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Web Exclusive
Raymond Offenheiser Jr., president of Oxfam America, shared insights on the evolving nonprofit landscape during a recent talk at the University of Notre Dame. He emphasized the growing collaboration between nonprofit organizations and private companies, driven by mutual concerns over ethical business practices in developing markets. As more individuals pursue careers in the nonprofit sector for values-based missions, Offenheiser urged aspiring professionals to develop essential management and organizational skills to thrive in today's challenging environment.
Alumni Community
Michael Donovan ('99), now the finance manager for the Children's Nutrition Program (CNP) of Haiti, is navigating the complex challenges of rebuilding efforts in Leogane, a community devastated by the 2010 earthquake. With a five-fold increase in budget and staffing, he faces the critical task of developing effective systems to support the displaced families struggling with malnutrition. Alongside his wife Katy ('00), Donovan aims to create lasting change that extends beyond immediate relief efforts.
Mendoza Profiles
Fred Dust of IDEO spoke at Mendoza College, sharing insights on design thinking as a flexible approach to solving business problems. By focusing on human interaction and quickly developing prototypes, IDEO aims to create impactful solutions that scale from individual behaviors to larger systems. Dust emphasized the optimistic nature of design, asserting that meaningful change is possible through thoughtfully crafted experiences.
Mendoza News
Notre Dame has secured the top position in Bloomberg Businessweek's latest ranking of undergraduate business schools, moving up from second place last year. The Mendoza College of Business received high marks for teaching quality, job placement, and facilities, with students highlighting the program's balance between foundational skills and real-world application. Notably, the school has incorporated virtual interviews to connect students with recruiters more easily, emphasizing its commitment to student success amidst broader employment concerns.
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Accounting forecasting aims to prevent surprises, but according to keynote speaker Kenneth Posner, it often falls short, as seen in the 2007 subprime crash. Speaking at the 2010 Center for Accounting Research and Education Conference, Posner emphasized that these unpredictable "black swan" events highlight inadequacies in forecasting methods. He argued that overcoming these challenges requires human judgment and adaptability rather than solely relying on technology.
Alumni Community
m Mendoza that sealed the deal for me," says Walley. Reflecting on her time with Coach McGraw, she recalls practices that fostered growth and camaraderie among players, helping them build resilience. Each former player shares their journey, emphasizing how McGraw's leadership and support played a significant role in shaping their personal and professional lives. The impact of their experiences continues to resonate, highlighting the lasting influence of Coach McGraw on her players.
Mendoza News
A new study by Notre Dame finance professors Tim Loughran and Bill McDonald reveals that certain phrases in public companies' 10-K filings can signal potential trouble. Analyzing over 50,000 filings from 1994 to 2008, the researchers identified 13 "red flag" phrases that correlate with issues such as lower stock returns, increased analyst disagreement, and a higher chance of fraud allegations. Their findings suggest that while these phrases may indicate small effects, they can have significant implications for traders and investors looking to navigate the complexities of financial disclosures.
Class Notes
Sean Brynjelsen has stepped into a new role as vice president of New Business Development and R&D at Akorn Inc., while Noreen Kazi has been promoted to financial analysis officer at 1st Source Bank. Other updates include Justin Oldham becoming a financial consultant at Hassan, Oldham Investment Group, and Brenda Harmon being appointed senior vice president of Global Human Resources and Communication at Cooper Tire & Rubber Co. Additionally, various alumni have taken on significant roles in diverse fields, from marketing at Honeywell to launching new businesses and improving educational services.
Mendoza News
MBA student Hilarree Wong traveled to San Francisco for a unique recruiting event that brought together six business schools and 28 West Coast companies offering over 60 full-time positions and summer internships. Organizers aimed to connect students with employers more effectively, especially amid a challenging job market where many graduates are still seeking work. Wong, who has focused on finance during her program, was exploring various roles, including financial analyst and project management, while actively pursuing opportunities with notable companies like Google and Disney. As graduation approached, she and her peers were determinedly working to secure positions in a competitive landscape.
Mendoza Profiles
Internet entrepreneur Emerson Spartz, known for his Harry Potter fan site MuggleNet.com, is evolving his mission to foster hope in a cynical world with his new project, GivesMeHope.com. This platform invites people to share uplifting one-paragraph stories that celebrate moments of courage, love, and self-sacrifice, countering the pervasive negativity in society. Spartz reflects on how his success with MuggleNet stemmed from harnessing community engagement, a principle he continues to embrace in his latest venture.