March 12, 2008
Distinguished? 
I Don’t Think So

Distinguished Executive?  That’s a first. 

Next Tuesday night business fraternity Phi Beta Lambda, the local membership is composed of Mesa State students, hosts a fundraiser at Two Rivers.  

Entitled the 4^th Annual Distinguished Executive Program Dinner, it will feature a program of panelists including Sentinel Publisher Alex Taylor, Mesa State President Tim Foster, City Councilman and former Mayor Bruce Hill plus a retired radio guy whose meanderings are published every Wednesday in Western Colorado’s Daily Periodical of Public Record. 

Nobody from Phi Beta Lambda was clear about the panelist selection process.  This leaves one to only guess.  Mr. Taylor was an easy selection, not only does he head up the Western Slope’s dominant newspaper but is also the one panel member young enough to actually remember attending college.  With the Mesa State Business Department moving to the new classroom building and the college prez being the final word on who goes where, any department wanting to be first and foremost on the list of “ocean front property” classrooms in the new digs had best stay on Tim’s good side.  One can’t disagree with Mr. Hill being on the panel.  Bruce is a successful businessman, is involved in more community activities than United Way, plus the man just looks damn good in a suit and tie. 

The real mystery is where you know who fits in.  Most likely banquet organizers were searching for a body guaranteed to make Taylor, Hill and Foster look distinguished.  That quandary was solved when some enterprising student or faculty member offered, “How about Maynard?  By comparison Doug Bruce looks good.”  

Over at the business department it was explained the evening’s theme was to be “Leadership In Action”.  My wife was glad to be invited.  Jan said she wanted to see if I could keep a straight face while trying to play the role of a “distinguished executive”.  We worked together for a decade and a half in the radio business and she doesn’t recall a moment when my name and “distinguished” were used in the same sentence. Wives sure have long memories. 

Panelists were told immediately following the dinner students would be asking questions on a variety of subjects.  For example, “What prompted an interest in your field?”  

“A lack of marketable skills and a strong aversion to heavy lifting made broadcasting seem like a natural fit,” doesn’t contribute much toward illustrating leadership in action. Maybe it would be best to let Taylor, Foster and Hill do the talking when that question comes up.  

Whether or not all panelists deserve the title “Distinguished Executive” is subject to discussion. But for anyone believing in the importance of Mesa State, and its students, the evening is a terrific way to benefit an award- winning group of business majors.  Tickets are $45.  Call 248-1170 to order, yes they’ll even deliver, or stop by the Business Department office on the first floor of Houston Hall.