One benefit from studying at Harvard for Carr was that his KSG professors helped him later in his business career.

In Carr's case, he's found that the roles have been switched, and now people come to him for advice, ideas and even funding.

The KSG's Carr Center, known until last June as the Human Rights Initiative, was started after Carr--with the KSG's Douglas Dillon Professor of Government Graham T. Allison--decided that the KSG needed a human rights program. Carr's multi-million dollar donation helped start the research, teaching and training program in 1998.

Carr says he chose to start the program because of his familiarity with the school and its multidisciplinary approach to problem-solving.

Carr says the skill of critical thinking has turned out to be the most valuable benefit of his time at Harvard--much more so than any benefits he may have received in terms of networks or connections.

"Hopefully what I learned is how to solve problems by thinking critically," he said. "The problems you encounter in the business world probably won't be like the ones you learn in school, but what you learn is to discipline your mind."