From all appearances, 2023 Erik Jonsson Leadership Awardee Peter Brodsky seemed a bit overwhelmed at the honor and the turnout for the SMU’s Cary M. Maguire Center for Ethics and Public Responsibility fundraiser on Tuesday, March 21. But looking over the crowd that included past awardees (David Brown, Janie Halbreich, Lyda Hill, Bobby Lyle, Caren Prothro, Michael Sorrell and Ron Steinhart), friends (Rabbi David Stern, Luncheon Co-Chairs Ashlee and Chris Kleinert,Matrice Ellis-Kirk, Willis Johnson, Janie McGarr, Tracy Nash-Huntley, Sally Horchow, Regen Horchow, Ken Hersh, Don Glendenning, Grant Moise and Christy Coltrin and Brad Oldham), SMU leadership (President R. Gerald Turner, Cary Maguire Ethic Center’s William F. May Endowed Director Rita Kirk and Development and External Affairs VP Brad Cheves) and family (his wife Lael Brodsky and children Katie Brodsky and Luke Brodsky), Peter was prepared to accept the accolades as well as the teasing (“He tells some of the worst jokes in the world.”).
However, he would demonstrate exactly why the award was justly deserved in his acceptance speech that described why his journey to this point had been the result of fortuitous opportunities in his life. For example, if it hadn’t been for Ken Gonzalez going to the movies one afternoon, the 23-year-old Peter might never have been a force for change in Dallas.
While the lengthy post is being finished up, check out the people on hand to give a hand for Peter at MySweetCharity Photo Gallery.
Bobby B. Lyle says
Jeanne, dear friend, this and the longer article about the Ethics Award are both greatly appreciated. Speaking on behalf of the Maguire Ethics Center, thank you for helping us celebrate Peter Brodsky and the legacy of Mayor J. Erik Jonsson. The impact that you have on our city is remarkable and all of us associated with SMU and the Maguire Center are grateful beyond words. Thank you!
Bobby Lyle