Networking can be a daunting task, but Samuel Mok demonstrates that with hard work and determination, anyone can “work a room” with ease and eloquence. Before the event started, Mr. Mok spoke eagerly with everyone who entered O’Hare Special Collections, asking for his or her name, year and major, and warmly connecting with them. Since graduating in 1968, his first return to Fordham was possible thanks to Dean Rapaccioli’s meeting with him earlier in the year. It proved to be a fortuitous connection, as Mr. Mok was happy to fly from Washington D.C. to his alma mater on October 7th and impart his knowledge and experiences with the members of Ascend and CAB’s American Age. Fordham treasured its time with Mr. Mok and waits eagerly for his return.

Mr. Mok, an immigrant from Hong Kong, worked in a Chinese restaurant while he studied accounting at Fordham University. On his first job application, Mr. Mok was able to put only one reference: the waiter who introduced his family to the Chinese restaurant business. Embarrassed that he could not add another reference, he made the decision to make more meaningful connections and expand his network. Upon this decision, he slowly made his way to become the Honorable Samuel Mok, CFO of the U.S. Department of Labor during the Bush Administration. In one of many humorous stories, he told one when he was the CFO of the Department of the Treasury during Bush Sr.’s administration. During a presidential dinner, he sat alongside a sergeant. As a former captain in in the military, these encounters were commonplace. The two made acquaintances, exchanged business cards, and parted ways. Years later, during Bush Jr.’s administration, Mr. Mok sat next to a 3-star lieutenant who, to his surprise, knew of him. The lieutenant was the same sergeant from years past and remembered Mr. Mok thanks to the impressive business card he received and kept atop his dresser ever since.

Mr. Mok spoke further about attention to detail, building connections, and the importance of maintaining those connections. He recommended to take advantage of networking events and organizations, like Ascend, which provide opportunities to make more meaningful connections. He remarked, “Time is the most valuable non-renewable resource we have.” From adjusting to a new country, to working for the White House, to now managing his own consulting firm, Samuel Mok has spent his time prudently. Now, it is up to the students to heed this advice to use their time wisely in building their future.