DARLA MOORE
REMARKS AT THE DARLA MOORE
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS DEDICATION
COLUMBIA, SOUTH CAROLINA
SEPTEMBER 12, 2014
Thank you, Harris, not only for your kind introduction but,
more important, for the strong leadership you have provided as
President of this great University and your role in making this day
a reality!
This building is extraordinary – not only in its
architectural splendor and the Platinum LEED status its design is
on track to achieve, but also in its fusion with the natural
surroundings – it is truly exceptional.
Over 15 years ago, Hootie Johnson and Hugh McColl, two dear
friends, asked to meet with Richard and me. We both thought the
meeting was about a business investment. We were surprised by
the request for a major contribution to the USC School of Business.
Obviously, they made a compelling argument because we agreed
on the spot.
The two overriding thoughts I had at the time were about the
signal honor and importance of the school being named the “Darla
Moore School of Business,”; these thoughts remain today. Primary
was the importance of having a major school of business named
after a woman. It was a singular opportunity to send a powerful
message that women could pursue a successful business career at
the very highest levels, and succeed.
My second thought was about the life lesson imprinted by my
chosen career. You can continue to do things like everyone
else, or you can do them better.
My expectation for this
institution in all of its endeavors and in all of its accomplishments,
is excellence. While appending my name to this gorgeous facility
is important to its standing, it is the quality of thought and the
quality of product and the ideal of excellence on which the
reputation of the Darla Moore School of Business will rest. In the
global competition we face today, this standard will ensure that the
students passing through these halls will have the opportunity to
build a successful career. It is the standard which underpins the
foundations of world-class business leadership. It will redound to
the great benefit of South Carolina businesses by providing them a
ready reserve of future leaders and a core of exceptional faculty
who operate as partners in their global success.
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For all of us here today, this thought, this desire I have for
our School of Business, must also be “our” challenge – mine, the
University’s, Peter Brews’, as well as the leaders of South Carolina.
The complex and challenging world we face compels us to always
set the bar at excellence and never expect or accept less. And so,
that leads me back to this incredible building.
I believe the grandeur and strength and beauty of this
exceptional building informs the world of our shared commitment
to those who enter here. This building sends a clear message to
all -- students, parents, business leaders – that the Darla Moore
School of Business is the best and there are no limits to our ability
or capacity to expand the frontiers of knowledge.
There are a great number of people I owe a heartfelt thanks
today for the completion of this building. I do not have the time
to thank everyone involved, and, for that, I apologize. However,
there are a few I want to recognize. Jim Hodges, the President of
the Business Partners Foundation at the time we were beginning
the process. Joel Smith, who was chosen to be Dean in a needed
time of transition. Hildy Teegen, who did an outstanding job in the
planning and building of the new facility and, of course, the person
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who gave us this spectacular design – one of the greatest architects
of our time, Rafael Viñoly. When Rafael was going through the
painful, arduous process of state procurement, he was asked what
limitations he would face in designing this new business school. He
replied his only limitations were the earth and the sky. I thought
his response spoke volumes not only about his remarkable talents,
but also what I wanted this building to exemplify to our students –
there are no limitations. I believe he has succeeded in giving us a
dynamic, open design where students and professors alike can
interact and grow without limitations, and not just within the
confines of the University, but around the world. Who would not
want to come to visit this building? Rafael once said about his
profession, “Architecture is a dialogue with the forces of life. As a
major form of social intervention, its essential responsibility is to
elevate the public realm." Today, as we dedicate this world-class
building, I believe we all can agree, he has achieved his purpose.
He truly elevated the public realm of the Darla Moore School of
Education.
Thank you, Rafael, you are the very best!
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