I was perusing LinkedIn and received an announcement of a
new book Portrait of an Expatriate: A Lebanese-American Story by Fadi
Deek. I knew that I had to read this
book as I knew him throughout my 25 years at the New Jersey Institute of
Technology (NJIT). I bought the Kindle
version of the book as very little room in my apartment for print books. It was the best $3.99 I ever spent for a
book. I highly recommend anyone
associated with NJIT, past, present or future read this book.
I don’t want to make this journal entry a tradition book
review but use it to reflect on my interactions with Fadi during and after my
NJIT years.
Near the end of the book he states “This book is not a
ledger of accomplishments, but an acknowledgement of a life that was made
better by those who shaped me, believed in me, and stood with me. For all of it, I am deeply humbled and eternally
grateful.”
Fadi was born in Lebanon in 1961. Then and now, that was a very volatile part
of the world. He details his childhood,
family, and academic goals in his formative years. Late in his college years he emigrated to the
United States and completed his studies at NJIT. Much of the book relates how his academic
career developed from undergraduate to professor, to researcher, to mentor, to
university administrator, and back to researcher. I am amazed at the multitude of positions he
held at NJIT including Provost, the highest academic office in a university.
Let me list my comments about Fadi:
- · Everyone called him by his first name. Nobody addressed him by any of his academic titles including Professor, Dean, or Provost.
- · He was an impeccable dresser as he always wore a suit and tie while many of his colleagues dressed informally at NJIT.
- · In his early years as a researcher, I helped the interlibrary loan people verify the articles he needed to order from other universities.
- · When he applied for a promotion to Distinguished Professor he specifically asked me to compile his cited reference report which was a long and tedious task for me.
· My
only disappointment in reading the book is that it did not mention at all the NJIT
Library that reported to him. He
mentioned several university administrators, but not the two University
Librarians who reported directly to him (the late Richard Sweeney and Ann
Hoang). Shortly after Rich Sweeney’s
tragic accident, he visited him at the hospital.
He spoke at a memorial gathering for Rich.
· He
came to my retirement luncheon in December 2017. I understand that he changed an appointment
to come to it. Please see the photo
above. That was the last time I wore a
suit and tie.
· After
I retired from NJIT, I had two email exchanges with him. After I received the Albert Nelson Marquis
Lifetime Achievement Award by Marquis Who's Who in October 2019, I sent emails
to several former colleagues at NJIT.
Fadi was one of the few who responded. He said, “Bruce, this is marvelous
news for an award that is well-deserved by you. I am happy to learn that you
are enjoying your retirement. I also
appreciate very much that you stay in touch. Have a great weekend.
Fadi”
· Last
year he wrote a book titled The Enduring Presence of Christianity in Lebanon. I sent him a message congratulating him, which
he acknowledged.
This passage made me laugh:
“Now let me conclude with what is “not acceptable”. Starting with micromanagement. I observed how it can undermine trust, stifle
creativity, and create a demoralizing work environment. Leaders must avoid and reject the temptation
to micromanage because it can prevent team members from growing and developing
their own leadership skills.”
Did he realize that Richard Sweeney was a micromanager?
After 5400 journal entries over 20 years, I never know who
reads Bruce’s Journal. Perhaps Fadi will find my thoughts about his book. Fadi, thank you for sharing your thoughts
with everyone. I hope your children and
grandchildren will bring happiness and joy to you. I am sure that at age 65 you may begin to
think about retirement. Keep on doing
what you enjoy no matter what your age.
I know that a few NJIT professors didn’t retire until age 90. I look forward to your next book
If anyone wants to contact me, I can be reached at Bruce@BruceSlutsky.com
