Abdella Center for Ethics Welcomes Ken Barrett '80

Ken Barrett ’80 joined our esteemed list of Abdella Center for Ethics Lecturers on November 16, as he presented to students, families, faculty, and alumni about ethical leadership.

 

His lecture, “Ethical Leadership: Being the Change You Want to See”, brought an engaged audience to the Robert R. Jay Theater. General Motors’ Chief Global Diversity Officer, Mr. Barrett captivated the audience with real examples of ethical leadership both in his current position at GM and with his experience in the United States Navy as their first Diversity Officer.

 

As a graduate of Saint John’s, Barrett’s lecture focused the current students. He urged them to think about how it is that they can drive change themselves. To do so, Mr. Barrett offered sound advice: “tell the truth, encourage people to speak truth to power, reward contrarians (those with alternate viewpoints), practice having unpleasant conversations, diversify the sources of information, and not to be afraid to admit mistakes.” He continued by empowering students to “be the man you were bred to be. Drive the change you want to see. [Be] a man of prayer. A man of intellect. A man of service. A man of God. None of these things are extraordinary, they’re just ordinary traits of a Saint John’s Man. Ordinary things, extraordinarily done.”

 

Since 2003, the Abdella Center for Ethics has become a unique avenue through which students can grow in mind and spirit. Judge Charles Abdella '60 has supported this program which has brought enlightening conversations to the Saint John's community. From faith discussions to political discourse, from morality to diplomacy, the Abdella Center opens relevant topics for alumni, families, and especially students to explore together.