March
5, 2003
Schiller talks to cadets about trust
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| Schiller tours Byrd Hall. The Schiller Science Initiative is responsible for funding the renovation of four labs, the addition of a new biochemistry lab, and for the purchase of new state-of-the-art equipment. | |
Amid a great deal of fanfare, Dr. Harvey W. Schiller, ’60, returned to his alma mater yesterday to participate in the dedication ceremony for the Schiller Science Initiative and to deliver a Greater Issues address to the Corps of Cadets on leadership and ethics.
The Schiller Science Initiative has provided the funding to complete the renovation of four freshman level chemistry labs including fume hoods, new fixtures, countertops and flooring; for the purchase of seven major pieces of needed research grade instruments including a state-of-the-art gas chromatograph mass spectrometer (GC-MS) to assist the faculty in both teaching and scholarly work; for upgrades of existing equipment, and, for the development of a biochemistry laboratory which will allow the department to recruit students and faculty who have an interest in either biochemistry or chemistry.
“How have these new facilities impacted our program?” Chemistry department head Col. J.R. Blanton asked. “One of the most noticeable areas is recruiting—we now volunteer to take prospective students on tours of the facilities, unlike in the past when we gave tours only on request. This will aid us in attracting high caliber students.”
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| In the final Greater Issues address of the 2002-2003 academic year, Dr. Harvey W. Schiller, ’60, makes a great impression on the Corps of Cadets with his speech on ethics and leadership. | |
Blanton cited other advantages that stem from the initiative, including new research opportunitie and joint research projects involving faculty and cadets that have developed between the college and other agencies because of the GC-MS. Two such agencies are the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration and the Charleston Aquarium.
Senior Cadet Michael Ellisor began his college studies as a bachelor of arts chemistry major. Thanks to the Schiller Initiative and the addition of the new biochemistry lab, he is now specializing in biochemistry. Ellisor has developed an isolation method for a biotoxin. He is currently analyzing the structure of Maitotoxin which may be investigated for its potential use as an anti-cancer agent.
In McAlister Field House, Schiller passed around five rings into the large audience for cadets to examine. The first, valued at $45,000, was a Stanley Cup Ring. He also passed out two World Series rings (1999 and 2000), Evander Holyfield’s boxing ring, and a commissioner’s ring from his days at the Southeastern Conference (SEC). Schiller passed the rings out to demonstrate his trust that cadets, because they are students at The Citadel, are honest and would return the rings.
“The most important thing that you can have is for people to say that they trust you,” he told cadets.
During his remarkable career, Schiller has been an Air Force pilot, a professor, a sports commissioner, a television executive, a sports leader and business entrepreneur. He holds an M.S. and Ph.D. in chemistry from the University of Michigan and honorary doctorates from The Citadel and Northern Michigan University. A former executive director of the U.S. Olympic Committee, Schiller was a key player in Atlanta’s successful bid to be the site of the 1996 Olympic Summer Games and is now leading New York City’s efforts to host the 2012 Olympics. He was recently appointed by Congress to serve on the independent commission studying the restructuring of the USOC.
Schiller told cadets about interviewing with the SEC to become commissioner. The interview was not going well and the chancellor of one of the universities remarked that it might not be a good idea to hire someone with a military mindset.
"Take this lesson that you have; take this background and turn it into something." |
Schiller’s response was to point out the rumors of illegal practices and cheating that surrounded the SEC. Perhaps it would not be such a bad thing, he told them, to hire someone who came from The Citadel, an institution known for its honor system that says a cadet does not lie, cheat or steal. . . He was later offered the position and served as commissioner until he joined Turner Broadcasting Systems to head all sports programming on TBS and TNT.
“Take
this lesson that you have,” Schiller said to cadets of their Citadel
experience, “take this background and turn it into something.”