A Night with the Stars 2007 - Eller College of Management ...
A Night with the Stars 2007 - Eller College of Management ...
A Night with the Stars 2007 - Eller College of Management ...
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A <strong>Night</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Stars</strong> <strong>2007</strong><br />
The <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Management</strong>’s Undergraduate Programs Office would like to thank Philip<br />
Morris USA - A <strong>Night</strong> <strong>with</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Stars</strong> Premier Event Sponsor.<br />
Outstanding Seniors<br />
Accounting<br />
Roman Eskue<br />
Accounting Major<br />
Honors and Awards<br />
ASCPA Scholarship<br />
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship<br />
President’s Award Scholarship<br />
Dean’s List<br />
Extracurricular Activities<br />
Master <strong>of</strong> Accounting Student Organization, Member<br />
Chase +1 Ambassador Program, Student Ambassador<br />
Accounting Student Association, Executive Board Webmaster<br />
Phi Theta Kappa, Honorary Member<br />
Beta Gamma Sigma, Honorary Member<br />
Business Economics<br />
Charles M. Post<br />
Business Economics Major<br />
Honors and Awards<br />
President’s Award Scholarship<br />
Provost Scholarship<br />
Robert C. Byrd Scholarship<br />
Target Great Team Hero, September 2005<br />
First Level Honors Distinction<br />
Extracurricular Activities<br />
PCW Productions (UA Independent Film Club), Founder and Treasurer<br />
Arizona Student Union Consultant<br />
Target Floor Team Member<br />
Business <strong>Management</strong><br />
Jenny L. Huynh<br />
Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Honors and Awards<br />
Arizona Spirit <strong>of</strong> Discovery Award<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Arizona Achievement Award<br />
Dean’s List <strong>with</strong> Distinction for Outstanding Achievement<br />
USA Scholarship America Award<br />
Wimberly-Johnson Scholarship
Extracurricular Activities<br />
Women’s Leadership Conference, Communications Chair<br />
<strong>Eller</strong> Pre-Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Student Association, Vice President <strong>of</strong> Operations<br />
ASUA Spring Fling, Community Relations Coordinator<br />
American Marketing Association<br />
Finance<br />
Ngoc Can<br />
Finance Major<br />
Honors and Awards<br />
SIFE National Competition 2 nd Runner Up<br />
<strong>Eller</strong> Representative at Emory Undergraduate Business School<br />
Leadership Conference<br />
Highest Academic Distinction<br />
First Prize for Cultural Essay in Student Guide Essay’s Contest<br />
Extracurricular Activities<br />
SCNO, Director <strong>of</strong> Education<br />
<strong>Eller</strong> Student Appropriation Board, Secretary<br />
Stock Repurchase, Research Assistant<br />
Merger & Acquisition, Research Assistant<br />
Marketing<br />
Christina Andrews<br />
Marketing Major<br />
Honors and Awards<br />
First Level Honors, May 2005<br />
Beta Gamma Sigma Business Honorary<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Arizona Provost and Spirit <strong>of</strong> Discovery Scholarship<br />
University <strong>of</strong> Arizona Honors Program<br />
Extracurricular Activities<br />
Honor Society, Member<br />
Delta Sigma Pi Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Business Fraternity<br />
<strong>Eller</strong> Scholars Organization<br />
Kappa Kappa Gamma Sorority<br />
<strong>Management</strong> Information Systems<br />
Laura M. Reid<br />
MIS and Operations <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Honors and Awards<br />
Dean’s List<br />
Extracurricular Activities<br />
Phi Eta National Honor Society<br />
<strong>Management</strong> Information Systems Association (MISA)
Public Administration<br />
Misty Harvey<br />
Criminal Justice Major<br />
Honors and Awards<br />
Pi Alpha Alpha Public Administration Society Inductee<br />
Dean’s List <strong>with</strong> Distinction<br />
Honorable Mention, Fall 2006 and Fall 2004<br />
Phi Theta Kappa International Honor Society<br />
Who’s Who Among Students in American Junior <strong>College</strong>s Inductee<br />
Extracurricular Activities<br />
Preceptor - PA 441<br />
Community Accountability and Reintegration Board, Volunteer<br />
Traditional Apache Ceremonies, Photographer<br />
Native American Student Affairs<br />
<strong>College</strong> Senior Awards<br />
The Laura Henderson Outstanding Multicultural Student Service Award is named for Laura<br />
Henderson, who retired from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> after 10 years as an advisor specializing in<br />
developing programs for minority students. Each year, this award is presented to a graduating<br />
senior who possesses leadership skills and passion for promoting diversity <strong>with</strong>in <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>.<br />
Corissa F. Quijada, Accounting Major<br />
The Marvin Fortman Award for Leadership is named for Dr. Marvin Fortman, Associate Pr<strong>of</strong>essor<br />
Emeritus in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Management</strong> and Policy department, who advised <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> Student<br />
Council for several decades before retiring. This award is given to graduating seniors each year<br />
who have served on <strong>the</strong> council <strong>with</strong> exemplary leadership and commitment.<br />
Vidya Chellappan, Marketing Major<br />
The William B. Barrett Award exists in honor <strong>of</strong> Vice Dean Emeritus, Bill Barrett, who was a<br />
leader in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> for over 30 years and continues to serve <strong>the</strong> college as Special<br />
Assistant to <strong>the</strong> Dean. This award is presented annually to a graduating senior who represents<br />
strong academic accomplishment and service to <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> and <strong>the</strong>ir fellow students.<br />
Melissa Howell, Marketing Major<br />
Undergraduate Dean’s Awards<br />
The Undergraduate Dean's Awards recognize <strong>the</strong> achievements <strong>of</strong> our outstanding students<br />
whose exceptional efforts bring much to <strong>the</strong> undergraduate program <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong>. These<br />
spirited students lead <strong>the</strong> way for o<strong>the</strong>r students as role models and mentors.
Two students were selected from each <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Freshman, Sophomore and Junior classes as<br />
recipients <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Philip Morris: Values-In-Action Award for <strong>the</strong>ir involvement as emerging leaders<br />
in <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong>.<br />
Philip Morris: Values-In-Action Award<br />
Freshmen Recipients<br />
Douglas Gould, Pre-Business Major<br />
Rae Lynn Murillo, Pre-Business Major<br />
Sophomore Recipients<br />
Jessica Candelaria, Marketing Major<br />
Yerbolat Zhumakhmetov, Finance Major<br />
Junior Recipients<br />
Maxwell Burke, Finance Major<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Gipple, Finance Major<br />
Students were chosen for <strong>the</strong>se awards based on <strong>the</strong>ir application. Winners were judged on <strong>the</strong><br />
basis <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong>ir integrity, enthusiasm to succeed, drive for creativity and quality, as well as<br />
demonstrating teamwork. These students modeled exceptional motivation to succeed and<br />
optimism for leading o<strong>the</strong>rs around <strong>the</strong>m.<br />
ACCOUNTING DEPARTMENT:<br />
Department Awards<br />
Outstanding Academic Achievement in Accounting<br />
Priya Sood, Accounting and Entrepreneurship Major<br />
BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS DEPARTMENT:<br />
Outstanding Communication Coach<br />
Rachel Gordon, Business <strong>Management</strong><br />
ECONOMICS DEPARTMENT:<br />
Outstanding Graduating Economics Senior Award<br />
Peter Gross, Economics Major<br />
Mat<strong>the</strong>w Stone, Economics Major<br />
Daniel Tuttle, Economics Major<br />
FINANCE DEPARTMENT:<br />
Department Head's Award for Academic Distinction<br />
Brad J. Conrad, Finance Major
Fielding-Singh Award<br />
Joseph Peccolo, Finance Major<br />
MANAGEMENT AND POLICY DEPARTMENT:<br />
Department Head Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and Service<br />
Jack Hannallah, Business <strong>Management</strong> and Entrepreneurship Major<br />
Certificates <strong>of</strong> Recognition for Outstanding Achievement<br />
Caroline Castro, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Adela Garza, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Joshua Goldberg, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Sarah Ingegneri, Business <strong>Management</strong> and Marketing Major<br />
Christopher Leet, Business <strong>Management</strong> and Entrepreneurship<br />
Amanda Lesperance, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Kristen Maryn, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Alyssa Schwender, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Diana Schwahn, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Dane Sorensen, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Lindsay Wayne, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS:<br />
Salter Leadership Award<br />
Josh Hottenstein, <strong>Management</strong> and Information Systems Major<br />
MARKETING:<br />
Sidney Levy Leadership Award<br />
Gabrielle Pavelko, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Major<br />
Joseph W. Newman Academic Excellence Award<br />
Daniel Shlossman, Marketing Major<br />
Christin Franco, Marketing Major<br />
Lisle & Roslyn Payne Academic Contribution Award<br />
Melissa Howell, Marketing Major<br />
Austin Sams, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Major<br />
Jenny (Ling-chuan) Hsu, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Major<br />
MCGUIRE ENTREPRENEURSHIP CENTER:<br />
Outstanding Senior Team<br />
Christopher Leet, Business <strong>Management</strong> and Entrepreneurship Major<br />
Shannon Kolder, Fine Arts Studies<br />
Gabby Pavelko, Marketing and Entrepreneurship Major
Greg Oates, Finance and Entrepreneurship Major<br />
SCHOOL OF PUBLIC MANAGEMENT AND POLICY<br />
High GPA Among HHS Students<br />
John David Paskach, Health and Human Services Major<br />
High GPA among PM Students<br />
Michael Richard Wilson, Public <strong>Management</strong> and Policy Major<br />
Center for Student Involvement and Leadership’s Outstanding Senior Leader<br />
Lon Huber, Public <strong>Management</strong> and Policy Major<br />
Outstanding Student Organizations <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year<br />
The <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> Student Council (ECSC) selects <strong>the</strong>se awards based upon <strong>the</strong> annual reports<br />
submitted by each student organization.<br />
Outstanding Student Organization <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year: 35 or More Members<br />
Delta Sigma Pi Pr<strong>of</strong>essional Business Fraternity<br />
“Delta Sigma Pi is a pr<strong>of</strong>essional fraternity organized to foster <strong>the</strong> study <strong>of</strong> business in<br />
universities; to encourage scholarship, social activity and <strong>the</strong> association <strong>of</strong> students for <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
mutual advancement by research and practice; to promote closer affiliation between <strong>the</strong><br />
commercial world and students <strong>of</strong> commerce and to fur<strong>the</strong>r a higher standard <strong>of</strong> commercial<br />
ethics and culture and <strong>the</strong> civic and commercial welfare <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> community.”<br />
Delta Sigma Pi is actively involved in <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong>, University <strong>of</strong> Arizona and Tucson<br />
community. In addition to co-coordinating Career Showcase, <strong>the</strong> largest student-run career fair<br />
in <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> Arizona, <strong>the</strong>y hosted numerous events open to all students including an interview<br />
workshop, Golf Clinic, Luncheon Etiquette, and an educational trip to <strong>the</strong> vineyards for wine<br />
etiquette. They have also formed a variety <strong>of</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional relationships and sponsorship<br />
arrangements <strong>with</strong> businesses such as Philip Morris, Enterprise Rent-A-Car, UBS Financial, and<br />
Ray<strong>the</strong>on. Besides benefiting students, building relationships and enhancing <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong>,<br />
Delta Sigma Pi has given back to <strong>the</strong> community through an array <strong>of</strong> philanthropy participation<br />
like <strong>the</strong> Bowl for a Kids Sake event, Casa de los Niños, Life Care Residence Center, and <strong>the</strong><br />
AIDSWALK just to name a few. Their enrichment and involvement, both internal and external<br />
has earned <strong>the</strong>m this award. We thank and honor Delta Sigma Pi for <strong>the</strong>ir devout and continued<br />
service as an outstanding <strong>Eller</strong> student organization.<br />
Outstanding Student Organization <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year: Less Than 35 Members<br />
<strong>Eller</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Honor and Integrity
“The <strong>Eller</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Honor and Integrity aims to educate <strong>the</strong> student community about <strong>the</strong><br />
importance <strong>of</strong> creating an ethical learning environment <strong>with</strong> an emphasis on honesty in all <strong>of</strong><br />
life's pursuits. In order to create a culture <strong>of</strong> integrity, we lead by example and act as liaisons<br />
between <strong>the</strong> students and <strong>the</strong> pr<strong>of</strong>essional and academic communities. Our mission extends<br />
beyond <strong>the</strong> classroom as we inspire students to act as responsible leaders and world citizens.”<br />
The <strong>Eller</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Honor and Integrity has been actively involved in fur<strong>the</strong>ring <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong><br />
integrity and honesty through educational awareness. The Board continues to host <strong>the</strong>ir annual<br />
International Ethics Case Competition in which teams from schools across <strong>the</strong> country are given<br />
<strong>the</strong> opportunity to compete, network, and contemplate <strong>the</strong> value <strong>of</strong> corporate social<br />
responsibility. Their intense magnetism has helped dramatically increase <strong>the</strong>ir pr<strong>of</strong>essional<br />
relationships and sponsorship <strong>with</strong> companies such as Target, Ethics Point, Hewlett-Packard, KB<br />
Homes, Metro Restaurants, Walgreen’s, and <strong>the</strong> Tucson Better Business Bureau. The <strong>Eller</strong> Board<br />
<strong>of</strong> Honor and Integrity has worked to improve <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Arizona through classroom<br />
presentations stressing <strong>the</strong> importance <strong>of</strong> academic integrity and participating in <strong>Eller</strong>’s “Be<br />
Heard Week”. They have also reached out to <strong>the</strong> local community though <strong>the</strong> Better Business<br />
Bureau Ethics Awards Competition and <strong>the</strong>ir inaugural High School Ethics Forum. We<br />
congratulate <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> Board <strong>of</strong> Honor and Integrity for <strong>the</strong>ir outstanding performance as an <strong>Eller</strong><br />
student organization.<br />
Outstanding Student Organization President<br />
This award was created to recognize innovative presidents <strong>of</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> undergraduate<br />
student organizations. Executive Board members from each <strong>Eller</strong> student organization may<br />
nominate <strong>the</strong>ir president for this award. The <strong>Eller</strong> Leadership Board (ELB) selects one president<br />
who has been instrumental in developing unique and successful student experiences while<br />
supporting <strong>the</strong> mission <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> college. Specifically, applicants are judged based on innovation,<br />
member recruitment, member retention, and leadership effectiveness.<br />
<strong>2007</strong> The Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award<br />
Tim Lake, American Marketing Association (AMA)<br />
Tim Lake, president <strong>of</strong> AMA for <strong>the</strong> past two years, has proven invaluable to <strong>the</strong> organization<br />
and to <strong>the</strong> college for his leadership effectiveness and innovation. He increased AMA member<br />
participation by surveying members so that he could better tailor events to meet <strong>the</strong>ir needs.<br />
Taking this into consideration, he instituted several new innovative events that attracted<br />
widespread support in <strong>the</strong> organization: <strong>the</strong> Mr. and Ms. <strong>Eller</strong> Pageant sponsored by Macys,<br />
Homecoming Tent festivities, Adobe Photoshop Training, and <strong>the</strong> Spotlight on Marketing Careers<br />
Banquet. He has also fostered partnerships <strong>with</strong> several corporate sponsors, including Phillip<br />
Morris and Enterprise. Last spring, Tim led AMA in winning four awards at <strong>the</strong> AMA National<br />
Conference, which <strong>the</strong>y also attended this year. AMA members would describe Tim’s leadership<br />
style as democratic in nature, which effectively inspires members to actively contribute <strong>the</strong>ir<br />
time and talents to <strong>the</strong> organization. We applaud Tim for his outstanding leadership and<br />
contribution to <strong>the</strong> American Marketing Association and <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Management</strong>. Tim
can look forward to his achievements being published in <strong>the</strong> Wall Street Journal as a part <strong>of</strong><br />
recognizing his accomplishments in <strong>the</strong>ir annual Journal–in–Education Program. We wish him <strong>the</strong><br />
best <strong>of</strong> luck in all his future endeavors.<br />
Dean <strong>of</strong> Students: University Nugent Award<br />
These were established by <strong>the</strong> Alumni Association in 1964 and are named in memory <strong>of</strong> Robert<br />
Logan Nugent who was <strong>the</strong> Executive Vice President <strong>of</strong> The University <strong>of</strong> Arizona when he died in<br />
June <strong>of</strong> 1963. Dr. Nugent served Tucson and <strong>the</strong> University for more than thirty years and was<br />
particularly devoted to guiding and helping Arizona's young men and women. He earned his M.S.<br />
in 1925 at The University <strong>of</strong> Arizona, was a pr<strong>of</strong>essor <strong>of</strong> chemistry, dean <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> graduate and<br />
liberal arts colleges and vice president before being named to <strong>the</strong> second highest post at <strong>the</strong><br />
University. Candidates should have a record <strong>of</strong> accomplishments which exemplify <strong>the</strong> high ideals<br />
<strong>of</strong> Dr. Nugent, i.e., active and enthusiastic participation and service in community and University<br />
endeavors.<br />
Emily Upstill, Public <strong>Management</strong> and Policy Major<br />
Outstanding Graduate in International Business<br />
This honor is given to an outstanding senior in <strong>the</strong> International Business Certificate program.<br />
Students receiving this award have demonstrated academic excellence and leadership in <strong>the</strong><br />
certificate program as well as a clear vision for a future career in international business.<br />
Emily Upstill, Public <strong>Management</strong> and Policy Major<br />
Faculty and Staff Awards<br />
Don Wells Outstanding Faculty Mentor Award<br />
Don Seeley, Adjunct Lecturer, Department <strong>of</strong> Finance<br />
Tom Moses Outstanding Student Organization Advisor Award<br />
Dr. Sharon Garrison, Senior Lecturer, Department <strong>of</strong> Finance<br />
Dean’s Award for Undergraduate Teaching Excellence<br />
Mike Sechrest, Adjunct Instructor, Business Communication<br />
Leslie Cohen, Senior Lecturer, Department <strong>of</strong> Accounting<br />
Nancy Rochman, Adjunct Lecturer, Department <strong>of</strong> Accounting<br />
Dean’s Undergraduate Course Grants<br />
Dr. Tamar Kugler, Assistant Pr<strong>of</strong>essor, Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Management</strong> and Organizations<br />
Dr. Renee McConnell, Director <strong>of</strong> Business Communications<br />
Dr. Bill Neumann, Lecturer, Department <strong>of</strong> <strong>Management</strong> Information Systems<br />
<strong>Eller</strong> Undergraduate Faculty Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year<br />
Phillip Blanchard, Large Class, Senior Lecturer, Department <strong>of</strong> Accounting<br />
Dr. Vic Piscitello, Small Class, Adjunct Lecturer, Department <strong>of</strong> Marketing
<strong>Eller</strong> Undergraduate Programs Team Member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year<br />
Nancy Rochman, Academic Advisor, Undergraduate Programs<br />
Sarah Thompson, Coordinator, Career Initiatives, Undergraduate Programs<br />
Alumni and <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> Associate Awards<br />
Distinguished Undergraduate Alumni Award - Outstanding Recent Alumni<br />
Chad Schneider<br />
Chad started working <strong>with</strong> AFLAC Insurance as an intern during his senior year at <strong>the</strong> U <strong>of</strong> A.<br />
AFLAC is <strong>the</strong> world leader in supplemental insurance. Finding <strong>the</strong> concept <strong>of</strong> supplemental<br />
insurance intriguing, Chad decided to take <strong>the</strong> leap as an independent contractor on 100%<br />
commission when he was 21. After graduating <strong>with</strong> a double major in marketing and business<br />
management, Chad was promoted in October <strong>of</strong> 2003 to a District Sales Coordinator <strong>with</strong> AFLAC.<br />
After a year as a District Manager, Chad found that <strong>the</strong>re was a very powerful resource that was<br />
not being utilized to its full potential in marketing AFLAC to health insurance brokers in <strong>the</strong><br />
Tucson area. In 2005, Chad started his current position as <strong>the</strong> Broker Development Coordinator<br />
for <strong>the</strong> state <strong>of</strong> Arizona. He was <strong>the</strong> third broker coordinator for AFLAC in <strong>the</strong> United States.<br />
Two years later, he has helped his state operation take <strong>the</strong> lead in his territory and amongst <strong>the</strong><br />
top company wide in doing business <strong>with</strong> brokers. Chad is currently on <strong>the</strong> board <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
Sou<strong>the</strong>rn Arizona Association <strong>of</strong> Health Underwriters as well as <strong>the</strong> National Association <strong>of</strong><br />
Insurance and Financial Advisor’s Tucson chapter. Through <strong>the</strong>se associations as well as<br />
multiple chambers <strong>of</strong> commerce and <strong>the</strong> Arizona small business association, he has helped<br />
community organizations such as <strong>the</strong> Boys & Girls Club, TROT, United Way, and Casa De Los<br />
Niños.<br />
Distinguished Undergraduate Alumni Award - Excellence in Service<br />
Alison Shvets<br />
Alison Shvets graduated from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Management</strong> in 2001 <strong>with</strong> a degree in<br />
<strong>Management</strong> Information Systems. During her time at <strong>the</strong> U <strong>of</strong> A, Alison was actively involved<br />
<strong>with</strong> <strong>the</strong> <strong>College</strong> serving as <strong>Eller</strong> Student Council President, having facilitated and managed <strong>the</strong><br />
first Student Advisory Board meeting. Additionally, she was an active member in Alpha Kappa<br />
Psi and was a featured member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> University’s twirling line.<br />
Currently she is employed at NetPro Computing, a privately-held Micros<strong>of</strong>t Managed Partner<br />
s<strong>of</strong>tware company, located in Phoenix, Arizona. As a regional account manager Alison has<br />
secured numerous customers in <strong>the</strong> pharmaceutical, insurance and education verticals. As a<br />
leading member <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> mid-market team she has achieved “President’s Club” status <strong>the</strong> last two<br />
years. In her free time Alison serves on <strong>the</strong> Phoenix U <strong>of</strong> A Young Alumni Executive Board and<br />
enjoys running, dancing, and interior design.<br />
<strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> Associate <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> Year Award<br />
George Jenson<br />
George graduated from <strong>the</strong> U <strong>of</strong> A in 1987 <strong>with</strong> a degree in <strong>Management</strong> Information Systems.<br />
It was his 9 th major, he says “I’ve always had a hard time picking just one thing to be interested<br />
in.” He spent a couple years first managing a SCUBA shop and <strong>the</strong>n as a computer consultant. In<br />
1990 he went into partnership <strong>with</strong> ano<strong>the</strong>r UA grad and fraternity bro<strong>the</strong>r, and for 11 years<br />
owned half <strong>of</strong> Fraternity <strong>Management</strong> Group, a fund raising consulting firm that at one point had
over 25 employees. In 2001 his partner bought him out and since <strong>the</strong>n he has divided his time<br />
between designing custom database s<strong>of</strong>tware, working as a real estate broker <strong>with</strong> Santana<br />
REALTORS®, and teaching for Hogan School <strong>of</strong> Real Estate. He has also been a SCUBA<br />
instructor for 19 years and still teaches occasionally. George got involved <strong>with</strong> ECA at <strong>the</strong> start<br />
and has rarely missed a day <strong>of</strong> admissions interviews or make-ups. He also works closely <strong>with</strong><br />
Kappa Sigma on campus; he was <strong>the</strong>ir live-in advisor from 1990-1997. His wife Jennifer is <strong>the</strong><br />
chapter advisor for Alpha Chi Omega; she got her Master’s degree at <strong>the</strong> U <strong>of</strong> A. They live five<br />
blocks from campus and both enjoy travel and volunteer work. While <strong>the</strong>y presently own an<br />
airplane, George’s latest obsession is building a faster one in <strong>the</strong>ir garage.<br />
Leo B. Hart Humanitarian Award<br />
The Arizona Alumni Association's Leo B. Hart Humanitarian Award will be given to an<br />
alumnus/alumna in order to recognize <strong>the</strong> outstanding contribution which he or she has made<br />
for social reform. Special consideration will be given to an individual who has received a degree<br />
from <strong>the</strong> University, but that need not be a requirement. It was established in 1986.<br />
Nita Umashankar<br />
Nita Umashankar received a Bachelor <strong>of</strong> Science in Molecular and Cellular Biology from <strong>the</strong><br />
University <strong>of</strong> Arizona in 2003. She continued her coursework at <strong>the</strong> University and in 2004<br />
received a B.S.B.A. in Marketing and Entrepreneurship from <strong>the</strong> <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Management</strong>.<br />
Additionally, Nita is pursuing a Ph.D. in Marketing at <strong>the</strong> University <strong>of</strong> Texas Austin. As apart <strong>of</strong><br />
her dedication to humanitarian work, Nita has selected to research <strong>the</strong> following subjects: “Value<br />
from Services Innovation: When and How Services Innovation Affects Firm Performance,” “How<br />
Goods Firms Succeed in Creating New Services,” and “The Evolution <strong>of</strong> Fads.” Nita has also<br />
been invited to speak on <strong>the</strong>se topics at conferences and presentations. Fur<strong>the</strong>rmore, Nita<br />
continues to contribute to <strong>the</strong> academic community by teaching an array <strong>of</strong> courses at UT<br />
Austin. Outside <strong>of</strong> academia, Nita founded ASSET which stands for Achieving Successful Social<br />
Equality through Technology in India and is <strong>the</strong> Programs Director for <strong>the</strong> Baduku Non-Pr<strong>of</strong>it<br />
Organization in India. The <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Management</strong> would like to congratulate and honor Nita<br />
for her dedication to education and social reform.<br />
ASSET – Achieving Sustainable Social Equality through Technology<br />
ASSET which stands for Achieving Sustainable Social Equality through Technology grew out <strong>of</strong><br />
<strong>the</strong> passion <strong>of</strong> a U.S born Indian young woman to educate and provide better opportunities in<br />
life for <strong>the</strong> children <strong>of</strong> sex workers. The pilot project is being implemented in Chennai <strong>with</strong> plans<br />
to expand to Bangalore and Hyderabad soon.<br />
The belief <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong> founders <strong>of</strong> ASSET, Inc. is that every child, irrespective <strong>of</strong> parentage counts.<br />
Our mission is to give children access to education which is not available to <strong>the</strong>m through<br />
traditional means and to emphasize on structural intervention aspects <strong>of</strong> using technology to<br />
enable sex workers to dream <strong>of</strong> a better future for <strong>the</strong>ir children. This gives <strong>the</strong>m something to<br />
live for and so adopt healthy behaviors.
Nita Umashankar came up <strong>with</strong> <strong>the</strong> original idea for ASSET to use computer literacy as a means<br />
to educate and provide opportunities for children <strong>of</strong> sex workers. After her undergraduate<br />
education, Nita spent a year in India working <strong>with</strong> NGOs in <strong>the</strong> area <strong>of</strong> rehabilitating abused<br />
women and children.<br />
Available and accessible information technology can play an important role in promoting social<br />
change. ASSET hopes to empower local communities to collect <strong>the</strong>ir own data on unemployment,<br />
health, or o<strong>the</strong>r issues and use <strong>the</strong> data make <strong>the</strong>ir voices heard. ASSET’s goal is making<br />
information technology relevant and accessible to communities <strong>of</strong> underserved children in India<br />
by teaching <strong>the</strong>m to use computers as a means <strong>of</strong> tackling basic social and economic problems<br />
and setting up a network <strong>of</strong> locally-run IT cooperatives. ASSET’s hope is that <strong>the</strong> parents <strong>of</strong> <strong>the</strong><br />
children will also learn new skill sets to take on many development issues like scarcity <strong>of</strong> water,<br />
unemployment, and education, where his train-and-empower strategies are making inroads<br />
nationwide.<br />
For more information, please visit:<br />
www.assetindiafoundation.org
Special Thanks<br />
<strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> <strong>of</strong> <strong>Management</strong> Undergraduate Programs<br />
Vic Piscitello, Master <strong>of</strong> Ceremonies<br />
Marsha Dean, <strong>Eller</strong> <strong>College</strong> Publications Manager<br />
Thank you to our student event planners:<br />
Jenny Huynh, Business <strong>Management</strong> Major<br />
Jessica Candelaria, Marketing Major