R. Chad Dreier
On February 12, 2008, R. Chad Dreier came to campus as part of the Distinguished Speaker Series. Dreier is president, CEO, and chairman of the board of The Ryland Group, a Fortune 500 company. He is an accounting graduate and the chairman of the board of trustees of Loyola Marymount University. During the day, Mr. Dreier met in small groups with students and faculty. In the evening, Mr. Dreier gave a motivational and educational presentation titled, “Ethics in Everyday Business,” to an audience of about 400 students, faculty, alumni, and guests from the business community. The audience reacted very well to his positive message and down-to-earth approach. Dreier was presented the Accounting in the Public Interest Award by the Center for Accounting Ethics, Governance, and the Public Interest.
In his presentation, Dreier discussed his ethical foundations gained from his family, his Jesuit education, and his ROTC and U.S. Air Force training. He shared “Ten Truths About Business Ethics,” learned throughout his life and business career. Dreier emphasized the importance of a good ethical climate in a company, starting with the tone at the top, but also the need for ethics to “to work from the bottom up.” He provided specific examples of how he carries out his ethical approach in managing Ryland. His ten truths also included giving back when you are successful. Once again, Dreier demonstrates his lessons through actions. Dreier, and his wife, Ginni, have generously given their time and financial resources to many nonprofit organizations. In addition to Chad’s role on the board of trustees, all of the Dreiers are active on campus. Also, Chad and Ginni have contributed more than $6.5 million to Loyola Marymount University, including endowing the R. Chad Dreier Chair in Accounting, which emphasizes ethics in accounting.
He closed his formal remarks by saying, “your education in business ethics began long before you entered the doors of LMU, and it will continue throughout your life, one situation, one decision and one lesson at a time. You will draw on the lessons you learned at Loyola Marymount frequently throughout your life and career in ways you never imagined. I hope that what I’ve shared with you tonight will also be of some help to you as you face these obstacles.” Many from the enthusiastic audience came up to Mr. Dreier after his speech to talk with him, applaud him for his message, and to thank him for his efforts to make Loyola Marymount University a better place.
“Chad is an incredible role model for all of us,” said Dr. Lawrence Kalbers, the first holder of the R. Chad Dreier Chair in Accounting, and director of the Center for Accounting Ethics, Governance, and the Public Interest. “From humble beginnings, he has become one of the top CEOs in the country. Our students are going out into a world that is very competitive, increasingly global, and often ethically challenging. The message that Chad conveys, through his words and accomplishments, is that good business and good ethics go together. He reminds us that life, including business, is about making others better off.”