Friend. Mentor. Role model. Grandfather. There are a thousand other words I could use to describe Tony Meyer ’49, but honestly none of them would do him justice. Being a Tony Meyer Alumni Scholar is one of the greatest blessings of my entire life, and I’m honestly not sure how I got
so lucky.
A few years ago, I was telling a friend about how much I value my friendship with Tony, and the friend asked how Tony and I met. “The universe,” I replied.
“The universe.” Without a doubt, a higher power brought Tony and me together. It all began back in 1999 when I applied for an alumni
scholarship. Or perhaps this story truly began in the late 1960s, when Tony taught my mom Ann Harper ’69 during her days at the College.
Fast forward 30 years, and I was more than ready to finally attend the College, a decision I made wholeheartedly when I was in the first grade. Various people encouraged me to apply to other schools, but I knew there was no reason to – I was destined to be a Cougar. I needed financial assistance, and I recall writing my application letter for the scholarship. I wrote about my love for the College and my passion for CofC basketball,
all those magical nights John Kresse created in the cozy gym on George Street. And somehow, by the grace of God, I became a Tony Meyer
Alumni Scholar.
Throughout college, numerous jobs, graduate school (also at CofC because crossing the Cistern once wasn’t enough for me), marriage and creating a family, I’ve had Tony by my side, encouraging me, offering advice and making me laugh. I could not be more grateful. These days, afternoons spent with Tony and my son Jack on the Cistern, are a true blessing.
To the donors of alumni scholarships, I thank you from the bottom of my heart. You have enriched my life, and I’m sure the lives of many others,
in more ways than I can accurately describe. – Alex Rogers ’03 and ’15