Honorary doctorate recipients give advice to Huntsman graduate students
Written by: Steve Eaton
Photos by: Donna Barry
More than 300 students graduated from the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business on May 3, the same day that Utah State University honored three Huntsman alumni with honorary degrees.
James Quigley, the CEO of Deloitte, Touche Tohmatusu, Deloitte's global business organization, received an honorary degree, Doctor of Business. He gave the commencement address at USU's graduation ceremony.
Elder L. Tom Perry, a member of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles of the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, also received an honorary degree, Doctor of Humane Letters. He was the commencement speaker at the Jon M. Huntsman School of Business graduation ceremony held the afternoon of May 3.
W. Eugene Hansen was also presented an honorary degree, Doctor of Laws. Hansen is an attorney who has been on the USU Board of Trustees and on the Utah State Board of Regents, where served as chairman for two years.
President Albrecht said that Dr. Quigley, who graduated with a degree in accounting in 1974, has had a "long and distinguished business career" and said he has "been an advocate for business ethics and accountability."
"He is lead adviser to some of the world's largest and most complex multi-national companies, setting a client service standard that will be a hallmark of his global leadership," Albrecht said.
Dr. Quigley talked about the importance of lifelong learning.
"I have learned countless lessons in meetings with the business leaders of our generation," he said. "I have traveled to dozens of countries and learned from their business and political leaders. Being a lifelong learner has paid dividends. If you want to enjoy the fruits that life's opportunities will provide, it's not complicated: treat others with respect; remember, life is filled with opportunities, not entitlements; go with confidence and optimism."
Dean Douglas D. Anderson introduced Dr. Perry at the Huntsman School of Business commencement ceremony, noting that Elder Perry graduated in 1949 from USU when it was called the Utah State Agricultural College.
"Elder Perry has impacted many lives through his strong leadership and tireless service," Anderson said. "He has consistently emphasized the importance of integrity in the workplace, in the home and the importance of community service"
Dr. Perry told the graduates that the world needs trustworthy leaders.
"The most important thing you'll ever learn is to be trusted by your fellow man and to have friendships with them," he said. "Develop those friendships in the best way you possibly can as you move forward."
Elder Perry talked of those who fought in World War II, a generation that has been called the "Greatest Generation."
"My generation is ready to turn over to you the title of the 'Greatest Generation,'" he said. "The world is ready for you to assume that title. Now go out and earn it."
Just before he was presented his honorary doctorate, W. Eugene Hansen, who graduated in 1950 with a degree in agribusiness, was introduced by Scott R. Watterson of the USU Board of Trustees.
"W. Eugene Hansen has distinguished himself through his legal career as a powerful advocate for countless people who have suffered as victims of medical malpractice," Watterson said. "He has been recognized throughout his career for exceptional legal competence and heart-felt care in serving clients, as well as for the extreme integrity he brought to the profession as he pursued truth and justice. Mr. Hansen has the reputation of being one of the most competent trial attorneys in the Utah State Bar, recognized not only for his compelling style but also for his complete integrity."
Clark P. Giles, a trustee of the Emma Eccles Jones Foundation, and Beverly T. Sorenson, the founder of Art Works for Kids, were also presented with honorary degrees.
Michael Young graduated from the Huntsman School of Business with a 3.98 GPA after majoring in finance and economics with a minor in international business and personal financial planning. He gave the valedictorian address.
"At the culmination of this great accomplishment that is graduation," he said, "let us inwardly determine to engage in causes that, through time, will continue to hold meaning and bring us true, lasting happiness. Let us not allow ourselves to be taken in a moment of weakness by the often tantalizing pull of dishonesty ... We must always remember that the moral bottom line is that unethical behavior will only lead to insolvency of the soul."