A Conversation With Bill Gates

Apr 27, 2013

Bill Gates and Concordia studentsFor Levi Bachmeier ’14, West Fargo, N.D., asking Bill Gates a question was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

And when he did, Bachmeier made it personal, asking the software mogul and esteemed philanthropist for advice as the education and social studies major prepares to become a classroom teacher.

“It was a bit surreal,” Bachmeier said. 

 But what he took away from Gates’ remarks will remain with him for years to come.

“To hear that responsible engagement isn’t just about coding software, it just isn’t about becoming a multibillion-dollar company,” Bachmeier said. “It’s about doing whatever the world needs in whatever capacity that your skills and abilities are able to contribute to that.”

Gates spoke at Concordia as part of the dedication festivities for Grant Center, home of the Offutt School of Business and Barry Auditorium, April 27.

“What a delight and an honor to have Bill Gates here. Bill Gates, who set such a terrific example in Memorial Auditorium this morning as someone who keeps on learning throughout his life and who makes a connection between that learning and the work of doing good in the world,” said Dr. William J. Craft, president of Concordia College, after the event.

Approximately 3,800 tickets were distributed for the event, where Gates spoke for nearly an hour. The majority of the conversation included answering questions from a dozen students seated on the stage with him.

The topics ranged in the importance of vaccines, which Gates called “the miracle technology,” to ideas for building a sustainable farm economy in east Africa. He also entertained questions about philanthropy and education reform.

But first Gates had some advice for those in attendance, most of whom were students from Concordia, other area universities and high schools.

“Having your eyes open to the great needs of the world, especially those of the poor, will help you pick what is most fulfilling to you,” Gates said.

He accounted his own journey from software entrepreneur to foundation work.

“All of what I did at Microsoft prepared me and provided resources to do the work I do now,” he said.

Grants given by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation address challenges in education and poverty.

“It was fantastic,” said Sarah Raeker ’15, a vocal music education major from Coon Rapids Minn., who was in the audience. She had been looking forward to hearing how Gates’ comments connected to Concordia’s being responsibly engaged in the world.

She was interested in his comments on the need for better evaluation of teachers, but also appreciated his passion for what he does.

“He’s not doing it so he can put his picture on a poster,” she said. “He truly cares about improving things. You can see that.”

Syed Shah ’16, Pakistan, was seated on the stage with Gates and asked about the challenges of vaccine delivery in countries such as his own, which is one of three where polio has yet to be eradicated.

“Biggest moment of my life,” Shah said. “To have a face-to-face conversation with Mr. Gates is a very lucky thing.”

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