Message from Dr. Oscar Arias,
former President of Costa Rica and 1987 Nobel Peace Laureate,
upon the Creation of the Marc Lindenberg Center for Humanitarian Action, International Development and Global Citizenship.

May 3, 2002

It is a bittersweet pleasure to be writing these words, for if not for prior commitments, I would very much have liked to be with you to celebrate this occasion. Still, I could not let the opportunity pass to recognize, with great affection and respect, my friend Marc Lindenberg, even if it has to be done through a long-distance message.

Marc is a person who has given so much to Central America, and has never stopped showing concern for the well-being of this tiny strip of land that Pablo Neruda, ever with the image of a woman before him, called America's waistline.

The Central American Institute for Business Administration, or INCAE, owes a special debt of gratitude to Marc for his many years of service there, at an institution that has meant so much to the economic development of our region. Marc's involvement with INCAE spanned more than 18 years in different roles, including Dean, Rector, and Board Member. As Rector he was called upon to shepherd the school's transition from its Nicaragua campus to its present home in Costa Rica, during the most turbulent years of Central America's history. INCAE, in great part due to Marc's leadership, is much more than just a business school. Its commitment to the region's overall health, peace and stability is manifest in the fact that the second summit of Central American presidents after the signing of our peace plan was held at the INCAE campus, in January of 1988.

Marc's involvement in the region went beyond this particular institution. He has continued to be an advocate of the interests of Central America from his post at the University of Washington, where we crossed paths again last November. In the months since then, Marc undertook a labor of love for the Arias Foundation for Peace and Human Progress, providing invaluable pro-bono assistance with our strategic planning process. Despite his illness, Marc was recently with us in Costa Rica working hard on this project. As always, he gave 100% of himself, at a time when he probably had less than 100% to give. We at the Arias Foundation have all been touched and moved by Marc's commitment and spirit of generous service.

It is these qualities of his that will be embodied in the new Marc Lindenberg Center for Humanitarian Action, International Development and Global Citizenship. I cannot think of any better honor to a man who has consistently inspired others with his humanitarian heart, has contributed so much to the development of Central America and other regions, and who is the epitome of a global citizen.

May this new institution, Marc, being formed in your name, live up to the greatness of the man, and continue to multiply the fruits of your labors throughout the world.

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