News

Mark Parker's commencement address



05/13/09

On Saturday, May 9, the Class of 2009 celebrated Commencement with their families, friends, and Otis faculty members and staff. Mark J. Parker, CEO of Nike, Otis' third largest employer, received an honorary degree. Read full commencement address.

Parker's speech included "Every time someone leaves OTIS, art evolves and design gets better. And that’s really your job when you leave here . . . to move things along. We humans have an infinite capacity for the status quo. We’ll do whatever it takes to make sure there’s nothing to do. That’s where you all come in . . . to change and challenge the people and the world around you . . . to move things along."

He also decribed eleven maxims, which included Embrace Humility, Be a Sponge, Expect Rejection, Let it Fly, Stand Your Ground, Buy an Eraser, Respect Your History, and Dreams are Good, but Options are Better.