Award for contributions

Published Oct. 22, 1999

Troy State University has honored a lifetime Trojan with the highest award the University can present.

Troy native and TSU alumnus Mike Amos was presented the Trojan Award Tuesday, Oct. 19 for his "tireless promotion of Troy State University and all things Trojan," according to Dr. Jack Hawkins, Jr., Chancellor of the Troy State University System.

"We are proud to honor Mike Amos for his service to Troy State University," Dr. Hawkins said. "Mike works tirelessly creating new alumni association chapters across the state. His efforts have energized our alumni affairs operation, and we are indebted to him."

We agree wholeheartedly. Amos has been a spokesman for Troy State University like few others. Through television, radio, word of mouth, in writing and in spirit, Mike Amos has tirelessly drummed out his message about the greatness of Troy State University.

Amos’ efforts as Alumni Affairs Coordinator have resulted in the formation of five new chapters over the last five months, in Brundidge, Elba, Butler County, Coffee County and Barbour County, with several more in the works.

"We’re trying to start as many new chapters as we can within a 100-mile radius of the University," Amos said. "We need to reach the thousands of Troy State alumni in the Wiregrass area who want a way to get involved with their university. It’s good to have alumni chapters in other states, but we need strong, active chapters right here at home."

Amos, who retired two years ago as an Environmental Specialist and Economic Development Coordinator with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs, said he approached the University about working part time in Alumni Affairs focusing on chapter development.

"I served on the National Alumni Association Board for several years and saw that we needed someone concentrating on developing new chapters," Amos said. "Faith Ward (Director of Alumni Affairs) does an outstanding job, but it will take more than one person to get this job done."

Indeed it will. But Amos has shown all of us the influence and power one individual who is focused and who is dedicated to a cause can wield. His accomplishments speak for themselves, and as Amos speaks of Troy State University, his accomplishments speak proudly and boldly of him.

Amos and his wife, the former Carol Crow of Troy, have three children, Rebecca, Michael and Camille. In addition to his work on behalf of TSU, Amos is active in numerous community projects in Troy.

"I was humbled by this award; it came as a total surprise to me," Amos said. "It means so much because I have lived all my life in Troy and I want the best for my community and university."