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Hundreds of students aspiring for success in the business world packed the seats and standing room of Dunlop Auditorium last night to hear "The Donald" share his success secrets. As he stepped onto the stage, which was filled with students unable to find seats, Donald Trump flashed a copy of the latest edition of BusinessWeek, which ranked the Wharton School's graduate program as first in the nation. Trump's entrance sparked a wave of cheers through the audience and the energy he carried into the room remained during his entire presentation. "I can't believe the number of people here," Trump said. "Whatever I really know, I don't want to share with a bunch of smart, good-looking people who will be kicking my ass in the near future." Trump discussed the highlights and low points of his business career, noting that at one point he was nearly $8.8 billion in debt. He attributes this downfall to a loss in energy after getting caught up in the ease of his original success. "It's like being a .400 hitter for 10 years," Trump said. "You wonder why you should take batting practice anymore." Trump also warned students that it does not always pay to have a sense of humor in the business world and stressed the importance of always demanding more than desired. A slide show with photographs of Trump's prized buildings including the Trump Plaza, Trump Tower and Mar Lago -- a historic estate in Palm Beach -- followed the first part of his speech. He also showed slides of works in progress, including plans for creating a new New York Stock Exchange and the tallest tower in the world. Wharton Undergraduate Dean Richard Herring hailed Trump as a notable graduate of the Wharton School of Business, adding that Trump's extensive New York empire includes the largest undeveloped parcel of land in the city. During a question-and-answer session following his speech, Trump was asked how attending Wharton affected his career. Trump noted that a Wharton education gives students a sense of confidence to succeed in the business world. He added that the reputation of the business school signifies employers know that Wharton students have to be smart to matriculate -- and graduate. Trump's speech was sprinkled with constant applause and laughter from the large audience. But University alumnus Elaine Kuk said she was disappointed that the event seemed unorganized, considering Trump is so well-known. She added that she wished the speech was in a larger auditorium. But she added that thanks to the lecture, she now understands why Trump is such a success in the business world. Kuk cited Trump's charisma and said his lecture was inspiring and entertaining. "He had such a strong command over the audience," Kuk said. "His message was that the world is your oyster, and that you can do whatever you want."

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