Jonas Salk

By in Leadership

“What is … important is that we – number one: Learn to live with each other. Number two: try to bring out the best in each other. The best from the best, and the best from those who, perhaps, might not have the same endowment. And so this bespeaks and entirely different philosophy – a different way of life – a different kind of relationship – where the object is not to put down the other, but to raise up the other.” – Jonas Salk, M.D. (1914-1995)   Jonas Salk: Born: October 28, 1914 in New York City, New York Died: June 23, 1995 in La Jolla, California Occupation: Medical researcher/virologist Known for: creating the 1st successful Polio vaccine   Jonas Salk is a world renowned medical researcher who discovered the vaccine for poliomyelitis, or polio.  However, his name is not as commonly known to the younger generation because of...

Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower

By in Military Leaders

  “I come from the very heart of America.” Dwight David “Ike” Eisenhower was the 34th President of the United States of America. Before his two terms as President, he served as Supreme Allied Commander on the battlefields of Europe during World War II. It was his strategics that saw the execution of Operation Overlord and the fall of the Axis Powers in Europe. When he entered office, he utilized the power of the executive to not only enact the highway system that we know, but also to engage in the battle for civil rights, most notably during the Little Rock crisis. Eisenhower was a brilliant military mind who managed to turn from the art of war to the game of politics with great efficiency. His military style leadership, that of the commander determining course and relying on subordinates, is something he has been criticized for, despite it being perhaps...

Eleanor Roosevelt: World’s Most Admired Woman

By in Leadership, Political Leaders

  “You gain strength, courage, and confidence by every experience by which you really stop to look fear in the face. You are able to say to yourself, ‘I lived through this horror. I can take the next thing that comes along.”-Eleanor Roosevelt, wife of the 32nd United States President, writer, feminist, activist, mentor, and teacher.   Born into a family ravaged by the disease of alcoholism and self-destruction, Eleanor Roosevelt was faced with much adversity throughout her life. Through her mentor and teacher, Marie Souvestre, Eleanor acquired a determination to be active rather than idle. She grew to become a more assertive, independent, and bold woman, earning the title of the “World’s Most Admired Woman.” Her own quest for independence allowed her to develop a passion for empowering women.  A subject of occasional criticism and controversy, Eleanor an...

Abraham Lincoln: A Time for Emancipation

By in Political Leaders

By: Matt Stanisci, Wagner College ’17  “I am a little uneasy about the abolishment of slavery in this District, not but I would be glad to see it abolished, but as to the time and manner of doing it.” -Abraham Lincoln, Letter to Horace Greeley, March 24, 1862.     Intro He has many names… The Emancipator, the Liberator, or Honest Abe. President Abraham Lincoln is highly revered for his great leadership during the United States bloodiest war. He achieved in 5 years, what very few Presidents can achieve in 8 years. He emancipated the Southern slaves, established the 13th Amendment, and won the Civil War, all while preserving the Union. His unquestionable leadership through one of our nation’s darkest hours has made it so that it is known, “the United States is,” not, “the United States are.” Abraham Lincoln united the states of America. The Emancipator Abraham...

Thomas Jefferson: An Indespensible Leader

By in Political Leaders

“When the people fear the government, there is tyranny. When the government fears the people, there is liberty.” Thomas Jefferson   We always hear about Thomas Jefferson in our history classes, as one of the most influential American politicians at the time of the nation’s birth.  Though, we don’t always take the time to understand why this is the case.  Looking at what he accomplished as president and politician seems mind boggling.  In my blog, I will discuss Thomas Jefferson’s major accomplishments, his leadership lessons, and criticisms of his actions. Before engaging the thesis, I want to discuss Jefferson’s background, before the late 1770’s.  The reason being that his major accomplishments come during and after this time period.  It is important to discover what his actions were at this early stage in his life, to understand how he came to be one of...