Ambassador George H. Walker III
Webster University, October 8, 2007

Thank you all for this wonderful turnout and for permitting me to share my sentiments about Webster University.

As this secret has become known that I am contributing a significant part of my assets to Webster, a number of questions have been asked – including why not this gift to a hospital or a museum or some admirable agency such as The United Way?  We all know there are many very worthwhile institutions in our midst. 

Carol and I are great believers in the critical role of education in our society.  Of course, we all know that education serves as the best and soundest way to open doors for the disadvantaged – and not just doors to greater affluence. 

We know too that it is education that adds to the quality of life for all of us –no matter what one’s background or heritage. 

Historically, education helps us to understand where we have come from and really who we are.  It enables us to appreciate so many of the true treasures of life.  So much more can be said.   And each of us could write volumes on this topic.

OK, you say, we understand you like education, but why Webster when there are so many other deserving educational institutions?  The answer to that one for me is certainly not hard. 

For as many in this assembled group know, I am passionate about Webster University - Webster today… as well as… the possibilities and potential for Webster in the future.

There probably are at least twenty reasons why I am so excited about Webster today and Webster tomorrow.  If I listed them all and elaborated, you might say, at least to yourself, quietly… who can give this guy the hook. But, allow me to mention two:

No one can doubt today that Globalization – the interconnection of all of us on the Planet Earth is not only here, it is accelerating.  More and more, we are impacted by what goes on outside our borders.  There are endless examples of this.

Therefore, higher education institutions, which can offer their students an opportunity to explore the cultures and ways of other Nations and to understand the limits of nationalism, are miles ahead of the pack.  I am convinced, after living in Europe for three-years and talking about this subject often, that Webster stands head and shoulders above others as the model for global universities.  Webster ranks second to none in this regard.

A second rationale for my sentiments about Webster deals with access.  I greatly admire the Ivy League Universities and the ones in this region that are comparable… but higher education… which so often costs an arm and a leg, often does not provide access to   many deserving students and families who simply cannot bear the accompanying expense.

Webster is not the lowest cost University in this region but the cost of going to Webster is modest when compared to many of the big name Universities.  Nonetheless, Webster’s faculty is outstanding, its facilities are excellent and getting better all the time and the culture within its walls is exemplary.

As you heard from President Meyers, I have designated my gift toward the School of Business and Technology which now so much drives the engine of this great institution. 

In the United States and even more overseas, an increasing number of students – and those who have passed the traditional age of students – want to learn business skills and know-how.

We are blessed because Webster can now provide this as well.  And from our experience overseas, Carol and I learned that there is increasing attraction, not only for a U.S. education but for a U.S. education in business where our image and reputation are so strong. I am offering my contribution as a challenge …. to be matched by the community.  All of us know there are great resources in the St. Louis region – we are reminded of that daily. 

My hope is that this gift, which does represent a significant part of our family’s assets, will inspire others to step up and contribute to this most worthy cause.

So….my hat is off to those wonderful Sisters of Loretto who founded this place and gave it such a caring culture.  And a hearty salute to President Richard Meyers who for 13 years has led so well and to his two close associates, Dr. Neil George and Dr. Karen Luebbert, for their leadership and their stewardship of this unique institution.

And, in my capacity as Chair of the Business School Advisory Board, permit me to give a special salute to the Dean, Dr. Benjamin Akande.Thank you all.