The highly anticipated event served as a fitting stage for Thompson to share his thoughts and a few
invaluable lessons acquired throughout his distinguished 45-year career. A
proud FAMU alumnus, John W. Thompson, current chairman of the Microsoft Corporation,
has distinguished himself as a leader in the technological industry.
Soon after his introduction, Thompson, who last visited the campus to deliver a keynote address during the 2014 Spring Commencement, expressed admiration for his alma mater.
“I’m always delighted to come back to FAMU, it has a special
place in my heart,” Thompson said.
During the conversation Thompson expressed his belief that
the nation’s educational system must be revamped in order to better accommodate
the growing needs of the modern-day workforce.
“Our K-12 and higher education systems don’t produce enough
math-, science-, and engineering- related skills. As such, tech companies are
chomping at the bits to have access to people who have the skills that they
need to build new products and services,” Thompson said.
He added that the time has come to recognize that success in
a world where more individuals use technology requires that the technological
industry has a better sense of who those users are.
“When the tech bubble burst, people stopped focusing on the
diversity of the industry. So, it’s time for us to not let that be an issue any
longer,” he said.
A recent $5 million donation to the University from Thompson
(who is a former chairman of FAMU’s Industry Cluster Program) and his wife
Sandi, is heralded as the largest single financial donation FAMU has ever
received. As a result of the couple’s generosity, several FAMU students have
already received scholarships and other forms of financial assistance that has
enabled them to complete their respective degree programs and begin their
careers with less debt.
Amaris Portee, a high achiever and award recipient who has
benefited from the Thompson’s history-making donation, was the first student to
ask a question during the event. Portee asked the technological guru a question
regarding lessons learned from failures in life—to which Thompson replied that
the best lesson is to simply not do it again.
“I think you do need to learn from mistakes to become better
at whatever it is you are trying to do. But don’t assume that the only way
you’ll learn the most valuable lessons will come from the mistakes you made,”
he said.
Thompson said the most important traits for a successful
leader in any business or industry are focus and integrity.
“If you can create focus in what you are trying to get done
and do an honest job with a sense of integrity every single day, then you can
accomplish a great deal,” Thompson said.
While referencing the importance of powerful contributors to
Black History later that evening, Mangum praised Thompson as an exceptional
example of success.
“What better example of Black history than our very own
alumnus John W. Thompson. It has certainly been a privilege to listen to his
words of wisdom and encouragement,” FAMU President Elmira Mangum said. With these types of examples
before us, please remember the obligation we have as a University community to
uphold the high standards set by the icons we honor today, this month, and
throughout our lives,” she added.
Prior to becoming Microsoft’s board chairman, Thompson
served as CEO of Symantec in addition to a number of leadership positions at
IBM, including in sales, marketing, and software development, and as general
manager of IBM Americas. Thompson received a bachelor’s degree in business
administration from FAMU and a master’s degree in management from MIT. In
addition to serving as chairman of the Microsoft Board of Directors, he also
currently serves as CEO of Virtual Instruments.