Hey, this is Ian Whitmore. I am a junior at the University of Iowa. I was asked to write in and give my dad some advice since he is kind of new to his job. Before I shout out some advice, I want to say congratulations to my dad for his new position at SJSU. I know he is currently doing, and will continue to do, a great job as long as he is there.

As for advice I would give to him, I would just say to be himself no matter who or what he is dealing with. My dad is the most honest person I have ever met and I know that is how he got to be where he is in life. If you ever meet my dad on campus or anywhere, he is also one of the nicest people I have ever met, so definitely say "Hey!" sometime when you see him around campus. Even though he is shy, he always has something to talk about.

One thing my dad needs to learn however, is how to text message. About every other day I get a new text from dad that says simply, "Sup?" When I try and reply with how my day is going, or what I am doing, I never get a response. So if you ever have a chance, please teach him a few tricks of the trade when it comes to cell phones. Or at least holler a "Sup?" his way when he passes by.

The Whitmores attending the Orange Bowl in Miami, Florida (2003). Courtesy of the Whitmore family.