The Daily Pennsylvanian met with Vice Chairman of the Board of Trustees and businessman Jon Huntsman Sr. after he led the panel "Leading and Learning from Local and Global Communities."
Huntsman is the chairman of the Huntsman Corporation, a privately held petrochemical and plastics business. He received the University Alumni Award of Merit in 1999 and was named "Most Outstanding Alumnus of the Wharton School." Huntsman donated $40 million to the University to help with the construction of Jon M. Huntsman Hall. He also serves as chairman of Wharton's Board of Overseers.
DP: When you were asked to lead this panel, what was your vision or personal objective for the session? JH: I actually turned it down. I thought there were far more qualified people than me to address this issue. I didn't feel I could contribute.
Dr. Gutmann was kind enough to twist my arm. It was a wonderful experience. ... [The event was] very impressive -- not only what the panelists said, but also the audience questions were very insightful.
It brought out the thoughtful and wonderful advances of the University. It reminded me how much more advanced the University has become since I graduated.
DP: How does the topic of the panel relate to President [Amy] Gutmann's vision for the University?
JH: She talked on what was called the "Penn compact" that addressed three basic issues: ... [first,] increased access to students, meaning ... anyone [deserving] should have a scholarship. ... The second point was to increase our knowledge in all areas of academics. ... The third was engaging our local and global communities.
DP: What concrete steps can the administration take to accomplish this vision? JH: I thought the most insightful question was by the individual who spoke about what he could do individually to reach the ultimate goal of diversity and acceptance. President Gutmann mentioned in her speech today to "act compassionately." Personal acts of kindness represent more than any organized event or activity.
