Kennedy Turns 70

Today one of our founders, David Kennedy turned 70 years old. Kennedy is one of the coolest people I have ever met, he is smart, has a wicked sense of humor, but is also very kind hearted. Unfortunately he retired just before I started working at W+K, so I have never worked with him, but he is still very involved with the pro bono work we do for the American Indian College Fund. The College Fund raises money to send Native Americans to tribal colleges that are on or near reservations, so they can not only get a degree but also keep tribal cultural and tradition at the core of their learning. Over the 18 years we have worked with them, Kennedy has been the creative director on every campaign. He grew up in Oklahoma and has a great love for Native American culture. For his birthday a tribal chief came and bestowed him with his final Indian name. As he explained it you get a name when you are born, another when you become a warrior and if you are lucky enough another if you become a chief. David's final name is totally unpronounceable to me, but I can tell you it means, one who has completed life's tasks. He was bestowed with a special blanket and a blessing, there was also a drum circle and traditional dancing. As a gift from the agency the charitable committee established a $50,000 endowed scholarship in Kennedy's name. With the average tuition around $900, that will help send a lot of people to school.