Forty years ago, legendary head coach, author and speaker John Wooden was enshrined in the Basketball Hall of Fame as a coach. He’d previously been inducted as a player, the first ever to have both honors—a feat later shared by only two other basketball legends, Lenny Wilkens and Bill Sharman. While leading the Bruins eight NCAA National Championships was Hall-of-Fame worthy, Wooden still had two league-winning runs yet to come when he was inducted. In fact, 2014 marks the 50th anniversary of the first of 10 championships for the Bruins under Wooden, a remarkable run yet to be bested.
Wooden joined UCLA in 1949 and, over the next 27 years, built a record and legacy admired and lauded. From making the National Basketball Hall of Fame to being named the 1973 Sports Illustrated Sports Man of the Year, Wooden accomplished much. But it was his achievements off the court that he was most proud of. He honed his “Pyramid of Success” philosophy throughout his career, and translated his work ethic and principles into numerous books on leadership. The John Wooden Global Leadership Award Program at UCLA Anderson is built upon those values.
On Nov. 21, UCLA Anderson will honor Robert A. Iger, chairman and CEO of The Walt Disney Company, with the annual John Wooden Global Leadership Award, which is given for exemplary leadership and service to the community. Past recipients include Indra Nooyi, chairman and CEO of PepsiCo (2012), Peter Ueberroth, managing director of Contrarian Group (2011), Frederick W. Smith, chairman, president and CEO of FedEx (2010), Kenneth Chenault, chairman and CEO of American Express (2009), and Howard Schultz, chairman, president and CEO of Starbucks (2008).
Proceeds from the award dinner will help fund two $25,000 John Wooden Leadership Fellowships given to deserving UCLA Anderson students based on their exceptional principles-based leadership, academic merit and financial need. This year’s recipients are Elliot Ling (MBA ’14) and Jordanna Mora (FEMBA ’15).
The awards evening at The Beverly Hilton Hotel starts with a 6 p.m. cocktail reception, followed by dinner and the main program at 7 p.m. Business attire is appreciated.
Head to our Wooden Awards page for more on the event.
John Wooden's impact extends far beyond coaching. His influence has been great in personal and professional development. An amazing man and career.
Posted by: Barb Higgins | 11/23/2013 at 08:58 PM