KRAM1

I presented the rings to our graduates for a couple of years at the Aumni Ring Ceremony. I might have even presented some to our GoMeanGreen.com graduates. I can tell you, it was the most fun I had during my term as Alumni Association president. The pride seen in not only the graduates, but also in the faces and smiles of the families and friends in attendance was just priceless. This us a great tradition here at UNT. Anyone nearing graduation and considering the purchase of a class ring should really check this event out. It is a great tradition, a great event and one long remembered by all who participate. I also understand that rings cost a lot. They did in the dark ages when I graduated as well. I was not able to afford a ring, so seeing the graduates receive their rings was extra special to me, and being part of that ceremony was humbling. You freshmen, sophomores and juniors out there, start a little savings plan on the side for the purchase of a class ring. You will be glad you did for many many years. I wish I had had the foresight to do just that when I was an undergrad. As to age...heck, that doesn't matter. In fact, it is not "when" one graduates, it is "if" one graduates. Some of the loudest and longest cheers and applause during the ring ceremony happens when a more "mature" soon-to-be grad walks across that stage to accept their ring. These rings are earned, they are not given. It is, indeed, a great Mean Green Alumni event.

Thanks for posting the link, Brett. I don't know how to do that as every time I try I never get there. Thanks. Folks do need to read this story...it is a good read and a nice job by Brett Vito.

We have reached the $800 mark! That's really good news...thanks to all who have so far donated to this very worthy cause for our student-athletes. It is especially greatful to see some donations from first time folks. Remember...you can make a donation of at least $30 and that will also cover your playing fee if you wish to participate in this year's event. Just let me know that it represents your playing fee in the thread pinned at the top of this basketball section or just send me a PM. Either way...it works great. For former players...check out the photo on the GoFundMe site...you may see yourself in the photo. For those who have not played, but are considering doing so, go look and see how many you recognize who have played and supported this event. Some there, including UNT90, Emmitt01 and others have played pretty much every year. Ask these players if it is a fun event. I think you will get a positive reply. The game is open to anyone...male, female, old, young, expert player (have we ever had one of those?), to never having played before in such a game. Have some fun, meet some of your favorite...or not so favorite....GMG.Com members by signing up for this event. Cool UNT related and other silent auction items too. If you don't want to play or simply can't come on out and watch...free admission...and check out the silent auction tables.

Check with Josten's. They should be able to fix it for much less than the cost of a new one. They are good folks and have fixed many a high school and or college ring. Yes, they were....several years ago. We had to cease giving away beverages as far too many took advantage of the situation and far too many other folks just walking through that had no connection to the Alumni Ring Ceremony event took advantage and stooped by to have a few free ones. The word had spread about the free beverages around campus and since the event is a free and open event, well, those folks who will take advantage of such situations did so. True story...too bad, but it happens it seems. Since making it a cash bar, yet still providing appetizers, cake, etc. the "problems" have magically disappeared regarding the alcohol abuse. Sorry....some folks just have to ruin a good thing for others. Personally, I enjoyed the free beer. But, I enjoyed the Alumni Ring Ceremony even more. It is always a great time. Very special, and we have pretty much outgrown the location. Hopefully, the newly re-opened student union will provide for a bigger space for future Alumni Ring Ceremonies. Hope so. Congratulations on receiving your ring....You earned it!

Nice piece by Brett Vito in today's Denton Record-Chronicle about former walk-on and now scholarship starting tackle Michael Banogu. Michael walked away from DII Arkansas Tech to pursue his dream of playing at the Division I level. He felt he could reach that goal, so he left Ark Tech and enrolled at UNT as a walk-on paying his own expenses as he pursued his dream. A turning point came last fall when he all but had to quit football and leave UNT because he and his family could no longer afford the costs accociated with his UNT enrollment. He confided in the coaching staff that he might have to walk away from his dream due to the costs. Because he had shown himself capable as a player at the DI level, the staff awarded him a scholarship to enable him to continue with his dream. "You should have seen the tears".... A quote from interim head coach Mike Canales. Coach Canales continued "That is when it is special, when you know a kid us in a tough situation and you're able to give him something. To see how thankful they are to get a chance to play and get their education. The gratitude he showed us priceless. He is a special young man." And, this was no charity case...as we know Michael has started 11 of the Mean Green's last 12 games. He earned this scholarship...it wasn't just given to him because of his serious financial need. So, want to know why I continue to give to the Mean Green Club in spite of records, in spite of coaching and/or personnel changes, in spite of challenges within the ticket office or any other area around campus? Read the story of Michael Banogu...and many of our other great student-athletes in any of our other sports...and you will know exactly why I do what I do, why I have for many years and why I will continue to give and support this university. I have said it many many times...it is all about the students for me. I hope others who have stopped or are considering doing so their donations to the Mean Green Club will take a moment are read this piece on Michael. And then, just ponder a bit on what it means to these young men and women and how what you give can be the help needed toward a transforming life moment for these very worthy student-athletes. I am proud to be able to say that my donations help young men and women pursue their dreams...just like Michael Banogu. EDIT: For those interested...noticed the same article in today's Dallas Morning News sports section...page 8C.

1. I do love nuts...pecans and almonds are pretty much my favorite. 2. I thought it was a pretty decent reference to Barney Fife. 3. President Smatresk and the University put out several communications regarding the Dr. Bland situation. 4. Are you sure you are talking about the correct asshat? 5. Carry on.

Good chatting with you before the Texas College game in the Green Room. Appreciate you playing again this year...thanks.

Not requested for the most part. Non-profits do at time make requests which he gladly accepts. Always free. Frenchy does this on his own. Folks can knock him for being a bit of a self-promoter, but he gives a ton to the local community both of himself and from his company. I know how hard he works on community projects as I am a member with him in the local chapter of the Viet Nam Veterans Association and he is a dynamo of volunteerism within our group, and when I recently volunteered to work a shift at the Eureka2 playground re-build there were several Frenchy vehicles there and several Frenchy employees working....while the workers volunteered their time and Frenchy provided vehicles and implements for the build, he also paid these folks their normal wages while working on that community project. He has also and recently been diagnosed with prostrate cancer (he has gone public with it so I am not divulging anything private here) and is now adding cancer fund raising and awareness benefits to his otherwise busy schedule. I have no clue if the RV thing was real or not, but I can tell you....Frenchy is the real deal and a great asset to the Denton area community.

In case you missed it in the pinned Cheer Scholarship BB Event thread, the site set up for player registration fees, donations, sponsorships, etc. can be found following this link https://www.gofundme.com/9parj2nk With some generous early donations we now sit at $700 toward a goal of $3,000.00. That in about 21 hours! Take a look at the site...if you have played in this game, you just might see your face in the photo along with Scrappy and some of our great Cheer team members. Take a look folks...think about a donation of any size...any...all needed and appreciated. This year we play on Sat. Feb. 27 with a tip-off at 1:00pm. Play, come watch and check out the silent auction items...had a great Mean Green corn hole game set and lots of UNT goodies last year. I expect another good group of items this year too. Free admission, and I guarantee lots of smiles and chuckles.

GoFundMe site up to $700 in less than 24 hours! Thanks so much tool those who have helped to jump-start this campaign in less than 24-hours! Is it possible that we achieve at least 1/3 of our goal in less than one day? Indeed it is, but even if not, this is a tremendous start. Thank you each and everyone!

WOW...$450.00 raised in the first couple of hours! Really great to see this support building. It will truly help some very worthy student-athletes supporting UNT and the community. Thanks to all who have started to get this rolling. Let's do this people!

Of course I didn't come up with the levels of membership nor the campaign rules nor the campaign itself. I volunteered to help recruit new members. Not all the members I recruited were at the $25 level. Some? Of course, why not? But certainly not all. I like having an "introductory" membership level for folks who might just want to "dip a toe in" or for younger grads or other fans who just want to support the program and athletic scholarships, but who might have limited resources for such donations. Your idea about adding a low cost, Wing Zone general admission ticket with that level is a good one. I hope someone notices...hint hint...and it is included in the package.

http://www.gofundme.com/9parj2nk Click on it folks to register to play, to donate (any amount...any...welcome), to become a sponsor, etc. Let's get this rolling folks! Thanks.

It was "Recruit 15"...and yes, I helped bring in excess of 15 new members to the Mean Green Club. Yes, I led that campaign. I am always happy to help my university as best I can.

GoFundMe site is UP! The link is: https://www.gofundme.com/9parj2nk We will use this site for player registration fees, donations, sponsorships, etc. whoever possible. No, not mandatory, but very helpful if used. Folks, if you cannot play or otherwise participate, please consider a donation. Any amount is both welcome and appreciated. I truly hope we can far exceed the $3000 established goal for the GoFundMe site. With your help, anything is possible. P,ease share the link with family and friends. You never know when someone would like to play, donate or sponsor. It all helps a great cause. Thanks. Together...we can do this! Year six, baby, here we go!

Did I cover your question? Hope so. Hope to see you in the Green Room before a few games this year.

We have our first volunteer referee! A returning referee veteran, Troy Kokjohn, former great UNT long snapper, has agreed to return again to referee this classic game of basketball. Thanks to Troy for stepping up once again to try to run herd over our very talented and energetic teams of round ballers. Welcome back, Troy! Thank you, Sir!

We have our first sponsor! Thanks so much to Addison Transportation for stepping up to help with the event. Addison Transportation has helped to sponsor this event every year in its six year existence. They were the first six years ago to offer support and they remain supporters to this day. Thanks so much, Addison Transportation....you guys are greatness!

Sure seem to be bringing in several new $1,000,000 plus donors these days. Great news, and it seems athletics has really stepped up its work in securing donor funding as well as the overall university. The word is getting out that the future for UNT is bright and alums and others alike are taking notice. Publicizing the good things UNT is doing has really started to help. Dr. Smatresk has said that letting people know about UNT is a priority. The University has not focused on this as much in the past, and, for me, this reflects a new and positive trend. It will be helpful to our development officers, Deans and Department heads as they seek new donations to further the University's programs and to provide support for students and other initiatives. Thank you for your vision and your support, Mr. Westhiemer. The legacy you leave will reach far.

Knew I could count on you...what's a game with Thor, right? Thanks...appreciate you. Glad to have you back for your second game. Bring that tape measure and line tape and we'll Mark off your three point line. Maybe you will hit a few three's this year.

Newy Scruggs just mentioned the ladies win on his 10:00 pm Channel 5 sports cast. Only college game mentioned. Way to go ladies! Great win....great positive PR for the program. Great job!

Newy just mentioned the win on his Channel 5 10:00pm sports cast. The only college game he mentioned. Great PR for the Mean Green ladies.

Why what? The fact that the room will not be open for some games? If that is the question, it is probably due to game times/dates. The game it is closed is the Dec. 17th 11:30am game during Christmas Break for the men. It was closed for the TWU exhibition game for the women.

No...we had appetizers the first game. Snacks will be served tonight. There will be dinners served on some nights. Nights with appetizers and snacks are free while the dinner nights will be $10 per person. Cash bar as always all nights the room is open. And, just FYI...there are a few games where the room will not be open.

In response to another posters very kind post aimed at my direction, it is no secret that I also support Okie State. And, I am very proud of that association as well as my association with UNT. But, those I care about and who care about me and actually know me, know that I bleed green and have done so for about 50 years now. My wife and I have set up endowments at both of these fine universities that will provide scholarship money to worthy students long after we are both gone. UNT is receiving the much larger share of those funds...much larger. So, trying to knock me for also supporting Okie State is pretty lame. As to being this year's receipient of the UNT Ulysses Knight Spirit Award, I have made it no secret that I do not feel worthy of that recognition. There are many others who have done much more than I have and should be or should have been nominated. So, if anyone wants to see a more worthy candidate be so honored, please nominate them beginning with next year's call for nominations. As for me, I am humbled and proud that I was even nominated. To be selected by a committee made up of alumni, faculty and administrators is even more humbling as I am sure there were multiple nominees. I have served on the selection committee for the annual alumni awards and I can guarantee anyone that the nominees are each given due consideration and often are selected only after spirited debate and discussion. I am sure there were committee members who had no clue who I was when they saw that nomination. So, telling me I am not worthy for that award is not much of a knock in my opinion as I would agree that many are more worthy. For whatever reason, the committee chose to select me, and I am both humble and grateful, not to mention extremely honored. I try to support things that I am proud to support and have no problems with letting people know I support them...both OSU and UNT being no exceptions.