In his remarks during the October 21 unveiling of the Grenon School of Business, the first of the institution’s five schools to be named, David Grenon AP’57, HD’86 had some unusual advice for business students.
“I know you have the dream of being a CEO, a chief executive officer,” he said. “I’m going to challenge you to be something different than just the CEO. I want you to be the CCO: the chief creative officer. If you have that wisdom, that imagination, that leadership, you’ll be able to do extraordinary things and have an opportunity to make an impact, infusing ethics throughout your career and your life.”
This view of doing business dovetails with Assumption’s mission, said President Francesco C. Cesareo, Ph.D. “A cornerstone of Assumption’s business studies program is forming students who are not only entrepreneurial, but educated within the context of the liberal arts and committed to ethical business practices,” he shared.
In support of that mission, Grenon and his wife, Rosalie, made a seven-figure gift, the second-largest gift made to the current Light the Way: Capital Campaign for Assumption, in support of the institution’s School of Business. (The other schools under the new school structure include the institution of Liberal Arts and Sciences, the School of Nursing, the School of Health Professions, and the School of Graduate and Professional Studies.)
Grenon, who earned an economics degree from Villanova University after graduating from Assumption Prep, has an astonishing array of professional accomplishments. In addition to founding the Protector Group Insurance Agency, Inc., he was one of the original directors of Commerce Insurance Company, as well as a past chairman of Massachusetts Biomedical Initiatives and past director of the Worcester Business Development Corporation, among others. He has also served his community in wide-ranging roles, including on the board of Fallon Community Health Plan and as chairman of St. Francis Community Healthcare Foundation.
He and Rosalie enjoy a long history of support for the institution as well. In recognition of his extensive service in support of Assumption, Grenon was named an honorary alumnus in 1975, earned an honorary degree in 1986, served as a trustee from 1974–85, and holds the title of honorary trustee. From 2002–06, he chaired the institution’s successful Centennial Campaign that raised $33 million in support of institutional efforts to construct the Testa Science Center and the Multi-Sport Stadium, and grow endowment resources for financial aid. The Grenons are members of the President’s Council.
One of the biggest changes in doing business today versus when he started out is that “our high-tech society lacks the human touch,” Grenon said. “Because everything is done at the push of a button, it’s more difficult to build long-term relationships between business owners and customers.” That’s a problem, in his view, “because when you have long-term relationships, you’re more likely to uphold high ethical standards. That’s key for any successful business.”
Grenon added: “It’s imperative that the soul of Assumption maintains the core liberal arts, infusing ethics into all aspects of its academic programs.” He hopes Assumption’s business graduates develop into “ethical leaders who positively impact society” by being focused on the greater good and “a lifetime of sustainable values.”
He continued, “Life is very similar to driving an automobile. The windshield is a heck of a lot bigger than the rearview mirror. The rearview and that behind you will never happen again. I want you to respect the past, but not to live in it. I want you to understand, in this fast-changing society, that we have a great future ahead of us.”
