I was able to see him lie at Michigan State. That program was highly memorable,
because he came to speak, after laying his father to rest that same day. What
an amazing guy!
Bea.
From: msb-alumni-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx [mailto:msb-alumni-bounce@xxxxxxxxxxxxx] ;
On Behalf Of Peggy
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2016 3:39 PM
To: msb-alumni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [msb-alumni] Re: Celebrity and Schools for the Blind
I don’t know where Tom Sullivan went to school, but when Toni and I were down
at Leader Dogs in 2008 training with the dogs we have now, we got a chance to
go and hear Tom Sullivan speak and he was a really cool guy. He had a beautiful
German shepherd by his side too. I’m assuming the dog was his dog guide. We
actually got to speak to him after the program and I found him to be quite
impressive.
Peggy and RLD Ginger.
From: Gary <mailto:k8hlx@xxxxxxx>
Sent: Monday, May 23, 2016 2:59 AM
To: msb-alumni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx
Subject: [msb-alumni] Re: Celebrity and Schools for the Blind
I wonder where Tom Sullivan went to school? Maybe he went to a public school.
I heard that Jose Filliciano went to public school. I think he developed a
sense of humor (jokes and such” so that he got along with sighted kids better.
From: Mark Martin <mailto:mbmartin1984@xxxxxxxxxxx>
Sent: Saturday, May 21, 2016 1:11 AM
To: MSB Alumni <mailto:msb-alumni@xxxxxxxxxxxxx>
Subject: [msb-alumni] Celebrity and Schools for the Blind
I got to thinking about how many schools for the blind can boast of an alumnus
as well known as Stevie? I can think of a couple of others, Ronnie Milsap from
the Governor Morehead School in North Carolina, and Ray Charles from Florida.
How supportive have they been? Personally I don't know. Those of you who
apparently track these things could perhaps fill us in! Maybe this would give
you the satisfaction in knowing they have been more supportive of their
schools, or maybe they have done no better. We here in Michigan have nothing
left to support. I actually don't know the status of Florida and North
Carolina. We have two Christmas concerts with Stevie singing solos. How many
schools for the blind can lay claim to that, and how about Stevie writing one
of his best known songs right there on our campus! "My Cherie Amour" reached
the number 4 position on the national Billboard charts in 1969. What is behind
this anyway? Envy? Jealousy? Why hasn't Stevie obtained a car for _me! After
all, I shared the same campus with him! Better yet, I was in the same classroom
with him a few times! Personally, I know he owes me absolutely nothing. Would
you be willing to trade your freedom to come and go in public without being
harassed for your autograph, pound of flesh and whatever else? Oh yeah! the
money would be great but I don't know about the rest for me. A number of years
ago I was sent to and ear specialist in Lapeer, and somehow the subject of MSB
and the fact that Stevie Wonder had graduated from there was discussed. This
really interested the doctor so upon my next visit I brought my 1969 yearbook
so he could see Stevie there. The guy went nearly nuts for a couple of minutes
and really appreciated me showing me that book and showed it off to some of his
staff. What is it that makes some of us blind folks so critical! Is it the
high rate of unemployment or what? We have someone in our alumni that few
other schools for the blind can claim.
Mark Martin, 73.
