Andrew Pete Cicero, Sr. was born in Praco, Alabama, in 1931. Son of a coal miner, he was destined to do exactly that, don a hardhat and delve into the pits of the earth. However, my grandfather knew that his destiny lie elsewhere. After returning from the Korean Conflict, Pete gathered his belongings, and with his jet-black hair, strong build and Lucky Strike cigarettes, began his journey to Tuscaloosa. Here, he would receive a well-paying job with Gulf States Paper and have two children. My grandfather was far from rich, hardly even middle-class, but he truly lived the American Dream. He passed away in 2012, where more than 500 people would attend his funeral.
Andrew Pete Cicero, Jr. was born in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, in 1965; growing up in the stereotypical neighborhoods of the 1970s, playing baseball, singing in the Holt High School Choir and attending The University of Alabama, studying business administration. Behind the old Biology building he would accidentally run into Donna Patterson, and the rest is history. He’s a perfect combination of spiritual leader, superhero and comedian. I’m proud that he’s my dad.
Legacy is defined as “something transmitted by or received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.” On May 6, 2016, thousands of students will receive their diplomas and walk away from the Capstone, some only to return for an occasional football game. The pomp and circumstance of graduation will soon fade into the realization that our time here is a memory, and only our legacy will remain. I am proud of the legacy I’ll leave. I’m proud of the men of Sigma Tau Gamma, who banded together and created an incredible fraternity filled with diversity of races, ideologies and beliefs. I am proud to have served the students of Culverhouse in the SGA Senate. I’m proud of Stevie Keller and the friendship we have, and I’m proud to have worked under President Elliot Spillers. When I walk across that stage, I’ll leave with beautiful memories of the Capstone.
Some people are curious as to why I use my full name, Andrew Pete Cicero, III. It’s because I couldn’t be more proud of it. My grandfather and father left a legacy like no other, and now is my chance to continue making mine. Whether you share a name, a story, or hometown with someone, your legacy starts today. Make it one to remember.
Andrew Pete Cicero, III is a senior majoring in marketing. He served as the president of Sigma Tau Gamma fraternity and as the chief implementation officer in the SGA. He will be pursuing his J.D./M.B.A. after graduation.
