Biedenbach Distinguished Service Award of the ASEE Professional Development Division
DiPaolo remarks delivered via Skype video from Hawaii on February 7, 2013
Aloha from Hawaii: Paul Jewell encouraged me to wear a “Don Ho” flowered shirt, but since I didn’t have one I decided to hit all the other tourist clichés: take a look at the lei around my neck, the umbrella in my drink and a hula dancing doll!
I am honored to be mentioned with the past Biedenbach awardees — people such as Linda Krute, Pat Hall, Frank Burris, Mary Bonhomme and many others — all who continue to bring commitment, character, style, spirit and good cheer to our profession. I have great admiration for them and especially for Joe Biedenbach who with his friendliness, humor and leadership still inspire us all today. I remember my first CIEC meeting and how welcome he made me feel.
Throughout my career there were three things I learned to do that I would like to share with my fellow CPDers:
First. Although we are all competitors we need to “cooperate to compete.” That means the more we know about each other — and offer to help each other — the stronger and better we get in delivering programs to industry professionals that make a real difference in people’s lives, the organizations they represent and the regions in which they live. Early on in my career — based on “veteran CPDers” helping me to learn and grow — I made a commitment to assist and mentor others, especially people new to our field. And many of the names on the list of previous award winners did the same thing by “paying it forward.” That’s a legacy we all want to leave behind.
Second. We need to position ourselves to become leaders and models for the institutions we represent. That means setting high standards of performance in meeting our commitments to deliver quality professional education programs and exceptional support to students and faculty. It also means zero tolerance for mediocrity. We need to constantly strive to be a respected and admired organization within our university, with the industry students and faculty we serve and our colleagues in the profession.
Third. When Paul Jewell called to inform me about the award, he reminded me of a quote I used in a CIEC presentation I delivered a few years ago: “At Stanford standing still is like going backwards.” That means every single day we must be moving forward to get better, both as an organization and as an individual. My advice is to question everything like an entrepreneur. Be disruptive and try something new. Think boldly and daringly, but execute steadily. And don’t forget what the famous race car driver, Mario Andretti, said — something that also holds true for our profession — “If everything seems under control you’re not going fast enough.”
In closing, let me reiterate that we need to continue to support each other in a positive, collegial and trusting way. We also need to invest time in our own professional development as well as work to stay healthy, enjoy life and laugh every day. The members of this division are a remarkable and dedicated group. I am most appreciative of our time together and your honoring me with this award. I could not have asked for a better set of colleagues and friends. Thank you and mahalo.