 From all
of us at Atkinson — we wish you happy holidays
and a wonderful new year! Please note that due to the holidays there will be no January issue of the ATKINSONews
December 2009
special holiday message
To the tune of “Jingle Bells”
Just a term to go,
Students hope for every day,
Internships or jobs
Offers on the way.
Referrals we invite
Students do delight
What skills and knowledge they do bring
WU MBAs are right!
Jingle bells, buy or sell, what does the DOW display?
It’s more fun to provide
An Annual Fund gift today – Hey!
Jingle bells, Nike and Intel, public and non-profit on the way
With faculty as a guide
Our graduates save the day!
A year or so ago
We all did decide
To add Henry and Mark
And Robert on our side.
It’s the best, to be frank,
The people that we’ve got
Our community we thank
We appreciate you a lot!
Jingle bells, this song tells, it’s time for us to say,
From all of us at AGSM
Health and success everyday.
Alumni News
Family Additions
 Greg Jones '02 and Kim Jones MBA'02 are excited to announce the birth of their son, Cody Lee Jones. He was born on 11/13/09 at 11:25 pm and shares a birthday with his big brother, Caleb (2 years old). Cody was 7 pounds, 5 ounces and 19.75 inches. Kim will continue to stay home with the boys and work part-time as a family and wedding photographer.
 Kristin Kondo Storfa MBA'03 and Ryan Storfa MBA'03 welcomed Cadel Storfa on April 27, 2009. Cadel was 8 lbs 7 oz and 20.5 inches. Kristin is the Associate Director of Annual Giving at Pacific University and Ryan is the Director of Inventory Planning at Game Crazy.
 Ichiro Nakajima MBA'06 and his wife Etsuko welcomed their third granddaughter Saki into the world on November 9th at 4:30 pm. Saki Nakajima weighed 3,400 gm and was 50 cm long. Their grandchildren are all girls.
 Meghan Laro MBA'06 and her husband welcomed Annika Elizabeth Laro on 11/9/09 at 1:11 a.m. She weighed 8 lbs 9 oz, 21 inches long. Mom, Dad (Eric), baby, and big brother Ryan (2) are all doing well.
Updates
Raymond Ono '76, MAD'78 was recently promoted to vice chairman and chief banking officer for First Hawaiian Bank, the state's oldest bank and its largest in total assets and deposits. As reported in the Honolulu Star Bulletin, Raymond will be responsible for branches, retail and business banking and wealth management. Ono joined First Hawaiian in 1978 as a trainee and has worked his way steadily up the ranks. Click to read the full article.
Geoff Winkler '03, JD'06, MBA'08 accepted an adjunct faculty position at Chemeketa Community College this Fall where he will be teaching evening classes in Political Science and Business.
 John B. Kern JD/MM'94 is Chairman and CEO of a biomass export company he recently launched in Charleston, South Carolina where he practices international business law and has since 1994. Carolina-Pacific LLC exports briquetted Southern Yellow Pine and Energy Crops to the UK and Scandinavia. www.carolina-pacific.com.
In March 2008, shortly after earning the Certified Financial Planner(CFP) designation, Sheldon Ren MM'98 successfully started his independent financial planning practice in Lake Oswego, OR. His practice specializes in comprehensive wealth management, behavioral finance, advanced financial planning areas such as risk management, tax and estate planning.
Matt G. Matrisciano JD/MBA'08 recently accepted a position as an associate attorney at DeKalb Brenneman & Brenneman in Bend, OR. He will be practicing criminal law, business law, and estate planning. Feel free to call the office at 541-388-1660 or email Matt at matt@dbbattys.com at any time.
  Rich Mussler MBA'89 recently published a third book, a novel called Trial of Justice that is being released on January 5, 2010. In 2009, Rich had 50 book signings! "Lots of fun and the books are doing well," writes Rich "especially in the southwest. I may be returning for a book signing this spring to the Pacific Northwest." Click www.twistedtexan.com for more information or to purchase the book.
Atkinson News
MBA for Professionals Celebrates 100 Graduates
During the January 2010 Commencement program, the Willamette University MBA for Professionals will celebrate a milestone - exceeding 100 graduates in Salem and Portland. All MBA for Professionals alumni are invited to attend a special reception following the commencement ceremony. A special list of graduates will be printed in the Portland Business Journal's "Book of Lists" for 2010. You can also download the PDF of the list online.
Atkinson Celebrates a Longstanding Tradition
 Dean Debra Ringold and Career Management Advisor Shelby Gould carried out a longstanding and much-loved tradition among Atkinson students, faculty and staff: Pumpkin Pie Day with the Dean on November 19th. It was a welcome break for the community as students prepare for finals, faculty wrap up classes and staff members bring the semester to a close.
Events
Upcoming Events
POWER Lunch SERIES: Learn. Interact. Connect.
Join Willamette University MBA faculty, staff, students and alumni for an interactive conversation with one of our distinguished Power Lunch presenters.
Time: 12:00p.m. - 1:00p.m.
Location: Willamette University Campus Salem, Oregon
Upcoming Power Lunch Speakers
Feb 17 - Steve Bass, CEO of OPB
Mar 17 - LeaAnn Doolittle, HR Director of NW Natural
Learn more and RSVP at: http://www.willamette.edu/mba/power-series/.
Calendar
| Dec 10-20 |
Holiday Events at Willamette |
| Dec 24-Jan 1 |
Holiday Break - Offices Closed |
| Dec 25 |
Faculty Administrative Support Specialist Holly Carson's Birthday |
| Dec 27 |
Faculty Administrative Support Specialist Mary Stout's Birthday |
| Jan 9 |
Career Management Advisor Shelby Gould's Birthday |
| Jan 11 |
MBA for Professionals: First Day of Class |
| Jan 12 |
Senior Assistant to the Dean Susan Chiapella's Birthday |
| Jan 12 |
First Early Action Application Deadline for Full-time MBA |
| Jan 16 |
MBA for Professionals Commencement |
| Jan 17 |
Professor Robert Couch's Birthday |
| Jan 18 |
Full-time MBA: First Day of Class |
| Feb 16 |
Professor Larry Ettner's Birthday |
| Feb 17 |
Power Lunch: Steve Bass |
|
[ alumni events calendar ]
Career Management
Update from the Career Management Team: Beth Ursin & Shelby Gould
  Full-time MBA Career Development
This month, I wanted to take a minute to explain the process that all first year students in our full-time MBA program go through in preparation for their job search. Each semester, students are encouraged to submit a semester long career plan to share with Career Management Staff. This enables us to know what career fields students are looking at and what help they may need. In November, our students went through a mock interview simulation. Shelby and I created 10 mock jobs for first year students for which they turned in a resume and cover letter. After receiving feedback on their application materials, students had an opportunity to resubmit their applications. Next, our Peer Career Advisors did mock phone interviews for these jobs and evaluated their performance. Finally, recruiters, alumni and friends of the University came on campus and did one-on-one mock interviews with the students and evaluated their performance. Winners from each job are guaranteed a spot on our winter Seattle Trek. Every year, students compliment the process and learn so much from the evaluations. As I read the spring semester career plans, I am constantly amazed at how much students have accomplished during their fall semester and how generous our alumni and friends have been with their time in not only helping students through the mock interview process, but also by providing numerous informational interviews. I want to give special thanks to those of you who were mock interviewers and to those of you that provided insight and guidance with these students.
Students seeking work outside the Northwest
As you know, many of our students select Willamette because they intend to stay in the Northwest. However, there’s a growing number of students who are looking outside the Northwest for optimal career opportunities. Based on this, we had 12 students attend the National Society for Hispanic MBA Conference and Career Fair in Minneapolis in October and another 10 attend the National Women’s MBA Conference and Career Fair in Los Angeles. In addition, Beth has started to engage alumni and recruiters in cities such as San Francisco and the greater Bay Area, Los Angeles, and Washington DC. If you are living outside the US and would be interested in serving as a location advisor for students interested in moving to your city/state, I’d love to hear from you. When I recently attended the National Society for Human Resource Management Leadership Conference in Washington DC, I met with a number of alumni who were encouraging of job prospects for our students in the greater DC area. Several of them have decided to start a list-serve and network with each other on a regular basis. In addition, they have already sent me a number of job openings for our students, which has been incredibly helpful. In this economy, our students are finding that it’s all about WHO you know and are eternally grateful for our amazing alumni community.
MBA for Professionals
This month we launched the first workshop in the Career Management Certificate Series, which was focused on Professional Speaking and very well received by students. Over the next year, our Executive Development Department will roll out several more day-long workshops designed for those students who are interested in improving their careers.
Executive Development Center
New offering from the EDC
For anyone interested in improving your on-the-job effectiveness and increasing your opportunities for career growth, the Certificate in Career Management and Coaching may be just what you are looking for! Offered in Portland and in Salem, this program is designed for those who want to get clear on their career goals and strengths and learn how to take charge of their careers by applying new professional skills in the workplace. Also, learn how to coach others as you apply the knowledge yourself. Ten segments are offered between January and June; completing seven is required to receive a certificate. Read more at: http://www.willamette.edu/mba/executive/career_management/
Contact us at: edc@willamette.edu for more details. Special pricing for alums and current students!
Certificate in Business Lawyering – Designed for Attorneys and In-House Counsel
Are you a law firm looking to attract and retain talented associates or develop future partners and practice leaders? Are you a general counsel who wants to provide relevant and immediate professional development opportunities for your staff? Are you a legal professional eager to expand your knowledge to better advise clients with business challenges that raise legal issues? The Certificate in Business Lawyering (CBL) program offers an approach to business that includes tools, resources and concepts to increase an attorney’s value and productivity. Become a better lawyer by thinking about business issues the way business decision-makers think about them. Prepare to be a partner or general counsel by building your expertise in the business side of your profession. View our website: http://www.willamette.edu/mba/cbl/.
Register Now – Sustainable Enterprise Certificate Starts February 2010
Last month the Atkinson Graduate School was recognized as a top program globally for corporate social responsibility and environmental stewardship. Following Atkinson's commitment to sustainability, the Sustainable Enterprise Certificate program presents world-renown speakers specializing in social and environmental well-being. The program focuses on the dynamics of complex systems, followed by a practical look at social systems and how the expansion of social well-being ties directly to economic and environmental well-being.
The lineup of speakers in the 2010 Sustainable Enterprise Certificate includes Polar explorer Robert Swan, Mary Hansel of the Biomimicry Institute and Norm Miller of the Climate Science Department at the Berkeley National Laboratory.
For more information on the Sustainable Enterprise Certificate, visit http://www.willamette.edu/mba/sustainability.
Session One:
System Dynamics
February 17-19, 2010
Systemic Implications of Climate Change - February 26 – Webinar
Climate Interactive - March 5 - Webinar
Session Two:
Natural and Social Systems
March 17-19, 2010
What the Antarctic Treaty Can Teach Us - March 26 - Webinar
Session Three:
Moving Into Action - Creating a Sustainability Plan
April 14-16, 2010
Visit the website for a complete schedule, list of presenters and more information on the Sustainable Enterprise Certificate. (hyperlink sentence: http://www.willamette.edu/mba/sustainability)
Faculty News
 A recent Wall Street Journal article on the economic returns of angel investing included the expertise of Robert Wiltbank, associate professor of strategic management at Willamette's Atkinson Graduate School of Management. Angel investors are people "who privately provide capital to a promising business, often a start-up, that isn't run by a friend or family member," according to the article. The article notes that with the current economic climate making it tougher for start-ups to obtain financing, more outsiders may be considering investing in these businesses. Read complete article.
 Fred Thompson was interviewed by The Pew Center on the States in Washington, D.C. for a report titled, “Beyond California: States in Fiscal Peril.” Thompson discussed the economic situation in Oregon. Click to read the full article.
 Polly Rizova's research on social networks and innovation was cited for a 4th time in the Wall Street Journal on October 26, 2009:
- Wall Street Journal, "Who Knows What?" Link
- MIT Sloan Management Review, "Are You Networked for Successful Innovation?" By Polly Rizova. Link
 Lisbeth Claus completed four additional instructional vignettes in the "Global HR in Action" series:
- Operating SFS-Qatar as a U.S. Campus Abroad: Sharia in Action
- Mobilizing Volunteers to Contribute to Chaitanya’s Mission in India: A Global Volunteer Workforce in Action
- Increasing Passenger Satisfaction at Thai Airways: Cross-Cultural Training in Action
- Social Tensions and Labor Conflicts in France: International Industrial Relations in Action
These vignettes, developed in cooperation with MBA students in her classes, are used by global HR intructors, trainers and students all over the world and are made available free of charge for download at www.willamette.edu/agsm/global_hr.
  An in-depth Statesman Journal report on the investment strategy with Oregon’spension system included the expertise of Professors Wei Wu and Michael Dothan. The article, which discusses the crisis in Oregon's pension system, appeared on November 2, 2009. Click for full article.
Staff News
Beth Ursin MBA'00, Director of Career Management, served as a panelist at the recent Women’s Mentoring Symposium on November 3rd held at IBM in Beaverton. Her topic was “The role mentoring plays in ones career development and growth”. The Women’s Mentoring Symposium was an evening dedicated to Women's Mentoring In The Workplace And In Our Communities. Beth was also elected to serve as the College Relations Director for the Oregon State Council of SHRM (Society for Human Resources Management Association) in 2010.
 Desiree Vorhees, MBA Admission Counselor, represented Willamette University MBA at the first National Black Pre-MBA conference this November held at the University of Houston, in Houston, Texas. The conference attracted over 100 current and aspiring entrepreneurs and business professionals. Desiree was a panelist and spoke to attendees about the MBA Admission process, providing insider tips, advice and strategies for being a highly competitive applicant. Desiree also represented Willamette MBA and advised students one-on-one at the Graduate School Fair held during the conference.
Student News
MBA Student Honored by National Society of Hispanic MBA's
 Current Full-time MBA student Evelyn Martinez was voted by her peers and fellow NSHMBA Board volunteers for the 2009 NSHMBA Seattle Leadership Excellence Award as Student Liaison of the Year for her superior leadership, exceeding expectations in all facets of work, and significant contributions to advancing NSHMBA's mission of fostering Hispanic leadership through graduate management education and professional development to improve society. Evelyn was honored at the 1st annual NSHMBA Seattle Leadership Awards Banquet on Saturday, December 5th, 2009, where she was presented with the award. (Pictured on left at the awards banquet).
Student SHRM Chapter Promotes Charitable Giving
The SHRM Community Project resulted in the following: 25 Teddy Bears were donated to the Pediatrics Department at the Salem Hospital. Thanks to everyone who participated and a special thanks to Professor Fred Thompson for supporting the 2nd Year's project. There was a total of 8 PACE teams who participated in the "Mother/Baby Basket" Project. Thanks to all the students who participated! Honorable Mention: Pace Team 2-2
WINNERS: The Pathfinder Consulting PACE Team. Congratulations!
All donations were given to the Salem Hospital.
"I know of no more encouraging fact than the unquestionable ability of man to elevate his life by conscious endeavor."
Henry David Thoreau |
