Learning to Be a Leader

Dear fellow University of Oregon alumni and friends,

What do you remember most from your years in college? Of course, you remember your professors and classes. But, if you’re like me, your most vivid memories are of time spent outside the classroom—making friends in the dorm or a fraternity or sorority, playing intramural sports, or serving on a student committee.

Although I received a terrific education in my business classes at Oregon, I think I learned as much or more about leadership from these extracurricular student activities. For example, I served as chairman of the student union board in 1954-55. In that post, I was responsible for a wide variety of student activities and events. Under the mentorship of EMU Director Dick Williams, I learned how to deal with board problems, people problems, and organizational problems. I developed a lot of self-confidence, and that was very important as I became active in business and my community.

My student leadership experiences were so important in my life that when my wife, Phyllis, and I considered a gift to the university, we decided to establish an endowed student leadership fund in the name of my old mentor, Dick Williams. This fund will give students today the opportunity to develop the kind of leadership skills and wonderful memories that Phyllis and I experienced during our years at Oregon.

The student experience outside the classroom is just as important as the academic experience in producing citizens who go on to make a difference in the world. I hope you will join me in supporting the valuable programs outlined in this booklet.

Sincerely,

Andrew Berwick
UO Class of 1955