Retail Observer

RETAILOBSERVER.COM NOVEMBER 2017 40 T hree stories: Nido Qubein — In 2005, when he became President of High Point University in North Carolina, Nido Qubein recognized that as the University's leader he answered to five different constituencies—HPU Students; their parents who were paying nearly $60,000 a year to educate their children; the University's Board of Trustees; the faculty and the employers who were going to hire the High Point graduates. Mr. Qubein envisioned that eventually employers would seek out HPU graduates in the same way they now look for graduates of Ivy League schools or of Stanford and Berkeley and similar high profile universities. Dean Kamen — Dean Kamen is an inventor, an entrepreneur, and a tireless advocate for science and technology. His roles as inventor and advocate are intertwined —his own passion for technology and its practical uses has driven his personal determination to spread the word about technology's virtues and by so doing, to change the culture of the United States. As the founder of DEKA Research & Development Corporation, Kamen's inventions include the insulin pump and most notably the Segway. His inventions have been sold to companies like Baxter and Johnson & Johnson. In addition to DEKA, one of Kamen's proudest accomplishments is founding FIRST (For Inspiration and Recognition of Science and Technology), an organization dedicated to motivating the next generation to understand, use, and enjoy science and technology. Founded in 1989, this year's FIRST will serve more than 300,000 young people, ages 6 to 18, in more than 60 countries around the globe. High-school-aged participants are eligible to apply for more than $16 million in scholarships from leading colleges, universities, and corporations. Studies have shown that FIRST Alumni are highly motivated to pursue careers in science and engineering, thus fulfilling Dean's goal of inspiring the next generation of technological leaders. Scott Lessard — Scott Lessard is the principal of George Washington High School in Denver. I met with Mr. Lessard while planning the 50-year reunion for the class of 1967, and he renewed my faith in the importance of public school education. He is passionate about his school, his 1,225 students, and the teachers on his staff. He clearly understands the diversity of his population and accepts the challenges and opportunities those differences provide. One of Mr. Lessard's personal initiatives has been to have each grade read a book together and—unlike most school textbooks—keep their copy of that book. By the time they graduate, each student will have taken home four books—for some, it will be the only four books in their home. He has had to raise the money for the program knowing that some students will simply pitch the book—or sell it for $1 at the used book store. But others will share the books with their parents and siblings and might even learn the joy of reading from this simple exposure in high school. Why do these men and their stories matter to you and your business? Because in each case, your success is tied to theirs. In taking his job at High Point University, Nido Quebein immediately understood that his students will be in the job market in just four short years. It's his job to make sure they're ready for you. Dean Kamen saw the shortage of STEM (Science Technology Engineering and Math) programs and started building his own. I've often heard him ask why American heroes and icons are sports stars, actors and musicians, not engineers and inventors. FIRST participants compete with each other in much the same way high school football teams do. They are just as motivated and exciting to watch. Scott Lessard's commitment to his students ensures that they graduate from high school with the motivation, knowledge, and skills they need to go to college or become a tradesman, and eventually become your best team members. You need to be part of the equation. Get involved in your local school system. Quit complaining about cuts to education funding and start raising funds for your local high school. Offer to mentor or tutor students who need a little help from a caring adult. Start a FIRST program in any of the schools around you and be a coach for that team. As business people, we need to partner with our schools to ensure that in the future those students succeed so that like us, they can get good jobs, be our best employees, and start businesses of their own. Elly Valas is an author, speaker and retail consultant. She can be reached at elly@ellyvalas.com or 303-316-7568. Elly Valas Retail Views RO SCHOOL FOR BUSINESS

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