The informal discussion, moderated by Tuck School of Business professor Sydney Finkelstein, featured several of Kim's friends and colleagues, including Dartmouth Board of Trustees Chairman Ed Haldeman '70, GE CEO and College Trustee Jeffrey Immelt '78, Harvard Medical School professor and Partners in Health co-founder Paul Farmer, Harvard Business School professor Michael Porter and Brown University President Ruth Simmons.
Panelists discussed the early experiences that determined the direction of their careers, citing academic mentors as an important resource for students.
"When I was a girl, I had the good fortune to walk into a classroom one day and find a teacher who had the ability to show me what was possible in life," Simmons said. "This question of mentoring is enormously important, especially because we don't know when or how we will meet that person who will change our lives dramatically."
Immelt recalled his experience working as a grader for former College President John Kemeny.He said working with Kemeny eventually evolved into informal meetings where he helped Kemeny learn more about student activities on campus. Haldeman said he was also inspired by a Dartmouth professor, choosing economics instead of engineering and medicine because the professor "made economics come alive for me."
Several of the panelists agreed that action is the most efficient way to teach leadership.
"An important aspect of running a big institution or big company is training future generations," Haldeman said. "And I think that the only way leaders can do that is through example."
Kim's ability to serve as an example for students enhances his leadership qualities, Farmer said.
"Creating a space where other people can lead that's what leadership I think Kim has," Farmer said. "He will keep on being committed to transferring this knowledge to other people."
Panelists urged students to experience life outside of the classroom. Farmer cautioned them against becoming detached from the world's issues in the "sea of privilege that is the protected space that is Dartmouth College."
"Social change starts with the passion to want to do it," Porter said. "In order to make substantial social change, you have to have a new, robust way of looking at it that bridges effort with result."
All panelists stressed the importance of actively engaging in the community and realizing that different societies and economies around the world are interconnected.
"As we get caught up in the practical issues to save the world the green issues and the health issues what we've got to do is think about the way we all connect together as human beings," Simmons said. "If you can't make that connection, then our future is still at risk, no matter how good we get at solving problems pragmatically."
As the leader of a large corporation, Immelt offered students advice for their future careers, imploring them to make a commitment to "integrity, performance and change."
"My dream for you is that you love driving change and are determined to take the gift that you've been given here and make a difference in the world," Immelt said. "There's a lot of things to be worried about, with the economy and finding jobs. I say just be cool. These things have a way of working themselves out."
At Finkelstein's suggestion, all panelists offered their own advice to Kim.
"Certainly listen and learn," Finkelstein said. "Don't let anyone tell you that you can't do it, that you can't create a new level of higher education. Don't let anyone tell you that Dartmouth can't get better. Good, excellent? Yes. Better? Absolutely possible."
