Every year, the Committee on Public Occasions invites people from all walks of life to speak in the Memorial Chapel at Lawrence University. This year, Larry Robertson will come to Lawrence with his presentation “Butch, Sundance and Australia: Making the Leap From Thought to Action” as part of the 2012-2013 convocation series theme “From Thought to Action.”
Robertson received his bachelor of arts from Stanford University, where he was also a National Honor Society Scholar. After graduating from Stanford, he went on to earn a Master’s of Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, where he was a Dean’s Honor Roll member.
After school, Robertson proceeded to find his own place in the world of entrepreneurship. Over a period of more than 20 years, he worked as a strategic advisor, facilitator, investor and management consultant. With experience at companies like J.P. Morgan, Walt Disney Company and Robertson, Stephens & Company, Robertson later founded the Lighthouse Consulting, which provides management guidance to new and innovative entrepreneurs. Most recently, his 2009 book “A Deliberate Pause: Entrepreneurship and its Moment in Human Progress” earned him many honors, including the “2011 International Book Award.”
Professor of Economics and John R. Kimberly Distinguished Professor Merton Finkler was one of the people who nominated Larry Robertson to speak at convocation. For Finkler, Robertson’s visit is undoubtedly a good thing.
“[Robertson] is both a dynamic speaker and writer who has much to appeal to all,” Finkler said, “especially those interested in understanding how change takes place.”
Finkler also believes that “entrepreneurs are change agents who operate in all possible context be they private or public, business, government or academia. Thus he offers something for everyone.”
Assistant Professor of Economics Adam Galambos highlighted the importance of entrepreneurship. Said Galambos, “Over the past four years, over 200 students have benefitted from the innovation and entrepreneurship courses offered by Lawrence University.” To Galambos, Robertson’s coming “will give a perspective on entrepreneurship that we might not expect.”
Students have also shown interest in Robertson’s presentation. Junior economics and mathematics double major Babajide Ademola is planning to attend because he believes that “innovation is to take something new, make it better and more efficient.” He explained, “We all want to get better. Innovation is important for every major.”