Letter from the Dean

Dear Kellogg School Alumni and Friends,

What do you value?

The question is deceptively simple but does not always attract the attention it deserves, especially when we find ourselves preoccupied with our day-to-day obligations.

But the question merits an answer to ensure we guide our efforts by principles beneficial to us as individuals and as members of our communities and organizations, the places where we hope to create a legacy by turning our values into action that is effective and meaningful. In other words, we should strive for both success and significance in our lives.

Success is often judged by individual performance and material gain — worthy, if partial, indicators. Significance, on the other hand, comes when we connect with something larger than ourselves, lending our talents to an effort whose impact exceeds what any one of us can achieve alone.

Kellogg graduates know that our school's values include academic rigor linked to business relevance. We also prize teamwork, innovation and a shared commitment to creating an unparalleled leadership experience. We believe it is not enough to excel personally (though that is important), but also to help elevate others to achieve their best. This is one of the tenets of true leadership, and a principle evident everywhere at Kellogg, a community of good people who make a difference.

This edition of Kellogg World features some of those who make extraordinary efforts on behalf of our school, and who have been honored this year with awards to convey our respect and gratitude. You will meet five of these exceptional people and learn something about the values that have influenced their decisions to remain connected with Kellogg and to help drive our school to new heights. These people have achieved much in their careers and have used their success to create value for the Kellogg School, too.

In addition, in these pages you will read about other Kellogg alumni who have reflected on what they value and how those values have amplified their effectiveness, enabling them to serve their organizations, colleagues, customers and communities better.

We each have an obligation to give back to society using our unique talents. This is a message I shared with the newest Kellogg School graduates during Convocation. A framework that I find valuable emphasizes education to create success and significance. By developing individual talent that allows us to flourish professionally, and then using those accomplishments to help improve others, our daily efforts make the world a better place. There is no finer gift we can receive or bestow.

Individually we may lack the fortitude to accomplish the most demanding tasks — finding remedies to social ills, for example. Together, though, we gain the power to make a difference. As I told our new graduates, "the challenges ahead of you are never greater than the force behind you." Family, friends, colleagues and the extended Kellogg School community are a powerful force. Together, we magnify our individual successes, transforming our efforts into accomplishments of momentous significance.

At Kellogg, we live our values by striving for excellence each day. But we don't do this alone. Our successes are shared with all who contribute to make Kellogg a force for significance in the world. We thank those of you who actively stand with us to take Kellogg to new heights, and we invite all our alumni and friends to join us on this collective journey of transformation.

Warmest personal regards,

Dipak C. Jain