October 1, 2009 Novartis CEO and NJ Secretary of State visit Link Community School Ludwig Hantson, CEO and head of Pharma North America, Novartis Pharmaceuticals Corporation visited Link Community School in the Central Ward of Newark on October 1, 2009 as part of Novartis’ annual Community Partnership Day. Joining Mr. Hantson was Secretary of State Nina B. Wells, whose participation kicked off the state’s Volunteer Month initiative. Additionally several Novartis volunteers will make science and career presentations to classes during the day. Mr. Hantson, Ms. Wells and Kevin Rigby, Novartis’ vice president of Corporate Affairs, participated in a panel discussion on leadership – speaking to their rise to leadership positions, their definition of leadership and the style that has worked for them in their careers. Giving advice to the students, Mrs. Wells stated, “You can’t be a leader unless you are prepared to lead…and you can start preparing yourselves right now.” Mr. Hantson concurred and said, “You have the opportunity to be future leaders, but it starts with you. Believe in yourself… (adhere) to good values and behaviors…believe that whatever you do will maximize or improve a situation.” Mr. Rigby continued the discourse on leadership with,”Leadership starts here…doing the right thing when no one is looking…respecting the opinions of others…being a good example to others.” At the close of the discussion, student leaders, Oscar Gomez and Tamara Johnson, demonstrated, with the assistance of the day’s volunteers and other students, initiative games they learned in their outdoor education experience with Project U.S.E. - games demonstrating leadership and team building. During the remainder of the day, volunteers from Novartis worked with students and staff. Scientist Donald Drinkwater spent time in both the 7th and 8th grade science classes working with students. Novartis' Director of IT, Jerilyn Hayes and other members of the IT staff including Gururaj Chinthamanikar, Christopher Tava, Juan Zapata, Tracy Phillips, Daniel Dauer, and Mark Knouse worked with Link’s Technology Director Pryce Mandel, reviewing and making suggestions regarding the network and other technology at Link and re-purposing some computers to serve as dummy terminals in classrooms. The event was arranged by Wanda Sims, Novartis' Associate Director, Alliance Development & Philanthrophy. Also in attendance were  Rhonda Critchlow, Director of Philanthrophy and development and Anna Fraible, Head of Communications.