Real-estate billionaire Donald Trump kicked off the 18th annual Distinguished Speakers Series Thursday night, encouraging students to "think big" and "get even."
This year's undergraduate student choice speaker, Trump is currently the chairman and president of the Trump Organization, as well as the producer and star of NBC's hit reality TV series "The Apprentice."
But he did not talk about his show for long. Instead, Trump offered the many students in the audience advice on how to succeed once they leave college.
One word Trump stressed was "adversity," harkening back to the hard times he had endured during his corporate career.
"All my life I've been successful, but in 1990 the you-know-what hit the fan," said Trump, referring to an economic crisis that gripped his entire industry. "There seemed to be no end in sight."
At the time, Trump had been somewhat of a jet-setting playboy, as he admitted. "You're going to have times in your life when you just can't focus," he said.
Trump said his solution was to get back to what had made him one of the most successful businessmen on the planet - hard work.
"I just went back to work," Trump said. He also offered advice on how to avoid the mistakes that he made. "Don't believe your own hype."
Over the past week, some members of the Buffalo community were critical of the amount UB paid Trump. Many felt his hype was not worth $200,000.
However, Trump confirmed during Thursday's lecture that he will donate the entire speaking fee to charity.
Trump also offered a bit of advice on getting even, which he joked would get him in trouble with many of the professors.
"When somebody screws you, screw them back," Trump said.
His harsh advice seemed to resonate with the audience, which gave him a round of applause. "Get 'em back ten times worse, get 'em for me," Trump said.
To conclude his lecture, Trump left the audience with a final statement.
"To be a winner, you have to think like a winner," he said.
Questions from the audience following the lecture ranged in topic, although they did not focus on "The Apprentice."
One audience member asked Trump to confirm his rumored interest in purchasing the University at Buffalo. Trump replied by saying that at some point he would like to own an institution like UB.
Trump added that when following his career path, he was heavily influenced by the advice of his father.
"When you really think all is lost, don't give up," said Trump, recalling the parental advice that had served him well.
At the very end of the lecture, Trump was asked about what is perhaps considered the weakest link in his corporate empire - his hair.
"It's not pretty, it's not my strongest asset, but it is mine," Trump said.
Response from the audience seemed positive, though opinion was mixed on Trump's cutthroat attitude.
"I think everything he said is good," said Kenny Winfield, a local business owner. "I like the expression 'killers' for businessmen. You work hard for your money, and they work harder to take it from you."
"I thought he was excellent," said Wilma Pratt, a senior citizen who attended the lecture.
Her husband, Don, was also impressed by Trump's performance. "I think more of him now than before I heard him," he said.
Many students were also impressed with the businessman's words of wisdom.
"It was better than I expected it to be, very insightful. The question and answer section was the best part," said Mauricio Grossi, a senior English major.
Grossi added that he liked Trump's comments on getting revenge.
"Being where he is, saying that has some viability," Grossi said. "I enjoyed his honesty."
Sophomore Christina Matteliano said Trump had a lot to offer, but added there were some things she didn't like.
"I wish he had more specific comments," said Matteliano, a history major. "He was a little mean."
