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As major changes to health coverage loom with the Affordable Care Act set to take effect January 1, employers are weighing the costs of continuing health insurance versus paying penalties. At Mendoza's Chicago Executive MBA Program, Trinity Health executives shared insights on the implications of these reforms, sparking a lively debate among students divided into teams advocating for either option. Although the pay option, which involves dropping coverage, gained a slight edge in a class vote, discussions revealed a strong sentiment for maintaining benefits, highlighting the complex moral and strategic considerations in navigating the evolving health-care landscape.
Alumnae reflect on their experiences and career paths in a recent email poll, revealing that a majority pursued business degrees and 85% have engaged in business careers. Women reported significant progress in opportunities within the field, yet challenges like work/life balance and pay inequality persist. Personal anecdotes highlight a diverse range of motivations behind attending Notre Dame, showcasing how family connections and personal choices influenced their educational journeys.
In the digital age, privacy takes on new significance as personal information becomes increasingly accessible. By exploring services like Intelius and Spokeo, one can uncover a wealth of data including family details, employment history, and even criminal records. As social media encourages users to share private details, the rapid growth of the data collection market raises concerns about how this information is used, from targeted advertising to employment decisions. Mendoza College is at the forefront of this trend, teaching students to analyze consumer data for practical applications like identifying loan prospects.
Mendoza News
Bridal registries have transformed the tradition of gift giving, evolving from a system organized by brides' mothers to a commercialized practice embraced by the middle class. Assistant Professor Tonya Williams Bradford researches these trends, noting how registries now influence various celebrations beyond weddings, including birthdays and graduations, generating significant sales in the retail market. While they offer convenience, critiques arise over the lack of personal touch, potentially impacting the emotional value traditionally associated with gift giving.
growing and increasingly competitive healthcare market. Her journey reflects a broader trend among church leaders recognizing the importance of business acumen in fulfilling their missions. Throughout Mendoza College's programs, the integration of business principles with theological education is becoming more common, as seen in the stories of other participants from varied religious backgrounds pursuing similar paths.
Alumni Community
Cate Hefele, a MARK '12 graduate, credits a mix of luck and strategic choices for her impressive internships with adidas and NBC Universal. Her involvement with Notre Dame's Student International Business Council not only opened doors but also shaped her confidence for interviews, ultimately leading to her current role in the NFL's Junior Rotational Program. While she enjoys close interactions with players, her work mainly revolves around community events, illustrating the hands-on nature of her career in sports marketing.
Mendoza News
A team of four Notre Dame MBA students has claimed first place in a social entrepreneurship case competition for the second year in a row, presenting a plan to enhance clean water distribution in rural Ghana. Their proposal, developed for the Innovation in Social Entrepreneurship Case Competition at Brigham Young University, focused on improving a purification facility's infrastructure and introducing micro-franchises for local entrepreneurs. Sponsored by the Gigot Center for Entrepreneurship, the team was guided by faculty mentor Viva Bartkus.
Mendoza News
The Mendoza College has welcomed two new associate deans as the academic year begins. William D. Nichols returns to the Dean's Office as the associate dean for Faculty and Research, a position he previously held from 2002 to 2008. Jeffrey H. Bergstrand takes on the role of associate dean for Graduate Studies, overseeing the College's master's degree programs while continuing his research in international trade and finance.
First Person
Reflecting on his time at Notre Dame from 1960 to 1964, the author recalls a campus atmosphere defined by strict rules and unique traditions, including a mandatory swimming test for graduation. With memories of dorm electricity shutting off at 11 p.m. and the dress code for dinner, he shares a humorous account of his own struggles in the pool, aided by an inspiring blind classmate who overcame his own challenges. The narrative captures the essence of a different era at Notre Dame, emphasizing camaraderie and resilience amidst the rigors of student life.
Mendoza News
Tom Frecka's 23-year tenure as an accountancy professor at Mendoza College is marked by his unwavering commitment to ethics and education. In response to the Enron scandal, he created the Accounting Lyceum to address critical issues in accounting and developed a course to equip future accountants with essential ethical knowledge. Known for his straightforward approach and vision for change, Frecka transformed the accounting department, pushing for progress over traditional methods and ensuring that students are prepared for the evolving demands of the profession. As he retires, his legacy is a department that is significantly different from the one he joined, reflecting his