Dear Carlos:

I am deeply honored and deeply grateful. I am moved by this honor more than I have words to say. As you know, I feel an affinity for the Icesi students. They mean very much to me, and I have counted it as a privilege to be able to work with them. To receive this award from them reaches my heart.

As I believe you know, current circumstances have curtailed my travel. Although I wanted to be present for the ceremony in New Orleans, I was unable to be there. The same is true of the commencement exercise in Cali. Please assure the students that I am present with them in spirit and that I will be thinking of them as they receive their well-earned diplomas.

I wish that I could be there to see the face of each one and to feel their pride and the pride of their families as they receive their degree. Please extend my gratitude to them as a group and to each of them individually. Also, please assure them that I will continue to be with them as they go forward from this graduation day.

Jim