The panel discussion included (from left) Peter Tormey, Carol James, and UW Vice Provost and Dean Ed Taylor.
RANCHO MIRAGE, Calif. – It was a pleasure and distinct honor to participate in a panel discussion with Carol James, wife of the late and legendary University of Washington football Coach Don James, and Dr. Ed Taylor, UW Vice Provost and Dean, at the 10th annual Dawg Days in the Desert Scholarship Luncheon here March 16.
Carol James kept the audience spellbound with her insights and remembrances.
I was honored to participate in this event to raise money for UW student scholarships. Especially poignant, for me, was the opportunity to hear some of Carol James’ stories. I appreciated the opportunity to share a few gems from my recently published book about Coach James’ leadership titled, The Thursday Speeches: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Football from Coach Don James.
The author makes a point.
Coach James had such a powerfully positive influence on countless lives, especially those of us who were fortunate enough to play for him. I played for Coach James for four years from 1976, as part of his second recruiting class, through 1979. Our teams beat Michigan in the 1978 Rose Bowl and Texas in the 1979 Sun Bowl
Interim President Ana Mari Cauce and Interim Provost Jerry Baldasty also took part in the scholarship luncheon held March 16 at the beautiful Desert Island Golf & Country Club. The luncheon is part of the UW’s annual Dawg Days in the Desert three-day gathering for alumni, friends and university leaders. Dr. Taylor, who is active in the area of academic success for UW student-athletes, masterfully moderated the panel discussion. Copies of the The Thursday Speeches were donated to sell at the luncheon to benefit UW scholarships. Carol James and I signed the books and we sold every one.
The book, “The Thursday Speeches: Lessons in Life, Leadership, and Football from Coach Don James.”
The Dawg Days festivities culminated with the Chow Down to Washington dinner, now in its 26th year. This year’s dinner – held March 18 at UW alumnus Jim Houston’s estate in Palm Springs – was attended by more than 350 UW alumni, friends, and university dignitaries. The dinner presentation, emceed by UW alumnus and KOMO TV Emmy Award-winning broadcaster Steve Poole, featured stirring talks by Interim President Cauce and Husky football Coach Chris Peterson.
Special thanks to Kay deMars and Kay Larson, co-chairs of the Desert Scholarship Luncheon for their infinitely gracious hospitality, attention to every detail, and hard work. Also many thanks to Paul Rucker, UW Associate Vice President for Alumni and Constituent Relations, UW Senior Director of Advancement Tomitha Blake, and the many other people involved in making this such a first-rate event.
Coach James, the most-winning football coach in the history of the UW and the Pacific-12 Conference, who exemplified class in everything he did, would have thoroughly approved.