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As a Hallmark Graduate, you HAVE to watch this . . .
Monday, July 7, 2008

I met Mark Denman at the December 2006 Open House at Hallmark. He was a prospective student and I was a wide-eyed, eager student stationed in the IL that day. We connected instantly as we're both from Louisiana and I encouraged him to go to Hallmark along with the others I met that day. Afterwards I felt a little weird about it as everyone is different and everyone gets something different out of Hallmark. And, he was bringing a wife and had much more at stake than I did when I went. Well, we kept in touch and I found out in the Spring of 2007 that he did enroll for the 2007/2008 school year.

I've recently been in touch with George Rosa and he forwarded to me a clip on Youtube (if you can believe) and he said, "Your boy Mark stole the show" (he knew Mark and I had kept in touch) at graduation and he said being there for it was a "once-in-a-lifetime" experience.

I didn't get to go to graduation and had not heard much about the ceremony. And, Mark, being the humble guy he is didn't brag. So, I will do it for him. I clicked George's link . . . and so should you.

Mark, when are you running for president? Because you can count me in, my friend.

Congratulations!

Susan
P.S. Keep in mind that Mark's wife had their baby girl one month before final portfolio was due.

posted by Susan McManus @ 11:32 AM,

17 Comments:

At July 7, 2008 12:48 PM, Jason McGrew Photography said...: Susan,

Thanks for posting! Way to go Mark! What an Amazing award for you and your family!

Jason
At July 7, 2008 12:51 PM, Wayne Wallace said...: Thanks for posting this Susan, I modified the link to embed the video right in the blog.

Congrats again Mark!!!

I'm glad Hallmark captured that on video it was an amazing moment.
At July 7, 2008 12:53 PM, Lexey Hall said...: I can tell you for sure that there was not a dry eye in the crowd while he was up there. We love you Mark!
At July 7, 2008 12:57 PM, kbayne said...: George quoting Mark, "I love people who love being around each other." What a simple and profound statement.
At July 7, 2008 1:25 PM, DragonHare said...: Congrats Mark!!!! Wow! I love that poem!
At July 7, 2008 6:54 PM, Aaron Potter said...: What great character - you could really hear the emotion in his voice.

Congrats Mark!
At July 7, 2008 8:52 PM, Jacquie Van Tichelt said...: Hey Mark! I miss you! You continue to be an inspiration to me. Wonderful moment I keep it in my heart.
At July 7, 2008 9:16 PM, Shannon said...: I'm so glad I got to know Mark and his family. Damnit Mark, you always make me cry!!! happy tears of course... Congrats Mark, Sharon and Rachel, I miss you!
At July 8, 2008 5:29 AM, Philitha said...: truly inspiring!

thanks for posting, susan! congrats, mark!!!!
At July 8, 2008 5:49 AM, Nani Photography said...: That was amazing. Congratulations Mark. You'll get it!

Diana
At July 8, 2008 6:05 AM, HP said...: great inspiration!!! and congrats to Mark and his family!

HP
At July 8, 2008 6:08 PM, Edith Rosa said...: How great his words are. Congratulations to you and your family!
Good shooting,
Edith
At July 8, 2008 8:28 PM, Charmedcat86 said...: I'm attending Hallmark this coming fall and this is really inspiring. I'm still a bit nervous, but not half as nervous as I am excited. Thanks for posting this.
At July 9, 2008 12:01 AM, Samantha said...: Amazingly wonderful. I wish I could have been there to hear it in person. Congrats on the award Mark, you deserved it.

-Samantha
At July 9, 2008 9:34 AM, shizon said...: Jenna Hollinger told me about Mark and him receiving the President's Award. She was absolutely right: his speech was (and still is) inspirational and enlightening. Thanks Susan for posting this and bragging for Mark. Let's always be inspired by each other... Mark, and to the rest of the 08 graduates, Congrats again!
At July 9, 2008 11:25 PM, Joshua Kelly said...: That was truly a special moment for everyone...10 months can really change a person and crystalize ones vision. Thanks for sharing the video Susan, and congrats Mark and all the '08 Graduates there are wonderful things in your future!

Welcome to the HIP Alumni Family!

-Josh-
At July 16, 2008 8:23 AM, Mark Denman said...: Thanks everyone for your congrats and well wishes. All of you and the work you produce have been an inspiration to me throughout my ten months at Hallmark (more than you know).

Best wishes to you.

Thanks Susan. I'll see you in NY :)