Many of you may remember a large, blue-wooden can that was placed outside of the business building last year during elections. The can stood about 8 feet tall and 5 feet wide. If you didn’t see the large can, perhaps you noticed several small cans attached to students’ backpacks. All of those cans, including the large one, stated “Landon Can!” Well, my name is really not Landon Can (it’s Landon Essig), but it was helpful in getting the name out. So anyway, that’s me.

I grew up in Centerville (15 minutes north of Salt Lake City), as the fifth of 11 children. There was always something going on at home (how could there not be with a family that size?). My family was a very active one, and all the children enjoyed participating in a number of different teams and organizations. I’m sure that is how my parents tried to keep us out of trouble. So, I grew up playing soccer and wrestling.

Coming to USU was an easy decision. The decision was made before I was ever born. My grandpa, on my dad’s side, taught here. My grandparents on my other side went here. My parents met here, and I had two brothers that were already attending. So, needless to say, I thought I’d join them. I was lucky to be able to get involved with the Ambassador organization starting my freshman year. ASUSU has been awesome this year. I’ve loved it. I love getting things done, and I feel that is possible here.

“In the battle of life, it is not the critic who counts nor the one who points out how the strong person stumbled or where the doer of a deed could have done better … . Far better it is to dare mighty things, to win glorious triumphs even though chequered by failure, than to rank with those timid spirits who neither enjoy nor suffer much because they live in the gray twilight that knows neither victory nor defeat.” – Theodore Roosevelt

To dare mighty things is a lofty goal. Patrick Harker, dean of the Wharton School of Business, used Roosevelt’s words in describing the man whose name we now bear on our school, Jon Huntsman. He has dared many mighty things, and he has set a great example for each of us. For that reason, “Dare Mighty Things” is our theme for the Huntsman School of Business Week.

The Huntsman School of Business has a lot in store for this coming week. Each of the first four days has a title with it. The title comes from what we call our four pillars, which are areas of focus in our school. The four pillars are as follows: Ethical Leadership, Global Vision, Analytical Rigor and Entrepreneurial Spirit. As students, we believe that we can be successful in the world as we come to better understand and apply ourselves in these areas. The last day of the week will focus on career advancement and on preparation to entering the workforce.

The activities of the week include service projects, competitions, speakers, a movie night in the ballroom, an etiquette dinner, a “clubbin’ night” (an opportunity to have fun and meet the business clubs), a resume review and much more. All are invited to come and participate in each of these activities. Every activity is free, with the exception of the etiquette dinner at Hamilton’s. So make it a fun week and come join us.

A special thanks to Kenny McFarland and the Business Week committee that has spent so much time and effort in organizing and planning all of the events. Thanks again.

Comments may be sent to landon.essig@gmail.com