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Family
Twenty-six-year-olds are not supposed to die, especially vibrant individuals like Laura Szejka Zimmer, who was known for her sunny disposition and relentless spirit. After losing her to colon cancer just shy of her 27th birthday, family and friends continue to honor her memory through acts of kindness, such as handing out sunflowers in Chicago's Millennium Park. Laura's legacy lives on through the memorial fund "A Little Bit of Laura," fostering a tradition of celebrating her life and love for others. Her story reflects both the tragedy of her early departure and the joy she brought to those around her.
A sense of belonging is a vital part of life, whether it comes from family, friends, or shared experiences at places like Notre Dame. Andrew Kahl, chairman of the Graduate Alumni Board at the Mendoza College of Business, emphasizes the importance of community among alumni and outlines initiatives focused on advancement, engagement, recruitment, and career development. He invites fellow graduates to actively participate in fostering connections and strengthening ties to the university, highlighting the profound impact that alumni can have on each other's lives.

Family
Spending a week with the Trappist monks at the Monastery of the Holy Spirit in Georgia offered a unique glimpse into their daily life filled with prayer, work, and a profound commitment to simplicity. The experience included morning talks and quiet reflection, highlighting the monks' dedication to virtues like humility and patience. This visit also sparked a reflection on the diverse expressions of Catholicism, from monastic practices to contemporary spiritual movements, illustrating the rich tapestry of faith that exists within the tradition.

Family
Arike Ogunbowale, the star who became famous for her winning shots in the NCAA women's basketball semifinals and championship game, reflects on the team effort behind her success. Despite her individual accolades, she emphasizes that basketball is a collective sport, crediting her teammates and coaches for their support throughout her journey. With a strong focus on community and teamwork, Ogunbowale shares her experiences from the playgrounds of Milwaukee to the national spotlight, illustrating her commitment to representing women's basketball.

Features
Landing a dream job requires careful planning and foresight, especially for graduate business students at Notre Dame. The relocation of the Mendoza Graduate Business Career Services team to the Duncan Student Center marks a significant commitment to student career development, offering extensive resources in a state-of-the-art facility. In addition, the Career Leadership Course provides MBA candidates with crucial insights into the job market, helping them map their skills to industry needs and develop effective networking strategies.
Vita
New research reveals that generic medications are more frequently recalled than brand-name drugs, raising concerns about safety in the push for lower prices. A study led by Kaitlin D. Wowak and her co-authors analyzed over 900 pharmaceutical recalls from 2002 to 2014, finding that generic drugs produced by multiple manufacturers faced higher recall rates compared to brand-name counterparts, which are made by single producers. This trend highlights potential risks associated with less regulatory scrutiny and manufacturing practices in the generic drug industry.
Class Notes
Catch up on the latest updates in the Mendoza community, including professional achievements and personal milestones. Among the highlights, Frank "Hal" Spencer celebrated his granddaughter's graduation from West Point, while Jim Sweedyk has taken on a leadership role at Catholic Charities. Additionally, Kenn Ricci earned recognition as a top philanthropist, and several alumni have stepped into new positions at notable organizations. Remember to share your news to keep the community connected!
Editor's Letter
Generational differences often spark debate, but the rise of Generation Z is reshaping workplaces and industries. As digital natives, their perspectives are prompting companies to adapt, embracing practices like reverse mentoring where knowledge flows both ways. This approach not only bridges the generational gap but fosters collaboration, highlighting that shared strengths can create more productive and fulfilling work environments.
Vita
This collection features recent insights from faculty members across various fields. Dean Shepherd examines the unexpected resilience people exhibit after significant loss, while Jim Wilkie discusses gender differences in environmental protection efforts. Martijn Cremers and Erik Beardsley provide valuable perspectives on mutual fund assessment and the impact of audit fee pressures, respectively. Additionally, Paul Gao's research connects newspaper closures to government borrowing costs, while Corey Angst highlights the complexities of IT security in healthcare. Kaitlin Wowak reveals trends in product recalls among generic drug companies, and Charlice Hurst explores the surprising adaptability of individuals in challenging work environments.

Profiles
Two Notre Dame alums, Juan Pablo Montúfar and John Tabis, have co-founded The Bouqs Company, an eco-friendly floral retailer that delivers stunning Ecuadorian roses directly from farms to customers. Montúfar, a third-generation farmer, saw an opportunity to improve the supply chain, ensuring better pay for farmers and fresher flowers by eliminating middlemen. Their journey from Dillon Hall friends to entrepreneurs demonstrates how innovative thinking and a commitment to sustainability can transform an industry.