We read with interest the Op-ed article in the April 19 issue of The Pendulum regarding the visit of Thomas Monaghan to Elon University as a Legend of Business.

Monaghan was invited to speak as a Legend of Business in recognition of his accomplishments over a long period of time, nurturing and building the Domino’s brand.

He told the story of his business accomplishments and his personal rise from disadvantage to organizational and financial success – on the basis of hard work and perseverance, exercised day-by-day over a long period of time.

This message of adaptive persistence is an important one for the Love School of Business students and the Elon community to hear. We believe everyone who attended the lecture agreed that the business message Monaghan delivered was an important one.

Monaghan has taken a stand on controversial issues, and his views, like those of other speakers on campus, generated debate and discussion. Those discussions demand that we assess and clarify our own views, individually and as a community. If Monaghan’s visit accomplished that as well, his visit was all the richer.

In the final analysis, we are all here to examine and develop the values and principles that will allow us to contribute to a good and a genuine life for ourselves and our community.

The visit of Monaghan – his story, the questions asked of him and the answers he gave, your letter – all contribute to this important goal at Elon. We can look forward to other debates and discussions resulting from the visits of other speakers at Elon. It is something that keeps us vital and alive and relevant.

Dean of Business School: John Burbridge - 04/26/07