Speak Up
Saying Goodbye—And Thank You
The two most important words in business are not what you might expect. Net Income? No. Share Price? No. Revenue Growth? No. Cash Flow? No…
The two most important words are thank you—the universal expression of gratitude and respect. And as my eight years of service as dean come to a close, they are the words I want to leave with the entire Questrom community. In June, I will step down as dean; the University is in the midst of an international search for my successor.
During my time here, I have been particularly gratified to see everyone at Questrom work hard to confront the moral and ethical dilemmas that face business. Coming out of the Great Recession, we thought it important to establish a foundation grounded in ethics for every student.
But our institution’s insistence on ethical behavior long predates the recession. When we celebrated our 100th birthday as a business school in 2014, Professor Emeritus James Post, in writing a history of our first century, 100 Years Bold, unearthed the business creed created by this magazine’s namesake, Everett W. Lord, the first dean of the then College of Business Administration. It reads:
“We believe
In TRUTH, the only foundation of success.
In SERVICE, the motive of business.
In the GOLDEN RULE, the unchanging standard of conduct.
In the consciousness of SERVICE PERFORMED, the sufficient reward of endeavor.”
I have a keen sense of pride in that tradition and, based on what I’ve witnessed from each and every member of the community, an even keener sense of excitement about what lies ahead for the school.
Among our distinguished faculty, I’ve seen a deep commitment to exceptional teaching and essential research. They are extending our long tradition of memorable classroom encounters, throwing themselves into educational innovation, and making sure our students leave here with the skills they will need to make a difference to the world. During my first conversations with faculty when I was being considered for this job, I thought, “If they represent the character of BU, sign me up.” Everything since has only confirmed that initial impression.
The same goes for our talented staff. They tirelessly support our students well before they arrive on campus through the completion of their studies and on to placement in jobs around the world. At all hours of the day and night, I’ve seen them counseling students, helping them navigate academic and personal challenges, and seeing to it that they get the most out of their time here. When students thank me for all the school has done for them, they are really thanking our dedicated faculty and staff.
Those students are perhaps the greatest source of my confidence in the future. From my office, I can see and feel the energy that this new generation has brought to the building. These exceptional students are the real reason we are here, and I know that the world can—and will—become a better place under their leadership.
Our loyal alumni around the world are showing the way. And by sharing their time, talent, and resources, they are helping the Questrom School of Business continue its drive for excellence. One of those alums, Allen Questrom (Questrom’64, Hon.’15), and his wife Kelli (Hon.’15), bear special mention. Their generous gift that led to our renaming in 2015 personifies the loyalty and deep pride in the school felt by all of us who have passed through its halls.
Because of our faculty, staff, and students, and because of you, our alumni, Questrom School of Business is poised for greatness. I know you will achieve it. And I thank you for the opportunity to come this far on the journey with you.
