The 34th Annual Whitney M. Young, Jr. Memorial Conference

Message from the Dean

I am delighted to welcome you to the 34th annual Whitney M. Young Jr. Memorial Conference. Presented by the student and alumni leaders of the Wharton School, this annual event has served as a vital initiative for supporting the leadership development of African-Americans in the global business community.

This year�s theme, �Connecting and Developing Dynamic Leadership,� captures the spirit and passion of Whitney Young�s vision and career. He believed that economic and political advancement was critical to enabling people to participate fully in society. With the extensive range of current and future leaders who are attending this event, this year�s conference provides an excellent medium to further Whitney Young�s legacy.

Joseph Wharton accepted the challenge of transforming the study of business into a rigorous profession when he founded the world�s first business school here at the University of Pennsylvania. Our mission to prepare students for leadership not only in business, but also in meaningful service to improve the lives of others, finds unique expression in the work of the students and alumni who plan and execute this important conference each year.

I thank them for their efforts in organizing this conference and in continuing to call us all to new levels of leadership and service.

Thomas S. Robertson, Ph.D.
Dean
Reliance Professor of Management and Private Enterprise
The Wharton School
University of Pennsylvania