FALL 2024 13 work,” White encouraged, “if you stick to the truth God has given you.” Servant Leadership in Action When she was just 19, White became Chick-fil-A's youngest franchise owner and opened a second Chickfil-A in Birmingham, Alabama. She met and married her husband, John, while operating the franchise. She is the author of four books and has pursued her personal passion for missions, serving in Brazil and also with the International Mission Board. Recognizing others for their perseverance and dedication to fulfilling God’s purpose is central to Chick-fil-A’s focus on servant leadership. In fact, it came as no Trudy Cathy White speaks to the students in a chapel service at DBU surprise when, at the end of the chapel service, White recognized two members of the DBU Family for their exemplary work as servant leaders. She welcomed to the stage Isom Smith, a DBU student and student worker on the DBU Grounds team, and Linda Smith, a clerk in the DBU mailroom who has worked at the University for 48 years. They each received a card for a year's worth of free Chickfil-A. Every student in attendance also received a “Be Our Guest” card for a complimentary Chick-fil-A sandwich. Aside from these gifts, everyone left chapel with a greater lesson. Anyone and any business built on Biblical principles will succeed in what ultimately matters most in life— serving Christ and honoring Him. “When you understand your purpose, you clearly understand how important perseverance is. You understand how to have fun in life and how to make it a big party. And you work out of your passions. I challenge you today to do your very best.” White presents a card for a year’s worth of Chick-fil-A to Linda Smith and Isom Smith
RkJQdWJsaXNoZXIy ODc4ODgx