Andrew Taylor will greet graduates at Powell May 8
Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Enterprise Rent-A-Car Andrew Taylor will serve as the keynote speaker during Harris-Stowe State University’s 150th Commencement Convocation on Tuesday, May 8 at 7 p.m. at Powell Symphony Hall.
During the ceremony, Taylor – who heads a company that in 2006 had $9 billion in worldwide sales, with 711,000 autos in service and more than 6,900 offices – will receive an Honorary Doctorate of Humanities Degree.
“I hope I can provide some insight on today’s changing business environment. The opportunities before the graduates are plentiful, and I hope I can offer some advice on how to maximize those opportunities,” Taylor told the American.
Enterprise, which is based in St. Louis, is the largest rental car company in North America and has been hailed as the largest recruiter in the U.S. by Black Collegian Magazine.
Taylor said, “It is important that the graduates know that the St. Louis business community recognizes the importance of their achievement, and that we are looking forward to their contributions to the metropolitan area.”
Taylor recognized the importance of historically black colleges and universities in discussing Harris-Stowe.
“There are only two HBCUs in Missouri, and we are fortunate to have one of them right here in St. Louis,” Taylor said.
“It’s no secret that graduates of HBCUs, such as Martin Luther King Jr., Thurgood Marshall and Frankie Muse Freeman, have made valuable contributions to America, as well as to the world. These institutions of higher learning have played, and will continue to play, an important role in providing great educational experiences.
“It’s an honor and privilege to be invited to speak at Harris-Stowe, and it’s something that I’m looking forward to.”
Taylor also acknowledged the importance of his personal friendship with Dr. Henry Givens Jr., president of Harris-Stowe, and his wife Belma Givens in accepting the offer to speak.
“I’m always happy to do whatever I can for people who are dedicated to making lives better for others,” Taylor said.
The Enterprise Rent-A-Car Foundation has contributed more than $1 million to the university to assist with scholarships and the establishment of its business school. In addition, Enterprise staff members have volunteered to teach courses at Harris-Stowe, participated in career and recruitment fairs, and supported the annual program at the university to launch statewide activities for the national holiday honoring Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Taylor assumed the role of CEO at Enterprise Rent-A-Car in 1991, and was named chairman in 2001. Under Taylor’s leadership, the company, which was founded by his father Jack Taylor in 1957, has grown to become the largest rental car company in North America.
Taylor began his career with Enterprise at the age of 16, in one of the original St. Louis offices, where he washed cars during summer and holiday vacations, while learning the business. He continued his education at the University of Denver, receiving a bachelor’s of science degree in business administration in 1970.
Following graduation, he opted to gain some additional experience outside of the family business and began working for RLM Leasing, a Ford Motor company affiliate in San Francisco. After three years, Taylor returned to the St. Louis area to work for Enterprise.
Taylor said he hopes to convince the 2006 graduates of Harris-Stowe that the road ahead of them also could lead to success and civic engagement.
“I want to offer congratulations to the graduates and let them know that their achievement is a major step in their lives,” Taylor said.
“I also want them to know that their journey has just begun, and I’m going to challenge them to step up and make a difference in society.”
