Bo Soderbergh '75 '78
Executive Director
Tarrant Area Food Bank, Fort Worth
Bo Soderbergh '75 '78 is the Executive Director for the Tarrant Area Food Bank in Fort Worth.
How has the TCU Network benefited you in your career?
The TCU Community has provided support for Tarrant Area Food Bank since our inception in 1982. That year, Dr. Andrew Fort, Professor of Religion, was one of the originators of TCU’s annual Hunger Week, an event that continues to raise awareness about the many issues surrounding domestic and international hunger. I’m very pleased that Dr. Fort has just joined the Food Bank Board of Directors. We rely on volunteers and interns from TCU, both students and faculty, and count a substantial number of alumni as donors.
Have you accelerated possibilities as a result of your Horned Frog community?
When I interviewed for this position in 1997, my degrees from TCU were a definite plus. During my 15-year tenure as director of the Food Bank countless doors have opened due to the willingness of former Frogs to visit and listen to a fellow alumnus. Many influential community members can be found in the rolls of TCU graduates and their advice and support has been invaluable.
Were opportunities opened up that otherwise would have been limited without your Horned Frog connections?
This is a difficult question to answer since the opportunities did open up and I can’t identify those that didn’t. However, considering TCU’s standing and multifaceted relationship with Fort Worth and the Metroplex, being a graduate and a Horned Frog is bound to have had major significance.
What opportunities and tools did TCU give you to be successful in life?
I’m a huge believer in the value of a liberal arts education. Developing analytical and professional skills is vital both in our careers and personal lives. One of my most influential teachers was Professor John Bohon who taught me that it’s not only what you have to say that is important, it’s equally important to be passionate.
What is your current involvement with TCU?
I just stepped down from the National Alumni Board. I serve on a couple of academic committees. I’m involved with TCU students as well as faculty and staff in various projects dealing with eliminating hunger. Also, my very good friend Angie Kaufman – Minister to the University - is about to officiate at my upcoming wedding.
Why do you stay involved and why do you think it is important to stay connected to your alma mater?
It’s both in the nature of what I do professionally and the many levels of involvement that Tarrant Area Food Bank has with the university. Many of my closest friends are at TCU. Personally, I also feel a debt to TCU – I got a generous fellowship to help study for my MA. I continued on in the Doctoral program with a University Fellowship but never finished my dissertation. Perhaps this is also a way to make amends.
What is your message to the students of today?
Study what you want to study. There has to be something that really excites you. It may not necessarily lead to a career but may well launch you on the path to your life’s mission. Our college years are in many ways the best and most important ones – we are free to choose and explore. Be open, curious and willing to learn.