Archive for August, 2011

I had a chance to visit the School’s archives today with my dear friend and beloved Thunderbird professor of over four decades Jorge Valdivieso. My colleagues Carol Hammond and Shannon Walker walked us through amazing memorabilia, including the desk of Thunderbird founder, U.S. Army Air Forces Lieutenant General Barton Kyle Yount.  In addition to the good laughs, it was inspiring and profoundly humbling to read some of the documents from the early days.  How much things have changed since 1946 but how ideals have if anything, grown stronger and more meaningful.  Here’s a sample:

From the School’s first brochure ever (then the American Institute of Foreign Trade at Thunderbird Field), 1946:

The world today stands on the threshold of a new era: an era in which, if mankind is to survive, an ever-expanding global trade must help foster mutual understanding and good will among nations.

From the School’s first strategic plan, 1948:

International trade is not alone a matter of production, distribution and profits. It is more fundamental. It is a sine qua non for the achievement of that durable peace, blessed with prosperity under freedom, for which the American people have fought so strenuously.

As the producer of one third of the world’s goods and the most important importer of raw materials and as the world’s leading exporter, the United States has the power and the responsibility to take the lead.

The Institute’s stated missions are:

A. To serve the cause of international understanding by establishing in its graduates an intelligent and sympathetic attitude toward foreign countries

B. Serve employers by creating a corps of trained personnel especially equipped for work abroad