RaceSco MBAlog

This site belongs to Scott Sanders, a 2004 graduate of Cornell University's Johnson School of Management. It chronicles two years in a top MBA program -- academic, career, social, and everything in between. Blogging was a way of sharing the MBA experience with colleagues, friends, family, and others who were interested. Scroll through the posts -- there's more than a few interesting tidbits.

Sunday, May 23, 2004

Sam Johnson

Yesterday, the namesake of the Johnson School, Sam Johnson, died. I had the chance to correspond with him very briefly last year and learn about his life; he was quite inspiring to me. Following is the message our dean sent to us about his passing.

I am very sorry to inform you that Sam Johnson died quietly at his home in Racine on Saturday, May 22, 2004, after a difficult and prolonged battle with cancer. Sam was a Cornellian (Class of 1950) and a great friend and benefactor of our school. We will miss him deeply.

Throughout his life, Sam modeled what it meant for a leader to operate as a catalyst for the larger good. He transformed a small family wax company into a major global enterprise. In doing so, he insisted that his family companies not only be great businesses, but “good” businesses, respecting their employees, bettering their communities, and protecting the natural environment. And he expressed those commitments in both words and deeds.

Sam shared generously his time, thoughtful counsel, and financial resources to decisively shape the Johnson School. He loved this school, and always found ways to be with us – on campus and elsewhere. He served as a Cornell trustee for 22 years and chaired the Johnson School’s advisory council for almost 20 years.

A few weeks ago, we celebrated the 20th anniversary of the naming of this school as the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, in honor of Sam’s great-grandfather, the founder of S.C. Johnson. Sam and his family also established three endowed professorships, supported the renovation of Sage Hall and other important initiatives, and encouraged countless others to support the school as well

As Dean, I counted on Sam’s friendship, counsel, support, and encouragement. Sam believed in the positive potential for business for transforming social change. He also believed in the positive potential for business education for transforming business and its role in society. As the Samuel Curtis Johnson Graduate School of Management, we are linked with Sam not only by his name, but also by his aspirations. We will continue to carry his legacy with pride.
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