We were honored to welcome Mr. Jerome Dodson, the founder of Parnassus Investments, to Fulbright University Vietnam – Crescent Campus in the early days of the Lunar New Year. The event commenced with a warm welcome in the President’s Office, followed by an engaging campus tour led by Fulbright’s students and a public talk.
Dodson’s speaking engagement, titled “Lessons Learned from Vietnam and the Founding of Parnassus,” provided profound insights into the intersection of finance, sustainability, and governance. With over $40 billion in assets under management, Parnassus Investments stands as a beacon of ethical investing, a testament to Dodson’s commitment to aligning financial success with positive social and environmental impacts.
During his talk, Dodson highlighted the significant growth and development of Vietnam, noting the impressive increase in the country’s GDP over the years. He emphasized the importance of seizing the opportunities presented by this growth and encouraged the audience to closely examine these prospects.
We were deeply moved by Dodson’s personal connection with Vietnam, dating back to his days as a Foreign Service officer in Saigon in 1966, and his 50-year marriage to his wife – Mrs. Thao Dodson. Beyond his professional endeavors, Dodson’s philanthropic contributions, such as funding programs that educate Vietnamese girls in partnership with the Asia Foundation, exemplify the power of giving back to communities.
His visit left an indelible mark on Fulbright University Vietnam, inspiring students and faculty alike to embrace the principles of ethical investing, global citizenship, and social responsibility in our endeavors to create a better world for all.
