Beyond the Bottom Line: A Life Transformed by Service

A few weeks ago I was recognized as a 2024 Johnson School Distinguished Alumni alongside Anne Chow (She/Her) and Barry Ridings at the annual Big Red Bash. It was truly a special night celebrating with my Cornell family.

While you can read highlights from the event at the link below, I thought it worthwhile to share my remarks from the evening. I hope something in it resonates with you.

Highlights: https://business.cornell.edu/hub/2024/05/21/honoring-legacy-leadership-highlights-johnson-schools-big-red-bash/

Thank you, Dean Andrew Karolyi and Dean Vishal Gaur . Dean Gaur, not only were you a phenomenal professor, but you also invited me back to guest lecture on multiple occasions, which I deeply appreciate. To the selection committee, thank you for this incredible honor.

Standing before you tonight, I reflect on the unlikelihood of my journey. I am the grandson of a seaman who emigrated from Suriname and became an electrician in the US. I am the grandson of a small-town florist in Mobile, Alabama. And I am also the grandson of a domestic worker who dedicated her life to serving families in Boston.

By all accounts, I wasn't supposed to be a Cornell MBA.

Yet, here I stand – a testament to my ancestors' wildest dreams – receiving the prestigious Robert J. Swieringa Recent Alumni Service Award.

Growing up, my dad instilled in me the powerful motto: "The Power of One." He believed that even a single person can make a significant impact. Initially, I will admit, I saw this through a self-serving lens. However, as I matured, I realized that true impact comes through service.

This understanding manifested early on. In high school, I advocated for grade equity in Physical Education (PE). If everyone received an automatic 95 in PE, I argued, why not make it a 100 similar to other extra-curriculars like Band? My argument succeeded.? This seemingly small change ensured a level playing field for student-athletes, like myself, striving for academic excellence.

At Johnson, this commitment to service blossomed. I actively participated in the Cornell Johnson Graduate School of Management Admissions Group (JAG), Student Council, Career Work Groups, and the Black Graduate Business Association (BGBA). And that dedication continues to this day.

Johnson's investment in me has been profound. When I took a bold step, transitioning from finance to marketing without a job lined up (much to my Dad's initial concern!), Johnson rallied behind me. They leveraged their resources to ensure my success. Here, I especially want to recognize the incredible staff – Lisa Vinson , Sara Andress , and Cynthia Saunders-Cheatham – who went above and beyond to support me. We often think of Johnson's resources in terms of faculty and alumni, but the dedicated staff plays a crucial role.

As I continue to seek ways to do the greatest good? – currently serving on the 美国康奈尔大学 Council and Cornell University Library Advisory Council, with aspirations to become a Cornell Trustee – my service is driven by a core belief: Cornell University should be a transformative experience for any person, in any study for generations to come, just like it has been for me.

Thank you again for this most humbling honor. #CornellMBA #GoBigRed