Remarks by Pam Allen
Thank you! It is so humbling to be here today to share with you as we come together to celebrate the impact Scott had and continues to have on each of us. When I first connected with the National Federation of the Blind, I was in college and was so eager to meet other blind students. I had so many questions, and I was also excited about networking with others and learning about the careers they were pursuing and the strategies they used. I had the incredible experience of helping with organizing student chapters in several states and attending Washington Seminar even before my first national convention.
When I found what we then called the student division, I knew immediately that I had found what I was looking for, and an integral piece of that was Scott. As all of us know, Scott had a way of making an impression. When you walked into a room, you immediately knew where Scott was—his booming voice, his easy laugh, his ability to chime in on just about any topic with some knowledge or opinion. He had a way of drawing people in and making everyone feel needed.
Scott was great at delegating, and I remember that he found ways for me, who was very new to the NFB, to get involved and feel like I had something to contribute. And I know he did that for so many people here and who are listening.
Later that year at my first national convention, I was elected to serve on the student division board and had the chance over the next couple of years to continue to learn from and work with Scott—whether it was helping with more student chapter organizing or planning seminars featuring the Young and the Skill-less skits or writing up articles for the Student Slate or staying up to count poker chips after Monte Carlo nights to determine the big winners or having a lively discussion about some philosophical issue at a student gathering or what was the best U2 song or all of us dreaming about what our futures would hold, Scott was always at the center of our discussions—challenging us to do more than we thought possible, entertaining us with his adventures and stories, and showing us by his example how to lead with wisdom, integrity, humor, and love! He always made sure we got our work done and that we had fun while doing it!
Scott found creative ways to share the message of the Federation, and he had a way of getting everyone around him excited about our work! Like I know he did with so many of you, by placing trust in me, Scott helped me gain confidence and find my voice and my place as a young student leader, and that changed my life in so many ways.
In the years since our student days, I had the true blessing and gift of Scott's friendship. We celebrated many of life's milestones as we both completed our education, traveled our career paths, found our soulmates, and served in various leadership roles. We enjoyed so many happy times, faced challenges and losses, and shared so many stories—for Scott loved nothing more than to tell stories especially about Alex and Karter.
Scott was so multi-faceted: as comfortable testifying about legislation, arguing a case, talking about his beloved sports teams, or singing karaoke. Throughout it all, over these many years, Scott remained steady; a constant source of wisdom, a listening ear, a guiding force, an encourager! I knew I could always pick up the phone or send a text, and I would get a response—a fresh perspective, a way of looking at the situation that brought clarity. Several times during this last month, I have started to pick up the phone before realizing I cannot hear that booming voice on the other end or Mocha's happy hello. It is then that I remember how much Scott loved each of us and how he fought for the rights of all blind people and how he cherished the work of the NFB. And though I am sad, I am filled with hope and so much gratitude for being able to draw upon the wisdom he shared and the example he set.
Maya Angelou said, "A great soul serves everyone all of the time! A great soul never dies! It brings us together, again and again!"
Just like he did that while he was with us, I know Scott will continue to bring us together again and again—to support each other, to be here for Anahit and Alex and Karter, to build the Federation, to keep fighting the fight, and to keep dreaming and filling the world with laughter and love and hope and possibility! Thank you, Scott!