A Second Opportunity for Dialogue

Apr 29, 2013

Bill Gates and Jennifer Ford ReedyAmidst the festivities surrounding the dedication of the renovated Grant Center, approximately 600 donors, students, faculty and other distinguished guests gathered in Olson Forum on Saturday afternoon for a continued conversation with Bill Gates.

After a luncheon, Jennifer Ford Reedy, president of the Bush Foundation, moderated a brief question-and-answer session between Gates and luncheon attendees.

Gates answered questions ranging from how to encourage people to donate locally (start by asking people to donate their time, he says) to the Giving Pledge, a goal for the world's wealthiest individuals to give away the majority of their wealth.

“It’d be tragic to give money and not have it be fun,” Gates says with a laugh. “Your philanthropy can either be during your life or you can write down some sentences for later.”

Gates says the most impactful thing you can do after giving money is to see how your gift is affecting people.

“If you visit Africa and see what is going on there, you will not go away untouched,” Gates says.

The event concluded with the unveiling of a dedication plaque for the Grant Center, home of the Offutt School of Business.

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