Mia Lasic-Ellis

A recent article in the New York Times entitled “Let’s Abolish Business Schools” by Christopher Marquis caught my attention. Marquis has taught in business schools for over 20 years at Harvard, Cornell and Cambridge.

Marquis noted that many students enter business schools wanting to make the world a better place, but then they change.

“Again and again, I have watched students abandon their altruistic intentions, instead becoming consumed by whether to choose careers in consulting or finance and wondering who will land a summer internship at McKinsey or Goldman Sachs,” Marquis wrote.

“The modern business school is designed to promote dealmaking, simplification and optimization,” the text continues.  “…President [Donald] Trump, a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, has treated foreign policy and government itself as extensions of dealmaking and personal gain.”

He claims that business schools have not stressed the need for businesses to be responsible corporate citizens concerned about working for the common good.

I can speak to the veracity of this article, having graduated from Harvard Business School in 1967. Scores of my classmates went into consulting or finance or consumer product management. I was a maverick, opting to go into advertising in New York City during the “Mad Men” era. I justified my pick at the time with a snarky retort, “Business is a pig; I’m just a different part of the pig.”

My decision to attend Harvard Business School in the fall of 1965 was driven neither by greed nor idealism. I wanted to avoid the draft; I didn’t know what else to do; and, well, Harvard is Harvard. That was a mistake. I was too young to take advantage of the opportunity. I probably should have gone into the Peace Corps.

After a year at Grey Advertising in New York City, I returned to Bowdoin (my alma mater) to work in the Admissions Office. I took a 25 percent pay cut, but my office was three times bigger, and the work was infinitely more rewarding. I worked there during three major changes: the College making standardized testing optional; launching efforts to diversify the student body; and beginning to admit women.

After a career in admissions and marketing communications for non-profits, I returned yet again to Brunswick in 2002. At that time, the College had begun to feature its philosophy of working toward the common good. An annual Common Good Award was established to honor an outstanding graduate. Honorary degrees were awarded to people who had made a positive difference in the world. An alumnus established the Common Good Grant program for which students raise money to create a fund and award money to area nonprofits. Large numbers of students now select Bowdoin in part, at least, because of its common good philosophy.

Incidentally, Bowdoin has long been known for a culture that is cooperative, not cutthroat. Students cheer on each other’s successes. That was the case way back in my day.

I have long been a loyal supporter of Bowdoin. I attend reunions every year. I regularly attend sporting events, concerts and lectures. I always wear Bowdoin gear. And my wife Tina and I have long served as “host parents” to students. By contrast, I’ve never given to Harvard Business School or attended reunions. And I’ve never worn Harvard gear. Well, not exactly “never.” Let me explain.

A few years ago, the Harvard Coop featured a big sale on Harvard gear. So I thought, what the heck, why not buy a Harvard fleece? So I ordered one. A package came in the mail and—wait for it—the package contained a Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) fleece. I briefly considered keeping that fleece since my dad had graduated from MIT. But then I exchanged it for a Harvard fleece. I only wear this fleece around the house or  on an outdoor excursion far away from Brunswick and Bowdoin.

In conclusion, I’ll take Bowdoin and its common good philosophy over Harvard and its elite reputation any day of the week.

David Treadwell is a member of the Class of 1964.