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Coach Dungy receives honorary degree

Written by Russ Jones

Wednesday, 27 February 2008

Photo: Indianapolis Colts coach Tony Dungy is congratulated by Indiana Wesleyan University president Dr. Henry Smith (left) and students at Wednesday's convocation. (2/27/08)

MARION, Ind., Feb. 27 -- Tony Dungy, head coach of the 2007 Super Bowl Champion Indianapolis Colts and a bestselling author, addressed Indiana Wesleyan University students today in a convocation that included his induction into the school's Society of World Changers. After his induction by university officials, Dungy told students that his parents, who were both educators, instilled in him three important lessons: "They told me, 'Whatever path you take, do it with gusto and fire, representing the Lord; treat everyone you come across with respect; and, wherever you settle down, make your neighborhood a better place to live.'"

Dungy is the fifth inductee into the Society of World Changers, which Indiana Wesleyan University launched to honor exemplary individuals who are impacting their professions with a vibrant religious faith, who embody the mission and vision of the university, and whose lives demonstrate ways students can become world changers.

In his first NFL head coaching stint, Dungy led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to four playoff appearances in six seasons and became the winningest head coach in Tampa Bay history. In 2002 he was named head coach of Indianapolis, where he began a streak of six consecutive double-digit victory seasons and playoff berths, including the Super Bowl XLI championship.

Dungy's victories have extended beyond the gridiron. He is the author of Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices and Priorities of a Winning Life, which has been on The New York Times best seller list since the book was released last July.

Dungy's appearance at IWU was arranged by All Pro Dad, a program sponsored by Family First, a Tampa, Florida-based not-for-profit organization, which Dungy helped launch while coaching Tampa Bay.

Dungy was given an honorary doctorate of humane letters during today's ceremony. A life size bronze bust of Dungy was also unveiled and will join those of other World Changer inductees in the rotunda of the University's Jackson Library.

With its College of Arts and Sciences, College of Graduate Studies and College of Professional Studies combined, Indiana Wesleyan University, based in Marion, Ind., enrolls nearly 15,000 students and is the largest private university in the state of Indiana. Affiliated with The Wesleyan Church, IWU is a Christ-centered academic community dedicated to changing the world by developing students in character, scholarship and leadership.