Over the past year I have been asked to speak at a number of colleges and universities.  In addition, "Thunder Dog" has been adopted by some universities as part of their special education teaching curriculum.  

As a result all of us in the company decided to begin finding ways to help inspire and interact with more college students.  

Through Celia Black we signed up for and have now attended our first conference sponsored by NACA, (National Association of Campus Activities).  Of course, the hit of our booth was my guide dog, Africa.  Affie drew in the crowds and then promptly went to sleep.  Check out our Facebook page to see pictures.

Out of our first regional conference we gained three speaking contracts and a considerable amount of interest from other schools.  

Now it is on to the national conference in Nashville Tennessee in February.  

Stay tuned.

Michael,

I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for the speech you delivered to our group.

Each year as we plan our holiday party, we look to strike a balance between a scheduled "program" and time for our employees to simply enjoys themselves and the company of others. 

At the same time, this is the one time each year that we have a majority of employees together so to find a medium to deliver a powerful message is goal that I'm not sure we were able to achieve until this year.  

Your presentation to our group about your story as it relates to surviving the 9-11 terror attacks, focusing on the present, using teamwork, and never giving up provided the perfect message to our group about "getting on the bus" during these times of growth and change and to always be willing to be open to new challenges.   

It was a pleasure to learn more about your time with the Guide Dogs for the Blind and to meet Africa.  I'm certain she will grow into her new role beautifully! 

I'm very appreciative of your flexibility regarding the timing of our event, the time allotted for you to speak, and really learning and knowing about our organization on such short notice.  

Again, you did an amazing job and I look forward to future opportunities to work together.  

If you have other groups that want to speak to me regarding our experience and the energy you brought to the Globe team, feel free to have them contact me.   

Thanks again and the best of the holiday season to you and your family.   

Jeanne Herrmann

Chief Operating Officer

Globe University/Minnesota School of Business

Utah Career College

Minnesota School of Cosmetology

Ph- (651) 332-8012 

"Your suggested strategies for healing resonated with our audience and your presence helped to reaffirm our core principles of community, peace and tolerance. Yours was a timely message in this critical time in our country and our lives."

-Gustav W. Friedrich, chair Committee to Advance Our Common Purposes, Rutgers University

"We had the pleasure of hosting Mr. Hingson and his Guide Dog 'Roselle' to speak at our annual employee banquet. 

He surpassed all our expectations and with his story, we had our largest public gathering ever. The speech was powerful, moving, honest and professional. 

I wish everyone in the world could hear the message of hope, independence and empowerment from Mr. Hingson."

-David C.Austin, Director of Communications, Envision