When you least expect it....

I had to stop at Men's Wearhouse this week to use up some Wearhouse Dollars before they expire. If you are not familiar with this chain, they have - in my opinion - the best loyalty program of any in existence today. About twice a year, they mail you certificates that can be used like cash for any purchase in the store. I always stop in intending to only spend that amount (which was $100 in this case) and end up spending 2 or 3 times that before I can get out of the store.

As I was checking out, the salesman asked me where I was from. Disappointed that I had already spent more than I intended and not wanting to make much small talk for fear of finding myself buying even more, I just mumbled, "Anderson." At that point, he came alive like I've not seen in many a year and said, "Did you know the university up there has a fantastic SIFE team?"

Convinced that he must be an AU grad from the FSB to say something like that, I asked what year he graduated. It turns out that he didn't go to AU at all and has never been in Anderson. In a previous career, he worked for Finish Line and was present when the team gave their presentation at the national meeting last year. It had made such an impact on him that in short order he told me as much about the AU SIFE program as any member of SIFE could (he knew the University of Arizona had beaten us in the first round, and more). We talked for quite a while...

Don't ever think that SIFE is only important to those currently in it, or find yourself being surprised time and time again.

eadulaney@anderson.edu