Candidates for the Master of Business Administration degree in the Martha and Spencer Love School of Business received diplomas during a ceremony Friday evening, May 18 in Whitley Auditorium. Details...
Thirty-seven students received degrees during the graduation ceremony. Bernadette Spong delivered the student address, reflecting on what she and her peers learned during more than 400 hours of class and collaborative study.
“I believe we learned key ideals that are woven into the fabric of the MBA program—leadership, vision, collaboration and integrity,” Spong said. She encouraged the class to find an outlet for their skills and talents, at work or in the community. “Relish what you’ve learned during your time in the MBA program….Apply those skills and take the time to give back to the community.”
David King, president and CEO of Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp), delivered the commencement address. He told students that effective leaders care about the people who work for them.
“As a leader, you must really be interested in the people you lead,” King said. “You must demand greatness of others, but you must demand even more greatness of yourself.”
King said he is mindful of the enormous responsibilities that go with running a large company like LabCorp.
“I’m keenly aware that each day I go to work, 26,000 people depend on me for their paychecks, and it is not a responsibility I take lightly….The ability to take responsibility, to look the world in the eye when the train jumps the track—and it will—is essential to being a leader.”
King reminded graduates to thank the people who are important in their lives, and to not take their time together for granted.
“Time matters, and life is time,” King said. “Make the most of time, because life is what matters.”