Commencement 2008
“Create conscious businesses that transform world.” Such was the ambitious call to action that the Class of 2008 heard from undergraduate commencement speaker John Mackey, co-founder, chairman and CEO of Whole Foods Market. He also urged new graduates to heed their instincts in setting a personal and professional course.
“You will have no better guide in your life than your own heart,” observed Mackey, whose 28-year-old firm is a bellwether of corporate responsibility.
The journey requires an ability to overcome fear, according to Mackey. “It is fear which prevents most people from reaching their fullest potential in life,” he said, noting fear of failure and fear of other people’s judgment as prime obstacles to success. “Some will even fear our own greatness because of the burdens it might place on us.”
The speaker did not flinch in acknowledging his own business challenges of the past year, regarding the proposed merger of Whole Foods and a competitor. Mackey’s Internet postings on the topic sparked an investigation by the Securities and Exchange Commission.
“I’ve always lived my life with a passion for honesty – to tell the truth as I saw it, regardless of how that truth would be interpreted by others,” he said. “While I still believe that, I’ve now discovered that it’s so easy to be misinterpreted, so easy to have things taken out of context.”
Noting the impact of digital media, Mackey shared his intention to be “very thoughtful and careful in everything that I will communicate and say going forward.”
Bentley awarded 1,048 Bachelor of Science degrees, 18 Bachelor of Arts degrees, four Associate in Science degrees, and four certificates to students hailing from 29 states and territories, and 43 countries. The morning ceremony recognized Mackey with an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree.
Powerful Pearls
Later in the day, new alumni of the McCallum Graduate School of Business heard remarks by Ellen Zane, president and CEO of Tufts Medical Center and the Floating Hospital for Children. Sharing what she termed “management pearls,” Zane highlighted practices that often mean the difference between being “good” and “great.”
For example, she urged graduates to take risks and to hire people smarter than themselves. “Never compromise the high road,” added Zane, who received an honorary Doctor of Commercial Science degree. “Recognize through your careers that what you do as a human being, along with what you do as a professional, is enormously important.”
The McCallum Graduate School conferred 327 Master of Science degrees, 214 Master of Business Administration degrees, and 51 certificates. Graduating students represent 15 states and territories as well as 21 countries.
President Gloria Cordes Larson addressed graduates at both ceremonies. “Wherever life leads you, please promise me you will stay connected to Bentley, promise me that you will stay involved,” she said. “This is your school. Faculty, staff, trustees and even presidents come and go – but alumni are part of the Bentley family forever.”