"There
is a direct correlation between the arts and self-esteem. What we are doing
is trying to change these people's sense of reality." This philosophy guides
the thoughts and actions of William E. Strickland, Jr.
The president and
CEO of the Bidwell Training Center, Inc. and the Manchester Craftmen's Guild
in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania created these organizations to achieve social change.
The training center, established in 1968, focuses on building partnerships with
local companies to train displaced adults for real work in real jobs. Founded
in 1968 and located in one of Pittsburgh's poorest neighborhoods, the guild
attempts to rescue at-risk school children by using art to teach them life skills.
Mr. Strickland,
a native of Pittsburgh and a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh, has served
as a leader in the arts and arts education communities for more than 20 years.
Former U.S. President George Bush recognized Mr. Strickland for his work by
naming him to a six-year term on the National Endowment for the Arts board.
A true testament
to Mr. Strickland's success, commitment and perseverance are his plans to expand
his multi-million dollar operations and programs to other cities throughout
the United States. Most remarkable is his leadership in constructing a 62,000
square-foot facility as a mortgage-free asset for both organizations. The facility
includes a 350-seat performing arts music/lecture hall, library, arts studios
and labs, eating facilities, IBM center, and specially-designed classrooms for
vocational training.
When he is not commandeering
the training center and guild, Mr. Strickland serves as a flight officer for
Braniff International Airlines in Dallas/Fort Worth, Texas.
This arts giant, who soars as both
an entrepreneur and pilot, offers this advice: "I believe that each of
us has a responsibility to represent ourselves in the best possible light. A
light that illustrates that we have profited by the sacrifice and investment
of precious generations, and that we are fully aware of our responsibility to
do the same for present and future generations. Failure to do so would insure
that the future would become the past."
