I look back at the beginnings of the Harvard Business School experience. I look back with a feeling of awe and humbleness that I had the opportunity to be member of this grand group of outstanding young colleagues.
In a way, this all began when my Destroyer, the USS Massey, was shuttling between Task Force 95 along the coast of Korea and Fast Carrier Task Force 77. The Navy shortened this reservist's tour of duty by a month to let me get to Harvard for the beginning of the semester. The Navy had the highest regard for Harvard and sent their regular officers to our school for developing management skills. Of course, the Navy paid the costs for their regular officers. I had the World War II and Korean GI bills to assist me. Thankfully, the bullets and mines missed me so that I might take advantage of these GI bills.
I recall the gourmet meals we had in the cafeteria. This is not a tongue in cheek statement. I had never eaten so well. And, the intellectual exchange with my fellow students at chow was gourmet for the mind.
One day, Professor Arthur Hanson showed up late for his Control class. While we waited, one of the students wrote on the blackboard, "nothing makes me sick". This was Professor Hanson's favorite comment when a student blundered. Thereupon, other students walked up to the blackboard and by the time Professor Hanson showed up, "nothing makes me sick" was written on the blackboard in eleven (11) different languages—an amazing demonstration of the world beating a path to HBS's door.
After the Business School, one quarter of my career was in Merchandising, one quarter in Aerospace, and one-half in Academe. At this time, I am Professor Emeritus at Adelphi University. I am provided with an office to use in my retirement, full computer facilities from campus and from home, and as many web pages as I want.. I am enjoying spending time with my wife of forty years. I have rehoned my skills in flying and in ham radio. I am licensed for both from World War II.
In my Aerospace career, my company developed sensors for re-entry vehicle shields, instruments for both commercial and military planes and helicopters. My Academic career gave me the most satisfaction. Of course, to teach at the Graduate level, a doctorate was mandatory, so I earned two Ph.D.s, one in Human Behavior and one in Operations Research.
My most satisfying academic experience was the exposure at HBS to fellow students of immense intellect.