Fellow Crusaders,
While I certainly love to win, I actually have a far greater appreciation and desire for a consistent commitment to excellence.
Winning on the field is a function of so many smaller battles culminating in the final score. Winning off the field is a function of a wide array of components but in my opinion is ultimately highly correlated with the quality of the people involved in the effort and the manner in which people engage each other. I believe strongly that winning is actually a byproduct of a commitment to excellence. I mean, one can win without being excellent but more often than not when one pursues excellence then winning is almost assuredly right around the corner.
I personally view every instance in which a Crusader student-athlete connects with a 90-Wide mentor as a win. Every time a younger alum meets a more experienced Crusader is also a win. What about when a Crusader 90-Wide mentor shares an internship or job opportunity? Win, win!!
Add it all up and before you know it a culture of winning stemming from this overall commitment to excellence begins to take shape. What are the qualities we like to emphasize in doing so? Humility + an attitude of gratitude + competitiveness + real commitment + unbridled motivation + men and women for and with others = EXCELLENCE!!
On these notes, our 90-Wide has two HUGE wins to announce with the introduction of our next two alumni mentors (now totaling 142) to the fold. When I comment that as Crusaders we take a back seat to nobody, why do I state that with such confidence? Because of Crusaders like Jeff Wiley '89 and Ed Greissing '73. Please join me in formally welcoming to the 90-Wide 2013 Ring of Honor inductee Jeff Wiley '89 and Ed Greissing '73. I think after you read their bios and see their accomplishments, you will join me in thinking, "wow, talk about a commitment to excellence" and then beyond that, you will also think . . . WIN . . . WIN . . .
Many around these parts know Jeff from his exploits and accomplishments both on and off the field. He has actually been involved in the 90-Wide in the past (yet yours truly has not included his contact in our 90W file . . . UGH . . . sorry) in terms of mentoring future Crusader physicians along with his partner Dr. Stephen Fox '78 in their orthopedic practice in Concord, NH. On the field, Jeff pretty much rewrote the record book at the time of his graduation having led the Crusaders to tremendous success and countless victories. (https://static.goholycross.com/…/foo…/archives/histcarr.htm…).
He needs no introduction to most Crusaders from that era. Our younger Crusader brethren should know that Jeff epitomizes our 90-Wide mission statement in terms of a commitment to excellence in winning on and off the field.
In regard to Ed Greissing '73, he redefines the professional term "accomplished". For those with an interest in public service and the fields of public health and public policy, Ed Greissing '73 is 'the man to see'. How so? Check this out:
Mr. Edward Greissing is Executive Director of the Center for Public Health at the Milken Institute. Mr. Greissing works with leaders representing global business, government, investors, philanthropy and thought leaders to reduce the health and economic burden of disease in order to improve the health of individuals and communities everywhere.
He previously served as a member of the Executive Committee, Global Leadership Team, and Senior Vice President of Corporate Affairs at Sanofi. During his nearly four decades in the biopharmaceutical industry, Mr. Greissing led a wide range of Public Affairs and Global Corporate Affairs teams, first at the Upjohn Company and Pharmacia and later with Sanofi. His teams delivered a strategic approach to stakeholder management, new product launches, and a freshness program for life cycle management resulting in improved patient outcomes, increased shareholder value, positive business results, and viewed externally as a desired and trusted business partner.
Prior to entering the industry in 1978, Mr. Greissing was on the staff of the U.S. Senate Intelligence Committee, where he contributed to a variety of investigations and reports. He earned an AB in History from College of the Holy Cross and an MA in Congressional Studies and Politics from The Catholic University of America.
Industry and Company Leadership/Accomplishments:
Chairman of the PhRMA Government and Policy Washington Representatives on four occasions (1978=2008); PhRMA Board Management For Ten CEOs and Five Board Chairs (1980-2014); Orphan Drug Act (1983); Drug Price Competition and Patent Restoration Act (1984); W.E. Upjohn Award for Corporate Leadership (1985); Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act of 1990; Identified Members of the Global Scientific Review Panel to evaluate the safety and efficacy of Halcion (1992); Created Friends of the Congressional Glaucoma Caucus - An Eye Screening Initiative To Improve Eye Care and Encourage Early Diagnosis (2000); STOP Obesity (2006); National Transitions of Care Coalition (2007); Partners in Patient Health (2009); Chronic Disease Prevention and Wellness (2010); Founding Member Sanofi U.S. Foundation (2010); Innovative approaches to U.S. Market Access and Government Reimbursement (2010/2016); Executive Committee and Global Leadership: Sanofi Mentor and Individual Development Program; Military Veterans Initiative; New Business and Innovation Model Committee (2006-2016); and the Executive Co-lead for the Sanofi Diversity and Inclusion Program (2013-2016).
Thank you Jeff. Thank you Ed. Welcome to the 90-Wide.
Let's keep chasing excellence and winning is sure to follow. As we rack up the wins and elevate the excellence then let's widen the gap for our best in class 90-Wide.
Speaking of excellence and winning, I hope many here will join me and the Crusader faithful in cheering on our Crusaders over the coming weeks as the team chases a Patriot League Championship. Let's toast to 'a commitment to excellence and winning on and off the field' this Saturday when our Crusaders take on the Leopards of Lafayette at Fitton Field.
See you there.
Let's Win!!
LD
