EDITORIAL: A job well done

The lifetime endowment of aThe lifetime endowment of achair for an African-AmericanThe lifetime endowment of achair for an African-Americanprofessor at the WhartonThe lifetime endowment of achair for an African-Americanprofessor at the WhartonSchool is an exceptionalThe lifetime endowment of achair for an African-Americanprofessor at the WhartonSchool is an exceptionalachievement.The lifetime endowment of achair for an African-Americanprofessor at the WhartonSchool is an exceptionalachievement.____________________________ This achievement is especially significant because students spearheaded and realized it. They sensed a need and, more importantly, took it upon themselves to remedy it by combining profits from their annual conference with donations solicited from corporations and individuals. According to the Association, there are fewer than 15 African Americans in tenured positions in the top 10 graduate business schools nationwide. Because of the association's efforts, Wharton will now have two such positions available. For this reason, although the Association's fund raising took seven years, it was definitely worth the wait. Seeing people like themselves in powerful and influential positions reminds members of traditionally underrepresented groups that they should not limit the heights to which they aspire, educationally or professionally. The Association's next project -- a center within Wharton dedicated to studying business issues that affect African Americans -- is also $20,000 richer after this weekend's conference. That's a sign of good things to come, and a trend of student activism and involvement that we hope will continue.