Intelligence plus character equals not only success, but also significance; this was the theme of Tony Dungy's speech at the Plant City campus on April 20.
Dungy, a former NFL player, was the head coach of the Tampa Bay Buccaneers from 1996 to 2001, as well as the head coach of the Indianapolis Colts from 2002 to 2008, winning a Super Bowl with the Colts in 2007 before retiring from the NFL after the 2007-2008 season.
Dungy was invited to speak at the Dungy was invited to speak at HCC by the Plant City Campus Collegiate 100 and Student Government Association. His speech was in the Trinkle building on the Plant City campus before a crowd of approximately 200 people. "Intelligence is not necessarily the most important factor when measuring success," said Dungy in his speech. "Intelligence plus character is the most important factor." Dungy explained the differences he sees between success and significance, pointing out that an NFL player could have a successful career, earning millions of dollars over many years, but often finding themselves wishing they had done more to increase their significance, both within the league, and also in their community. During his speech, Dungy also talked about humility and courage, traits that he believes are two of the most important factors in determining character. Humility is what you think of yourself and others," explains Dungy.
"It means that you realize that your talent is a gift, but also that other people are important as well," said Dungy.
Dungy went on to describe courage as being able to stand up for your convictions.
Courage, Dungy believes, is the ability to stand up for your convictions. In his speech, he talked about situation that occurred during his tenure as the head coach for the Indianapolis Colts.
It was 2007 when the Indiana Family Institute wanted to give Dungy the "Friend of Family" award. However,
Dungy met strong public criticism due to the Indiana Family Institute's efforts to amend the Indiana state constitution to define marriage as one man and one woman.
Dungy said that it was the Indianapolis Colt's owner's courage to stand up for both his and Dungy's convictions that allowed him to accept the award, where he openly supported the institute's efforts.
Dungy ended his speech on the idea that uncommon men and women find significance through character and intelligence.
Stressing the word uncommon, which is the title of his most recent book, "Uncommon," which includes many of the same ideas in his speech.
Dungy did field questions after his speech, where he was asked a range of questions, including questions as to why he declined President Obama's invitation to join the White House's Advisory Council on Faith-Based and Neighborhood Partnerships; of which Dungy said he declined due to scheduling conflicts.
Dungy was also presented with a signed letter during the speech, a letter he had sent to freshmen and tennis player, Paige Polinkas, during his tenure as the Tampa Bay Buccaneers head coach in the late 90s. Polinkas had done a project in elementary school for Black History month, where she had profiled Dungy for her project. It was her teacher at the time that had sent the work to One Buc Place, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers' headquarters, upon which Polinka received the letter from Dungy.
"It was really nice to say thanks and to say it meant something to me," said Polinkas after having personally thanked Dungy. Polinkas, however, was not the only student moved by Dungy's presence.
"Knowing Tony Dungy's history, many people do respect him and they want to get some encouraging words from him"," said Marcus Britt, current SGA vice-president, Collegiate 100 member, and future SGA president of the 2009-2010 school year. Build character and intelligence is what Britt believes students should take away from Dungy's speech.
"Intelligence and character are equally important; you cannot have one without the other to be successful, or to be viewed as successful," said Britt.
"Build you character and make it compliment your intelligence" .
Dungy took the time to sign books for attendees, many of which were copies of his new book "Uncommon," given to students by the Plant City chapter of the Collegiate 100. Dungy himself had a few words for students who unable to attend the event. "Work on that education, take advantage of the opportunity you have. But also, work on developing that character. I think the slogan of the day was intelligence plus character. And I think that is very critical," said Dungy.
As it stands, Dungy's future seems unclear, as he has not announced any specific plans for his future. However he did express his desire to become more involved with Tampa Bay community.
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