Congressman Fortenberry lectures in MSBA Program

Submitted by Jack McCann-MSBA Class of 2014

On Monday, October 28, 2013, Congressman Jeff Fortenberry (R-NE) visited the MSBA program as a guest lecturer for the Spirit of Enterprise class.  He spoke broadly about the

Beautiful Fall day so we
handled introductions in
the Quad...

frustrations many Americans are currently facing and the importance of maintaining social institutions that promote healthy communities and the common good. 

Congressman Fortenberry has a masters in theology from Franciscan University of Steubenville and a masters in public policy from Georgetown University.  The MSBA students were impressed by his breadth of knowledge and experience.  Among the topics discussed were the application of philosophical principles, natural law, and economics in the practical world. 

He challenged students to use the theoretical foundation and practical knowledge they receive in the MSBA program to strengthen society and promote communities that are ordered to the common good.  He used current MSBA student Julie Larkin’s work of starting an organization dedicated to helping young women understanding their dignity as one of many ways to improve the lives of others through business. 

...before moving into
the classroom

The class concluded with a story from Congressman Fortenberry’s personal experience as a legislator.  He described in detail how he managed to guide a bill concerning adoption through Congress to be signed into law by the President.  The story illustrated not only the importance of knowing the right thing, but also knowing how to do it.  He left the class with three principles that are needed to make an impact: policy, one must have an idea that makes sense and is implementable; process, one must understand procedures necessary to complete the goal; politics, one must have the relationships and the network of people willing to help. 

The MSBA class truly enjoyed Congressman Fortenberry’s visit and is looking forward to welcoming him back to Catholic University soon.

Congressman Fortenberry is a frequent guest lecturer in the MSBA's Spirit of Enterprise class and Leadership and Entrepreneurship as Service class.

 

Jack McCann

MSBA class of 2014