Remarks by Tom Moran, President and CEO, Mutual of America Life Insurance Company
“To Serve is to Live!”The first time you hear this seemingly simple but powerful statement, you immediately think it must have come from a warrior graduate of the US Military Academy here at West Point. It is powerful in its clarity! Its commitment to service is unmistakeable! There can be no confusion! You hear these words and you immediately feel as if you know volumes about the author.
Not surprisingly, these are the words of our friend, Frances Hesselbein. I’ve known Frances since 1981 when she first joined the Mutual of America Board of Directors. During her tenure we have experienced tremendous growth. But, her greatest impact, has been on the culture of our Company. She always knew that to do well, we also needed to do good!
Her influence on our Company can be seen in many different areas. Our Community Partnership Award which has been in existence for 15 years is just one example. This award given to a successful partnership between the government, corporate and social was, not surprisingly, the brainchild of Frances Hesselbein. Today, 150 organizations have been recognized.
Frances is also responsible for the wonderful relationship we now enjoy with the United States Army. Today, along with Frances on our Board of Directors is General Dennis Reimer, the former Chief of Staff of the Unite States Army and Cliff Alexander, the first African American Secretary of the Army. Every employee of our Company is proud of our association with and support of our military men and women!
One of my favorite stories with Frances took place during a Staff ride at Gettysburg crossing the open field of Pickett’s Charge. The grass was very high! I walked in front of Frances, pushing down the grass and cleared a path for her to follow. Later, she referred to me as her “lead dog!” I know it may seem strange to you, but, I was very proud to be the “lead dog” for Frances Hesselbein
“To Serve is to Live”These are words of great significance for Frances! They come from the influence of many generations. When President Lincoln called for volunteers, her great-grandfather and his six brothers volunteered and went off to war. Her father, her husband and her son all served our country with distinction as members of the United States Army. As Frances often says, “service is a value that runs strong in my family!”
It was, I imagine, that commitment to service that first got Frances to become a Girl Scout volunteer, and later, the Chief Executive of the entire national Girl Scout organization! At the time of the Girl Scout cookie scare, Frances with the nerves of steel forged in Western Pennsylvania acted decisively to save her beloved Girl Scout organization. Her handling of the scare was so effective, that it was immediately picked up and used at Harvard Business School as one of their important case studies.
Later, Frances convinced Peter Drucker to join her in the founding of the Peter Drucker Foundation,now known as the Leader to Leader Institute! When asked how he came to join Frances in this incredible venture, his answer was simple. “How can you ever say ‘no’ to Frances Hesselbein!” Those of us who know Frances know also that she never says ‘no!’ Her boundless energy and commitment has taken her to every corner of the world and, has earned her the respect and admiration of all who know her.
I vividly recall the excitement I felt as one of only two guests invited to join Frances at the White House when President Clinton awarded her the Presidential Medal of Freedom. This, as you know, is the highest honor that our Nation can bestow on any civilian.
As I watched, I realized that France’s acceptance of this great honor was not just for herself! But, for all of the generations who had gone before her! It was for all of her beloved Western Pennsylvania! It was for all of the men and women who over the years have served our Nation with distinction! And, it was for all of those whose lives show that they also understand that “To Serve is to Live!”
Here at West Point, I have heard that Frances is a bit of a rock star! I must admit that I have some difficulty thinking of Frances as a Mick Jagger or Lady Gaga. I needed to know more! So, I asked Maj. Katie Matthews for some help. At my request, she has gathered some of the comments of the Cadets.
All of the Cadets, commented on the extraordinary opportunities that Frances has created for them and the thought leaders she has brought to West Point. Whether it was the chance to study abroad in places like the Ukraine or Kenya. Or, the opportunity to hear directly from Gen. Lloyd Austin, Marshal Goldsmith or Jim Collins. Or, to hear from Alan Mulally and Minglo Shao about the turn around of the Ford Motor Co. or a life that took Minglo from living in a cave to being one of the top philanthropists in China.
But most of all, they talked about the incredible spirit of Frances Hesselbein! They offered comments like … “she glows with exuberant optimism” and she “embodies the principles we discuss and try to employ.” They talk about her “genuine warmth and considerate nature.” And, my personal favorite, which I think is sometimes forgotten or overlooked … and I quote, “I believe that Frances Hesselbein has had an influence on the character and sense of self-confidence of more adult women in this country than any other woman alive!”
Frances, as you end your two year term, I know you will continue to be available to the US Military Academy here at West Point, and to the young men and women graduates, who will surely be the future leaders of our great Nation. I know it is here that your heart beats strongest! And, that you are never alone when you walk these corridors. You are joined by all of those great leaders in your own family who went before you!
“To Serve is to Live”Not just words on a page! But, rather, a challenge to all of us to learn from the example of Frances Hesselbein!Frances thank you for mentoring me and all of us! And for teaching us what it truly means to be a Leader!
View Pictures from the West Point Event
