May 18, 2004 (Atlanta) Sidney E. Harris, dean of the Robinson College of Business, inspired students to seize the possibilities in life by having a passion and treating others with compassion. During his commencement address to the College's graduating class of 2004, Harris told students that their life would be a meaningful and adventurous experience as long as it contained those two essential ingredients.
Harris said that "Throughout history, people who have made a difference in the world have known that there 'is' magic in believing and that passion properly directed can be a very powerful and positive creative force."
Harris shared lessons he had learned from business leaders such as Don Keough, former President of The Coca-Cola Company and said that Keough "was in many ways, the consummate business leader and social humanitarian" who has captured the meaning of life in one word - passion.
He spoke fondly of his friend, mentor and noted management guru, Peter Drucker. Harris noted that Drucker often remarked that people should focus on their contributions and ask a very simple question, "What can I contribute that will significantly affect the performance and the results of the institution that I serve."
Finally, he encouraged students to treat people with respect and compassion. "If you do, you will find your life more meaningful and rewarding."
He concluded his remarks with Langston Hughes' poem, "Dream a World," about what it means to treat people "fairly, respectfully and with dignity regardless of their station or title."
"I dream a world where man, No other will scorn…
Where greed no longer saps the soul, Nor avarice blights our day"
Harris has been Dean of the Robinson College of Business since 1997. During his tenure as dean, he has reformulated the strategic direction of the College, provided leadership for a fundraising campaign which has raised over $25 million and launched two new research institutes: Herman J. Russell International Center for Entrepreneurship and the eCommerce Institute. Late last year, Harris announced that he would conclude his term as dean at the end of this June.
