Visiting Executives Share Insights with Students

David Novak (BJ '74) speaks with a student following his presentation of a Dean's Distinguished Lecture

Who would have thought that the advice from one of the most prominent CEOs in the nation to an auditorium full of eager listeners would be to reward employees for good work with rubber chickens and oversized chili peppers? That's what students heard from David Novak, CEO of Yum! Brands, Inc., when he visited the college to present a Dean's Distinguished Lecture last October. Bush Auditorium was filled with students, faculty, alumni, and community members to hear the 2006 Homecoming Grand Marshal deliver his address "Building Dynasty Performance." Novak's lecture focused heavily on "catching employees doing something right" and recognizing them for it.

Lessons such as these are a powerful supplement to the classroom experiences of College of Business students. Hearing how successful business men and women have progressed in their careers, including dealing with challenges and setbacks, helps students understand how attributes such as integrity, a sense of entrepreneurship, and discipline are essential to building a successful career.

Students learn from visiting executives and entrepreneurs not just in lectures but also through one-on-one conversations and small group meetings with the visitors. Many of the businesspeople who come to Cornell Hall spend time with students at a luncheon and teach classes. The opportunities our students have to engage in real conversations with the speakers help the college achieve its objectives related to professional development of students and collaboration with the business community.

Pam Patsley (BS Acc '79) addresses a small group of Crosby MBA students about the payment industry nationwide and abroad before presenting a Schram Lecture in International Business to a larger audience in Bush Auditorium

Tamra Hipp, a second-year Crosby MBA student, says that getting to spend time with Pam Patsley, president of First Data International who presented a Schram Lecture in International Business, did more than allow her to get to know the successful businesswoman personally. "It can often be intimidating to strike up a conversation with successful business executives, but after having lunch and good conversation with Ms. Patsley I feel much more confident about networking," says Hipp. "I also left the meeting feeling very inspired about my career."

More than 150 guest speakers visited the college last year. Among the presentations were two Dean's Distinguished Lectures, a Scott CEO Forum, a Vaughan Executive-in-Residence, and a Schram Lecture in International Business. Read more about each of the college's various lecture series.

"Our college has made a commitment to bring successful alumni and other executives and business owners to campus to inform us and provoke our thinking about important issues," says Dean Bruce Walker. "These speakers are a welcome complement to the excellent classroom instruction our faculty members provide to students."