It is late and dark when I head out in the drizzle for a run in the park. The day has been long, the steps are heavy, and I feel miserable. Did I advance on my projects? Did I light up a spark in the eyes of my students? Did I make a difference to anyone today? Perhaps you have also had such thoughts, running or not, this time of the year.
Then (at kilometer seven), I recall that I have the pleasure and honor to be part of the great community in Louvain School of Management. In December, I have met with over 20 CEOs from small and large enterprises to discuss management education in the post-covid era. Last week met with 12 of the deans from the most renown CEMS institutions to share our commitment to the digital, economic, and ecological transitions and our initiative to promote cross-functional teamwork from day 1 in our Master. The feedback I got was overwhelming, reinforcing our strategic choices. LSM is indeed keeping our legacy as a thought leader in responsible management education for the 21th century. The results from the Teaching Modulation Policy this year shows also that our faculty and researchers are as active as ever in publishing international high-impact research. Our administrative staff has pulled off two impressive graduation ceremonies under extreme uncertainty – and keeping the boat afloat despite quarantines and sanitary restrictions.
Some of you have been through illness and grief, for yourself or in your family. Nevertheless, you have done your outmost to be there when it mattered to our students and colleagues, stretching beyond what anyone could ask for. This forces my respect. I am proud and immensely grateful for all the efforts and devotion that all members have shown this semester to our School. What is important: we have done this together in the Louvain School of Management by free choice and strategic reflection, not by obligation or to make believe.
As I pass 12 km, I no longer notice the rain and in the hill back home I increase the speed and bounce in my steps. Not because I am expected to do it or watched by anybody. I do it because I know that I can, and since I choose to do it. We do our best, nothing less, nothing more.
Take care of yourself -- and if you can -- somebody else too.
Per J. Agrell
Dean of the Faculty