Well, everything I know about career consulting. My friend and colleague Fred Drake died today of cancer. So much will be said about what an incredible person Fred was: how he cared so much for others, what a loving and caring husband he was, and what a great father he was. So I won’t elaborate here. ![149324_10150830840581276_732691275_12382515_1282155525_n[1]](http://blogs.darden.virginia.edu/everettefortner/files/2012/04/149324_10150830840581276_732691275_12382515_1282155525_n1.jpg "149324_10150830840581276_732691275_12382515_1282155525_n[1]")
I worked with Fred for nine years here at Darden. When I joined the team with Fred, I was the rookie. While I thought I knew everything, he patiently showed me that I didn’t. Here’s what I learned from Fred, not just about being a great career consultant, but about being a great colleague.
Be patient. Fred took the long term view of his students’ success. And he did the same with relationships. He hung in there with me when I was new, standing up for students and lobbying for colleagues. He challenged my challenges, and argued my arguments. Yet, he did it with grace and charm, so that I always was compelled to listen and consider his point of view.
Be tireless. Fred worked incessantly for his students. He took their success personally. We would be playing poker on a Tuesday night at 10pm, and Fred would be talking to me about a student’s interview with Danaher, and what he might have done differently to help her.
Be genuine. If you knew Fred, you always knew where you stood. He gave you feedback: as a career consultant, as a colleague, as an employer, as a friend. He had no agenda. Just to be true to his calling.
Be a friend. More than anything Fred was a friend. He cared. He showed it. He had the team to his home for many beautiful lunches. He brought vegetables from his garden to share. He organized the poker group. He came to every extra-curricular event, when he wasn’t required to attend. And I always got the sense that Fred truly cared about me and my success. He was genuine, tireless and patient.
I learned a lot from Fred.
So sorry to hear about this loss. He will be missed by the Darden community.
Without even realizing it, Fred touched peoples’ lives and left a footprint – of honest dealing, caring and transparency. Thank you for your words Everette. You are absolutely right – he had no hidden agendas. Ever.
While it will take a while for the sadness to find a proper place in our lives, I am confident there are MANY, MANY people who have been touched by Fred. He made a difference. He left a legacy for us all who knew and loved him…
Can’t believe this! I’m so so so sorry to hear the news. He will be missed by us! RIP.
I was so very surprised and saddened to read about Fred’s passing. Working with Fred was a joy … he was the counsellor and I the student, and Fred was as helpful, pleasant, approachable and supportive as one could ever ask. I enjoyed catching up with Fred when I was in town. I will miss that. Here’s to you, Fred.
He will defenitely be missed. Will keep him and his family on ours prayers.
Everette….so nicely said. Thanks for sharing. I am so sad for this loss, so sad for his family and friends, and so sad for the students that will not get to know him.
I would add one item to your list…BE PASSIONATE. Fred was passionate about what he enjoyed (his trains…his garden….UVA sports….photography) and what he believed in (care for those with brain injuries…..his family…and the need for every student to do InterviewStream!). He pushed his students to find their passions.
A true gentleman, a wonderful friend, and a generous soul……he will be missed.
Sorry to hear about this loss. Fred was relentless in making everything he touched a whole lot better.He will be dearly missed by the community.
Very sad to hear this news. Knew Fred as a student, as an alumnus, and for a short time as a colleague. Everette, you said it so well – Fred had grace, a gentle kindness, and he was so completely committed to helping others. He found his calling. He will be missed. Condolences to his friends and family, and the Darden community. Let’s cherish the life he lived.
This is very saddening news. Fred was a wonderful and remarkable person. My sympathy to his family and the rest of the Darden community.
Terrible loss for the Darden community! Thoughts with Fred’s family!
Peace be to Fred, to his family, and to those whom he loved. About a year ago, before graduating, Fred spoke to me during one of those lovely evening gatherings on the lawn. Many had gathered under one tent. He was asking us about our summer plans following graduation. As for himself, he related to me that he would look forward to taking some time off. I had no idea. Looking back, I am amazed and grateful that he was so passionate about his calling as to give himself to others even at that late stage. Life is fleeting, Fred seems to be saying: do what you love!
I am so sorry for this lost too. Fred always encouraged students to pursue their goals/dreams even when they looked impossible. He also had a smile whenever we meet. He will be missed! My sincere condolences.
A Story about Fred: A few years ago Fred invited me to play poker with him and a few friends. Little did I know that I would come to treasure this monthly ritual like few others. Fred in his baseball cap, carrying his jar of quarters. When the game was at his house, it was always even more special. Diana’s food was so much better than the rest of ours. Her deserts the best. Fred basking in the glory of his home, his view, his train, his collections. Definitely wont be the same without him.
Well said Everett. Fred was the most genuine caring people I had ever met. When I came to Darden I was aimless in what I wanted to do. Fred guided me to follow my passions – seems like a simple thing, but when I looked at Fred and how much passion he had for what he did and for the students, only one word can explain how I felt – “inspired”.
I can only be lucky to experience half as much passion in my life as Fred did in his all too short time with us. May his soul rest in peace.
This is such a terrible loss. My condolences to his family. He was a great mentor to students. Even as a SY Coach, he also wanted to know how I was doing, in addition to my coachees. Darden will miss him and his dedication.
I’m sure many of us credit our success in our internships and jobs to Fred. He has helped me through all the highs and lows of my career search and as a SY coach. I still remember the first CarMa session we had with Fred and contrast that with how much we’ve grown as professionals through his help and support. My prayers and thoughts go to his family.
Such a sad loss to the world and the Darden community. I enjoyed many conversations with Fred and will always remember fondly his love for his family and dogs.
Shocking. Is there anything we can do to help Fred’s family to get through the difficult time?
Thank you for sharing these sad news Everette. Please pass along our condolences to Fred’s family.
Fred was an incredible man who taught me a lot about the power of graciousness and humility. He became a close friend and confidant. He cared deeply for students and was passionate about seeing them succeed. His passion was contagious and helped fuel our team. He will be so missed and he and his family are in my prayers. God Bless.
Fred was a great mentor, always willing to provide feedback and pass along his knowledge. He helped many of us when we didn’t have our bearings and were trying to find our way. He was always patient, approachable, and willing to hear your side of the story. He will be missed.
such a heartfelt message about fred. thanks, everette! i know you can carry on his legacy.
Thanks for the touching post Everett. Words cannot describe how sad a loss this truly is. Fred was the epitome of what makes Darden great. He was always there to offer encouragement and support when it was needed most, and his passion for the BVIP and entrepreneurship programs will never be forgotten.
I have known Fred for less than a year. We were board members together on a local non-profit, Building-a-Bridge. In the short time I knew Fred, I concluded he was an amazing husband and father. It was evident he loved and cared for his family deeply. It was also evident that he was a very kind-hearted person, who wanted to help those in need. Fred was apparently very ill the last time I saw him at a board meeting in February, and he never mentioned it, other than he was having some stomach problems. Even at this time, being gravely ill, he was focused on the job at hand: helping others. I was stunned to learn of his passing. I wish I had known him longer, and better, and that is my regret.