Thank you Paul. If a class could have bookends, Paul would be the Right bookend and I’d be the Left bookend. I insert feelings into Paul’s numbers, and Paul replaces my loquacious dialogue with linear regressions and mathematical derivatives. I think, in the end, we are both better for spending the last two years together.
GO TO INDUCTION
As part of the toast, I’d like to quickly acknowledge each student, faculty and staff for some of the gifts they have brought us all over the last 2 years…
STUDENTS
Susan Barry Your athletic and writing abilities … regardless of your condition the night before. Also, your spirit and the value you place on friendship, which has been such a gift to me these last 2 yrs.
Wayne Cagno Your calm, sophisticated and mature style. …AND your ability to relax (
Brad Carlson Your quiet but powerful leadership. Also, your caring nature. I know you are going to make a huge difference in the lives of people who are suffering.
Alex Drigan Your depth of knowledge …which perhaps comes from having worked in 1,000 different jobs.
Ellen Duffield The way you push us all to be our best by modeling this yourself.
Judd Feinerman Your Perseverance …and the elegant way in which you communicate with strangers…saving the other stuff for us.
Linda Fitzgerald Your Courage
Hanan Gelbendorf Your insight. I also enjoyed our friendship these last 2 years and sharing ADD moments w/you.
Bill Kinsman Your “I don’t give a crap” humor. We’re laughing with you, not at you.
Chris O’Donovan Your Determination…and, you know how to have a good time.
Andy Palascak Your Vigor …not to mention your Dancing and Negotiation Skills
Elpi Perna Your Strength
Deepak Pradhan Your Passion
Steve Rigo Your Loyalty
John Sellers Your Down-to-earthness …and ability to outrun all of us, I think that includes Ellen
Corey Smith Your Clarity …and the infinite joy you have for your daugther
Kevin St. Cyr Your Wisdom and Supportive Nature
Paul Stepanoff Your analytical mind …and your stories
Christine Vargo Your Confidence
John Z Your Heart
FACULTY
Bill Ross Your Playfulness
Ralph Oliva Your Generosity
Denny Gioia Your Passion
Linda Trevino Your Diligence
Andy Gustafson Your Presence
Bill Kracaw Your Steadfastness
Austin Jaffe Your Breadth of Knowledge and Passion for what you do
Al Vicere Ability to Inspire
Paul Fischer Your Support
Tim Quigley Your Drive
MBA Office
I don’t know so well, but hear…
Paul Poissant -- Consistency
Susan Ferchalk – The Key to the MBA office’s operating success
Kristin Grove – Your attention to detail
I do know
Jennifer Amato – finally bringing some good looks to the MBA recruitment team
Melissa Casey Your Organization
Jake Ray Your Sense of Humor and Trustworthiness
Paul Carazzoni Your Authenticity (and Resourcefulness)
Sherri Metcalfe Your Joy and Deep Appreciation for Others
Dennis Sheehan Your Humbleness and How Much Heart you Give to this program and to Us.
GROUP TOAST (RAISE GLASS)
So, here’s to us, the one and only Penn State EMBA Class of 2007.
I’ll leave you with a short quote from Tom Brokaw, “You are educated. Your certification is in your degree. You may think of it as the ticket to the good life. Let me ask you to think of an alternative. Think of it as your ticket to change the world.” Slawn-cha’ (Slainte) That’s Irish for Cheers (RAISE GLASS AGAIN AND DRINK).
Be the change you want to see in the world. ... Mahatma Gandhi
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