The Power of Education in Shaping Lives and Society: Reflections on President Pollack's Commencement Speech and My Cornell MBA Journey

"I would found an institution where any person can find instruction in any study."

-Ezra Cornell

"My greatest care now is how to spend this large income to do the most good to those who are properly dependent on me, to the poor and to posterity."

-Ezra Cornell

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This past Saturday, as I graduated from the Cornell Johnson Metro NY EMBA Class of '24 at Cornell University, I was deeply moved by the words of Cornell President Martha Pollack during her commencement address. Her message resonated with me on a profound level, as it encapsulated the fundamental purpose and essence of my own MBA journey. ??

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President Pollack spoke about the importance of living a value-driven life, using our values as a north star to navigate the complexities and challenges we face. She emphasized the critical role of higher education in fostering a culture of reasoned discourse, intellectual humility, and a commitment to truth. ??

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Dean Vishal Gaur highlighted the transformative power of business education, stressing the importance of both academic excellence and interdisciplinary thinking. At Cornell SC Johnson College of Business and Cornell Executive MBA Programs, we unlock our full potential to become people-centered leaders, enabled to create a just, equitable, and prosperous world. ??

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As I reflect on my time at Cornell, I am filled with gratitude for the opportunity to have been part of this remarkable community. The faculty, program staff, and my incredible classmates have not only imparted knowledge and skills but have also challenged me to clarify my own values and to strive to uphold them in all that I do. ??

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I am especially grateful to my amazing wife, Janicia Koh, whose unwavering support and understanding have been instrumental in my success. As a graduate of the esteemed MIT Sloan Fellows MBA Class of '23, she has been my like-minded partner in this journey of growth and discovery. ??To my fellow graduates, let us carry forward the lessons we have learned and the values we have cultivated. Let us use our education to make a positive impact in the world, to foster understanding and belonging, and to navigate the tensions that arise when our values are challenged. ??

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To prospective students considering an MBA, I wholeheartedly encourage you to explore the Cornell Executive MBA Metro NY program. The extensive resources across the SC Johnson College of Business and connections to the rest of Cornell provide unparalleled opportunities for collaboration and interdisciplinary thinking. You will have the chance to work with engineers, scientists, human resources experts, and more to tackle the most critical problems in business and society. ??As President Pollack reminded us, the work of the university has an impact that reverberates across nations and generations. Let us be part of that impact, using our education to build a better future for all. ??

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