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GREG FORBES SIEGMAN
THE SOUTH
BIO: Greg's Bio
WEBSITES: www.GregForbes.com -- www.TheFirstThirty.com
ONE PAGE SYNOPSIS OF THE BOOK (THE FIRST THIRTY): About the Story
BACKGROUND: The First Thirty is based on the true story of Greg Forbes Siegman, his efforts to make a difference, and the first thirty things learned from the people and places he encountered (and setbacks and successes he experienced) along the way. This includes a very positive focus on the time he has spent in the South and how those times impacted his life. The First Thirty and its companion workbook A Place To Sit are now used with, and by, a variety of schools, organizations and companies around North America. Greg now speaks at schools, companies and events around North America.
FURTHER BACKGROUND: After graduating high school, Greg moved to the Deep South. He had never spent time in the South and was not sure what to expect. Once he opened his mind and explored his new environment, he came to love the culture and the diversity around him. He became very active on and off campus during that time - eventually being appointed by the Dean to the position of Chairman of Community Service. Since finishing college, Greg has continued to work on civic projects impacting the area. They include: launching Project Thank You in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, philanthropic donations through The 11-10-02 Foundation to help schools in the South (including scholarships to help students studying to become civil rights attorneys in Alabama, and personal donations to help students in Louisiana). He also has spoken at events in the South (such as Texas and Kentucky), and spent considerable time speaking to people in other parts of North America about the Deep South, working to break down stereotypes and bridge divides between them. He also written guest columns for various newspapers including the Chicago Sun-Times about the positive attributes of life in the South and why people from other parts of the country should not prejudge them.
MEDIA & HONORS:
== Featured in media outlets in South (such as Lexington Herald-Leader and FOX News in Kentucky). Washington Post Co did a feature story on Greg and Steven Spielberg, their college experiences (including Greg's in the Deep South) and how that shaped their future paths. College News, College Bound, Baltimore Sun, Education Week, National Public Radio, Newsweek Kaplan College Guide also among those who also did feature stories on Greg's positive college experience in the South.
== Honors received include: Jefferson Award for Public Service, America's Daily Point of Light, Hasbro Real-Life American Hero, CBS Hometown Hero, Education Center Director's Award. Greg was honored at Princeton University as one of America's top social entrepreneurs under 40.
EXAMPLE OF SPEECHES & THE BOOKS:
== Keynoted event for fraternity and sorority members at University of Texas-Austin
== The Tug McGraw Foundation ordered copies of The First Thirty for its Board of Directors as well as its Honorary Chairman (Tug's son, and country music star Tim McGraw), Tim's wife (country music star Faith Hill), and the members of Tim's band.
== Spoke at event for college students in Florida interested in grantwriting and philanthropy
== North Community Bank ordered copies of The First Thirty to give to teens in Louisiana impacted by Hurricane Katrina
== Diversity Committee at a school in Georgia did a group-wide reading of The First Thirty
== Keynoted Zeta Beta Tau's 2006 National Convention on Leadership & Philanthropy; students in attendance included undergrads from variety of Southern universities
== Accepted invite to speak to middle school and high school students in Kentucky after 9-11 about dealing with intolerance
== Students and faculty at schools in Kentucky and Louisiana serve as Essay Contest Judges for essay contests revolving around The First Thirty
== In Florida, a middle school parent (Claudine Mourjan) read her son's copy of the book cover-to-cover in one day. Later that same day, she purchased 100 copies -- giving them out to her staff, her clients and lending some to the middle school her son attends.
SAMPLE OF FEEDBACK TO SPEECHES & BOOKS:
ANNA MARIE JOHNSON TEAGUE, DAWSON + MURRAY + TEAGUE COMMUNICATIONS, TEXAS (and graduate of a college in Louisiana): "The First Thirty is a tribute to teachers - those found in classrooms, and those who impart their wisdom in the course of everyday life."
Jennifer Mynear, Executive Director, Jarrett's Joy Cart (Kentucky) ..."Greg's talks with the middle and high school students were timely and thought-provoking. The enthusiasm and rapt attention of the audiences were testimony to the power of his message, not to mention seeing groups of students seeking him out after his speeches to get more ideas and information on how to "Make A Difference" in their community. I was impressed with his ability to adjust his presentations to meet the varying age levels of his audiences..."
BRITTNEY, COLLEGE STUDENT, GEORGIA: "My routine has been class-work-class-events-study...but every night around 1 AM, I read [a few more pages of what is] quite possibly one of, if not the best, books I've read in a few years. I LOVE the book!!...As I have read it, I really feel inspired...I really have enjoyed the thirty lessons. They are all so true!"
JEANNE-MARIE, COLLEGE STUDENT, LOUISIANA: "An inspiring reminder that, whether it's he other side of the world, the other side of the country, or just the other side of the tracks, if you end up in a place you never expected to be and dare to explore it, you just may find your passion in the process."
Meri, high school student, Kentucky: "...what he is doing is just GREAT. His talk at my school was wonderful. I think he touched many of us with his story. It makes me think what can I do to help others? Keep up the great work! When I get a Milkshake, I will always remember his story."
KARA S, FLORIDA ATLANTIC UNIVERSITY: "I just finished reading The First Thirty, and I have to admit that it left me speechless...it is not like any biography I have ever read..It reminded me just how sacred everything is, whether it be a person, an idea, or even nothing, as Greg showed even nothing is something..."
KEISHA B, LOUISIANA NATIVE, NOW IN GEORGIA: "I finished the book. I cried at the end. It was beautiful."
MORGAN, HIGH SCHOOL STUDENT (TEXAS): "A refreshing reminder that each of us can -- and should -- be open to the world beyond our window while changing the world within it."
RUSSELL, STUDENT, MOREHOUSE COLLEGE (GEORGIA): "A poignant story that epitomizes the evolution of never-ending struggles into ever-lasting legacies."
Carol Greenberg, Director, HORIZONS (Florida): "The event was perfect. Greg was kind, considerate, loving and hilarious. In 15 years here, I've never seen a response from our members like the one I saw today." -
Doris Zimmerman, Florida: "I just want to say so much. In a word, terrific! Greg makes a Grandma proud -- and he's not even mine."
Erica, student, Middle school, Kentucky: "That was the most awesomist story i have heard"
Heather, High school student, Kentucky: "I would like to thank Mr. Siegman for coming to my school in Kentucky...It was one of the best stories that I have heard in a long time. Some of my friends are telling me that there is a book out about that!!! Is there really and if there is where can i get it?" [NOTE: The First Thirty is the book's name.]
Marvin Bartlett, News Anchor, FOX News (Kentucky): "...he did a great job keeping their attention and it was a message young people need to hear. Teachers always tell students that they can accomplish whatever they want if they set their minds to it, but that often sounds like hyperbole. It's good when they can hear from someone who is living proof..."
AMBER WILLIAMS, CAMPAIGN DIRECTOR, TEAM IN TRAINING, THE LEUKEMIA & LYMPHOMA SOCIETY, VIRGINIA CHAPTER: "I found The First Thirty very inspiring and appreciated the point that anyone, anywhere, at any age can make a difference. Too many times teenagers, or recent college graduates are told that they don't have enough experience to do the "real work" within a company so they're stuck in a corner filing papers...I'm definitely recommending that my staff read this book. It's full of great life lessons and work lessons, especially for those in the non-profit sector."
Rasheka, Middle school student, Kentucky [speech following 9-11 tragedy]: "Today, Greg did a program at my school and it really made me think about some things like how I can help...the victims of the terrorist attacks....he inspired me to go about this idea."
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