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Alumni Community
Bill Copeland (MBA '81), vice chairman of Deloitte LLP, became involved with City Year in Philadelphia after being encouraged by a friend. His dedication to the program has led to a national partnership with Deloitte, allowing employees to mentor and support local schools, addressing the dropout crisis fueled by poverty. Honored as City Year Philadelphia's 2013 "Idealist of the Year," Copeland remains passionate about raising awareness for the organization's impactful work with children in underserved communities.
Alumni Community
Richard Westenberger, CFO of Carter's since 2009, reflects on his journey with the iconic children's brand during challenging economic times. Faced with soaring cotton prices, he made the bold choice to absorb costs instead of raising prices, ultimately positioning the company for growth. Under his leadership, Carter's expanded its international presence and e-commerce operations while consolidating its headquarters in Atlanta, where a new logo symbolizes the company's aim to increase visibility in the local market.
Alumni Community
Reader letters reflect a range of voices and memories tied to Notre Dame. Contributors share personal stories that touch on embracing individuality, remembering influential figures like Fr. Hugh Keefer, and discussing the impact of coeducation at the university. There's also a mix of nostalgia and humor in reflections on unique experiences like swim tests from the past, alongside thoughtful insights about the nature of true love.
Alumni Community
Anielka Münkel (MBA '09) shares her journey from childhood in Nicaragua to her mission in tackling global poverty. With insights gained from her experiences, she emphasizes the importance of empowering individuals to create their own prosperity rather than solely relying on financial aid. As co-producer and project manager for PovertyCure, a project of the Acton Institute, Münkel is reshaping the conversation around effective solutions to poverty.
Class Notes
Brother Leo Ryan, who served as dean of Notre Dame's College of Business from 1975-80, received a lifetime achievement award from Alpha Kappa Psi at a recent event in Chicago. The recognition comes alongside news of various alumni accomplishments, including Dr. Michael T. Benson's appointment as president of Eastern Kentucky University and Shelley Kendrick's promotion to vice president of operations for Ecumen. Other highlights include notable positions taken by graduates in the fields of education, business development, and community leadership across several industries.
Alumni Community
Drew Elegante (MBA '12) is breathing new life into South Bend's historic State Theater, a project that grew from his MBA experience and a classmate's contest entry. With a vision focused on sustainability and community engagement, he has embraced the role of general manager, forging connections, refining redevelopment plans, and hosting events that promote local artists. As he navigates this transformative journey, Elegante is committed to making the theater a versatile space that honors its history while adapting to modern needs.
Alumni Community
Rick Mirer (MARK '93), former Notre Dame quarterback and NFL player, reflects on life after football and his venture into the wine business. Now running the Mirror Wine Company, he emphasizes connecting his entrepreneurial efforts with charitable work through the Mirer Family Foundation, which has supported children's health and education. Mirer shares his satisfaction in helping students, aiming to expand his impact even further.
Alumni Community
The Venture Fair at Notre Dame's Stayer Center for Executive Education brought together MBA students, professors, and NFL players to pitch innovative business ideas. Among the 44 teams, Frameri Eyeglass Co. impressed attendees with their concept of interchangeable prescription lenses and was awarded Best Presentation for their engaging approach. Other standout offerings included the Indiana Whiskey Co., where entrepreneurs showcased their soon-to-launch products while connecting with an enthusiastic audience eager to explore new business opportunities.
Alumni Community
Meredith Siegfried, a 1996 finance graduate, has taken the helm of NORDAM, the aerospace company her father rescued from bankruptcy in 1969. Under her leadership as CEO, she has established the Ray Siegfried Leadership Academy, emphasizing a "Servant Leadership" approach that prioritizes the needs of employees on the shop floor. Siegfried is committed to creating a strong culture of support and training, ensuring that every manager in the company learns to prioritize the success of their teams.
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.