Robert Kuhbach – 50th Reunion Essay

Robert Kuhbach

173 Indian Lake Road

Millerton, New York 12546

rkuhbach@gmail.com

518-789-6345

Spouse(s): E. Sherrell Andrews (1977)

Child(ren): Allison Meryl (1981); Courtney Heather (1986)

Education: Yale, B.A. 1969; University of Michigan Law School, J.D. 1972

National Service: U.S. Army Reserves 1969-1977

Career: General Counsel/Executive/CFO 1980-2012 General Host Corp; Sudbury; Dover Corp.; Pall Corp.

Avocations: Global travel; outdoor activities – gardening, tennis; non-profit Board service

College: Branford

Reflections

Yale changed my life. It exposed me to extraordinary classmates whose talents, intellect and diversity of personalities, cultures and geographies, made a difference. Yale assisted my career, opening doors personally and professionally. Yale gave me a highly diversified, liberal arts education, which sparked my intellectual curiosity forever.

I marvel at how much the world has changed since 1969. Electronic communication and technology have profoundly impacted all aspects of our personal and professional lives. Although we now communicate instantaneously, our need to think, reflect and make good judgments still requires time. The invasion of our personal space is increasingly a monumental challenge. And the world continues to shrink.

Despite all of this, my experience has confirmed the “words of wisdom” that I doubted when I heard them growing up.

The most important thing I know to be true is the obvious—life is all about the people—those you love, hate, work with, live with, bring into this world, meet by chance, and lose to changed circumstances or the passage of time. Always remember to treat everyone well.

The world is a very small place—so behave and follow the golden rule.

Take advantage of every opportunity—you never know what will develop, and you will always benefit from the experience—no matter what the outcome.

Maintain your personal values and integrity in whatever you do. Always be able to sleep at night knowing that you have done your best. No job is worth compromising your values.

You will only be successful, personally, if you are passionate about whatever you do in life.

Successful organizations reflect an open culture, with a strong ethical tone at the top and low ego leaders, who empower their subordinates and support their mistakes.

The ability to write and speak effectively is a necessary core competency.

After people and love, health is king. Work hard to stay healthy. Always take vacations—at least two consecutive weeks a year to maintain your sanity. Be kind to yourself—you are not immortal. I now have Parkinson’s, hearing aids, challenged eyesight and reduced stamina—all of which developed in less than a decade. You never know when great health will depart, so continue to stay active and travel—one of the best forms of education.

Enjoy the moment—it will never be repeated. Treasure the special times, whether at work, with family, with old and new friends, or even with strangers. In my global travels, I have met and enjoyed the company of lots of new friends. It is amazing what you can learn if you just listen. Relish the diversity and challenge yourself to reach out.

Last, make a positive difference in the lives of others less fortunate. The only way the world gets better is if everyone pitches in. Charity begins at home.

I only wish I could start over again in 1969. We had such hope and enthusiasm that we were going to solve the world’s problems and beat cancer. We still have time.