21 May 2022
Two decades ago when Mohammed Dewji (B’98) crossed the stage at Georgetown University’s commencement ceremony, he asked himself an important question – ‘is the world ready for me?’
In many ways, the answer was yes. Dewji returned home to East Africa and transformed his father’s business into the largest homegrown company in East and Central Africa, MeTL Group. He became a politician and invested personal profits into public development in support of the Tanzanian people. He founded the Mo Dewji Foundation to give back in service to others. The world, in fact, was ready for someone like Dewji.
But later in life, as he reflected on the question he posed on his graduation day, he had an important realization.
Dewji addresses the Class of 2022 during commencement.
“The world is never about you – but it should always concern you,” Dewji said.
“Once we embrace the reality that the outcomes in our lives are truly in the hands of others, we become motivated to understand each other. We become better stewards of our community. By clearing paths for others, we find our own.”
Dewji emphasized the importance of leveraging the people around you, devoting oneself to others, and building strength in community. He also reminded the 776 undergraduates and 330 graduates in the McDonough School of Business Class of 2022 of a phrase already ingrained into their education as a Hoya: the Jesuit value of cura personalis – sharing a profound sense of responsibility and care for one another.
He urged students to never lose sight of these important principles, as well as the broader Hoya community, as they progress through their professional careers.
“I have no doubt that each of you will follow your unique paths in service to the highest levels,” said Dewji. “But know this: when you reach that level, that’s when it’s easiest to forget how much you need your community.”
Dewji understands the power of community better than most. Four years ago, he was abducted and held captive for nine days – bound by ankles and wrists, and beaten. In a moment of immense vulnerability and struggle, people worked around the clock to plead for his release. Friends, colleagues, social media networks, and media outlets around the world helped facilitate his rescue.
President DeGioia awards Dewji an honorary doctorate during the commencement ceremony. “Whose lives can you touch? Search your heart for the answer. If you combine that curiosity with the knowledge you’ve gained in your time here, then the world will be yours to shape,” Dewji said. “May you shine bright, conquer your fears, and leave a positive legacy on your communities.
Source : Mohammed Dewji to Graduates: Recognize the Power in Community - McDonough School of Business
Mohammed Dewji to Graduates: Recognize the Power in Community
Two decades ago when Mohammed Dewji (B’98) crossed the stage at Georgetown University’s commencement ceremony, he asked himself an important question – ‘is the world ready for me?’
In many ways, the answer was yes. Dewji returned home to East Africa and transformed his father’s business into the largest homegrown company in East and Central Africa, MeTL Group. He became a politician and invested personal profits into public development in support of the Tanzanian people. He founded the Mo Dewji Foundation to give back in service to others. The world, in fact, was ready for someone like Dewji.
But later in life, as he reflected on the question he posed on his graduation day, he had an important realization.
Dewji addresses the Class of 2022 during commencement.
“The world is never about you – but it should always concern you,” Dewji said.
“Once we embrace the reality that the outcomes in our lives are truly in the hands of others, we become motivated to understand each other. We become better stewards of our community. By clearing paths for others, we find our own.”
Dewji emphasized the importance of leveraging the people around you, devoting oneself to others, and building strength in community. He also reminded the 776 undergraduates and 330 graduates in the McDonough School of Business Class of 2022 of a phrase already ingrained into their education as a Hoya: the Jesuit value of cura personalis – sharing a profound sense of responsibility and care for one another.
He urged students to never lose sight of these important principles, as well as the broader Hoya community, as they progress through their professional careers.
“I have no doubt that each of you will follow your unique paths in service to the highest levels,” said Dewji. “But know this: when you reach that level, that’s when it’s easiest to forget how much you need your community.”
Dewji understands the power of community better than most. Four years ago, he was abducted and held captive for nine days – bound by ankles and wrists, and beaten. In a moment of immense vulnerability and struggle, people worked around the clock to plead for his release. Friends, colleagues, social media networks, and media outlets around the world helped facilitate his rescue.
President DeGioia awards Dewji an honorary doctorate during the commencement ceremony. “Whose lives can you touch? Search your heart for the answer. If you combine that curiosity with the knowledge you’ve gained in your time here, then the world will be yours to shape,” Dewji said. “May you shine bright, conquer your fears, and leave a positive legacy on your communities.
Source : Mohammed Dewji to Graduates: Recognize the Power in Community - McDonough School of Business
