Q: I was wondering if you could speak along the lines of the importance of vaccines and some of the challenges that come about with this particular field. Phillip Comella ’13, Hartland, Wis. Majors: biology and classical studies Gates: Well, vaccines I can’t say enough good things about. They’re really the miracle technology. If you take the health field as a whole, it spends less than 2 percent of its money on vaccines but close to 50 percent of the medical benefits you get come from vaccines. … I just came back from a two-day conference in the Middle East where we were raising the money to eradicate polio, which will become, within the next six years, the second disease (after small pox) ever to be eradicated. … I understand there is some work here (at Concordia) on a hookworm vaccine, which is a fantastic thing. … Understanding the immune system and then figuring out how vaccines can make the immune system respond in such a way that we get lifelong protection, that’s the way that we are going to eventually eradicate malaria and HIV and TB and all these different diseases.
(Below) People lined up two-and-a-half hours before the event to grab the best possible seats.
6 Concordia Magazine
He repeated the message later in the day at a luncheon for 600 Concordia students, faculty and distinguished guests. Moderated by Jennifer Ford Reedy, president of the Bush Foundation, Gates answered questions about the Giving Pledge and provided tips on how to encourage people to donate locally. “It’d be tragic to give money and not have it be fun,” Gates said. He then encouraged people to give when they have a chance to see how the gift affects people. “If you visit Africa and see what is going on there, you will not go away untouched,” he said. Gates’ visit energized the Concordia community and its students. Social media users shared their excitement of seeing Gates on stage at their college and inspirational quotes from the speaker. For Matt Hansen ‘13, Cookeville, Tenn., Gates’ visit was an opportunity for students to hear advice from one of the world’s best entrepreneurs. “Life is not just about making money, but about making a difference,” Hansen said. “It was fantastic,” said Sarah Raeker ’14, Coon Rapids, Minn., who was in the audience. She had been looking forward to hearing how Gates’ comments connected to Concordia’s emphasis on being responsibly engaged in the world. She appreciated his passion for what he does. “He’s not doing it so he can put his picture on a poster,” she said. “He truly cares about improving things. You can see that.” Syed Shah ’16, Pakistan, was seated on the stage with Gates and asked about the challenges of vaccine delivery in countries such as his own, which is one of three where polio has yet to be eradicated. “Biggest moment of my life,” Shah said. “To have a face-to-face conversation with Mr. Gates is a very lucky thing.” ■ Photos: Sheldon Green/Dave Arntson
Emily Clemenson and Gia Rassier contributed to this story.