In the world of business and business education, you cannot escape discussions of investments, which stock to buy, how much of it and how long to hold it. Everyone in the world of commerce is quite naturally consumed with the prospects of profits. Jack Danforth has other concerns.

Jack Danforth has dedicated his entire life and indeed his livelihood to investing in people—as the Missouri Attorney General he demonstrated a passionate commitment to looking after the welfare and greater good of the citizens of Missouri, and in the U.S. Senate he served as the social conscience of the nation. And when the President of the United States called, he risked his own life as the ambassador at large to Africa’s warring nation of Sudan, and more recently as the people’s representative to the world in the capacity of the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations.

These are just a few public manifestations that this ordained Episcopal minister is indeed a modern-day disciple doing the work of the people.

I believe that the greatest legacy that anyone can leave behind is evidence to invest in people. The simplicity of this act is the overwhelming power and its timelessness. Today we have invited Jack Danforth as our keynote speaker because of the significant difference he has made in the lives of people and totality of his commitment to invest in the most profitable venture ever – people. Please join me in extending a warm Webster University welcome to Jack C. Danforth.

""We were all born originals, but most of us spend the rest of our lives trying to be copies. It's your originality that will set you apart." "

- Dr. Benjamin Akande