Daily Lessons from Life 19-20 October 2012 in USA - 'Dean of Mean' gave luxury gifts to uni president Edvantage

"'Dean of Mean' gave luxury gifts to uni president - Edvantage Oct 19 2012

NEW YORK, Brooklyn - St John's University's former dean of Asian Studies, Cecilia Chang, gifted expensive presents to the university's president - who is a priest.

Rev. Donald Harrington, a member of the order of St. Vincent de Paul, which champions the needs of the poor, received watches - a Patek Philippe and a Omega and he was even fitted for suits at Sam's Tailor in Hong Kong.

Cecilia Chang is standing trial in Queens after being accused of stealing more than US$1 million (S$1.22m) for personal expenses, travel and gambling, and for forcing students to work as housekeepers and chauffeurs in order to keep their scholarships.

The New York Daily News reported that the priest was cross-examined in court on Thursday, where he revealed that he listened to Chang who told him that it was a cultural mistake to turn down gifts.

The priest revealed that he did not receive a salary but instead he received a monthly stipend of US$200, and he also lived on an inheritance.

During the cross-examination, the head of the university admitted that he was roomed in plush hotels when he travelled. In Hong Kong, he stayed at the Peninsula hotel and the Regent Hotel's presidential suite."

Was sharing about Ethics with some mainland Chinese participants in the USA just this week that corruption is not unique to Asians as I had seen MANY cases in the USA, Europe, Africa and Middle East as well.

Lessons for me are:

1. the priest, of ALL people, wants 'luxurious' treatment. He should have known. Yet, it is easy to be receptive to 'special' treatment especially when you have developed an 'entitlement' mentality;

2. religion does not offer any protection from being tempted or developing this 'entitlement' mentality as is evidenced in this case. Also, being told that it is 'culturally' uncool to turn away 'questionable' gifts cut no ice with 'after the fact 20-20 insights'! It is indeed a mistake. A split second decision to reject the gift caused much grief! Something I must also guard against!!;

3. as shared in my program on how to prevent narcissism, we must do the right things ALL the time! Stop making excuses whenever your first instinct says it is not right - got with your first instinct and stick to it, and stay clear of any possible complication.

p/s: Was at my 2nd American Football this afternoon, and am amazed at how hot the sun is and how people can be so tolerant of such heat! It was a good game as the home team won 28-24, or something like this.