I’ve just returned from the kick-off for this year’s AARP convention, and since I’m not yet old enough to have my own membership card, its made me truly anticipate the day that I do.

There are people here from all walks of life, all ethnicities… people from all 50 states and over 13 countries. Some are dressed in Sunday best, others in comfortable, casual clothing and ready for a long day of learning, walking, and exploring both the convention and the nation’s capital.

There is excitement and anticipation in the air, not to mention a sense of purpose–the people attending seem to be creating an energy all their own.  With 40 million members, it’s no surprise that even a fraction of those members attending can cause an electric force all their own.

Much as I expected, this convention is no small show–it appears the largest advocacy organization for adults in the United States has pulled out all the stops.

The theme for this year’s AARP convention is “Washington DC 2008–It’s Monumental!” This morning’s speakers featured the history of AARP, the development of the organization, and speeches by the President Jennie Chin Hansen, CEO Bill Novelli, and Regis Philbin.

Dr. Ethel Percy Andrus founded the AARP in 1958. It evolved from her efforts to create a national association for retired teachers. She was a visionary woman, much like John Erickson– a leader who sought to serve others, not to be served.  In her tenure as acting president she established an organization that protected the well-being of retired people through advocacy, education, and service.

The keynote speaker, if you will, was none other than Mr. Regis Philbin. And let me say, having watched him on television for quite a few years–he’s just as entertaining in person. He seemed larger than life; but truly  humbled himself as he shared his life story with everyone.

He graduated from Notre Dame with little idea of what he wanted to do with his life… other than a childhood dream of being Bing Crosby. After graduation he enlisted in the Navy. He joked that he did so to avoid telling his parents what he planned to do with his life for a bit longer.

Wanting to pursue a career in television, Philbin wasn’t ready to take the risk until an officer in the Marine Corps demanded that he do so–the commanding officer shouted at Philbin as he prepared to leave his San Diego base–YOU CAN DO ANYTHING, IF YOU WANT IT BADLY ENOUGH!

And so Philbin did. He went after it, first working as a page for a New York NBC affiliate, then as a stagehand in Hollywood.  He next got a job writing the news, then took a job as a radio station news reporter, which led to a position in television news.

After many years writing, producing and hosting local talk shows he finally landed a job as an announcer on a national talk show–but that show couldn’t stand up to Carson and McMahon.  During a career full of ups and downs, Philbin found himself driving to Indiana after being rejected for a position in Chicago… once in Indiana, he found himself back at Notre Dame.

It was there that he remembered the words of a great Notre Dame football coach–I’ll paraphrase–Absorb defeat, your losses will make you stronger. And, losing makes the winning so much more rewarding.

It wasn’t until 1983 that he was hosting a show in NY that eventually syndicated. He was 57.

Reeg left us with this:  Let your defeats make you stronger. Don’t let people change you. Success can be yours at any time in life, even when you think it is too late.

Okay–I’m off to check out a workshop or two and the exhibition floor. More later.