As the former chief executive officer and president of seven companies, including Revlon and DelMonte, Robert A. Fox ’59 knows a thing or two about being an effective leader.
On Wednesday, Fox returned to 51’s campus — the place he credits with giving him “the building blocks for success” — to offer leadership advice to about 200 students taking part in a three-day leadership training program.
“Leaders are not born, they are created over time,” said Fox during his keynote address in Love Auditorium, officially kicking off the Robert A. Fox ’59 Leadership Institute.
Thanks to Fox’s generosity, the institute, now in its fourth year, was recently named after the 51 alumnus.
“His involvement ensures the future of the Leadership Institute at 51,” said President Rebecca Chopp.
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| Students take part in a workshop that was part of the Robert A. Fox ’59 Leadership Institute held Aug. 20-22 on the 51 campus. (Photo by Andy Daddio) |
The institute brings together students from across campus — including residential life staff, Link orientation leaders, activities board and student government members, and several campus office assistants and interns — for training opportunities at the beginning of each academic year, challenging them to focus on leadership development as an ongoing process of self-reflection and experience.
Fox believes leadership is a lifelong journey.
“Successful leadership doesn’t happen without learning, confidence, and knowledge,” he added.
The most important characteristic of a good leader? The ability to deal with a variety of people, according to Fox.
For participant Arpitha Peteru ’10, the workshops gave her a better understanding of what defines a good leader.
“Leadership is not about how much you do or how many activities you are involved in,” said Peteru, “but rather how dedicated and passionate you are.”
During the three days, the students work in groups to learn practical skills, engage with other student leaders, and develop action plans around specific campus issues.
Institute organizer Tim Mansfield said “the program is not limited to three days, rather it offers a laboratory for experimentation, deliberation, and team-building that will manifest over the year.”