An Expression of Gratitude: The Presidents’ Farewell to Mark Andrejeski

With Dallas gone (the one Bill Kelley fired)
A new hand on the reins was then required
And that’s when Mark by ARA was hired

The ARA was small—could it survive?
Could youngster Mark keep ARA alive?
And, better yet, make sure that it would thrive?

The question was soon answered with a yes
As ARA began to have success
While Mark with ev’ry challenge showed finesse

Foundation for the future was created
As REF raised dollars unabated
And funded research that no longer waited

The industry round table played a role
The REF could reach its funding goal
While Mark made sure we did not sell our soul
Now ACR, our meeting grew in size
But Mark would always organize
A program geared to make our members wise

Thus year by year our College Mark would build
While in his staff the many skills instilled
Ensured his dreams—our dreams—would be fulfilled

One question still remains until today
Why Mark upon his scalp has shown no grey
And few if any hairs have gone astray

These observations finally compel us
To now insist that Mark his secrets tell us
And not, of course, because we might be jealous

Excursions to the winery did occur
With Mark the oenophile as connoisseur
Yet lessons learned could well become a blur!

Tonight howe’er with focus clear we toast
Our leader, Mark, who’s one not prone to boast
Yet earns our heartfelt gratitude, the most

To Mark!