Spring 2010 Issue - Neeley School of Business
Transcription
Spring 2010 Issue - Neeley School of Business
Spring 2010 Neeley’s Largest Classroom Connecting students to the world of business page 18 “Texas is a land of possibility and infinite skies, consequently, it’s a terrific place to have big dreams.” -Marsha Sharp On the Back Cover John Butler ‘08 and friends Victor Rocca ‘08 and Matt Lundborg ‘08, on the beach in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, with the Burj Al Arab hotel in the background. John worked for National Oilwell Varco in Dubai after graduation. contents 4 Elevating Neeley to a New Level of Excellence The Road Less Traveled...page 6 In today’s world economy, hard-working, big-thinking entrepreneurs are more essential than ever. The ongoing generosity of our supporters gives Neeley entrepreneurial students the opportunities they need to succeed. 6 The Road Less Traveled O. Homer Erekson John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School of Business William C. Moncrief Sr. Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs Charles F. and Alann P. Bedford Professor of International Business William L. Cron Associate Dean of Graduate Programs J. Vaughn and Evelyne H. Wilson Professor in Business Editor Jeff Waite Art Director Eric Prather Contributing Editor Elaine C. Cole Contributing Writers Rachel Stowe Master Holly Preston Amy Prather Contributing Photographers Christina Heunermund Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 / Vol. 11 No. 1 Whether they go abroad after graduation or they come from another country to attend TCU, these students are making their mark on the world. 14 International Faculty These faculty members bring an international perspective to the Neeley School of Business. 18 Neeley’s Largest Classroom Connecting Students to the World of Business Today’s business knows no boundaries. Neither does the Neeley School. There is no better way to encourage curiosity and openness about business and cultural differences and similarities than traveling to another country and experiencing it for yourself. Neeley’s study abroad program helps students accomplish this goal. 24 Interest in Emerging Markets Takes Professor Around the World 2 Message from the Dean Neeley Magazine is published twice a year by External Relations. Neeley School of Business at TCU TCU Box 298530, Fort Worth, TX 76129 817-257-7527 [email protected] ©Neeley School of Business at TCU 2010 Developing ethical leaders with a global perspective who help shape the business environment. www.neeley.tcu.edu 5 News at Neeley 26 Connecting Alumni 28 Class Notes Elevating Neeley to a New Level of Excellence...page 4 36 On the Scene Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 1 Message from the Dean Connected to the world A key component of the mission of the Neeley School of Business at TCU is a commitment to develop ethical leaders with a global perspective who help shape the business environment. The need to develop a global perspective has never been more important than today. Business will continue to become increasingly globally driven by the forces of technology and economic imperatives. If we are to prepare our students to be business leaders of the future, we must encourage and nurture an environment where students and faculty are confronted with challenges posed by the multinational business environment, and where our students welcome fellow classmates from other countries to bring to the table their unique ideas and insight. While the world is truly more connected than ever, I believe it is not quite as flat as some would argue. It is critical that we appreciate a global environment with a complex international supply chain and challenges posed by differing government policies, customs, and language barriers. To that end, we encourage students and faculty to embrace globalization, not only in learning about international business, but also taking advantage of learning and research opportunities in other countries. In this issue of the Neeley magazine, we focus on many of the initiatives for students and faculty that we believe will prepare them to be better able to engage the ever expanding world of international business. All the best and bon voyage, O. Homer Erekson John V. Roach Dean Christina Heunermund 2 Texas Christian University Dean Erekson has taught or participated in conferences and workshops in China, Russia, Singapore, Japan, Norway, the Czech Republic, Canada, Spain and the United Kingdom. News at Neeley Neeley ranks #30 in the nation In a year when many top undergraduate business programs struggled to find jobs for graduates, the fortunes of many rose and fell on how well they succeeded, according to BusinessWeek. Neeley succeeded. The Neeley School of Business at TCU rose up the ranks to No. 30 in the country in BusinessWeek’s fifth annual ranking of U.S. undergraduate business programs. This is the highest ranking of the school in those five years. It also makes Neeley the highest-ranked private undergraduate business school in Texas. The Neeley School excelled in other areas: •No. 4 in Student Survey (1 Notre Dame, 2 Virginia, 3 Cornell, 4 TCU, 5 UT Austin) •No. 19 for academic quality •Grade A+ for Teaching Quality •Grade A+ for Facilities and Service •Grade A for Job Placement “We are proud to be recognized in the BusinessWeek rankings as one of the elite business schools in the country, because it reflects the lengths we go to for our students,” noted Dean Erekson. “We intentionally assure high-quality classroom interactions with leading faculty in small class environments. And we supplement that with experiential learning opportunities, where our undergraduate students work with companies and non-profit organizations to tackle contemporary business challenges.” A total of 111 undergraduate private and public U.S. schools are ranked by BusinessWeek. Other Texas schools ranked: 10-UT Austin, e 31-SMU Cox, and 41Grad A&M. “Being ranked 30th #4 by BusinessWeek is a terrific accomplish#19 ment and a tribute to our students, espeA+ cially the seniors rd Ca t r o p e R t Subjec y t Surve Studen ty ic Quali Academ g Teachin Quality e Servic ies and Facilit nt laceme who participated in the survey and gave us a very high ranking on student satisfaction,” said Senior Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs Bill Moncrief. In an email to students, Moncrief said: “I am very pleased and gratified with your faith in your education. This is a terrific place and you, the student body, make it special.” To identify the top undergraduate business programs, Bloomberg BusinessWeek uses a methodology that includes nine measures of student satisfaction, postgraduation outcomes, and academic quality. BusinessWeek bases its ranking on three years of student and recruiter surveys, an MBA feeder school measure, salaries, and academic quality. A+ A Job P Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 3 Elevating Neeley to a new level of excellence In today’s world economy, hard-working, big-thinking entrepreneurs are more essential than ever. The ongoing generosity of our supporters gives Neeley entrepreneurial students the opportunities they need to succeed – and lead – in the new global economy. 4 Texas Christian University Raymond and Judy Smilor Entrepreneurial Leadership Fund Christina Heunermund A permanent endowment of $50,000 from Raymond and Judy Smilor will provide undergraduate scholarships based on academic achievements and/or financial need for students at TCU, especially those who demonstrate entrepreneurial leadership at the Neeley School. “Ray Smilor, who came to the Neeley School in 2009 through the generosity of alumnus Bob Schumacher, told us he was so impressed with the culture here that he and his wife were inspired to give back to TCU,” said Dean Homer Erekson. Dr. Smilor, the Robert and Edith Schumacher Executive Faculty Fellow, has authored and edited numerous books on entrepreneurship. His expertise covers national and international entrepreneurship; management styles, systems and innovations; management and marketing strategies for technology companies; science and technology transfer and commercialization; and economic development in emerging economies. Raymond and Judy Smilor Davis Family Entrepreneur-in-Residence A generous commitment of $1.5 million by Barry and Antoinette Davis will support the ongoing programs of the Neeley Entrepreneurship Center and the entrepreneurial initiatives of the TCU Energy Institute. The Davis Family Entrepreneur-in-Residence is held by Brad Hancock, Director of the Neeley Entrepreneurship Center and a successful business leader experienced with entrepreneurship and innovation. “This significant commitment to our entrepreneurship program affirms that TCU is an excellent place to receive a business education that provides direct access to experienced business people,” said Dean Homer Erekson. “I am pleased to have Brad Hancock as the first Davis Family Entrepreneur-in-Residence. Not only does he bring his own experience as a successful business owner, Brad is a popular teacher who actively supports the ongoing success of our entrepreneurship students.” Barry Davis BBA ’84 is Chairman, President and CEO of the Crosstex Energy Companies, serves on the boards of the National Petroleum Council, Leadership Network, and Kidlinks Foundation, and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization. Antoinette (May) Davis earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts and Master of Science in Communications from TCU. Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 5 The road less traveled Neeley grads make their mark on the world – literally. These former students ventured far away from home, taking their education and expertise to other countries around the world and expanding Neeley’s global footprint. Kamilah Edwards MBA ’09 “I have a passion for understanding different cultures and how they conduct business by immersing myself in the local language and customs. Attending the École Supérieure de Commerce de Dijon through the Neeley School partnership program was my third experience studying internationally. I studied architecture and painting for a year in Rome through the University of Notre Dame, and I studied Chinese business and entrepreneurship through the Neeley School for a two-week MBA course. Being a member of ESC Dijon’s first graduating Master of Science in International Management (MSc IM) class makes this international experience all the more special. My future plans are to pursue marketing in a multinational corporation and to continue learning and gain more experience with business customs in different cultures.” Courtesy Photos 6 Texas Christian University Wayne Davis EMBA ’07 “I hadn’t planned on an international career, but I am fortunate to have been ready to hit the road. I think my experience at the Neeley School allowed me to build a solid foundation of business-based decision-making skills. This made me a more viable candidate for more challenging opportunities at Lockheed Martin, including a stint in Nagoya, Japan, and now a position in Tel Aviv, Israel, as Director of International Technical Assistance. The best thing about living and working overseas is the opportunity to experience different cultures. The most challenging part is simply being away from family and friends…and finding good Tex-Mex and barbeque.” Nick Meyer BBA ’09 “I’ve always enjoyed traveling and experiencing new places. I’m working for Sinergia, a nonprofit microfinance association, increasing opportunities for women in Peru to obtain micro-loans and provide for their families. I do everything from driving a marketing campaign, to administering loans, to overhauling an online website, to implementing a training program for our clients. The Neeley School gave me the skills to take on a variety of projects, and the BNSF Next Generation Leadership program taught me how to effectively lead and come together with a group of individuals to accomplish the task at hand.” Neeley NeeleyMagazine Magazine// Spring 2010 7 Curtis Matthews MBA ’96 “Working in Rwanda was something I never envisioned until the opportunity presented itself last year. I worked for the Rwandan Development Board on a World Bank grant as the lead internet consultant helping the country build its infrastructure to connect to the worldwide telecom fiber grid. This strange and interesting experience included eight months without hot water, two weeks with no water, and electricity that was sketchy at best, while paying $1,000 monthly in rent. I credit my Neeley MBA management and business administration experience with helping an obliterated infrastructure become a country that can play in the Western market.” Meredith Balderas MBA ’09 “Thinking beyond the traditional is what excites me about working overseas. As part of the Galderma International Management Development Program, I am currently in Mexico City in the middle of a three-part rotation, and I’m looking forward to a stint in Europe. Doing business within another culture magnifies your perspective, increasing your frame of reference both professionally and personally. Without a doubt, the TCU MBA program provided me with the fundamental tools and strategies in business management. The support and interest of the professors added to the experience of being able to combine work with a full-time MBA program.” Courtesy Photos 8 Texas Christian University Neeley doesn’t just attract first-rate students from Texas and the rest of the U.S. Its reach is far beyond that. Students travel from around the world to receive their education from TCU. Bakai Madybaev MBA ’10 “I met Warren Buffett when I traveled with my MBA class to Omaha to visit two of his companies and hear him speak about life, business, and the current economy. He told us to never sacrifice family values to succeed professionally. To be successful one should do what he likes. That’s what Mr. Buffett does — he runs his business because he likes his work, not because he likes money. This is one of the most unforgettable experiences that TCU has provided. Meeting such a person provides inspiration for big achievements.” Bakai is a Muskie Fellow. He was a software engineer, IT consultant, professor of software engineering, and coached an American football team in Bishkek. Courtesy Photo Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 9 Shiva Gupta MBA ’10 “After earning a bachelor’s degree in biomedical engineering from the University of Mumbai, I looked at U.S. schools for their diversity and a well-rounded global education. Once I met Neeley admissions staff and alumni and experienced the personal touch, it was an easy decision. Neeley’s leadership opportunities, such as the student clubs and Neeley & Associates Consulting, helped me meet influential people in the healthcare field. Conceptualizing and starting the MBA Healthcare Club helped me build my self-confidence and secure a year-long internship at Healthpoint.” Andres J. Siman BBA ’11 “I wanted to study outside of Guatemala after high school, and everywhere I looked, the Neeley School of Business was consistently recognized as a great school.” A member of Neeley Fellows and TCU CEO, Andres appreciates the programs Neeley offers to enhance learning beyond the classroom — and ultimately make students more marketable. “TCU has given me the opportunity to create significant connections with other people. Whether through advice, company or conversations, people around you will always have an impact on your career.” Andres interned at Citibank in Guatemala last summer and will intern at UBS in New York City this summer. After graduation, he plans to work in the U.S. for a few years before returning to Guatemala. Photos by Christina Heunermund 10 Texas Christian University Meghana Mathew BBA ’08 “TCU’s variety of organizations and activities helped me make friends from other fields, refine my leadership skills and pursue causes I’m passionate about. My professors not only challenged me academically, but also led by example to show me how to balance business success with developing and nurturing the community around us. I enjoy that now in the Fort Worth law firm where I work. The people here are passionate about what they do and making a difference.” Meghana is from India and grew up in Bahrain. She won three of TCU’s highest honors as a student. Carlos Huertas EMBA ’07 “As a petroleum engineer, I worked both technical and managerial positions at Omimex Resources in Colombia before being transferred to Fort Worth in 2005. I chose the TCU EMBA program because of the complete curriculum, manager-oriented approach, and convenient location and schedule. My EMBA experience helps me make better business decisions now that I have the tools to handle the implications of the myriad of elements involved in doing business, from the economy to our own behavior and cultural beliefs. I find solutions faster, identify what the focus should be for a situation, and am a more efficient manager. All this is translating into more achievements and a professional record to be proud of.” Carlos is Omimex’s Director of Operations for Colombia and the Rocky Mountains. Omar Mata MBA ’02 “I chose TCU because of the personalized MBA program and strong finance department. My degree helped me shape the career I wanted: working for a Fortune 100 corporation and now with Deloitte Consulting. It also gave me the know-how to solve problems, provide solutions for my clients, work with people from different backgrounds and understand cultural differences, which has proven invaluable to my professional and personal growth. I have worked in eight different countries since joining Deloitte, and I now have a new position working with Latin America and supporting our consulting functions across different countries.” Omar, who is from Mexico, is in financial management consulting with Deloitte. Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 11 Making their mark on the world For these former Frogs, TCU was the only way to go. They all have two things in common: they choose Neeley for their business education and they’ve gone back home to make their mark. Federico Ranero BBA ’07 “In Guatemala, well over half of the population lives below the poverty line and 15 percent are considered to be living in extreme poverty. I came to the Neeley School to focus on developing my entrepreneurial skills in the hopes that I could someday be part of my country’s economic turnaround. My longterm goal is to invest in my home country and contribute to its development and growth. I’m extremely eager to work with my generation to unveil Guatemala’s unexploited potential and turn history around.” Federico is a Demand Planning Analyst and Junior Master Planner at Abbott Nutritional International and will enter the University of Chicago’s MBA Program this fall. 12 Texas Christian University Marius Vladutoiu MBA ’01 “Compared to my home country, Americans have been doing business — good business — for a long time, so I wanted to learn from the best. I always planned to return to Romania to try and make a difference here in business and ethics. Being in construction, I respected Habitat for Humanity’s model and what they do for society. When they began a project in my hometown, they contacted me and I took over as general contractor for a 1,500-square-foot, five-bedroom home for people with disabilities. It was a great experience coordinating the project from beginning to end and working with volunteer teams.” Litza Velasquez BBA ’03 “I came to TCU from Honduras to learn about business and management from a U.S. perspective. TCU has a strong business program so I was sure I would be learning from one of the best. Specifically, Neeley’s focus on communication skills helped me lose the initial fear to address key people to offer suggestions and deliver a clear message. TCU’s international student program enabled me to share my experiences with people from other cultures while learning about theirs. My education has been key for me to be able to succeed in a working environment with a diversity of cultures at HSBC Bank in Honduras. I work directly with our British CEO as well as directors and subdirectors from Paraguay, Brazil and Mexico.” Litza and her younger sister Lynda BBA ’04, MBA ’08 work for multinational companies. Litza is in Honduras and Lynda is senior commodity manager at American Airlines in Fort Worth. Courtesy Photos Neeley NeeleyMagazine Magazine// Spring 2010 13 Bringing an international perspective to Neeley Antonio Macias Assistant Professor, Finance Mergers and acquisition experience spans four continents. Was in business development for CEMEX and industrial engineer for ColgatePalmolive in Mexico. Has two MSc degrees from Stanford. Taught at the Monterrey Institute of Technology. Speaks English, Spanish, French and German. Leo Nicolao Assistant Professor, Marketing Provided marketing research for the Brazilian government and numerous Brazilian companies. Was brand manager for Grendene. Taught business and marketing courses at several Brazilian universities. 14 Texas Christian University Thomas Moeller Assistant Professor, Finance Taught EMBA corporate finance at International University (now Jacobs) in Bremen, Germany. Served in the German Air Force. Interned at Horvath & Partner Consulting, Braun AG, and Bayer AG in Germany. Presented research at conferences in Canada, Greece and Spain. Fulbright Scholar. Beata Jones Associate Professor of Professional Practice, Business Information Systems Director, Neeley Fellows Program Was a consultant to the Polish National Science Foundation Institute of Business Research, Polish National Investment Fund, and several small Polish businesses. Fulbright Scholar. Vasil Mihov Associate Professor, Finance Worked as a registered commodities broker at Sofia Commodity Exchange, the first and largest organized exchange in Bulgaria. Has presented his research at conferences and universities around the world. Neeley NeeleyMagazine Magazine// Spring 2010 15 Daniel Chen Assistant Professor, Information Systems Assisted Pegasus Solutions in negotiations with Chinese officials to partner with government-owned TravelSky. Co-founded Younger Niche Logistics to provide consulting and transportation services to Fortune 500 companies entering China. Collaborates with faculty in Europe, Singapore and China. Huijing Fu Assistant Professor, Accounting Has presented at China Europe International Business School, Shanghai Jiao Tong University, CAPANA international conference organized by Chinese Accounting Professors Association of North America, and China Internal Conference in Finance. Mauricio Rodriguez Professor and Chair, Finance Taught Masters level Corporate Finance courses (in Spanish) at the Universidad Nacional de El Salvador in San Salvador, El Salvador. Served on board of directors for International Real Estate Society. 16 Texas Christian University Steve Lim Associate Professor, Accounting In-Mu Haw Professor, Accounting J. Vaughn & Evelyne H. Wilson Professor in Business Worked at the Bank of Korea and was a professor at Kangwon National University in Korea. Fulbright Scholar. Worked for Bank of Korea. Taught executive and Ph.D. classes in China, Hong Kong, Korea and U.S. Visits universities, conducts research workshops, and gives presentations in Australia, China, Hong Kong, Japan, Korea, Thailand and Taiwan. Collaborates with faculty in Asia. Ranga Ramasesh Professor, Decision Sciences Was a Visiting Professor at the University of Bombay’s Bajaj Institute of Management. More than a decade of project engineering and management experience with pharmaceutical and chemical companies including Unilever, Bayer and Glaxo. Neeley NeeleyMagazine Magazine// Spring 2010 17 Neeley’s Largest Classroom Connecting Students to the World of Business 18 Texas Christian University T oday’s business knows no boundaries. Neither does the Neeley School. “We want our students to have first-hand insight into how the business world is intricately linked, and they can’t get that sitting in a classroom,” said Dean Homer Erekeson. There is no better way to encourage curiosity and openness about business and cultural differences and similarities than traveling to another country and experiencing it for yourself. Neeley’s study abroad program includes undergraduate trips to Europe and China, and graduate trips to Italy, Dominican Republic, China, Chile, Prague, South Africa and Korea. “Our students experience the business and cultural environment of the region they are visiting, build international relationships, and gain self confidence in their ability to work effectively in that foreign culture,” said Rob Rhodes, director of Neeley’s study abroad program. Europe Law and Business in the European Union (graduate) and Business in Europe (undergraduate) focus on the opportunities and challenges of doing business in Europe as well as specific cities and countries. “We examine the standards, practices, and structure of enterprises such as fashion, finance, technology, and innovation,” said Rhodes, who leads the TCU MBA students to Florence, Italy. “They explore legal requirements and restrictions, learn about the forms of regional trading blocks, and examine how By Elaine C. Cole Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 19 the European Union has created a barrier-free internal market as relates to opportunities for U.S. companies.” Jonathan Nelson MBA ’10 said the trip was an essential part of his education. “Visiting companies such as Alcon, first in the U.S. and then in Italy, allowed us to see completely different business models and how they were centered on the country’s culture.” “I valued our visit to Prima Pagina, a marketing and public relations firm for technology companies,” said TCU MBA student Tim Bludau. “The owners were very candid about their experiences in a country where many traditional marketing channels and accompanying editorial content are somewhat controlled by the government.” Dustin Ray MAc ’10 said that his study abroad trip was one of the best decisions he has ever made. “In Florence, Dr. Rhodes lectured about the European Union: how it was formed and how to do business in the EU. He said that we would know more about how the EU works than 99 percent of the people living within it, and I believe him. I am now armed with knowledge that few people have, and I can only imagine how helpful that will be in my career.” Undergraduate students who travel to Cologne, Germany, Dijon, France, and Barcelona, Spain, are equally impressed by what they learn in those countries. Catherine Brown said: “As an accounting and finance major, it was very interesting to hear from bankers in France on the advantages and disadvantages of both the International Financial Reporting Standards in Europe and a U.S. conversion from the Generally Accepted Accounting Principles to IFRS.” Geoffrey Dice, marketing major, said he enjoyed the firstday scavenger hunt throughout Barcelona that helped students get acquainted with the city. “We saw all of the landmark destinations and had a chance to experience how the culture worked.” Dominican Republic Garry Bruton has led TCU MBA students to Chile, South Africa and, most recently, the Dominican Republic, to show them entrepreneurial solutions to poverty and introduce them to businesses in an emerging economy. “They see that income levels and market opportunities are not always what they assume,” said Bruton. “They talk to entrepreneurs for whom a $150 loan has changed their lives. They learn that the bottom of the pyramid – the 2.5 billion people in the world who survive on $2 a day or less – offers a business opportunity to them.” “One of the highlights of the trip was witnessing a loan repayment and seeing the pride on these women’s faces when they showed us their businesses,” said TCU MBA student Laura Wallace. “To see this community of people operating selfsufficiently, with no person competing with Students in the Business in Europe study abroad program take time to see the sights including the Roman Coliseum. 20 Texas Christian University Neeley MBA students traveled to the Dominican Republic to see entrepreneurial solutions to poverty and to see businesses in an emerging economy. another for business, was definitely a shift from what I am used to seeing in America.” Ala Al Saleh MBA ’10, a Fulbright Scholar from Bahrain, went on both the Italy and the Dominican Republic trips. “In Italy, Dr. Rhodes was very interesting and had great stories to tell. In the Dominica Republic, it was more about seeing how the people live and the impact of social entrepreneurism. We also visited a company that refurbished Blackberries. I have never seen a company treat their employees so well.” She said the Dominican Republic trip was life-changing. “If I go back to my country I want to do something like social entrepreneurship, to help people who don’t have what others have. It will make a big impact because Bahrain is small.” China China is a huge player in today’s world market, which makes it the perfect trip for students entering the business world as well as those who already have successful careers. The Executive MBA study abroad experience focuses on the opportunities and challenges of doing business in China. TCU EMBA students explore historical, political, economic, and cultural trends and norms in China and Hong Kong. “We want them to witness the impact of the economic growth in China, understand the trading environment between the U.S. and China, and understand the opportunities and challenges of doing business in China,” said Nancy Nix, Executive Director of the TCU EMBA program. The students are encouraged to sightsee and shop to observe buyer/seller behaviors, store layouts, marketing strategies, exchange rate issues, availability of foreign goods and services, comparisons of cost and quality of Chinese versus U.S. goods, differences in consumer tastes and behaviors, and attitudes towards Americans. Along the way, myths get shattered. Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 21 David agreed. “We as Americans have the misconception that no one will speak our language and it will be hard to communicate, but it is just the opposite. The people are extremely delightful.” Opening Eyes and Doors “Many expect to see Communist oppression and are surprised to see people working hard to make a better life for their families,” said Nix. “They see that China has accomplished things that many Westerners would not have believed possible in a very short period of time, such as infrastructure development, modern highways, airports and ports.” The trip includes visits to organizations such as the U.S. Commerce Office, U.S. Embassy, or U.S. China Business Council to acquaint them with resources that can help them do business in China. They also visit Chinese companies, U.S. companies, and multinational companies (Finnish, German, Indian and Japanese) whose leaders share their experiences of doing business in China. They travel to large cities, such as Shanghai and Beijing, and smaller cities such as Guangzhou or Xi’an to get a sense of the diversity of China. David Pitre, Jill Bass, Doug Lutz and his wife Jennifer shared their China experiences with the current class just prior to that class’ trip. They talked about how amazed they were at the massive building taking place, the threestory Wal-mart in Beijing, the high-quality suits they had tailored for very few U.S. dollars, and the low prices on pearls and handbags. But it was the people of China who left the biggest impression. “The people are very gracious,” said Jill. “They want to share their culture with you.” 22 Texas Christian University Beijing. Florence. Santo Domingo. No longer are they just exotic destinations. To Neeley study abroad students, they represent eye-opening, life-enhancing experiences. Some Neeley students learn a deeper appreciation for the differences between themselves and their classmates. “In the business world it is inevitable that you will work with someone from a foreign country,” said Saskia Bergstein MAc ’10. “By visiting other countries you learn about different cultures and how to interact with different people.” Others learn that businesses and people can thrive in challenging economic environments. “It seemed like everyone I saw in the Dominican Republic was smiling and happy,” said Wallace, whose class traveled to the island shortly after neighboring Haiti was hit by a devastating earthquake.“They made the most of everything and enjoyed simple things such as flying a handmade kite with friends and family. It really brings you back to what matters.” Many students form better relationships with their fellow classmates. “This trip (China) solidified friendships that will last,” said Lutz. “You bond in a country where you only have each other. It is a tremendous experience and you come back changed.” Bludau sums it up nicely: “Overall, the engaging class lectures, the company visits, and the cultural opportunities make for an unforgettable experience.” Discovering my roots By Lay Wah Ching Chiang ’10 I was born and raised in Guayaquil, Ecuador. My dad moved from China to Ecuador when he was 20. My mom, whose parents are Chinese, was born and raised in Ecuador. I don’t speak Chinese and never imaged that college would take me to China. In Ecuador, I look different than the locals because of my eyes, but I am fluent in Spanish. In China, I look like the locals but I couldn’t speak to them. It was funny when the group entered restaurants and my American classmates were greeted with “Hello” and I was greeted “Ni hao.” This happens to me at TCU, too. I always have fun when people try to guess where I am from. They mention all the possible Asian countries and never imagine that I am from Ecuador. The trip (Supply Chain) was just amazing for me. I got to see how businesses apply the concepts that we learn in class. It opened my eyes to form my own criteria of what is happening in China and let me experience the culture. For me, the trip was not just learning about China but also put into perspective my understanding of my own culture and the American culture. For example, I’m used to seeing the fish with the head in a dish, but that caused a sensation with my classmates. One of my classmates actually ate the eye of the fish. I chose TCU because I was inspired by its mission statement: “To educate individuals to think and act as ethical leaders and responsible citizens in the global community.” I have lived that by being part of the Horned Frog family. Traveling to China for my supply chain class and to Colombia for a business competition allowed me to network and reinforce my education. I have also been able to experience other cultures through the International Student Association, of which I was president. I am really proud that I will get a degree from the Neeley School of Business. The human factor that makes it possible to get an education and lifelong training is AMAZING. I’m thrilled with the decision I made to be a Horned Frog. Go Frogs! Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 23 Interest In Emerging Markets Takes Professor Around The World By Elaine C. Cole O nly one non-Asian has been elected president of the Asia Academy of Management. Garry Bruton’s credentials covering entrepreneurship in Asia and emerging markets led to that honorable position in 2007. The organization welcomes all researchers and managers who are interested in management issues relevant to Asia. “That Garry was elected president of AAM is indicative of the high regard and esteem in which scholars around the world hold him,” said Bob Greer, chair of the management department. Bruton has published more than 50 academic articles on Asia-related topics in many of the world’s leading management journals. He is the editor of Academy of Management Perspectives, and was senior editor of the Asia Pacific Journal of Management and associate editor for the Academy of Management Executive. He has conducted funded research in China, Thailand, Singapore, Korea, India, Taiwan and Russia. Amazingly, this erudite professor had never been out of the U.S. before moving with his family to Russia in 1992 while he taught there. Since then, he has lived in Poland as a Fulbright chair and in Hong Kong as a visiting scholar. “I loved Asia. I loved Hong Kong,” said Bruton, so much that he and his family stayed there again two years ago while he was on sabbatical. “I went to China because I thought it would be an important player in the world economy. I had studied Russia when it went through an economic transition, so when I had the opportunity to be in Hong Kong to see this new economy take place, to be there for the handover from British to Chinese, I took it.” While there, he made important contacts and lifelong friendships. “I find emerging markets interesting because the challenges are much more dramatic, the questions are much bigger than they are in the U.S.” he said. “For entrepreneurs in China it is an entirely different process. I like researching the big questions, the big issues that really affect people’s lives.” Bruton said that most people have misconceptions about China. “It is a tremendous market, but it also has tremendous challenges. Most people either tend to undervalue 24 Texas Christian University i n t e r n at i o n a l b o a r d of v i s i t o r s Some of the most influential leaders in the business world serve on our International Board of Visitors to provide insight and expertise. Their distinguished service ensures that our students are advanced leaders in the business environment of today and tomorrow. Christina Heunermund Garry Bruton Management Professor Fehmi Zeko Faculty Fellow Bernard Appel J. Luther King Jr. Appel Associates Luther King Capital Management Michael Baer Warren Mackey baerpro AG Arles Management Connie Beck Thomas Meagher Jr. Comerica Incorporated Grosvenor Capital Management, L.P. Robert Benda Maribess Miller Westwood Contractors, Inc. PricewaterhouseCoopers (Retired) Mike Berry Preston Miller Hillwood Properties Financial Services Industry Consultant Frank Blase Philip Norwood igus GmbH Frost Bank John Boettcher Brian O’Regan American Airlines Fidelity Investments Nick Bomersbach Ron Parker JCPenney PepsiCo Tom Bradley Bill Poteet III Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Fort Worth Stock Show Syndicate (Past President) Tim Carter OmniAmerican Bank or overvalue the market potential. It is still a socialist economy, a mixed economy. People think of it like a huge private enterprise, but lots of small businesses have been started.” Bruton’s interest in emerging markets has spread to Guatemala, South Africa and the Dominican Republic, where he and his students have witnessed entrepreneurship changing lives and pulling people out of poverty. “We don’t stay in five-star hotels. Electricity is sporadic. We can’t drink the water. Sometimes we can’t even take showers. We deal directly with the frustrations and challenges that exist in emerging economies, just like the people who live there.” But that, along with building relationships with the faculty, people and microlending agencies in emerging economies, are what make Bruton a popular teacher, respected scholar and sought-after researcher. Toby Darden Quicksilver Resources, Inc. John F. Davis BirchStreet Systems, Inc. Jim Estill Calloway’s Nursery Jacqualyn Fouse Bunge Ltd. Jim Fredericks Author John Gavin Wells Fargo Nick Giachino PepsiCo (Retired) William Greenwood The Zephyr Group Jeff Guy Dallas Museum of Art Thomas Hund BNSF Railway Karen Kennedy David Purcell Continental Advisors, LLC John V. Roach Roach Enterprises Leonard Roberts RadioShack (Retired) Tim Sear Alcon Laboratories (Chairman Emeritus) Bob Semple Bank of Texas, N.A. P. D. Shabay Bell Helicopter Textron, Inc. (Retired) Roy Topham Keenum & Topham, CPA Paulette Turner Integrated Leadership Concepts, Inc. Scott Ward Russell Stover Candies, Inc Chip Webster Adams Resources & Energy, Inc. Fehmi Zeko Foros Group Impel Management Services, LLC Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 25 Connecting Alumni Our Best Ambassadors Our alumni provide continued support of the Neeley School by hosting networking events throughout the year. Former students come together to welcome new alumni, reminisce about their college days, and learn about the latest happenings in the school of business. Here are some of the events that took place. Austin - Headliner’s Club Hosted by Dwight Thompson ’74. Darlene Cozby TCU ’93 and Sam Webb ’94 donated door prizes for the event. Corona Del Mar, CA - Balboa Yacht Club Hosted by Seth Hall ’94 and Neeley Alumni Executive Board Member Los Angeles, CA - Bel Air Country Club Hosted by Matt Minnis ’86, MBA ’88 Neeley Student Receives Distinguished Student Award Lindsay C. Ray ’10 received the Distinguished Student Award at the 2010 Alumni Awards Dinner hosted by the TCU Alumni Association. Ray was not only a Dean’s List student, but she also participated in the John V. Roach Honors College and Neeley Fellows, the business school honors program. She maintained a 4.0 GPA in both her majors: entrepreneurial management and theatre. One of 13 family members to attend TCU, her parents are Donny Ray ’78 and Courtney Floyd Ray TCU ’81. 26 Texas Christian University Stay in Touch All Year Do you have a new job or promotion? An award, honor or achievement to share? How about a marriage, new baby or adoption? We want to know! Submit your news using the “Keep in Touch” link at www.neeleyalumni.tcu.edu. Neeley Alumni Executive Board Leadership Effective July 1 Christine Kalish PMBA ’03 President Beacon Partners Michael R. Pavell ’93, MBA ’99 President Elect Bank of America, N.A. Michele Gagne EMBA ’03 Secretary The News Group Jennifer Duncan Edgeworth ’96 National Alumni Board Reprensentative Hermes Sargent Bates, LLP Welcome New Board Members Sarah F. Thompson ’08, MAc ’09 Deloitte Financial Advisory Services LLP John E. Merrifield EMBA ’02 IFC Benefit Solutions, Inc. Student Representatives Grant Eason BBA ’11 Michael Williams MBA ’11 Melissa Walton MAc ’11 Thank You For Your Service Jim C. Estill ’69, MBA ’77 Served as President of the Board Calloway’s Nursery Mary Beth Borst PMBA ’02 Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company Jodi Settle BBA ’10 Ben Wyatt MBA ’10 Brian Wallace MAc ’10 W hen Thomas Poteschil MBA ’02 was waiting for a passport renewal at the German Embassy in New York, he accidentally stumbled upon his future. “The embassy had a poster on the wall about TCU and its MBA program,” said Thomas. “I went down the floor, took an application package, submitted it to Admissions, and ‘the rest is history.’” As a native of Germany who lived and went to school in the U.S., perhaps it isn’t entirely surprising that Thomas eventually found himself working abroad after graduation from the Neeley School. But for Thomas, things went a bit differently than he had anticipated. “Originally the plan was to stay in the U.S. and work for a European company,” he said. “But things changed quite a bit after 9/11 and I decided to move to Europe, work for a U.S. company, and come back when the time was right.” Today, Thomas finds himself in yet another unexpected international stop – Australia. As Director of IT, SAP Master Data & Procure to Pay Lead for Campbell Arnott’s Asia Pacific, he is in the midst of a major SAP implementation project that involves traveling to many of the company’s manufacturing locations and working with on-site employees. “Neeley provided me sound business understanding that is easily transferrable. Group projects were the practice ground for what we’re doing on the SAP project I’m on now. Even though it’s labeled an IT project, we’re ‘translators’ between corporate and plant cultures. Neeley’s management and supply chain classes were great preparation for it.” While living abroad can be challenging, Thomas believes most issues can be worked through with a bit of determination. “Cultural differences can be overcome through assimilation and learning,” he said. But with family living halfway across the world, there is one major caveat. “The time difference; time simply doesn’t adjust.” — Holly Preston Thomas Poteschil is the first international member of the Neeley Alumni Executive Board. Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 27 class notes GRADUATE 1960s Tom Cheek MBA ’66 shares that his daughter Jennifer Cheek TCU ’97 was recognized as Employee of the Year for Cushman & Wakefield of Texas. Jennifer is a Senior Marketing Specialist for Cushman & Wakefield in Dallas. 1970s Don Pierson II ’74, MBA ’75 was elected judge of County Court at Law No. 1 for Tarrant County. He will take office in January 2011. John Schafer MBA ’76 retired from Bell Helicopter-Textron in January and is now doing consulting work in the aerospace industry. Wife Wanda is Sr. Manager at DART, managing the NW Transit Division. Elder son William is a successful cattle rancher in Parker County and son J M, having recently married, is in the transportation industry in Fayetteville, Ark. Keith Carson MBA ’78 assumed a new position in December with the FDIC in Dallas. Responsibilities include overseeing the management of large portfolios of assets from major failed U.S. banks, as well as the resolution of those banks. Bill Widmer MBA ’78 is pleased that his son, Billy Jr., will attend TCU this fall. 1980s Vinnie Mirchandani MBA ’80 is publishing a wide ranging book on technology-enabled innovation called The New Polymath. 28 Texas Christian University Lorna Donatone MBA ’82 has been named as Education Market President and COO for Sodexo, Inc., overseeing operations and strategic growth for operations at college and university campuses, public school districts, and private schools in the United States. Lorna shares that her niece, sophomore Karlene Tipton, was recently accepted into the business school. Bill Stroope ’82, MBA ’83 has rejoined The Private Bank at JPMorgan. His primary office will be in Fort Worth. Larry Henges ’81, MBA ’85 earned his MSW and PhD degrees. Larry lives in St. Louis and works as a commercial bank consultant and practices clinical psychotherapy. He has a son who is a junior at TCU and a daughter who is graduating from Vanderbilt. Brad Lowry MBA ’85 has been with the law firm of Haynes and Boone in Dallas for the past 21 years with the last 12 as a partner. His practice focuses on commercial real estate law. While at TCU, Brad was a member of the Educational Investment Fund, was President of the MBA Association, and was a member of the winning team at the Southwest Conference MBA Case Competition at Texas A&M in 1985 along with Wayne Boyle and Phylis Paulsel. Brad and wife Cari live in Argyle, Texas, and have four children. Oldest daughter Bradleigh is a sophomore nursing major at TCU. Erika Matulich ’84, MBA ’86 was promoted to Full Professor of Marketing at the University of Tampa in Florida. She is married to John Porter TCU ’77. 1990s Ursula Christian MBA ’96 was promoted to F-35 Senior Manager at Lockheed Martin Aeronautics Company in Fort Worth. Ursula and her husband, Pastor Champion Christian, have two children, Majesty and Champion. Sabine Bartel Otte MBA ’97 and husand Dierk announce the birth of their son Tobias on November 17. Javier Santovena MBA ’97 has a new job as COO with the largest healthcare company in Latin America. Bela Onken MBA ’98 joined the Board of Directors of the German CFA Society, the German arm of the Global CFA Institute representing over 100,000 CFA Charter holders globally. In addition to serving on the board, Bela is First Vice President at KfW IPEX Bank. 2000s Scott Grischow MBA ’00 was promoted to Managing Director in FTI Consulting’s Corporate Finance practice in Houston. He began climbing Mount Everest in April and planned to summit in mid-May. Visit www.Sevenin11.com for more information on his climb. Sara Maitlen Batchelder ’01, MAc ’02 was promoted to Manager of Taxation at class notes Princess Cruise Lines, Ltd, in Santa Clarita, Calif. Wayne Atchley TCU ’95, MBA ’03 was promoted to Director of Institutional Research at Tarleton State University. Wayne and wife Stephanie PackAtchley TCU ’97 live in Stephenville, Texas, with their two future Horned Frogs, Aaron, 6, and Austin, 3. Brad Mrozinski MBA ’03 and wife Stephanie welcomed their second child, Joshua Lee, into the world on March 28. He weighed 7 lbs. and 4 oz. Michael Patyk ’02, MAc ‘03 and Amy Maddox Patyk ’04 welcomed their baby girl, Adelaide Louise, on March 6. She weighed 6 lbs. and was 19 inches long. David Svoren MBA ’03 was promoted to National Manager of Business Development for Sprint’s M2M Product team. David resides in Overland Park, Kan., with wife Jean MBA ’03 and their three children. Teno Villarreal MBA ’04 is now a Special Assistant at the Office of Recovery for Auto Communities and Workers in Washington, D.C. Mayis Kirakosyan MBA ’05 and wife Ani welcomed their daughter Ellen Victoria, on March 24. They reside in Frisco, Texas. Rajeev Ranjan MBA ’05 became a CPA in February after passing exams by the Texas State Board of Public Accountancy. He is working as Senior Financial Analyst at American Airlines in Fort Worth. Shanda Misak Ranelle ’05, MAc ’06 announces the birth of her son, Connor David, on January 10. Sarah Elliott Webb MBA ’06 and husband Danny announce the birth of their son, Elliott McDaniel, on November 8. He was welcomed by grandparents Ronnie ’71 and Jenett Pierce. Sarah is a Senior Financial Analyst at Alcon Laboratories. Natalie Schulte Wood ’04, MAc ’06 and Brandon Wood ’04 were married in October 2007. Natalie is a Senior Auditor with Grant Thornton LLC. Brandon was promoted to Vice President at Corporate Realty Advisors in Dallas. The couple resides in Dallas. Holly Harris-Bayer ’03, MBA ’07 is the Co-Owner and Vice-President/Marketing for Red River Motorcycle Trails, Inc. (RRMT, Inc.) in Bulcher, Texas. RIDE TEXAS Magazine recently announced its 9th Annual BEST IN TEXAS Readers’ Choice Awards in its January/February 2010 issue which honored the 2,700 acre recreational facility as the #1 Best Off-Road Destination in the Lone Star State. Read more about RRMT, Inc. at www.redrivermotorcycletrails.com. Shawn Startti MBA ’07 recently relocated to the Raleigh, N.C., area along with his wife, Sarah and daughters, Olivia and Caroline. Previously with Fidelity Investments, Shawn accepted a new role as Financial Benefits Consultant with Financial Directions Group, a registered investment advisor firm specializing in retirement and employee benefits, executive benefits, and wealth management goals. Shawn and his family enjoy convenient access to the beach and the mountains, and of course, being in the heart of the college basketball scene. Loren Newsom ’04, MBA ’08 began working full time as the Training Manager at Texas Power in November. Texas Power is a retail electric provider located in Arlington, Texas, that services the deregulated electric market in Texas. Loren runs the training department, creating curriculum and implementing training programs. Tony del Muro MBA ’09 and wife Jennifer announce the birth of Nicolas Robert on January 6. He was welcomed by big sister Elena. Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 29 class notes W hen Frank Blase ’80, MBA ’81 came to Texas and TCU from Germany after graduating from high school, he was impressed by the “sky is the limit” spirit. “The difference in attitude and optimism was enormous,” he recalled. “I honestly believe that I would not have started the most courageous initiatives in my life without my TCU experience.” Frank returned to Germany after graduating from the Neeley School with his MBA degree in 1981, completed military service in the German Air Force, and started his professional career at Unilever in Hamburg, Germany, in 1982. He joined the family-owned igus GmbH in 1983. He has transformed the small operation into a customer-driven, innovative company with thousands of proprietary products and subsidiaries and sales points in more than 70 countries. In 1985, Frank developed the “igus solar system,” a customer-focused (the customer is the sun) organizational structure with three levels: the team, the team leaders, and the CEOs. Frank serves as president for all igus subsidiaries in the USA, Brazil, Singapore, Japan, England, Italy and other countries. He lives in a remarkable home in Cologne, Germany, and is active in the Horned Frogs in Deutschland Alumni group. Frank said he came to TCU because “both adventure and a good education called.” TCU’s cooperation with the Carl Duisberg Foundation led to an “unbeatable three-year degree out of German high school.” Obtaining his MBA degree from the Neeley School did much to help Frank’s career back home in Germany. “Neeley gave me the fundamentals, the confidence, and the methods to crack any tough problem,” he said. “Plus that indomitable can-do spirit.” Even in the late ’70s and early ’80s when Frank was a student at TCU, the Neeley School already had several programs overseas and hosted about 20 percent international students. “Yet I am very impressed by the progress made since then. When I visit the campus for board meetings and other events, I see and meet students from all over the world, studying and gathering together at TCU. And that is as it should be. Leadership is global these days. With 29 international companies at igus, I experience it every day.” — Elaine C. Cole 30 Texas Christian University UNDERGRADUATE 1960s Patrick Admire ’65 is a candidate for the position of Trustee in District 5 of the Tarrant County College District. Hugh Lucas ’66 received his law degree from Baylor University in 1967. He has retired from private practice. Prior to this, Hugh was a Felony Chief Prosecutor for Dallas County. Hugh lives in Dallas with weekends spent on family property in Athens, Texas. He and wife Ranna have two sons and two grandchildren. Mike Matkin ’66 retired from Trammel Crow Company in 2002 and is currently President of Pikes Peak Habitat for Humanity. He and wife Karen live in Colorado Springs, Colo., and have been married for 40 years. They have two children and three grandchildren. Mike Hall ’67 has been in the financial planning, investments and insurance business for 38 years. He recently started Sunrise 401(k). www.sunrise401k.com. Rob Johnson ’68 is switching to the restaurant scene after 36 years in commercial real estate. Rob is the President of Houston-based Rob Johnson Interests and the newest franchisee for Bullritos, a quick-casual burrito concept. P.D. Shabay ’68 retired Bell Helicopter executive, has been named to the board of the recently announced Fort Worth class notes Museum of Air & Space. The museum will bring worldwide focus to the deep history of aviation in Fort Worth. 1970s Bob Thompson ’72 is Vice President Sales for Lincoln Park Aviation in the Greater Philadelphia Area. Bob is also the Board Chairman for Liberty Ministries, a non-profit organization that provides in-prison and re-entry programs in local prisons. David Glendinning ’74 is semi-retired, but is still a consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice in regard to foreign anti-corruption and business fraud matters. Avocationally, David is conducting behavioral studies involving Giant Pandas for the Smithsonian National Zoo and working in the endocrinology lab at the Smithsonian’s Conservation Biology Institute. Chuck Kuoni III ’74 is Partner at CRG Partners Group, LLC, which was named 2009 Turnaround Firm of the Year by The M&A Advisor at their event on March 23. Kent Bell ’75 is retired after 15 years with Neiman Marcus and 20 years with Ben E. Keith Foods. Kent and wife Debra have been married for thirty years. They have three sons, Ryan, 27, Jared, 24, and Hunter, 21. Ryan is a graduate of Le Cordon Bleu Culinary Academy and has accepted a chef’s job in Mississippi. Jared is a senior at Texas Tech, and Hunter is a sophomore at Weatherford Junior College. Debra is executive assistant to the principal at Arlington Heights High School in Fort Worth. Dan Bates ’76 and his business partner formed LifePoint Charitable Endowment, Inc., in late 2008. LifePoint is a 501(c)(3) public charity uniquely structured to accept and manage the tax-deductable donation of life insurance policies from senior donors that desire to benefit the charity of their choice. Mike Edwards ’76, Vice President of RM COCO & Custom Creations located in Cape Girardeau, Mo., was elected President of the Southeast Missouri Hospital Foundation Board for a two-year term beginning January 2010. RM COCO is a National distributor of distinctive fabrics for drapery, upholstery and home furnishings. Custom Creations by RM COCO is an in-house, full-service sewing workroom for custom draperies, top treatments, bedspreads and cornice boards. In 2006 RM COCO was ranked 24th largest in the world by Fabrics & Furnishings International. Mike McKown ’77 has been awarded the Albert W. and Viola Brown Humanitarian Award by the Past District Governors of The International Association of Lions Clubs, District 2E-2. Mike is a long standing member of Lions Clubs International having served as president of the River Oaks Lions Club in 1991. During this year the River Oaks Lions Club was named the Club of the Year by the Fort Worth StarTelegram. Mike has also served as president of the Lions Organ and Eye Bank of District 2E-2. Rex Magee ’78 and wife Mary share that oldest daughter, Jennifer, had their second granddaughter, Ryle, 5 mos. Daughter Aubrie is attending TCC in Arlington, Texas, and will transfer to a university after 2010-2011, hopefully becoming a Horned Frog. Jim Quinn ’79 has been a golf rep for 22 years and recently won the 2009 NTXPGA Salesman of the Year – Leon Faucett Award from the Northern Texas PGA. Jim is also a Certified Golf Tournament Consultant (CGTC). 1980s Jess Edwards ’80 represented his company as the Global Director of Privacy and Product Security at a conference on April 14 and 15 in Arlington, Va. The conference was sponsored by the Department of Defense and was entitled, “INFORMATION SECURITY - Achieving Information Security on Federal Networked Medical Devices.” Jess is also proud that his daughter, Rebecca, will matriculate at TCU this fall and major in Fashion Merchandising while participating in Army ROTC. Greg Meyer ’81 shares that he was one of the seven on-field football officials and worked as the Side Judge in Super Bowl XLIV between the New Orleans Saints and Indianapolis Colts. Linda Sieron Christensen ’82 was promoted to Group Manager over the Small Business product management organization with Verizon Communications. She has been with Verizon, holding various positions, for 13 years. Linda is married to Knute and has two sons, Carson, 10, and Parker, 8. They reside in Dallas. Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 31 class notes Celia McGrath ’82 has rejoined the U.S. Treasury’s Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC). She is spending 80 percent of her time on the road examining national banks and their commercial real estate loan portfolios. To avoid potential conflicts of interest between national banks in Ohio and her family’s chocolate manufacturing company there, Celia relocated to Texas where she and husband Bob plan to retire. They are proud to call Amarillo, Texas, their new home town. Peggy Bishop Lane ’85 was selected to the board of directors of the Graduate Management Admissions Council. Peggy is the Deputy Vice Dean for Academic Affairs in the Graduate Division at the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and teaches accounting in the Wharton MBA program. She lives in the suburbs of Philadelphia with her husband Christian and their 6 year old son, James. Catharina Chapman ’87 is graduating with a Masters of Art in Psychology from HBU in May and will serve as the new Kinkaid School Counselor in the fall after a much-needed vacation. Jim Kolkhorst ’88 announces that his company, Kolkhorst Petroleum Company, Inc., has been named to the Inc. 5000 list of fastest growing private companies for both 2008 and 2009. Kolkhorst Petroleum is a fuel wholesaler and also operates the Rattlers chain of convenience stores in South Central Texas. Jim’s wife, Lois Winkelman Kolkhorst TCU ’87, will be elected to her sixth term in the Texas State 32 Texas Christian University Legislature in the fall of 2010. She serves on the Calendars Committee, Criminal Justice Committee and is currently the Chair of the Public Health Committee. The Kolkhorsts have two children, Lois Kate, 11, and Jake, 7. The family resides in Brenham, Texas. Lawyers in Dallas Under 40” in business bankruptcy law in D Magazine. 1990s Michael Thoele ’95 was promoted to the position of District Parts Leader for North Texas/Oklahoma Trane. Michael has been with Trane for nine years. He lives in Frisco, Texas. Mike Sullivan ’90 accepted a position at Clean Energy Fuels as a Business Development Manager for fleet trucking and ports in the South Central Region. Clean Energy Fuels is the leading provider of natural gas (CNG and LNG) for transportation in North America. Dan Rabbitt ’91 and wife Diane announce the birth of their third child, Hailey Grace, on December 29. Joey Ayers ’94 and wife Kim welcome their fourth future Horned Frog, Molly Ann, born December 18. Proud big sisters Megan, Madison and Macie can’t wait to show her how to cheer for the Frogs this year. Joey works for HP in Plano and Kim is blessed by being home with their four girls. They reside in Frisco, Texas. Tonya Moffat Ramsey ’94 was recently elected into the partnership of Vinson & Elkins, LLP. Tonya’s practice includes all aspects of restructuring and reorganization work, including the representation of debtors, lenders, creditors, landlords, and trustees. Tonya has been named a “Texas Rising Star” in Texas Monthly, and as one of “The Best Gem-Ann Reagan ’95 is starting a new job as a Marketing Communications Program Manager for Texas Instruments after 10 years with IBM. Catherine Fuss Meihofer ’96 and husband Karl are pleased to announce the arrival of their baby girl, Mary Elizabeth. Catherine is a Marketing Manager at Newell Rubbermaid. They live in Atlanta, Ga. Leslie Gimber Bannister ’98 announces the birth of her fourth son, Zeb, on October 9. Leslie and husband Will own Clarity Homes headquartered in Fort Worth. Katie Gilder Leach ’98 and husband Ted announce the birth of Nathaniel Edward and Abigail Lucy on February 7. Brian Oley ’98 and Jessica Karam Oley ’00 are pleased to announce the arrival of Jude Thomas class notes M ichael Baer BBA ’85 came to TCU because he wanted a smaller classroom experience. He left with a much larger perception of the world. “Our universities are overcrowded, so there is little interaction with professors. I was looking for more personal contact with the teaching staff; therefore, a better learning experience. TCU was most welcoming and genuinely interested in recruiting young people like myself from different countries,” said Michael. Once he got here, the Neeley School opened his eyes to the world. “Coming from a small country like Switzerland to a place where everything is so large was a stunning experience,” Michael said. “I was taught how to think big and create ambitious business plans that encompassed dreams.” With more than 20 years of experience in investment banking, trading, and private banking in New York, London, Frankfurt, Tokyo, Hong Kong and Zurich, Michel launched Baer Capital Partners Ltd. in 2006 to provide financial advisory and investment management services for clients investing in India. “Why India? There are only two countries with above-average growth today: India and China. While there are plenty of opportunities in the U.S. and Europe, I am convinced that India and China will carry the momentum during the next five to 10 years. My partners and I want to be part of that.” Michael previously was Head of Private Banking and on the Executive Board at Julius Bär Group, the largest Swiss private bank. He also serves on the Neeley International Board of Visitors. “It is a privilege to be involved with TCU. Interacting with students, finding out what they are learning, how they are learning and what issues they are facing is one of the most important aspects of visiting TCU on a regular basis. Trying to give input from a nonAmerican point of view and meeting my fellow board members make it that much more pleasurable.” Michael shares his passion for travel with his wife Susan TCU ’87 and their two children. “Visiting foreign places is the best education a person could get. Learning about new cultures, understanding foreign concepts, and accepting that people express themselves in different ways in different countries, are some of the benefits of seeing the world. Living in different countries also allows you to be opportunistic. You can work in places where growth is taking place and acquire skills which allow you to maximize your income.” — Elaine C. Cole on February 4. Brian, Jessica and Jude live in Dallas. Martin Reidy ’98 works as a Medical Operations officer assigned to United States Forces in Baghdad, Iraq. He plans to attend graduate school upon completion of his current tour and spend time with his wife, family and friends. Keri Rieger ’98 recently received two awards – Top Rookie in Units for 2009 and Top Rookie in Gross Closed Commissions for 2009 for all of East Texas. Keri was also named Rookie of the Year for 2009 by her broker at Century 21 The Elite Group in her Longview, Texas, office. Kristen Sackett Scott ’98 and husband Jim welcomed son William Hodge on November 21. William joins big sister Ella, 2. Kristen and Jim live in Dallas where Kristen is enjoying her time as a stay-at-home mom. Darren Bodenhamer ’99 and wife Brandy were blessed with the birth of their first child, Faith Ann, on October 18. She is the first grandchild of Don Bodenhamer ’73. 2000s Doug Fluchel ’00 and wife Kari welcome their first child, Jackson David. He was born on October 7. Doug is a Finance Director for Angelica Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 33 class notes Corporation in St. Louis, Mo., and Kari has her own chiropractic practice. Marshall and Ryan both work in Finance at Southwest Airlines. provide legal support for Crescent’s day-to-day real estate operations. Geoff Justice ’00 was promoted to Key Account Manager & Brand Ambassador for the North America Travel Retail Division at Beam Global Spirits & Wine in January. Geoff and wife Emily Cooper Justice TCU ’00 currently live in Evanston, Ill. Rob Hyman ’01 and wife Carolyn TCU ’03 celebrated his 30th birthday in Dublin, Ireland, by seeing U2 open up their Ireland show of their 360 tour. After getting to their seats they saw a man sitting in front of them wearing a Shelly Taylor Heinrich ’04 recently moved to the George Washington University School of Business where she is the Assistant Director of MBA and Graduate Admissions. Michael Rodriguez ’00 recently became Sales Manager for the Fort Worth Complex of Merrill Lynch. Mark Boone ’01 is the Director of Sales and Leasing for Realty Capital Corporation in Dallas. Mark focuses on commercial properties and raw land in North East Tarrant County. Joshua Botts ’01 and Kristen Green Botts ’05 welcomed their daughter, Caroline Grace, on July 1. Josh works in Dallas as a real estate attorney and Kristen is busy at home with Caroline. Lane Lankton Kuntz ’01 accepted a position as Marketing Promotions Manager at Galderma, a pharmaceutical dermatology company. Prior to this, she spent more than eight years at Alcon Laboratories in various sales and marketing positions. Mary-Marshall Martinez ’01 and husband Ryan welcomed their first child, Harper Elisabeth, on August 17. Mary- 34 Texas Christian University TCU hat. He and his wife both attended TCU. The man, Paul Poston ’96, and Rob both work in the insurance industry in Fort Worth. His wife, Allison TCU ’96, and Carolyn were in the same sorority, and both couples live within three miles of each other in Fort Worth. They have become good friends since running into each other in Ireland. Brian King ’01 recently accepted a position at the Public Company Accounting Overshight Board (PCAOB) as an Inspection Specialist in December. Christopher Blair ’02 received a master’s degree in Public Administration from the University of Texas Arlington in August 2008. In 2009, he accepted an appointment with the Defense Contract Audit Agency in Irving, Texas. Andrew Lombardi ’03 formerly an attorney with McDonald Sanders, P.C., accepted a position with Crescent Real Estate Equities, LLC, as the Asset Management Counsel. Andrew will Chad Hufsey ’04 and Robin Lorch Hufsey ’04 are proud to announce that future Horned Frog, Audrey Caroline, was born on March 27. Chad is a full-time student in the MBA program at Harvard Business School and Robin is a stay-at-home mom and loving every minute of it. They live in Boston. Jennifer Tindall Anderson ’05 is an Account Manager/Recruiter with KForce Professional Staffing, Finance and Accounting, in Houston. Dominique Dennis ’05 was promoted to the Associate Materials Manager at Stryker Communications in March. This role encompasses the management of both Purchasing and Business Planning. In addition, Dominique received the Rookie Manager of the Year Award and Overall Best Cost Reduction Award for 2009 at the Total Endoscopy Operations Congress for Stryker Communications. Chris Duty ’05 started Realty Pros of Austin, a property management and real estate company based in Central Austin, in October. He hired TCU grad Nick Quijano ’05 who is the top producer at the company. Chris became engaged to Andrea Bearce TCU ’07 on January 1. class notes They will be married in Austin on September 11. thoughts, pictures, videos and files in one place. Visit www.swur.li. Jamie Hoxie ’05 was hired as a Trial Attorney for the Civil Division of the Justice Department through the Attorney General’s Honors Program. Lance Coplin ’06 received his Certified General Appraiser License with the help of TCU Professor Glenn Garoon. Lance works for Dallas-based Butler Burgher Group, LLC, and appraises multifamily, office, industrial, retail and undeveloped land throughout the country. Abe Isa ’05 announces that Abe Isa Real Estate has put together a multi-million dollar fund to acquire, rehab, and sell bank and government owned single and multi- family properties in all price ranges including low, middle, and high end properties. The fund is being used to purchase property in the San Antonio market and is part of the company’s first expansion out of the DFW Metroplex. Nick Kuehn ’05 graduated in May with a J.D. from South Texas College of Law in Houston. He plans to practice energy and real estate property law. Gabriel Ortiz ’05 was promoted to management as World-Wide Finance and Operations Manager, Storage Products Group, for Texas Instruments. George Gdovin ’06 is the Vice President of an interactive marketing firm. His role requires foresight as to what the latest and greatest social media tools will be in our social media branding campaigns. Out of this role he has started his own social media concept called Swurli – a completely new way to organize your Drew Corbett ’06 accepted a Denverbased job with Stockamp & Associates, a healthcare consulting firm, transitioning from Sg2 Healthcare Consulting in Chicago in June. Janna Jackson ’06 began working for Neiman Marcus Online in the Marketing Department as a Marketing Analyst after graduation. She was then promoted to an Assistant Marketing Manager. In January, Janna was promoted to Web Advertising Manager and now works on online advertising for all Neiman Marcus stores. Lindsay Nemec ’06 moved to New York City to work for Smarsh, Inc., as an Account Executive. Christopher Schaum ’06 married Amanda O’Dell, Harris School of Nursing ’07, in May 2009. The couple recently moved from Fort Worth to Austin where Amanda works as a RN at Dell Children’s in the Emergency Department and Christopher works in commercial marketing and sales for Zebra Imaging. Zebra Imaging develops 3D digital holographic images, hologram images and interactive 3D displays for government and commercial uses. J Trevor Heaney ’07 was promoted to Vice President for First Preston Management, a national Asset Management and Marketing firm and HomeTelos, a real estate services and technology company, both headquartered in Dallas. He is currently responsible for new business development, client relations and strategic expansion initiatives. Hannah Sweeney ’07 and Phillip Lively were married on April 10. The bridal party included Katie Lesikar TCU ’07. Hannah is a Loan Analyst for Southside Bank in Tyler, Texas. Phillip is a Salesman for Giglio Distributing in Palestine, Texas. Aaron Dvorak ’08 is an Accountant II for the Employees Retirement System of Texas. He married Alana M. Villegas TCU ’07 on January 1. Steven Goudeau ’08 works for Champion Technologies, an offshore oil and gas service company. Giang Hoang ’08 returned to Vietnam in 2009. Giang works as an Analyst at Viet Capital Securities. Jonathan Turner ’09 is working for TDameritrade. former faculty Robert (Bob) Beatty TCU ’85 has been named as Dean of the School of Commerce and Management at Whitworth University in Spokane, Wash., effective June 14. Bob was an Assistant Professor in the Neeley School from 2001-2003. Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 35 1 2 5 6 9 10 13 36 Texas Christian University 3 7 11 14 on the scene 1 The Neeley MBA team of Aaron Duncan, Natalie Ayala, Russell Martin, Brent Nicewonger, Scott Scherer and Cody Smithers won first place and $10,000 at the Texas Shoot-Out Real Estate Competition in Dallas. This year’s case challenge was to propose the best use for the 80-acre tract of land left in Irving, Texas, after the demolition of Texas Stadium. The case competition was hosted by the North Texas Chapter 4 of National Association of Office and Industrial Properties. 2 Tom Curley, CEO of The Associated Press, and Dean Homer Erekson visit before the Tandy Executive Speaker Series where Curley was the guest speaker. 3 Members of the BNSF Next Generation Leadership Program brave the cold during a trip to the UK over the semester break. 4 Proof that it truly is a small world, Dean Homer Erekson runs into three TCU students during a trip to Seville, Spain. 5 Dr. Ruth N. Bolton, Executive Director of the Marketing Science Institute, is the 2010 speaker for the Dyess Lecture in Marketing. Jack Blanton, son-in-law of Earl Dyess, presents her with a plaque. 6 Neeley students participate in a cooking class during a study abroad trip to Europe. The students made the meal with the assistance of Chef Tina from Up to the Villa cooking school at Villa Fillinelle near Florence. 8 The students are Hunt Woodruff, Paul Meyer, Ryan Wilson, Liz Lombardi and Madison Gill. 7 Dr. Sam Lane, of the Aspen Family Business Group, addresses the participants of the Family Business Seminar hosted by the Neeley Entrepreneurship Center. 8 Max Harris, a junior finance and accounting double major, participated in an interview simulation during the first Roadmap to Careers in Financial Services. Harris was interviewed by Walker Moody, Vice President in the Investment Management Division for Goldman Sachs, and Eileen Urban, Managing Director of Credit Suisse and a member of senior management of the Investment Banking department based in New York. 9 The Neeley team of Blake Armstrong, Lay Wah Ching Chiang, Aline Mora Diaz, Alberto Gonzalez,Giorgio Rivera and Ramon Rodriguez won first place at the Global View Challenge in Columbia. The event was hosted by Universidad EAFIT. 10 Nolan Ryan, Dallas Mayor Tom Leppert, and Dean O. Homer Erekson at the TCU Business Network of Dallas. 12 11 Neeley Fellows Caroline Dixon, Sammie Phillips and Chase Bruton show their TCU pride along with TODAY co-anchor Matt Lauer during a trip to New York City. 12 Luminex CEO Patrick Balthrop answers a question from Dean Homer Erekson during the Tandy Executive Speaker Series. 13 Neeley MBA student Reema Singh, second from left, was part of the winning team at the 3rd Annual Neeley Sales & Marketing Strategy Case Competition. This year’s competition focused on the new Sony bloggie™ camera. 14 Second-year MBA students jumped at the chance to have lunch with Southwest Airlines’ President Emeritus Colleen Barrett. The trip was part of Neeley Connections, a program through the Graduate Career Service Center, that allows TCU MBA students to travel to corporate headquarters to meet with executives and recruiters. 15 15 Pawan Chaturvedi, Partner and Head of Asia Pacific, Altius Associates Limited, addresses the audience during the 8th Annual Investment Strategies Conference. Neeley Magazine / Spring 2010 37 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Ft. Worth, TX Permit No. 2143 Texas Christian University TCU Box 298530 Fort Worth, Texas 76129 Personal. Connected. Real. The Neeley School of Business focuses on personal development, vital connections and real experiences. Bright minds are put to work in a variety of learning environments. Brilliant faculty members electrify classrooms. Nationally and internationally renowned executives make powerful connections. And real-world work experiences ensure that tomorrow’s technology and business processes become business as usual. Everything we do is geared toward forging the next generation of leaders — one unique person at a time. www.neeley.tcu.edu
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