Mike Amos receives

Trojan Award

By JAINE TREADWELL

Features Editor

Published Oct. 21, 1999

It’s all about alumni – TSU alumni – and who more than Mike Amos personifies TSU alumni?

According to Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., chancellor of the Troy State University System, no one.

In recognition and appreciation of Amos’ tireless promotion of Troy State University, Hawkins awarded him the prestigious Trojan Award at the charter meeting of the Brundidge TSU Alumni Association Tuesday night.

In making the presentation, Hawkins said the Trojan Award has been presented to only two others – Doug Patterson and Walter Hennigan.

As the chapter development coordinator for the TSU alumni affairs office, Amos is the university’s most enthusiastic cheerleader and is instrumental in organizing alumni chapters within a 100 mile radius of Troy State.

Hawkins said that he has been amazed at the interest and enthusiasm Amos has generated among TSU alumni and friends.

"For his interest in Troy State, his enthusiasm for Troy State and tireless efforts in promoting Troy State and all things Trojan, we are proud and honored to present the Trojan Award to Mike Amos," Hawkins said.

The Trojan Award is the highest award presented by the university, making it a most coveted honor. Amos called it the "top honor of my life."

"I have received other honors, but none to compare with this," Amos said. "This one brings joy to my heart. I have loved Troy State all of my life. It’s a part of me. This award means everything to me – everything."

Amos grew up a Trojan – "Troy and Troy State are synonymous." He is a 1970 graduate of Troy State who came full circle after his retirement from ADECA several years ago.

"After I retired, I had to have something to do," he said. "I kind of looked around for a while and finally decided I’d like to do something to help promote Troy State University. I went over there and asked and, before long, they found a place for me with alumni affairs."

That was a perfect place for Amos who "talks Troy State with every breath I take."

"The feelings I have about Troy and Troy State come from my heart," Amos said. "I’m proud to be a Trojan and I can’t say enough about what that means to me. And I can’t say enough about what this award means to me. All I can say is, thank you, Troy State."