There is something rather fitting to be honoring a man named Wise this evening. Doug Wise was given his name, but in a larger sense he has earned it. Tonight’s awards are being handed to the people who have made great contributions to the vitality of leadership in the upper valley and I think it’s most appropriate that we are so honoring Doug Wise.
Doug first came to the Upper Valley to attend Dartmouth College. I think it’s safe to say that Dartmouth and Doug went well together. He would become the president of his class of 1959 and has since been a leader for many of his class reunions. I should point out here that a Doug Wise reunion is no simple shindig. We are talking multiple events over the course of many days, some serious schmoozing with great food and wine at multiple venues. These are signature events and are meticulously planned. This year mark his 60th reunion, so it is not lost on Doug that we celebrate tonight at the institution that he so loves. Doug would go on to get his MBA at Columbia and enter the corporate world where he would become a successful businessman and consultant. But what is really great is that he came back. We, I’m talking Upper Valley here, had hooked him. This is not an unusual phenomenon, many who attend this fine institution are charmed by this place. Perhaps it’s the gorgeous campus, and the beautiful natural setting. It certainly can’t be the endless winters, knee deep mud and ferocious ticks!
Back here in the Upper Valley, Doug Wise would become a legendary consultant, mentor, board member and all around non-profit guru. Most importantly Doug would become a friend to so many. He and his lovely wife Joanne have been great champions for art in the Upper Valley and have hosted many international students, showing them the region and our unique way of life. Doug’s credits include service with the Upper Valley Land Trust, the Hanover Area Chamber of Commerce, Dartmouth Partners in Community Service and many more organizations than I can name here. As we celebrate with Leadership Upper Valley here tonight, it is important to note that Doug was an early chair of LUV and was an influential early cast member in the successful show you see here tonight.
I want to conclude my remarks this evening with a few of Doug Wise’s wisest traits. These are derived from knowing Doug for many years and observing what makes him such a great guy. You are free to put these into use in your own lives if you would like to be a Heroes and Leaders Award recipient someday.
- First, is to ask lots of questions and listen carefully to the answers
- Be a mentor for young people and future leaders.
- Take the deep dive. Think board retreats, a Doug Wise specialty.
- Mingle and mix. Repeat.
- Last, is to simply be the leader. Someone once said half of life is showing up. Doug Wise has shown that the other half is about stepping up.
Ladies and gentlemen, it is my pleasure to introduce one of our “Heroes and Leaders” who has made great contributions to the vitality of leadership in the Upper Valley… Doug Wise.