.

They thank the people who’ve been there for them,
Not just through the best, but always through the worst,
But before they say these names, they remember how they got here:
They were sure to put God First.

From Alma Mater Vol. 3: The West
You can read the full four-volume Alma Mater collection here.
©2016. Original Clyde Aidoo. All rights reserved