Alan was my first boss when we both worked at Enterprise Advertising. I was a media co-ordinator, and he the CEO. His commitment to helping others learn and grow was evident at Enterprise. We became fast friends, and over the years Alan has been my steady support. Twenty-five years later, we are still having our brainstorming breakfasts and I still turn to him for advice.

When I think of how Alan’s caring and thoughtful demeanour has shaped thousands of students’ careers, including mine, the words of poet Ralph Waldo Emerson come to mind:

The glory of friendship is not the outstretched hand, nor the kindly smile, nor the joy of companionship; it is the spiritual inspiration that comes to one when he discovers that someone else believes in him and is willing to trust him with his friendship.

Alan is that someone who believes in each of us and with whom we may trust our friendship.