Huge congratulations to all honorees and wonderful to read about their individual lifetime contributions. A special and personal congratulations to Roger for his ongoing, tireless generosity particularly in the launch and creation of Palo Alto's Magical Bridge playground. He was President of the Friends of the Palo Alto Parks when my earliest dreams about creating this new kind of playground were forming, and I'm forever grateful to Roger for his early financial and strategic support in what we ended up doing. It's incredible that Magical Bridge is one of many (many!) wonderful causes Roger has supported which makes him a real Kindness Ambassador and "magic maker" for this community and beyond. I am personally honored to know him and so grateful for his exemplary lifetime of service. Congratulations, Roger!

The Menlo College community joins me as I extend my heartfelt congratulations to Roger Smith. My abiding appreciation for his service and his counsel is widely shared by our students, faculty, staff, and his fellow trustees. We are all better for knowing him, and I am personally indebted to him for the inspiration and guidance he has provided me and my colleagues since he joined our Board of Trustees. His longstanding commitment to improving the lives of those around him makes him a fitting recipient of the Avenidas Lifetimes of Achievement award.