After his induction Wednesday, Dungy told students that his parents, who were both educators, instilled in him three important lessons: "They told me, 'Whatever path you take, do it with gusto and fire, representing the Lord; treat everyone you come across with respect; and, wherever you settle down, make your neighborhood a better place to live.'"
Dungy is only the fifth inductee into the Society of World Changers, which Indiana Wesleyan University launched to honor exemplary individuals who are impacting their professions with a vibrant religious faith.
In his first NFL head coaching stint, Dungy led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers to four playoff appearances in six seasons and became the winningest head coach in Tampa Bay history. In 2002 he was named head coach of Indianapolis, where he began a streak of six consecutive double-digit victory seasons and playoff berths, including the Super Bowl XLI championship.
Dungy also is the author of "Quiet Strength: The Principles, Practices and Priorities of a Winning Life," which has been on The New York Times best seller list since the book was released last July.
Dungy's appearance at IWU was arranged by All Pro Dad, a program sponsored by Family First, a Tampa, Florida-based not-for-profit organization, which Dungy helped launch while coaching Tampa Bay.
Dungy was given an honorary doctorate of humane letters during yesterday's ceremony. A life size bronze bust of Dungy was also unveiled and will join those of other World Changer inductees in the rotunda of the University's Jackson Library.
