This oft-repeated saying of Leigh Robinson Gignilliat encapsulated both his educational philosophy and practice at Culver Military Academy for much of its first 40 years, forming the canon and doctrine of the institution.

He was a self-made man of character who made the most of his talents and opportunities to become something far greater than he ever could have imaged for himself. Gignilliat personified the culture of character promoted by Culver, using discipline and love to gain the willing obedience of his charges and did much to build the Culver brand.

Gignilliat was a tremendously accomplished educator, leader, and innovator, and a masterful marketer and promoter. He enhanced Culver as an institution by his willingness to make and re-make himself into the model of what he wanted to be, what he needed to be, and what the school and that the school needed him to be. His selfless service brought national renown to Culver and helped to solidify Culver's reputation as one of the very best educational institutions in the country. His achievements place him in the first rank of American 20th century secondary educators.

The presence and spirit of Leigh R. Gignilliat at Culver provided the institution, faculty, staff, cadets, and campers with a common understanding of what was expected of a Culver person for over 100 years, making him one the most influential people during Culver's first century of existence.

Gignilliat's example is timeless, and his actions still have much to teach the Culver community and contemporary professional educators.