AUBURN, Ala. – Auburn's Homecoming game gave Gary Godfrey an opportunity to live out his motto – "Make today your best day" – in front of 88,043 at Jordan-Hare Stadium.
Godfrey, a 1986 Auburn University industrial engineering graduate and 1982-86 basketball letterwinner, received the Walter Gilbert Award, presented annually to former student-athletes who have distinguished themselves through achievements after graduation.
"I am humbled and honored to be the recipient of the prestigious Walter Gilbert award for 2023," Godfrey wrote via email. "The previous Walter Gilbert award winners are like a who's who of Auburn Athletics, both on and off the field of play. They have had an impact on their businesses and their communities."
Former men's basketball coach Sonny Smith credited the 6-foot-7 Godfrey for preparing hall of famer Charles Barkley for the physicality of the Southeastern Conference.
"It's amazing to me that a guy who only played 40 minutes and scored three points in his career can even be eligible for this award," Godfrey joked. "In fact, I had a higher-grade point average than the total points in my career."
A leader in operations and supply chain management, Godfrey worked for eight years in logistics for Frito-Lay before spending 25 years in management consulting, becoming a partner at Accenture then at Ernst & Young.
"I am humbled by the impact I had in my business career," Godfrey said. "It's hard for me to imagine that I have made many people and businesses be more successful. I was just doing my job, driving change and transformation. I must thank my clients and colleagues at Accenture and Ernst & Young for entrusting me to lead their business transformations.
"I made my living helping my clients transform their supply chains. My industrial engineering degree allowed me to understand and diagnose processes and where they can be improved. I learned so much from my playing days and Sonny Smith. I learned to appreciate flawless execution and the importance of it. I learned from Sonny that you must manage people differently, not everyone is motivated by the same things."
Diagnosed with ALS in 2019, Godfrey has advocated for research and has raised money for patients while encouraging everyone to "Make today your best day."
"ALS, also known as Lou Gehrig's disease, is a very devastating disease," Godfrey said. "I know firsthand how devastating this disease is. I was very active before my diagnosis. In less than six months after my diagnosis, I could no longer walk or use my hands or arms.
"Imagine what it would be like to no longer be able to do something as simple as use your phone or swipe your phone. The neurons in my brain have become disconnected with the parts that control my muscles. Within 18 months after my diagnosis, I could no longer swallow, speak or breathe without assistance. If it wasn't for these machines keeping me alive, I would have been dead at the age of 57. I am now 60 years old.
"I choose to LIVE with ALS! I know that God has a plan for me. I believe there is a purpose that God wants me to serve. I believe the purpose is to share how important today is and trying to make a difference in this world we live in.
"When you are facing a terminal disease there comes clarity on how important each day is. You cannot change yesterday, and tomorrow is not guaranteed. So, each day is a blessing. I did not understand that when I was caught up in trying to find success and busy with things that don't matter in the long run.
"I have realized how much joy there is having a positive impact on someone or something each day. Therefore, I try to make each day my best day yet. My best days are when I can make a difference in someone's life."
2023 Pamela Sheffield Award recipient Becky Richardson
Before Auburn's 45-13 Homecoming win over Samford, Becky Richardson received the Pamela Sheffield Award, presented annually to a woman who best embodies selfless service and commitment to Auburn University and the Auburn family.
"It's very much an honor, to see the list of people who have won it," said Richardson, accompanied by previous winners during an on-field recognition. "I did a lot because we had a great staff and a great group with the city that wanted to do things for the community."
Recently retired after serving as the City of Auburn's Parks and Recreation director for 30 years during a 47-year career, Richardson was instrumental in the city's partnership with Auburn University to develop the Yarbrough Tennis Center in 2007.
"We were able to build much more than we would have if it wasn't a joint facility," said Richardson, a frequent volunteer at campus and Athletics events. "It has benefited the university to have indoor courts. It's benefited the city to have indoor courts available for the public.
"We've been able to bring tournaments and people into Auburn to bring revenue into the city."
Congratulations to Gary Godfrey and Becky Richardson, making today their best days while exemplifying Auburn being Auburn.
Jeff Shearer is a Senior Writer at AuburnTigers.com. Follow him on Twitter: @jeff_shearer