Welcome to the Winter MBA & MAcc Alumni Newsletter

It is hard to believe that it is almost February, but this has already been a very busy Academic Year. The Graduate School of Business kicked off the year with a Fall Networking Social held at Launch Pad, we celebrated the 50^th Anniversary of our MBA program and the 20^th Anniversary of our MAcc program with a weekend of Alumni Reunion events, we once again sold out our tickets for the 7th Annual Battle in Seattle, and we hosted an exciting Game Watch social last week.

In addition to reading about some of these great events in this Winter Newsletter, you will also find an inspiring Featured Alumnus story on Fred Owen, member of the first MBA graduating class; information about upcoming events; alumni updates; dates for our Spring Information Meetings; and an introduction to our new Alumni & Outreach Specialist.

Here are some upcoming events for you to keep in mind as we head into spring:

February

February 23^rd Dean’s Business Forum featuring Keith Johnson, Sequoia Capital Heritage Fund

February 29^th Partnership in Employment Career Fair

March

February 29^th-March 5^th 2012 WCC Tournament Alumni Events

March 13^th Family Owned Business Conference

March 28^th Presidential Speaker Series: Ingrid Betancourt

March 29^th John L. Aram Lecture on Business Ethics

April/May/June

May 11^th Graduate School of Business Graduation Party

June (date TBD) MBA & MAcc Alumni and Friends Golf Tournament

If you have any questions about upcoming events or the stories below, please contact Adriane Leithauser, Alumni & Outreach Specialist, at leithauser@gonzaga.edu.

Graduate School of Business Celebrates!
MBA 50th & MAcc 20th Anniversaries

This past fall Gonzaga hosted its first-ever MBA and MAcc Reunion, celebrating the fiftieth year of Gonzaga’s MBA program and the twentieth year of the MAcc program. The event was a huge success, with over 150 Graduate School of Business alumni, faculty, staff, current students, friends, and family taking part in one or more of the great events offered over the weekend!

We kicked off the weekend with an open house in the Graduate School of Business offices and continued the evening with a social and wine tasting in the Jepson Center lobby. This was a great opportunity to rekindle old friendships and build new connections in a relaxed social environment. The highlight of the evening was a presentation by Dr. Gary Weber and Dr. Sara Melendy discussing the creation and growth of the Justice for Fraud Victims Project.  The program, which the two began in 2009, provides students the opportunity to solve real-life cases of fraud, giving them hands-on, real-world forensic accounting experience while providing a great resource for law enforcement and helping victims get justice. It is also an important reminder of our mission at the Graduate School of Business, which implores its students and graduates to become leaders “with a strong sense of social justice.”

Lunch on Saturday featured an inspiring presentation by Brady Nelson, Majority Owner and CEO of the Spokane Shock Arena Football team. He reminded attendees that people can create successful businesses out of something they are passionate about, as long as they believe in their ideas and are willing to put in a lot of hard work.

The festivities continued through the afternoon as alumni and guests sampled some of Spokane’s finest spirits during a guided tour and tasting at Dry Fly Distillery, a small batch distillery that uses only ingredients from local, sustainable farms.  After the tasting, the event continued next door at Northern Lights Brewery, where guests showed off their microbrew IQs by playing a tasting game requiring contestants to identify four different microbrews. The afternoon provided a wonderful atmosphere for socializing, and many alumni stayed at Northern Lights until dinnertime, reminiscing and making new connections.

Dr. Kent Hickman, Distinguished MBA Faculty Award Recipient

The weekend’s events culminated with the Dinner Soiree held at the Red Lion Inn at the Park. In addition to the wonderful food

and great discussions, over 100 attendees enjoyed a dynamic presentation by Fred Brown, founder and CEO of NextIT, and Jeff Brown, NextIT’s Executive Vice President. In addition to describing their innovative product, Intelligent Virtual Assistants, the founder and Gonzaga University alumnus illustrated one imperative way in which he embodies the Gonzaga Mission. Mr. Brown sees headquartering Next IT in Spokane as a service to this community. Although there are many other places that have the talent to support his business, being a job creator for the Spokane community is paramount for Mr. Brown.

Dr. Gary Weber, Distinguished MAcc Faculty Award Recipient

Continuing with the evening’s focus on Gonzaga’s Mission, MBA & MAcc alumni recognized Dr. Kent Hickman and Dr. Gary Weber at the Dinner Soiree with Distinguished Faculty Awards. Dr. Hickman was selected by MBA alumni because of his teaching style and wealth of knowledge in the classroom as well as his continued mentoring and friendship of students after their graduation. MAcc alumni offered very similar reasons for selecting Dr. Weber, including his ability to relate to students and to make them excited to learn. The Graduate School of Business has clearly been enriched through the involvement of these professors in our programs.

The weekend was a great success thanks to the dedication and hard work of Alumni Specialist, Michelle Henneberry; the Alumni Reunion Advisory Board; and the Graduate School of Business staff, work studies, and graduate assistants!

Click here for more pictures from the Reunion Weekend

Fred Owen
BBA 1953, MBA 1963
Member of the first MBA Graduating Class

Fred Owen exemplifies what it means to be a Gonzaga University Alumnus. His passion for ethics and his understanding that people are fulfilled not by money but through achievement, resonates through his professional life to this day.

Fred’s Gonzaga journey began as an undergraduate in the School of Business in 1949 where he was a member of Gonzaga’s highly respected Men’s Glee Club and was selected to the National Jesuit Honor Society, Alpha Sigma Nu. After earning a BBA in Economics and Business, Fred served in the Navy during the Korean Conflict and later worked as a manager of human resources and line operations in government and private industry.

After several years, Fred returned to Gonzaga University to study Law. Three semesters into his law degree, Fred decided to enroll in the new Graduate School of Business where he earned his MBA as a member of the first graduating class. Although ethics was not explicitly taught in the early years of the program, as it is today, Fred recalls that it was an underlying theme in all of his classes. He argues that much, if not all, of his professional work is founded on the principles of ethics and rationality taught by Gonzaga professors.

Effective management, which recognizes that personal achievement is more important than compensation, is Fred’s primary professional passion. Throughout his career, he has steadfastly encouraged public and private sector employers to understand the importance of meaningful work. This is particularly evident in his extensive work with the issue of pay equity. His first project was an objective approach to achieving equity in compensation between women and men who performed work of similar value. While on the surface this sounds like a straightforward compensation issue, the problem with equity encountered by Fred was a systematic under-valuing of work done, in this case, by women.

The project became a landmark study that was considered for its fairness by the United States’ Supreme Court and has become the principal reference point for organizations in government and private industry when employers determine objective compensation policies without reference to gender. Subsequently, Fred performed similar work for the federal Government of Canada, helping to establish equitable compensation for approximately 200,000 employees. He performed compensation design and development for several other institutions of government, higher education, and private industry across North America.

Fred continues to provide services in the field of human resource management to government, higher education, and private industry employers. His professional life is clearly indicative of the deep commitment to the principles developed during his years at Gonzaga University.

Gonzaga left an indelible mark on Fred Owen, who, in turn, has left his mark on the world. It is with great pride that we acknowledge Fred Owen, prestigious member of the first class of Gonzaga University’s Graduate School of Business!

Reconnect with Fred at fsowen@comcast.net.

When Should You Trust a CEO’s Apology?

Dr. Daryl Koehn

Save the Date!
The Aram Lecture on Business Ethics
Sponsored by Gonzaga University
School of Business Administration and
Graduate School of Business
Thursday, March 29^th ▪ 6:00-9:00pm
Red Lion River Inn
6:00 Reception ▪ 7:00 Keynote Address ▪ 8:30 Coffee & Dessert

At a time when public trust with business is at an all-time low, we look to business leaders to reaffirm that trust. Part of the rebuilding requires leaders to recognize and acknowledge business missteps. Dr. Daryl Koehn has worked extensively on the subject of trustworthiness. She will explore what makes for a trustworthy apology by using examples of recent CEO apologies, some of which are trustworthy, others less so. She will also consider whether it is possible to specify in a complete way the conditions that an apology must meet in order to be trustworthy.

One of the leading figures in academic business ethics for the last two decades, Daryl Koehn is a Full Professor in the Ethics and Business Law Department at the University of St. Thomas in Minneapolis-St. Paul, MN. Her 1994 book, The Ground of Professional Ethics, set the standard for work in that field. Her other works include Corporate Governance: Ethics Across the Board;  Local Insights, Global Ethics for Business; and her most recent book Living with the Dragon: Thinking and Acting Ethically in a World of Unintended Consequences. In addition to writing and teaching, she consults with many corporations.

For more information and to register, please  follow the link below:

The Aram Lecture on Business Ethics is a keynote address given each year by a visiting lecturer invited by Gonzaga University’s John L. Aram Professor of Business Ethics. The professorship, held by Dr. Brian Steverson, was established in honor of John Aram, a Gonzaga trustee and benefactor, to give students greater awareness of the ethical dilemmas faced by decision makers in business and government.
John Aram’s long and dedicated service to the forest industry spurred Weyerhaeuser Company, Boise Cascade Corporation, Potlatch Corporation, the George F. Jewett Foundation, and many industry associates and friends to establish the professorship in business ethics at Gonzaga. It is a fitting tribute to a man whose life exemplified a commitment to ethical values in both his business and personal endeavors.

MBA & MAcc Alumni Battle in Seattle!

It was a crisp, sunny December afternoon, but somehow the light shone even brighter inside the Key Arena where the Gonzaga’s Men’s Basketball team faced the Arizona Wildcats in the 9^th annual Battle in Seattle. The Graduate School of Business’ Alumni celebration was in full swing about an hour before tip-off, with alumni, faculty, and staff roving between our six sold-out suites, catching up with old friends and forging new connections. After some brief announcements, including a bittersweet round of applause for our outgoing Alumni Specialist, Michelle Henneberry, everyone settled in to cheer on our Zags!

And what a game it was! Lead by Elias Harris, Gonzaga jumped out to a 14-0 lead! The din in the suites was deafening as none of us could contain our enthusiasm.

Although Arizona eventually tightened up the score, giving us a small scare, the Bulldogs were able to hold them off for a strong 71-60 win. A great time was had by everyone who attended, and we can hardly wait for next year’s excitement!

A Goodbye…

Michelle Henneberry

Michelle was a great asset for the Graduate School of Business as our Alumni and Outreach Specialist. It would not have been possible for her to leave on a higher note than the wonderfully successful MBA 50^th Anniversary & MAcc 20^th Anniversary Celebration. While we will surely miss her enthusiasm around the Graduate School of Business and at Alumni events, we wish her the best in her future endeavors.

…and a Hello

Adriane Leithauser

Adriane Leithauser is the new MBA & MAcc Alumni and Outreach Specialist. She has been a part of the Gonzaga community since 1995 as an undergraduate, a graduate student in Philosophy, an alumnus, an adjunct instructor for the Philosophy Department and the School of Business, and now as both a staff member of the Graduate School of Business and as a current MBA student.

“My affection and respect for this university is based on its mission and the people in Gonzaga’s community who embody our call to be men and women for others. Because of this, I have a great deal of admiration for all of you who chose a Gonzaga education, and I look forward to encouraging you to stay involved in this community whether through attendance at Alumni and Graduate School of Business events, or through celebrating the ways in which you have embraced becoming a leader ‘who possess solid analytical, critical thinking, communication and team-building skills, along with a strong sense of social justice’ in your professional or personal life.”

Adriane looks forward to meeting you in the near future. If you are in the area, please stop by the Graduate School of Business to say hello! You can also reach her at (509) 313-3419 or leithauser@gonzaga.edu.

Partnership in Employment Career Fair
February 29^th ▪ 2-6pm
Spokane Convention Center

Gonzaga University has partnered with Eastern Washington University, Washington State University, and Whitworth University to create an opportunity for employers to meet with area students and alumni. 2012 marks the 17^th year for this event, which attracts an average of 90 employers. A variety of business and non-profit organizations will be represented promoting full-time and part-time positions as well as internship opportunities.

Gonzaga Alumni are encouraged to be involved either as job seekers or as employers.

For more information or to register, please visit www.partnershipfair.com.

Governing your family business:
Building success. Building your future.

with Andrew Keyt

Tuesday, March 13, 2012
7:30 am to 3:30 pm
Jepson Center, Wolff Auditorium
Gonzaga University

Online Registration Here

$195 per family member for the first two registrants,
all subsequent family members $45!

Early Registration: Get an early registration discount of $150
per registrant for the first two until Wednesday, February 15, 2011

Continental breakfast and lunch included!

Andrew Keyt, the executive director of the Loyola University Chicago Family Business Center, and a widely recognized expert on issues unique to family-owned businesses, will lead a discussion about one of the most critical aspects of running a sustainable family business: Governance.

This conference will cover how a successful family business governance system should look and how to improve that success across generations.

During this program, participants will:

• Gain practical perspective from other family business owners
• Determine the role of governance in relation to your family business
• Learn how to transition the family business to the next generation
• Discuss what other family businesses are doing and why

The event will also feature a lively discussion by a panel of prominent Spokane family business owners.

Participants will gain practical perspective from other family business owners and will leave with a better understanding of which type of board is best for their business.  They will also walk away with concrete tools to create boards, improve boards, and assure their board aligns with their family visions and values.

Sponsored by Davis Wright Tremaine LLP and Moss Adams LLP

Small businesses, family members, and managers of family businesses are welcome to attend.

*No refunds or cancellations after February 28th*

Gonzaga’s Presidential Speaker Series presents former Colombian senator
and presidential candidate, international peace and justice advocate, and
Nobel nominee Ingrid Betancourt

Wednesday, March 28, 2012 at 7:00 p.m.
McCarthey Athletic Center

Ms. Betancourt gained international recognition as an advocate for democracy in Colombia, was kidnapped by the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC) and held hostage for six years in the rainforest.  She, along with fourteen fellow captives, was liberated in a daring rescue by the Colombian army in July of 2008.

Her presentation will focus on her life experience and her ongoing campaign to free hostages still held by the FARC in the Colombian rain forest, providing our community with a unique opportunity to hear from an individual whose life has been immutably intertwined with the political realities of Colombia–our Jesuit twin province in South America.

David Plut, MBA 2011

David Plut recently earned an exciting position through Volt Workforce Solutions. He is a Project Coordinator at Avista Corporation, where he is working with the financial budgeting/reporting and management of the project to upgrade to Windows 7.  David is very excited about the new position, and, even though he has only been with Avista since January, he has already learned a great deal.

Reconnect with David at davidplut@gmail.com.

Stephen Grant, BBA 2008 & MBA 2011

Stephen Grant has recently started a consulting practice in Spokane called Bus OPS, LLC that focuses on finance and strategy for small businesses. “I am eager to provide these services to a community which has been so supportive to me over the past seven and a half years.”

For more information or to reconnect with Stephen, email him at stephen@busopsllc.com.

Spike Bighorn, MBA-AIE 2005

Spike Bighorn was a member of Gonzaga’s MBA in American Indian Entrepreneurship program funded by the Johnson Scholarship Foundation, and he graduated with an MBA in 2005. He is currently employed as the Chief Operating Officer for New West Technologies.  New West is an energy consulting firm specializing in renewable energy and advanced vehicle technology contracts. Its corporate headquarters are in Greenwood Village, CO, and the firm has additional offices in Washington, D.C.; Landover, MD; and Utica, NY.

Reconnect with Spike at sbighorn@nwttech.com.

We would like invite you to share your Gonzaga MBA or MAcc experience by referring family, friends, and co-workers to learn more about Gonzaga’s Graduate School of Business programs at a spring information session. These sessions include a program overview, an explanation of the application process, and current student and alumni presentations. Most importantly, prospective students have the opportunity to ask staff, faculty, alumni, and current students questions about the program. Application fee waivers are provided to all attendees.

Information Meeting Dates:

• MBA Information Meeting: Monday, February 13th 5:30-7:00PM at Gonzaga’s Jepson Center
• MBA/JD and MAcc/JD Information Meeting: Wednesday, February 15th: Noon-1 PM at Gonzaga’s School of Law
• MBA & MAcc Information Meeting: Tuesday, February 28th, 5:30-7 PM at the Coeur d’Alene Resort
• MBA in Healthcare Management Information Meeting: Tuesday, March 6th, 5:30-7 PM at Gonzaga’s Jepson Center

Please CLICK HERE to register

Save the Date!
Friday, May 11^th
Graduate School of Business Graduation Party
Jepson Center Lobby ▪ 3:00-6:00pm

Join us as we celebrate the end of the 2011-2012 academic year, and help us welcome recent graduates to the distinguished MBA & MAcc Alumni community. This is a great opportunity to network with fellow alumni, new graduates, current students, faculty, and staff.

Look for more information and registration in April!

MBA & MAcc Annual Golf Tournament
Date TBD

The Graduate School of Business is looking forward to hosting our 6^th Annual Golf Tournament. This has become a favorite event for some of our alumni, but there is always room to grow! Whether you already have a team of four (remember, only one player needs to be an alumnus), or you are a single golfer in search of a team, we can find a spot for you.

We will have contests throughout the course, and you will have the opportunity to win $10,000.00 in the Hole in One contest!

We are hoping this event will be either the first or second Friday in June. We will be sending out information as soon as the date is set. If you have any questions or suggestions, please contact Adriane Leithauser (leithauser@gonzaga.edu).