Former secretary speaks
By Elizabeth Irwin
The Flat Hat
Former Secretary of Energy Hazel O'Leary spoke at the University Center's Commonwealth Auditorium Thursday, Nov. 15. She discussed a broad scope of issues, ranging from her experiences during the Clinton administration to her memories as an undergraduate at Fiske University.
During her lecture, O'Leary explained the structure of the Department of Energy and the areas it covers. She illustrated the intricacies of a department with science and technology at its heart.
O'Leary also incorporated examples of her experience in the Clinton White House and her involvement in reforming the nuclear weapons clean up during her tenure of office.
At the center of O'Leary's discussion was importance of diversity. She said that a more diverse group of people increases the points of view in a society and leads to better ideas. Additionally, as secretary of energy she looked for advisors with diverse backgrounds and even encouraged critics to speak up.
"Encourage people to tell you what they think they've done wrong," O'Leary said.
The point of education, according to O'Leary, is for people to challenge what they have been told.
"Don't be afraid to question the truisms we've grown up with," she said.
O'Leary concluded her lecture with some advice for their students about their future plans.
"Don't work in a place where you don't agree with the morals of the company," O'Leary said. "Examine the boundaries of where you work and let their values be your values. ... Count on those who work for you."
"[She was] an amazing speaker and very personable woman," junior Alli McMahan said. "She can really grab the audience and challenge them to think."
Senior Karen Swann agreed, noting that O'Leary covered a broad range of interesting issues.
"It was very informative," Swann said. "The information she gave didn't just focus on science, but went into other topics like diversity."
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