Dieter K. Weinand
Concordia Class of 1982
President, Latin America, Canada, Caribbean
Bristol-Myers Squibb Company

“A liberal arts education is essential for any career. Knowledge of art, history, and the humanities is how you can build intellectual relationships and earn the respect of the people with whom you do business.”

What is your fondest memory of your experience at Concordia? Our annual biology department canoe trip down the Delaware River rapids. It was an ingenious way of allowing us to show our talents and bond together as a team of students and faculty. It’s exactly the kind of exercise that corporations use today to build a solid team and committed relationship among employees and managers.

Why choose Concordia? I came to Concordia to study biology and graduated with the solid understanding of the sciences that I needed for graduate school. More than that, I gained a strong sense of self-confidence by having the opportunity to work so closely with the faculty. Concordia is a “safe place” where you can ask questions, test yourself, and learn how to feel comfortable interacting with your superiors and your peers. Poise, self-assuredness, and empathy are qualities that result from a Concordia education.

Faculty mentor that most influenced you. Former Professor Eric Walle helped me identify what I would enjoy doing professionally. He believed in my potential and provided me with the confidence that I could actually achieve my dreams of combining my business interests with my science interests. His personal dedication, mentoring, and support in everything I did had the most profound influence on my professional development and success.

Career accomplishment that gives you the most pride. Business success without ever compromising my integrity or ethics.

What’s you definition of success? Having the great fortune to be in a job that you thoroughly enjoy and at the same time provides you with an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution every day.

What advice would you give to college students?
Know yourself so that you choose a profession that gives you great joy. Lead with honesty, clarity, and commitment; and always with compassion.

What experiences should students pursue while in college? Hold a real job. Any job. But a job where you are held responsible for producing results of high quality on time, so that you are able to describe that contribution and the impact of it to future employers after you graduate. Study and speak at least one foreign language proficiently. Study and know history, the arts, and humanities as they explain much of the world today. And, travel any chance you get.