Many years ago I had the opportunity to meet Dr. Paul Weber.  We formed an enduring friendship and successful partnership over the years to come, and I think together we accomplished some exciting goals.

Paul was a teacher through and through.  From his post as Chairman of the Political Science department at the University of Louisville, Paul pursued not just his academic endeavors but sought to make a difference in students' lives as well.  I was drawn to Paul’s committed sense of service and desire to provide new opportunities for young Kentuckians to pursue their ambitions.

Greg Willinghanz has produced a documentary for KET which follows our friendship as we worked together to launch the McConnell Center at the University of Louisville.  What began as an idea fueled by little more than a desire to keep talented young people interested in staying in Kentucky to pursue their education and careers grew into a program that today provides full scholarships for 40 Kentucky students annually and exposes them to national leaders like Ted Kennedy, Colin Powell and Clarence Thomas.  The Center boasts more than 100 graduates and has awarded more than $1 million in scholarships.

I am as proud of the work of the Center as I am of anything I have ever accomplished, and I could have asked for no greater partner in getting this vision off the ground than Dr. Paul Weber.

Mitch and Paul, Friends from the Opposite Ends airs on KET on Wednesday, August 29 at 10:30 p.m. EDT.  I hope you will take the time to tune in.