DALLAS, May 20, 2003/ FW/ --- When Carolyn Murphy was named Spokesmodel for Estee Lauder in 2001, it did not occur to her that she will one day grace the hallowed halls of the U.S. Naval Academy.

In the spirit of leadership and risk taking, Carolyn Murphy attended the U.S. Naval Academy Second Class Ring Dance last Saturday, May 17, 2003 in Annapolis, Maryland.

The story is a lesson in leadership, risk taking and boldness. In an April 10 speech at the Naval Academy, Leonard Lauder, Chairman of the Estee Lauder Companies and former U.S. Navy lieutenant told the Class of 2004 that the best leaders 'encourage risk taking.'

Midshipman Robert W. Madel, who was in the audience, took Lauder's advice to heart, and during the Q&A portion, asked the cosmetics giant's CEO if he could arrange for Carolyn Murphy to be his date for the Second Class Ring Dance.

Mr. Lauder, seizing the moment to illustrate his own advice, agreed to approach Carolyn on the young man's behalf.

Carolyn, who was born to a military family (both her parents served in the U.S. Air Force), told Reuters that she 'was suprised' by the invitation, but she agreed to attend.

"When I received Rob's letter of invitation to the dance, via Leonard Lauder, I felt so honored to have the opportunity to meet these dedicated men and women, and participate in this very important moment in their lives," Carolyn said in a statement.

Carolyn was right on the mark about the Second Class Ring Dance as a 'very important moment' in the lives of midshipmen.

The Ring Dance is one of the highest points of a cadet's life in the Naval Academy. According to the U.S. Naval Academy, 'the dance itself is a beginning as well as an ending.'

'It marks the ending of three years of hard work as an underclassmen, and the beginning of a more responsible position in the Brigade.'

The Ring Dance is rife with tradition, as Carolyn learned when she reviewed the protocol for the ring ceremony with an uncle who graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy.

>>>Next: [1] [2] [3]