Bob Wright - April 30, 2009

Mr. Wright and his wife, Suzanne, co-founded Autism Speaks, a national foundation dedicated to raising public awareness and research funds for autism. Since its inception in February 2005, Autism Speaks has raised over $200 million dollars and is the leading advocacy organization for autism. Mr. Wright plays a major role in national legislation for programs related to treatments and services for individuals with autism. For their efforts, Mr. and Mrs. Wright, who have an autistic grandson, were honored in Time Magazine's issue of 100 Most Influential People in the World.

As CEO and chairman of NBC, Mr. Wright had one of the longest and most successful tenures of any media company chief executive, with more than two decades at the helm of one of the world's leading media and entertainment companies. Mr. Wright transformed NBC from a broadcast network into a global media powerhouse with leadership in television programming, station ownership, and television production.

Mr. Wright's diversified career in general management, marketing, and broadcasting also included serving as president of General Electric Financial Services and president of Cox Cable Communications. In addition to his work with Autism Speaks, Mr. Wright currently serves as Senior Advisor at Lee Equity Partners and as a board member for the RAND Corporation and the Ralph Lauren Corporation.

"It's all about learning, how you act, and how you grow to build your future," Mr. Wright told the audience of freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. "Your best opportunity is right here, right now in high school, especially as it relates to math and science. I took a great deal of Latin and Greek," said the graduate of the College of Holy Cross and the University of Virginia School of Law.

"Get as much education as you can and put yourself in a place for growth opportunities." advised Mr. Wright. "Take the hard courses. Recognize that it is likely most of you will work outside of the United States sometime in your careers. Push yourself and take chances to reach the goals you set for yourself."

Mr. Wright also encouraged students to "find your talents, believe in them, and develop them." For Mr. Wright, it's important to have a value system. "Most important to me has been religion, which I believe matters for everyone, whatever religion that may be," he said. "Other important values are humility and integrity. Lastly, treat everyone fairly and always be compassionate."

Mr. Wright's guest appearance was the second presentation in the newly established Leadership Speaker Series. Earlier in April, students heard from golf legend Jack Nicklaus in the inaugural Leadership Speaker Series program, spearheaded by Board of Trustess President Dan Stanton, with directorship provided by Co-Dean of College Counseling Kristen Learner.

After the visit of Bob Wright, Founder of Autism Speaks, to The Benjamin School, members of The Leadership Speakers Committee were inspired to form a team for the 2010 Walk for Autism Speaks event. The event, which took place on March 6, 2011 was very successful, and The Benjamin School team of 33 people, led by Ms. Learner, raised a total of $2,015! We hope to continue our strong participation in the annual fundraising event for the Autism Speaks charity. Thank you again to everyone who walked with us!