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Mendoza Profiles
Nancy Barteczko is on track to make her mark as a jet captain at United Airlines while completing her Executive MBA at Notre Dame. Her journey began at a fundraiser in LaPorte, Indiana, where a chance flight in a Cessna sparked her passion for aviation. Despite early challenges, including being a first-generation American, Barteczko's determination has led her to fly internationally and pursue a leading role in the airline industry, embodying the spirit of chasing dreams against the odds.
Mendoza College of Business alumni are carving out impactful careers on the business side of sports, transitioning from athletes to influential leaders in professional teams. Ted Phillips, Stan Bowman, John Paxson, Brooks Boyer, and Ruth Riley have all made significant contributions to their teams while fostering the excitement and community that sports bring. Their diverse experiences and personal connections to the game highlight the various pathways into sports management and the joy that comes with making a lasting impact in the industry.
Many Mendoza alumni have successfully merged their passions for sports and business, taking on key front-office roles within various professional sports franchises and organizations. From the Chicago Bears to the NBA, a diverse group of graduates is making an impact in leadership positions across major leagues. Notable names include Joseph J. Berhalter, CFO of the US Soccer Federation, and John M. Paxson, EVP of Basketball Operations for the Chicago Bulls, showcasing the breadth of opportunities for Mendoza graduates in the sports industry.
Alumni Community
Franklyn Baker has been appointed president and CEO of United Way of Central Maryland, while Jonathan R. Pearson takes on the role of chairman at the Council of New Jersey Grantmakers. David Martin steps into a senior advisor position for diversity and inclusion at BMO Financial Group, and Zach Grant becomes the director of player personnel for Western Kentucky football. In coaching, Tom Rees returns to Notre Dame as quarterback coach, and Jackie Morales has earned a spot on the Indianapolis Business Journal's "Forty under 40" list. Additional highlights include Andrew G. Vaughn receiving recognition as one of the Top
Alumni Community
The Notre Dame Club of San Francisco embraces its local identity with a focus on community-driven events. Members enjoy a Dining Diversity series featuring monthly dinners at various ethnic restaurants, fostering networking and cultural exchange. The club also organizes large gatherings like tailgates for football games and winery tours, while implementing new strategies to accommodate busy alumni in the tech industry, including streamlined event planning.
In John Sherry's innovative marketing course, students engage in various creative exercises that blend imagination with business strategy. Activities include keeping dream journals, writing poems about brands, and observing retail environments, all aimed at nurturing a creative mindset essential for driving business innovation. Four experts discuss how integrating creativity within organizational structures can be pivotal for companies, emphasizing the importance of storytelling and emotional connection in a data-driven world. Sherry's course, Imagination, Creativity & Commerce, challenges students to think beyond traditional analytics and prepares them to become more effective marketers and storytellers.
Carolyn Woo, former dean of the Mendoza College of Business, reflects on her five years as president and CEO of Catholic Relief Services (CRS) and the lessons learned during that time. With a strong commitment to addressing the root causes of poverty and vulnerability, Woo emphasizes the importance of shifting from traditional aid methods to a holistic development approach. Her insights reveal how faith and leadership can drive meaningful change in communities around the world.
Mendoza News
Chris Adkins, executive director of the Notre Dame Deloitte Center for Ethical Leadership, emphasizes the importance of empathy as a vital leadership skill. Drawing from his own experiences—ranging from a childhood love of music to an academic background in philosophy and religion—Adkins demonstrates how deep listening and understanding enhance one's ability to lead. His insights into empathy integrate elements of neuroscience and psychology, revealing its significance in shaping effective leadership and fostering a values-driven approach in business.
Mendoza News
Martijn Cremers blends philosophy and finance in his approach to teaching and research at Notre Dame, drawing on the insights of thinkers like Plato, Aristotle, and Aquinas. His interest in integrating Catholic Social Teaching with business practices has led him to create a popular undergraduate course and engage deeply with various disciplines across campus. Recently, he was honored with the opportunity to speak at alumni events as part of the Hesburgh Lecture Series, reflecting the unique interdisciplinary environment Notre Dame fosters.
Gita Pullapilly (FIN '99) blends her business skills with her creative talents as a successful filmmaker, offering practical tips to boost creativity. She emphasizes the importance of letting go of control in the creative process, practicing daily meditation and gratitude, and finding inspiration through movement and playful moments with her pets. By engaging with various storytellers and exploring diverse narratives, she aims to continually evolve her craft.