ITHACA, New York — From the moment we first encountered a mouse named Mickey, found ourselves in a distant galaxy, or uncovered a new world where superheroes sometimes mingle with us, there has been one common thread — Disney.
The man guiding Disney’s story for the better part of the last two decades is CEO Bob Iger.
Iger is returning to where his own story took flight, receiving an honorary doctorate from his Alma Mater, Ithaca College.
“It’s nice, it’s a reunion of sorts for me to be able to come back to a school I graduated from 52 years ago,” Iger said.
Going back to 1969-1973, what would Iger’s friends or professors say he was like?
“It’s funny, they all say ‘oh we knew you were going to do that — we knew you’d be the CEO of Disney. But I didn’t,” Iger said.
Iger says that while he had a great work ethic and cared a lot about what he did, he still didn’t know then.
“I definitely dreamed — I wanted to be a news anchor. David Muir is my idol. He went to Ithaca college,” Iger added.
In a plot twist Iger didn’t see coming, ABC’s own David Muir stepped in with an awesome surprise.
Joelle Garguilo: You’ve experienced so many high points and significant moments. Reflecting on your earlier years, when you spent weekends making pizzas, what would that young person think about receiving this doctorate degree today?
Bob Iger: I’ve pondered that question a bit. My journey has been an odyssey. My parents instilled a strong work ethic, and I’ve had fantastic mentors and numerous strokes of good fortune. Predicting this outcome would have been impossible. Looking back, I’m not completely certain how it all unfolded, but I am grateful for a wonderful life and career.
Joelle Garguilo: What piece of advice could you offer to the class of 2025?
Bob Iger: Have dreams and ambitions – if they don’t, create new ones as I did. Don’t give up.
It was great advice and a full-circle moment for the Ithaca grad.
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