Rev. Bro. Dr. Prathip Martin Komolmas, Rector Emeritus, Assumption University of Thailand (AU) was received Richard Beckhard Award on October 15, 2021 in The Third Organization Development World Summit (ODWS2021).

Award Acceptance Speech

Presented on behalf of Rev. Bro. Prathip Martin Komolmas, f.s.g., Ph.D.
by
Rev. Bro. Bancha Saenghiran, f.s.g., Ph.D.
Rector Magnificus, Assumption University of Thailand

Professor Noble Kumawu, Chairman of Richard Beckhard Award Nomination Committee;
President of IODA - President Michelle de Bruyn;
Chairman of the ODWS Organizing Committee -Dr. Peter Kalmar;
Distinguished Speaker – Dr. Jacqueline Stavros;
Fellow participants at The Third World OD Summit;
Colleagues; Ladies and Gentlemen.

Thank you Professor Kumawu for your kind words on the announcement of Richard Beckhard Award and the honor given to
Rev. Bro. Dr. Martin Prathip Komolmas.

On behalf of Brother Martin, I am bringing to you all at this forum Brother Martin’s heartfelt appreciation for this prestigious award, and, his utmost joy to have been recognized at this global stage for his dedication and contribution of OD practices and activities in Thailand.

For nearly seven decades of his work life-be it as clergy, teacher, mentor, founder, educator or even team-player, Brother Martin has always demonstrated his enthusiasm in applying organization development scholarship on every task to which he has been committed. Therefore, the Richard Beckhard Award for Outstanding Contribution to the field of OD marks one of the highest achievements of Brother Martin’s life-long mission. Not only does this award speak well of his tenacity and success in planting the seeds of OD in the domain of academics and social works, but it also reflects collective efforts from all OD scholars, students, and colleagues-at home and abroad-who have helped Brother Martin make the study of OD possible and valuable to all.

 

When Brother Martin co-founded Graduate School of Business at Assumption University, to which School of OD belongs, he created a motto for this school. It says: Educating the intelligences and active minds to change the world.” Even though this motto was given in 1980s, it stands the test of time. His words continue to inspire students, graduates, and faculty members alike.

For those who never met Brother Martin or even those who know him well, you may allow me to use three key terms from this motto to reflect Brother Martin’s thoughts and characteristics upon this award acceptance remark.

  1. Brother Martin’s philosophy for education reads: “Education is an unending process of completion and learning.” Despite his age and health condition, Brother Martin continues to learn from listening to news and exchanging views with colleagues and students.

  2. On the second key term intelligences and active minds, friends at Assumption University always find the sight of Brother Martin sitting quietly and inconspicuously at a corner of auditorium in any academic seminars. This allows him to meet with people who seek to cultivate intelligences in themselves and to demonstrate active minds, combined with sense and sensitivity-the two essential elements he keeps emphasize in his teaching.

  3. The third term is change. Throughout his leadership as university rector from 1970s to early 2000s, Brother Martin showed us his readiness for change. His positive attitude towards changes has enabled us, Assumption University, to go through many phases of development with successful outcome. Brother Martin is one of Thailand OD pioneers, who embraces and endures changes with grace, strong mind, and perseverance.

On the same token, Brother Martin’s motto on education, intelligences and active minds, and, change would not have been realized without the concerted efforts from faculty members, students, and alumni. With this, I would like to extend, on behalf of Brother Martin, a big thanks to colleagues and students at Assumption University. We are also grateful to the OD scholars worldwide, whose writings and commentaries are resourceful to Brother Martin’s continued learning of OD.

The Richard Beckhard Award will certainly stand tall in Thailand as testimony of not only an OD professional, but also an institution where OD practices prosper.

Let me end this speech with what Brother Martin always says at the end his remark:

May God bless you all.

Thank you.


Related Links

Bro. Martin’s Collection

84th Birthday Anniversary of The Rector Emeritus: Rev. BRO. Dr. Prathip Martin Komolmas