Henry Paulson, Former Treasury Secretary, Visits College Campus
In April, the George A. Andrews Distinguished Speaker Series presented Henry M. Paulson Jr., former Secretary of the Treasury and founder and chairman of the Paulson Institute at the University of Chicago. In a fireside chat format in Cox Auditorium, facilitated by John Yemma, former editor of The Christian Science Monitor, Paulson drew on his extensive public service experience and work in the private sector to provide a dynamic analysis of the issues confronting the United States, particularly regarding its economic policy with China. Purposely keeping his prepared remarks brief, Paulson opened the floor to questions early in the program, giving many in the audience an opportunity to participate.
Many students and faculty enjoyed a remarkable level of small-group engagement with Paulson as well, including a dinner with him at Hutchinson House and interaction in political science, history, business, and economics classes. In the classes, he discussed the impact of China’s one-child policy, the evolution of state-controlled capitalism, and the breakneck speed of economic growth that has drawn millions of workers to congested cities resulting in large-scale environmental challenges for China, among other topics. Paulson also elaborated on his best-selling book On the Brink: Inside the Race to Stop the Collapse of the Global Financial System, describing his experiences fending off the near-collapse of the U.S. economy during the Great Recession of 2008. He also spoke about his most recent book, Dealing with China: An Insider Unmasks the New Economic Superpower, in which he details working with scores of China’s top political and business leaders.
Sharing the Impact of Christian Science
During an Exploring Metaphysical Concepts session on Friday morning, “Hank,” as he asked to be called, was joined on the Wanamaker stage by his wife, Wendy. The pair shared how the study and practice of Christian Science is central to their lives, recounting healings of physical and relationship challenges, steps that led them to take class instruction in Christian Science, and their desire to live its teachings rather than proselytize. For senior Shontee Pant, this session in Wanamaker was the highlight of their campus visit. “It was inspiring and humbling to hear how the two have applied Christian Science to every aspect of their lives, both personally and professionally,” she commented.
En Route to China
Within days of his campus visit, Paulson departed for a trip to China, to meet with President Xi Jinping, who is also the general secretary of the Chinese Communist Party, and other leaders. Due to the experience and trust he’s cultivated over the years, Paulson is still actively engaged in discussions, and leaders in both the U.S. and China regularly seek his advice. “The most amazing aspect of Hank Paulson's visit was his personal insights into events in China,” said political science professor John Williams. “Mr. Paulson knows President Xi Jinping and other members of the Standing Committee, the seven men who lead China, on a personal basis."
For senior David McClelland, Paulson’s ability to explain complex issues in an understandable way made a lasting impression. “He is a great example of how to do business both morally and ethically, and I appreciated his insights,” David said. “Interacting with him on campus was an incredible opportunity.”