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by Jerri Whitner, Student Contributor

Alice Lloyd College had the honor of hosting Mrs. Mo Anderson and her husband of sixty-years, Richard, during convocation on April 3rd. Mo Anderson is both Co-Owner and Vice Chairman of the Board for Keller Williams Realty, the largest real estate franchise in the world. Although she is the leader of a successful global business, many ALC students can relate to Mo’s humble beginnings as a tenant farmer’s daughter in rural Oklahoma. The lessons that she learned on the farm developed in her a strong work ethic and honest morals that she implements in her company. Even at 80 years young, Mo stays active by investing time nurturing and growing the culture of Keller Williams Realty and publicizing her book, A Joy-filled Life: Lessons of a Tenant Farmer’s Daughter.

Though it was Mo who would address the ALC community at convocation, her husband Richard and she presented a dynamic duo of insightful stories, humorous antidotes and wise guidance to students, faculty, and staff throughout their visit. The two visited classrooms for Q&A discussions with students and shared lunch with several other students and faculty in the historic Cushing Hall. Senior Accounting and Business Management major, Kala Thornsbury reflected on meeting Richard and Mo, “It was more than just an amazing experience, it was a blessing. They guided us through their lives and helped me realize that anything is possible by taking action, even my dreams.” Many were inspired by Richard and Mo’s story.  

Cultivating a passion for music since childhood, Mo began a career teaching music that stretched 14 years.  Ultimately, she made the decision to change careers after she and Richard enrolled in real estate classes.  Early on she realized that she had a natural talent for business, and after working for several years in real estate she met Gary Keller, co-founder of Keller Williams Realty.  After their first meeting, Mo knew that there was potential to expand Keller Williams into the powerful franchise that it is today. Mo’s success has not gone unnoticed, she has won numerous awards for being an influential female leader and for her charitable accomplishments. Several times she has spoken at Yale University about her company’s unique values and methods, and in a similar manner, she spoke to the faculty, staff, and students of ALC.

During her convocation address, she spoke on three pillars from her new book, which she kindly gave a copy of to each student. She encouraged the students to follow their dreams, know the importance of profit, and to keep the faith. Mo describes faith as, “The key to a never quit attitude…your faith can be the framework on which you build a worthy and fulfilling life.” Alice Lloyd herself exemplified this pillar throughout her life with her, “Faith as firm as a rock and aspirations as high as the mountains”- a belief that the College strives to instill in all ALC students.