|
U.S. Sen. Thomas R. Carper, who earned his master of business administration degree at UD in 1975 and went on to win more statewide elections than any other Delaware politician, returned to the College of Business and Economics on Friday, April 19, as featured speaker in the Chaplin Tyler Executive Leadership Lecture Series.
Carper addressed an audience of faculty, students and business leaders in the atrium of MBNA America Hall. Using examples from his terms as Delaware treasurer, congressman, governor and, since 2001, junior senator, he spoke of the importance of creating partnerships.
Working with other public officials, regardless of party affiliation, and with business and community leaders is key to accomplishing what needs to be done, Carper said. He cited progress Delaware made during his tenure as treasurer and then governor in such areas as economic development, improving the state’s credit rating and cash management, reforming welfare and education and reducing rates of teen pregnancy and infant mortality.
For example, he said, when General Motors planned to close its Wilmington assembly plant in November 1992, he—as governor-elect—and outgoing Gov. Michael N. Castle called the leaders of the state’s major businesses to request a meeting the following morning. At 7 a.m. in the governor’s office, he recalled, “Every single person was there. They rolled up their sleeves, and they went to work for Delaware.” The plant remained open, despite GM plant closings in other states.
The lecture series is supported by the Chaplin Tyler Endowment Fund. In welcoming the audience to Carper’s speech, Dean Michael J. Ginzberg said, “Chap Tyler feels strongly about management, management education and leadership, and that’s why he endowed this lecture series.”
Carper was the final speaker in the 2001-2002 series. Next year’s series begins in October, with a lecture by DuPont Co. chairman and CEO Chad Holliday.
April 22, 2002
|
