Last weekend I had my ten year high school reunion. Over the weekend I heard an amazing story about a well known faculty member. I want to share the story because to me it is the absolute definition of leadership.
[Note: I have purposely decided against publishing this professor’s name for privacy reasons]
I attended a boarding school in Connecticut. While I was there — and for years before and after my own graduation – one professor stood out among the rest. Over his tenure of 49 years, he served as an inspiration in the classroom, on the playing field and in life as an adventurer.
An economics professor by trade, this teacher is cited several times in the famous book, Barbarians at the Gate. The great financier Henry Kravis has repeatedly attributed his massive success in business to the teachings of this professor.
As a lacrosse coach, his leadership resulted in the school being considered a premier national team, winning championships and producing numerous collegiate division one players. An avid promoter of elite physical fitness, he also taught an advanced off-season training class that would be considered nothing short of torture to most.
An adventurer, this professor was one of the leaders of the world’s record-breaking 1982 British-American expedition to Mt. Muztagh Ata in Western China.
More importantly his entire tenure – even into his 70’s — was spent living in the dormitories. He continued staying engaged 24/7 with students well past an age where faculty commonly move off-campus, or look to retirement. Remaining in the dorms is unheard of.
So from what I hear, suddenly, after 49 years of service this professor walked in and handed over his resignation. Acknowledging that the school had been his life, and even despite pleas that he remain for a 50th year, this professor stated with absolute conviction that HE is so inspired by Barack Obama that he is joining Obama’s campaign as a full-time volunteer.
I thought that was incredible and needed to be shared. It certainly touched me.
