Pleasant T. Rowland
Founder
Rowland Reading Foundation
American Girl
2009

Bio | Induction Speech | Acceptance Speech

Acceptance Speech
by Pleasant Rowland, American Girl, Rowland Reading Foundation

Of course I want to thank AEP for this recognition. I am truly honored-especially to share it this year with such a distinguished group of individuals.

I have had the unusual experience during my career in educational publishing to see many sides of this industry. I have been author, editor, marketer and publisher. I have built products and I have built companies. Perhaps it is because of this broad view of the industry that I have come to respect above all else the value of intellectual property.

Intellectual property is the treasured work product of the author and the crown jewel of the publisher, the core economic driver of our businesses. Intellectual property is under siege right now. The pressure to give away our proprietary products for free, originally driven by publishers to gain market share, is now simply expected by school districts across the nation. Add to that the pressure of the internet age where all information is expected to be free, and the very economic viability of our companies and our industry is at risk. It is simply a matter of time until we can't afford to develop quality products at all. We must come together as an industry and tell the educational establishment that there is no such thing as a free lunch and then hold our ground. If we don't value what we create and sell, how can we expect them to? As my career draws to a close, I have come to think I might have lived and worked in the golden age of publishing. It will be up to you who follow to protect our crown jewels and to redefine this industry, for our intellectual life as a nation-our very democracy-depends on it.

Educational publishing has been good to me in a very special way. Allow me to share this personal anecdote. When I was growing up, I remember a 3x5 card that was tucked in the mirror that hung over my father's dresser. I cannot remember the exact words, but the message has stayed with me for the rest of my life. It said, "What one should wish for in one's career is an arena large enough to explore all one's gifts and talents and dreams." Educational publishing has certainly been that arena for me.

So, this morning I am doubly grateful for the wonderful career I have loved, and especially, to be recognized by all of you with this honor.