[this originally appeared on our Law School Site] Law students looking for advice about leadership were given a lot to think about when former Delaware Gov. Ruth Ann Minner visited the Delaware campus recently for an informal talk in the student lounge.
Minner, who was widowed at 32 with three young children and only a 10th-grade education, said success is tied to confidence. If you lack it, don’t let it show.
“Perception is what I call 85 percent of the job,” she said. “If you show confidence they’ll think, ‘She knows what she’s doing, she’ll handle this problem.’’’
Her ability to stay cool under pressure has been tested repeatedly. Minner explained how she had to find work to support her children after her husband died, but she couldn’t secure a car loan without a man’s co-signature. She eventually managed with the help of an acquaintance in the auto business, but the roadblocks were enough to inspire a political career that led to Woodburn. She earned her general equivalency diploma, began work as a secretary in Legislative Hall and eventually ran for House of Representatives. Twenty six years and 11 successful campaigns later, she became Delaware’s first female governor in 2000.
To underscore her theme about confidence, Minner told the story of hosting a dinner party for 32 guests at Woodburn not long after the Sept. 11 tragedy. An airplane carrying 258 passengers became lost over Delaware, but without knowing the full extent of the problem public safety officials were quickly suspicious. The plane ultimately landed safely at Dover Air Force Base, but not before she was involved in some difficult briefings about the public-safety threat the situation presented, and even how the plane might have to be forcibly brought down. She maintained her composure with her guests, while also handling 11 phone briefings.
“On the inside you may be turning upside down but on the outside you can’t let it show,” she said.
Earlier this year, I nominated LeaNora Ruffin, Assistant Dean of our Career Development Office for the 2009 Office of Women in Higher Education, Delaware Network, Leadership Award. At the Annual Fall Dinner and Awards Ceremony held in Dover at Wilmington University, LeaNora was honored with this prestigious award. Co-workers and family attended this event. The keynote speaker was Lillian M. Lowery, Secretary of Education for the Delaware Department of Education. The president of the ACE OWHE Delaware Chapter this year is our own Deborah McCreery, Assistant Vice President for Law School Development and Alumni Relations for the Delaware and Harrisburg campuses.
This past Sunday, November 1, I had the privilege of addressing a crowd of dedicated Delaware Volunteer Legal Services (DVLS) supporters as they prepared to race. These dedicated souls braved gray, rainy skies for the inaugural 5k Run/Walk on a beautiful course that began at Rockford Park. Widener Law alumns, faculty and friends of the Law School along with other community leaders ran the course.
Delaware Today magazine has included me among its “14 People of Influence: Delawareans who shape the way we live.” The article is the cover story of its September issue that just arrived on newsstands. I am flattered the editors at Delaware Today chose to include me on this esteemed list. Widener Law has limitless potential. To be recognized for cultivating all its possibilities is gratifying.
“There’s a new generation of movers and shakers emerging who are shaping policies and making things happen,” the article by Assistant Editor Matt Amis begins. The story explains what drew me to Widener Law, including the school’s quality institutes. It also mentions new initiatives happening here at the Law School since my arrival in 2006, including the founding of the Jurist Academy and the launch of the Environmental Law Center.
Others selected for the magazine’s list included ’80 alumnus Alan B. Levin, former chief executive officer of Happy Harry’s and now director of economic development for the state of Delaware, Paul Herdman, president and CEO of the Rodel Foundation and Bernard Muir, the new athletic director at the University of Delaware.
Read the full coverage, including the entire list.
