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Transformational Education > A new way of teaching
Keeping their commitments
The composite lecture course was a logistical nightmare for the Dean's office, which coordinated the School's correspondence with senior executives. Many executives simply declined invitations to lecture; others accepted but then cancelled on short notice. Dean Gay attempted to limit such last-minute cancellations with a steady stream of notes to scheduled lecturers.
One such reminder was sent in May 1915 to A. B. Farquhar, the 77-year-old president of a York, Pennsylvania farm implement and heavy machinery manufacturing firm. Could the Business School count on his appearance, Gay asked?
A telegram arrived from Farquhar the following morning: "Yes Friday evening only death could prevent my keeping engagements."