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Dean Akande Offers Ways Alumni Can Enhance Their School's Reputation
I would like to share a story with you that speaks to the fact that ignoring the importance of this nurturing or support can have devastating results as the sons of an old Texas tailor, Nic, found out. You see, Nic immigrated to the U.S. from Italy with nothing, but was able to build a small, successful business by working twelve hours a day, six days a week. Nic married and put three boys through college by denying himself and his wife even the smallest of luxuries. That is, until his 50 th wedding anniversary. It was then that Nic called his sons into his shop and asked them to give back a little. "Boys, as you know, Momma and I have hardly ever taken a vacation. Our golden wedding anniversary is coming up and we want to go back to Italy for a visit. We want to go first class and we want you boys to pay for the entire trip." The first son, an accountant, replied, "Poppa, I'd like to help out but I'm strapped right now. My wife and I have just finished putting in a new kitchen and it cost us a fortune." The second son, a Chief Information Officer for a top corporation simply responded, "Poppa, I can't. That Chris Craft Cabin Cruiser we just bought completely emptied my savings account." The third son, a mathematician, chimed in, "Poppa, any time but now. Did I tell you and Momma about the condominium we just bought in Florida? We just can't afford anything extra right now." "Boys," said their modest tailor father, "Did you know that when I came here I was so poor I couldn't even buy a wedding ring for Momma? And even worse, I never had the fifteen dollars to buy the marriage license." "Poppa," the three sons exclaimed, "Do you know what that makes us?" "Yeah," said the father, ..."And cheap ones too!" The lesson learned by Nic's sons underscores the importance of alumni to continue to invest because it is through that investment they will reap even more success from their alma mater. With that, we dedicate this issue to our alumni and urge each one to continue on those paths that uplift the reputation and heritage of Webster University. In this issue of NotaBene, you will find some great new stories encased in our new interactive media design. It is this new look for our newsletter from the School of Business and Technology that brings you even more interesting stories and helpful business information in a more unique, user-friendly way. You will also see the power-packed line-up for the 2007 "Success to Significance" speaker series you won't want to miss. Stay well and stay in touch.
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© Copyright 2007. If you would like to reproduce any content from NotaBene, contact the editor at notabene@webster.edu
