Spring 2010 Issue - Neeley School of Business

Transcription

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
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
neeleynews@tcu.edu
©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
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
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
Raymond and Judy Smilor
Entrepreneurial Leadership Fund
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.
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
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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
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
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
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
17
Connecting Students to the World of Business
18
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
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
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.
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
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!
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
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.
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
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
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
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.
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
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
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.
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
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.
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
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
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
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
multifamily 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.
35
1
2
5
6
9
10
13
36
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.
37
Non-Profit Org.
U.S. Postage
PAID
Ft. Worth, TX
Permit No. 2143
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

Spring 2010 Issue - Neeley School of Business

Transcription

Similar documents

THE FIRST MBA PROGRAM IN VIETNAM WITH

THE TEXAS HEAD START DIRECTORS` ROUNDTABLE

IPMD Entrepreneur Seet

The Neeley School`s Founding Fathers Alumni Profiles 1950-2002

Fellows Front Page - Neeley School of Business

Wednesday, Dec. 12, 11 am to 1 pm Texins Activity Center

College Prep 8/23/2013 - IDEA Public Schools / Homepage

! Fair Play Casino Winterswijk

Cotton Defoliation Turn Row Meeting

1960s 1970s 1980s - Stanford Graduate School of Business

MOON DAY 2016 - Girl Scouts Northeast Texas

Spring 2008 Issue - Neeley School of Business

Our People Are Our Strongest - Neeley School of Business