BACKGROUND:   The First Thirty is based on true story of Greg Forbes Siegman. The book traces the first thirty years of Greg's life and the first things he learned from his successes and failures along the way.  A significant part of the book revolves around his 'Commencement' experiences - the lessons he learned along the way to the stage and what the experience was like when he finally crossed it.  Greg has now spoken at a variety of Commencements around the country, and the books have been used in conjunction with others.

GREG'S WEBSITE:  www.GregForbes.com

THE BOOK WEBSITE:  www.TheFirstThirty.com

BIO:  Greg's Bio

ONE PAGE SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK (THE FIRST THIRTY):  About the Story

MEDIA & HONORS:
== Washington Post Co did a feature story on Greg's experience crossing a Commencement Stage for the first time - comparing his experience with Steven Spielberg's and reflecting on how that experience impacted their lives
== Also featured in Good Morning America, Education Week, College News, CBS among others
== In delivering Commencement Speeches, Greg has received a number of honorary degrees
== Other honors include: Jefferson Award for Public Service, America's Daily Point of Light, Hasbro Real-Life American Hero, CBS Hometown Hero

EXAMPLE OF SPEECHES & BOOKS:
== Commencement Speech at Suffield High School (high school in Connecticut)
== Commencement Speech at Prairie State College
== Commencement Speech at Kendall College

== Surprise guest speaker for MBA course at Saint Louis University on their final day of class

== Middle School: Rockville Bank ordered 50 copies of The First Thirty for the 'Top 50 Citizens' in the graduating class of a local middle school in Connecticut
== High School: MyTownHall.info teamed up with Suffield High School to get copies of The First Thirty for every student in the graduating class
== College: Kendall College, in advance of Commencement, ordered copies of The First Thirty for every student in Honor Society
== Commencement Speech at Arts of Living School (all-girls school in Illinois)
== Speech at Near North High School Commencement

OTHER EXAMPLES:
== University of Wisconsin-Whitewater incorporated The First Thirty into a course on Race & Culture
== Daniels College of Business incorporated The First Thirty into their social entrepreneurship course
== Greg spoke to fraternity and sorority members at University of Texas - Austin
== Greg (and John Sculley - former CEO of Apple & IBM) spoke at the Valley Business Conference, whose sponsors included Children's Hospital Central California, Saint Agnes Medical Center and Kaiser Permanente
== Greg spoke to athletes at College of St. Catherine (Minnesota)
== Greg keynoted the 66th Annual Volunteer Banquet for University of Chicago Hospitals; organizers order 200 copies of the book to give out to its volunteers and some of its staff in conjunction with the event
== North Community Bank ordered copies of The First Thirty to give to students in Loiusiana impacted by Hurricane Katrina
== In New York, the Giants (NFL) sponsored an essay contest for local students based on The First Thirty
== In Minnesota, the Vikings (NFL) purchased copies of The First Thirty for local middle school students and sponsored an essay contest based on the book for them
== In California, Centerpoint Athletic Club purchased copies of The First Thirty for local high school students

SAMPLE OF FEEDBACK TO SPEECHES & BOOKS:

"Because of Greg, yesterday's graduation here will remain one of the most memorable graduations I have had the privilege to share in, in over 22 years as a teacher..." - Rita Caruso, Teacher, Arts of Living School

Barry Marder, Grandfather of a graduate: "I am 78 years old. I have attended a lot of Commencements. That speech was the most meaningful and interesting one I've ever heard." -

"...I really did appreciate the speech [Greg] gave-- among the best commencement speeches I have ever heard..." - Stanton L. Jones, Provost & Professor of Psychology, Wheaton College (after attending another school's Commencement where Greg was the Speaker)

"...It was unlike any other business class I'd ever been to....definitely one of my most worthwhile experiences here at SLU.... He didn't talk at the students, he talked with them...he engaged them.  Most importantly, the class wasn't just about business principles and practices – it was about themes that could be applied to every day life....I have [recommended] The First Thirty to some good friends back home and they are looking forward to reading the book...today was fantastic, and I can't say thanks enough for giving me the chance [to be there]..."   - Michelle, student, Saint Louis University

"...I think the standing ovation Greg got [after his Commencement speech] says it all about how well received his speech was!  It was a whirlwind of a weekend, and a graduation we'll remember for a while around here." -- Ned Sullivan, SHS Guidance Coordinator

"Greg's Commencement Speech was perhaps one of the best speeches I have heard regardless of venue and I can only hope that it made as big of an impression on the students as it did on the faculty...I hope they take Greg's Grandma's lessons to heart. To hear him say that the view from the pulpit was worth it was an honor. I congratulate him on his walk across the stage..." - Andy Roach - Faculty member, Kendall College

"The First Thirty has captured the attention of critics and readers nationwide."  - Springfield Republican

"A great story of redemption and determination...a virtual case study for First Year Experience programs...a blueprint for new college students." -  Amy Pszczolkowski, Office of the President and First Year Experience professor, Asnuntuck Community College

"A lesson in humanity..." - Midwest Book Review

"A dazzling gem...When you finish, you will want your students to read it, too.  Its lessons are immensely teachable." -  Terry Orr, Teacher Information Network

"I am a special educator and I am using "The First Thirty" with my students in my reading class.  I teach Middle School.  I love the book and its life lessons.  I am using the workbook with them, too (A Place To Sit).  Wow!  What a great way to teach these kids about life..." - Bari Levin, Middle School educator, Illinois (who later sent in word that she launched a Book Club featuring The First Thirty for other educators)