Distinguished Alumni Award for Terry

Distinguished Alumni Award for Terry

MessageMakers president Terry Terry was awarded the James Madison College Distinguished Alumni Award. The Distinguished Alumni Award is given to alumni who have attained the highest level of professional accomplishments.

Terry delivered the commencement address for the 2015 James Madison graduating class on May 9, 2015 at the Wharton Center.

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During the address, Terry reminded the graduates “to be tenacious in pursuit of your dreams” and spoke of starting his own business, while being jobless. “The notion of being fully responsible and in control of my destiny was my definition of freedom.” Terry encompasses a passion and desire to tell stories, and developed a business that was greatly influenced by this concept. Terry concluded the address by advising the graduates to “be good, be calm, be wise,” “write down your goals and pay attention to the money,” and again “be tenacious in the pursuit of your dreams.”

Rocky Beckett, director of development for James Madison College, said, “Terry is building community and social awareness as he runs his company and leads his life. Madison is a college of public affairs and values public service. Terry’s work with Old Town and his new commitment to Detroit are great examples of James Madison College’s mission and values in action.”