M U L T I C U L T U R A L B U S I N E S S S C H O L A R S P R O G R A M

VOLUME 22

A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R

Summer 2016

D I R E C T O R ’ S C O R N E R The theme for this edition is… superlative! For those of you who may not be familiar, let me share the exciting news: the Multicultural Busi-ness Scholars Program is now resid-ing in arguably the most technologi-cal advanced, spacious and dazzling cathedral of higher education on the KU campus – the new School of Busi-ness Capital Federal Hall (CFH). The new building not only includes spa-cious offices for the support staff and the director but is also equipped with a study room/student lounge for our scholars. Take a virtual tour of CFH via the link to the right. Capitol Fed-eral Foundation has been a supporter of MBSP since 2002.

Speaking of superlatives, our own Dean Neeli has been selected to be the new Provost of the University of Kansas! While our joy is tempered by the loss of our beloved Dean, Neeli has left the uber capable Dr. James Guthrie at the reigns as our interim Dean – congrats Jim!

Top student leadership will be our very own Stephonn Alcorn; he was elected Student Body President (see article on back cover)!

Our program has notched so many unparalleled successes I am not sure there is enough room to mention them all. At the most important level,

our scholars have achieved the pro-gram’s highest cumulative grade point averages (GPA) in our 24-year history with a trifecta: Spring 15 and Fall 15 semesters were both 3.32, and this is all capped by this spring se-mester’s record breaking 3.38 GPA!

We had a record-tying nine students study abroad this last year, including four scholars who accompanied me on the School of Business’ first ever study abroad program to Cuba. We visited the important cities of the western half of the island touring his-torical and cultural sites in Santa

Clara, Trinidad and Playa Ancon, Havana, Pinar del Rio and the Viñales valley. We received lectures from experts in business and the Cuban econo-my, many of them professors of the prestigious University of Havana.

The trip to Cuba and so many of our study abroad programs

could not have been made possible without the generous financial sup-port of our corporate family member EY. I would also like to make special mention of David and Dee Dillon who continue to make “game chang-ing” size contributions to our pro-gram. We just cannot express how grateful the scholars, staff and I are for the generous support we receive from EY, the Dillons and the rest of our corporate family.

I’ll close with one last superlative: We will have a record breaking 45 scholars admitted for the fall semes-ter. This represents a 60% increase in the size of the program just since 2006. The need for financial assis-tance has never been greater. We simply cannot keep the doors of opportunity open without the gener-osity of you all If you have never donated, please do and see how good it makes you feel. For our on-going donors we express our heartfelt grati-tude. Be part of history and make a superlative donation – Rock Chalk!

Bob Augelli, PhD. Director, MBSP

www.msp.ku.edu/business Join our LinkedIn Group LIKE US on Facebook!

Pictures cannot capture the new building

—take the tour: http://capfedhall.ku.edu/

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M B S P A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R

S C H O L A R S E N R I C H E D B Y E Y : S U P P O R T , O P P O R T U N I T Y

EY support and opportunities for MBSP scholars represent the established investment of profession-als dedicated to expanding diversity. Fall 2015 included two opportunities. All MBSP scholars joined EY professionals for networking and then heard a presentation which emphasized diversity’s significance in the workforce. EY professionals spoke to the necessity of varied outlooks which then allow for greater depth and breadth of per-spective. Additionally, in November a special Global kEY summit for Freshmen focused on planning the path toward professional success while emphasizing the possibilities of study abroad and cultural competency. In the Spring of 2016, EY professionals joined scholars again for networking event honing in-terview skills (the challenges and the highlights) and also offering top 10 skills needed for transi-tioning into the career world. Scholars and EY professionals engaged in discussion and learning

as well as enjoying conversation during dinner.

MBSP and EY hope to partner in broaden-ing our efforts to include leadership op-portunities for upperclassmen to mentor those entering college and for freshmen and sophomores to mentor high schoolers thinking about the possibility and also the challenge of higher education. Just part of EY’s efforts in “Building a better working world.”

EY and Scholar Table Round-Robins on Meeting the Interview Challenge

Breanna Bell

networks and

Sabrina Castillo

begins her Global

kEY Roadmap.

EY and MBSP

learning and

laughter:

a great

partnership!

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C A P I T O L F E D E R A L P R O F E S S I O N A L S N E T W O R K W I T H M B S P

T A R G E T ’ S A C C U R A T E A I M

MBSP scholars will enter the new CAPITOL FED-ERAL HALL this fall, but scholars have known the support of Capitol Federal for years. In October scholars learned about talking points and introduc-tion tips at the MBSP fall fair. Carlton A. Ricketts Executive Vice President, Corporate Services, Lloyd Rainge, Vice President of Commu-nity Development and Akilah Scott, Senior Staff Accountant took time to get to know scholars and offered their guidance for success in the industry. Such leadership inspires and motivates scholars. Over dessert, these leaders spoke of the opportuni-ties at Capitol Federal and also offered the podium to Derrick Williams an MBSP Scholar interning at Capitol Federal in the marketing department. In a recent letter, Derrick had this to say about his experi-ence, “It’s nice to work for a company that is big on giving back to the community while also having em-ployees who care so much about helping students like myself. I also have been fortunate enough to join the Multicultural Business Scholars Program. This program has been very beneficial to me. The most important thing about this program is that they really push us academically. It’s important to be part of a program that cares about my academic success and also my professional success.”

TARGET professionals highlight the keys to success-ful teamwork and relationship building with empha-sis on practical every day skills. TARGET has sup-ported MBSP for three years through their education-al grants program. MBSP Graduate Somorah Smith is now employed at TARGET in Texas. Her Supply Chain Management degree and her polished people skills continue to shine.

Somorah Smith wrote to Dr. Augelli to express her gratitude for the program as she began her career at TARGET, “Thank you for believing in me and helping me figure out a major that I absolutely love! Thank you for always pushing me to the next level and presenting me with so many opportunities that I would-n't trade for the world. I'm so excited to start my new position with Target and see how much I grow and evolve. I will definitely be keeping in touch and hopefully see you soon! “

Sharing words of wisdom with CapFed Professionals

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M B S P A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R

The spring semester brings with it the MBSP Cultural Event. This event offers scholars the chance to gather at the Lied Center in the Seymour Gallery for networking in a reception setting. The setting allows scholars to experience and prac-tice the nuanced communication of professionals in an after work gathering. Many times net-working occurs in a similar en-vironment and the awkward-ness of “standing around” can be harnessed for great connec-tions. Steve Rogers, Customer First Manager/DRM – Dillon Division, shared tips with schol-ars to make the best of the non-verbal communication that is expressed within networking and also in client relations. Steve and his team of leaders took time to network at tables with topics around leadership.

During the presenta-tions and networking, all enjoyed appetizers; again emphasizing the skill of etiquette while standing and min-gling. The Dillions professionals made the experience seamless: leading, sharing and role modeling. A highlight to the even-ing is the world class perfor-mance that concludes the event: this year Branford Marsalis Quartet took the stage and wowed the audience. An ex-cerpt about these artists from the website: “Branford Marsalis, the National Endowment for the Arts Jazz Master and renowned Grammy Award-winning sax-ophonist, team up with quartet members Joey Calderazzo, pi-ano; Eric Revis, bass; and Justin

Faulkner, drums. Together they make up one of the most inno-vative and forward-thinking jazz ensembles around today.” Further, Marsalis exemplifies success and investing in com-munity; after Hurrican Katrina he and Harry Connick , Jr. de-veloped and established The Musicians Village in the Upper Ninth Ward to provide housing, studio and teaching space for musicians and local families. Again from the website, “At the heart of The Musicians Vil-lage stands the Ellis Marsalis Center for Music, a community center dedicated to preserving the rich New Orleans musical legacy containing state‐of‐the art spaces for perfor-mance, instruction and record-ing.” Marsalis recognized a local jazz musician and brought him to the stage for a resound-ing close of a grand evening of learning, sharing and art.

D I L L O N S N E T W O R K I N G W I T H L E A D E R S

D I L L I O N S A N D S C H O L A R S - “ R E C E P T I O N ” N E T W O R K I N G I N A C T I O N

D I L L O N S L E A D E R S H I P & L E A R N I N G

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C E L E B R A T I N G

O U R M B S P

G R A D U A T E S !

Y O U W I L L B E

R E M E M B E R E D !

Celebrating

MBSP

Graduates

Carlos Castro graduated with degrees in Accounting and Busi-ness Administration and begins the MAcc this fall at KU. Camille Douglas graduated with a Marketing degree and will begin her career at an Insurance firm spe-cializing in catastrophes of com-mercial properties in Denver, CO. Christian Encarnacion graduated with a Finance degree and will begin his career with Grant Thor-ton in Business Advisory Services. William Gana graduated with his degrees in Finance and Accounting; he will be working for a boutique investment firm in NYC. Nubia Gomez-Villegas graduated with her degree in Information Sys-

tems and she will begin her career as a Consultant at Cerner.

Cristina Griffith graduated with her degree in Accounting and be-gins the MAcc and also her career with PwC.

Cole Hardinger graduated with his degree in Supply Chain Manage-ment and will begin his career with Textron.

Dani Jones graduated with degrees in Journalism and Marketing and will continue her learning through travel and career opportunities in England.

Darius Johnson graduated with his degrees in Supply Chain Manage-ment and Accounting; he will begin his career with full time placement with EY.

Cedric Phillips graduated with his degrees in Supply Chain Manage-ment and Information Systems; he will begin his career as a Manufac-turing and Warehouse Sr. Associ-ate with Pepsi Co in Burnsville, MN. Grecia Rucoba graduated with her degree in Accounting and begins the MAcc this fall at KU. Somorah Smith graduated with her degree in Supply Chain Man-agement and will begin her career with Target as an Operations Manager.

Dajon Medlock (Accounting) and Kwasi Porter-Hill (Finance) look forward to finishing there degrees and additional studies this December.

Page 6 M B S P A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R

This study abroad trip was to the Supply Chain Manage-ment in North-ern Europe pro-gram. It was a short term pro-gram that start-ed May 16th and ended May 26th. Even though it was a short term program I learned a lot about how companies do business in Eu-rope and how

different it is from the United States and Panama. Also, I was able to meet some amazing people and build relation-ships with them.

This trip broadened my perspective by being able to expe-rience another culture, learn about their education system, and visiting different companies. We visited a vocational school and it was very interesting we were able to talk to a student and see what a typical day is like for them and they got to hear about what a day is like in KU. The stu-

dents talked to us about how long it takes them to get too school and that they have to ride three different modes of transportation when most of us in the U.S. only use one. Also, being able to see what these different companies do for packaging was exciting; some of them had machines that made the boxes fit their product that way they would not waste extra money on empty space. My favorite over-all had to be the World Port Hub. This was my first time visiting one; just seeing all the different aspects it has and being so close to the machines and airplanes was a lot of fun. I would recommend this trip; it’s a great learning experience and you make relationships that can one day help you find the career of your dreams. I received a lot of support from MBSP, if it weren’t for them this trip would not have happened. Perla Torres

I am interning for the summer in Dublin, Ireland with the Irish Cancer Society as the Corporate Partnerships Administration Intern. I'm working on their database and helping with projects within the fundraising department. This trip has very much broadened my perspective. Coming here, I thought I was a very open-minded and I reminded every day that the mind is always be-ing stretched.

Even being in an English speaking country, there is a language barrier and customs barrier. You learn to rely on yourself more, but also trust strangers giving you directions. So, it's a very interesting freedom. I recommend everyone to participate in study abroad programs, there is no other time in your life that you can learn so much from everyone around you. It's also the most appro-priate time to stay in a sketchy hostel (more learning ex-

periences). I received support from MBSP, EY and also, from the School of Business Abroad office. I am so grateful for this support! Bailee Myers

M A R K E T I N G I N T E R N - I R E L A N D

Taking a break from her Irish Cancer Society Marketing

Internship, Bailee Myers took a tour to Glendalough, Co Wicklow.

Perla Torres— super excited to visit the

UPS air hub with her visitor badge.

S U P P L Y C H A I N I N N O R T H E R N E U R O P E

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C U B A T R A V E L A N D L E A R N

I studied abroad in Cuba with about 17 other students and we spent 13 days learning about and exploring different cities within the Country. The cities in which we visited were Santa Clara, Trinidad, Havana, and Pinar del Rio/Vinales. Each city was filled with its own rich history and culture and we learned a lot about each one.

In Cuba I witnessed a sense of together-ness that was unlike any other country I had visited in the world. No one was left behind and everyone helped every-one. I would recommend this trip to anyone who is looking for an eye open-ing study abroad trip and is looking to learn a lot about themselves. For fund-ing for the trip I received support from the MBSP along with the Business School. Dajon Medlock

This summer, I was given the oppor-tunity to go to Cuba with Dr. Augelli, Dr. Myer, and students from the University of Kansas. We went to Cuba to learn about the different culture as well as the business practices in Cuba. Our trip was a 13-day trip that included many different areas we got to explore including Havana, Trinidad, Pinar Del Rio, and more.

We experienced many different things including Tropicana, The El Morro Fort Cannon Fire ceremony, a music and art project for children called El Mura-leando. This trip not only gave me the chance to experience a different culture, but it also gave me the opportunity to learn more about the world. This trip really opened my eyes and made me realize how big the world really is. This trip broaden my perspective; it made me realize how different everyone can be. For example, there are so many dif-ferent groups of people in America and it holds true in different countries, I saw many different groups of people in Cu-ba, all having different personalities.

Since the embargo is still in place, it is very hard for citizens to come to Cuba. Coming from America to Cuba is a

huge change and some basic tasks in America can be quite hard in Cuba. It makes you realize how thankful we should be in America. For this trip I re-ceived support from the MBSP as well as the School of Business from the University of Kansas. I was also lucky enough to receive the Global kEY Scholarship from EY. I thank everyone who helped make this a reality for me. You have given me the chance to experience something I never thought I could do during my time in school and I would also like to thank you for helping me continue my education. Austin Corbitt

The Supply Chain and Logistics in Panama during winter break 2016 has been one of the best experiences of my entire life. I was able to travel to a dif-ferent country, experience a different culture, and meet new people all while learning about my future major. Before going on this trip I knew about the dif-ferent areas of supply chain, but actu-ally seeing them in person gave me a different perspective.

The people working in these logistic centers have a variety of tasks and that fascinates me knowing that when I get a career I’ll be doing something differ-ent everyday and interacting with peo-ple from all over the world. I fell in

love more with my major and hope that maybe one day I can move to Pan-ama and work for a logistics company.

While we were there one of my favor-ite activities that we did was visit an indigenous village. To get there we road in canoes through the beautiful forest. When we got to the village the people were all so welcoming, they greeted us by playing instruments. Then, they talked to us about their culture and traditional cloth-ing. After, they made fish and plantains for us. For a day we were able to experience what it’s like to be

them. If I had the opportunity to go back I would in a heartbeat; I would recommend all to attend if they have the chance. You make great connec-tions and being able to see what these companies do in person gives you a more enriching perspective of them rather than reading it in a text book.

Perla Torres

S C H O L A R I N P A N A M A

Austin at El Muraleando. This

was a pillar that would spread

"good energy" to whatever

place you touched after you

walked around the pole.

Vinales, mountains and tobacco farms

and possible location of missile hidden

during the missile crisis

Cars and

Infrastructure

Page 8 M B S P A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R

The Business India - Marketing in the Global Environment study abroad program took place over the course of two weeks during winter break. We spent the first week in Goa and the second week in Delhi. Professor Sanjay Mishra from the KU School of Business and Professor Anil Misra from the KU School of Engineering led the trip. We were able to experience a good mixture of touristy activities as well as first-hand experience with different compa-nies in a number of different industries. Every day was packed with both intellectually and culturally stimulating activities, discussions, lectures, and tours. As a student pursuing a degree in Marketing with a minor in Economics, I firmly believe this par-ticular study abroad experience further enhanced my overall pursuit in academic, career, and personal endeavors. Thus, I would recommend this trip to anyone who is ready for an engaging and eye-opening experience. Naba Husain

P E R S P E C T I V E

Although it was only two weeks, I was able to gain a whole new perspective. One of the most beneficial things I learned was that the western approach is not always the best one. So often, I looked at the issues India faces and thought that if they just applied what the U.S. does, then it would be fixed. Instead, India is so unique and

different that they must come up with their own solutions. For example, the milk industry in India found that by cutting out the middleman, there was more efficiency and greater benefits given to the farmer. In supply chain management, we learned to never cut out the middleman because it is inefficient for U.S. markets. It is small things like this that make India a diverse place with many opportunities for businesses.

It also broadened my global perspective because I realized how egocentric the U.S. and myself tend to be; but now that I realize this, I can correct my habits and behavior. I would definitely recom-mend this trip because it really challenges stu-dents to step outside their comfort zone and expe-rience something entirely different from the Unit-ed States. After such a great experience, I hope to experience more cultures and other countries. This experience has increased my confidence in my ability to travel abroad and hopefully it won’t be long before I go to another country.

Jia Anderson

S E E I N G I N A D I F F E R E N T L I G H T

Tomb of the third Mugal

Emperor, Muhammad Jalaluddin

Akbar, known for his effective

Camille Douglas, Grecia Rucoba, Jia Anderson, Naba

Husain and Allyssa Castilleja: scholars studying in India.

Page 9 M B S P A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R

M B S P S C H O L A R S : S C H O L A R S S U P P O R T I N G S C H O L A R S

Scholars are there for each other.

Pictured above schol-ars took part in Dance Lessons—it was a big hit, offering a chance to get a few pointers for recep-tions and also just enjoying laughter with friends. The Lopez Dance Studio out of Kansas City provided the instruction and were referred by Lawrence Arts Center. Scholars also shared insights at “Seniors Stand Up” portion of the Pizza Welcome Back.

MSP also brings all 175+ scholars together at the Winter Banquet and the Fall BBQ.

This is what coming together is all about.

ACADEMIC SUPERSTARS These scholars received GPA’s of 3.7 or higher.

Spring 2015: Breshawna Briggs, Carolina Jimenez-Garcia, Grecia Rucoba, Naba Husain, Darius Johnson Fall 2015: Jia Anderson, Jake Bethel, BreShawna Briggs, Sa-

brina Castillo, Cole Hardinger, Naba Husain, Carolina Jimenez-Garcia, Danielle Jones, Alexander Ohler, Hannah Rivas, Perla Torres

Page 10 M B S P A L U M N I N E W S L E T T E R

H I L L ’ S B U I L D I N G R E L A T I O N S H I P S

In March, Hill’s Pet Nutrition professionals joined MBSP for a networking-skill development event. Hill’s is a $2.3B division of Colgate with approxi-mately 3,000 employees globally, headquartered in Kansas with multiple international offices.

Scholars and professionals chose “ONE WORD” and discussed how that word highlighted their per-spective. Scholars also learned about upcoming in-ternships at Hill’s; Perla Torres announced that she had just accepted an internship at Hill’s in Dallas for the summer. Perla shared her thoughts on how the internship is going this summer “The internship has been won-derful; you can tell they truly care about their em-ployees. I was able to go to one of their district meet-

ings and it was such an amazing ex-perience. I met some great people from the Texas and Florida areas and learned so much. They all treated me and the other interns like we were part of their team. I've also learned so much from Keith who is the territory manager here; he takes the time to explain everything in detail and has taken us to different stores around the area to get a feel of what it would be like if we become territory managers. I can't say enough good things about Hill's! Also, thank you so much for setting up all the events we have with them, if it wasn't for MBSP I probably wouldn't have this internship.”

W E L C O M I N G S T A T E S T R E E T

D O U G M I L L E R S P O N S O R S M S P L U N C H A N D L E A R N W I T H W E A L T H X

MSP supporter, Mr. Doug Mil-ler sponsored a recent MSP lunch and learn event. Scholars joined with Mr. Mykolas Ram-bus of Wealth

X (www.wealthx.com) to discuss Mr. Rambus’s success in business. Scholars interviewed Mr. Rambus asking about his early years in Detroit, his education at MIT and his successes developing and leading companies. MSP Alumni and Leader-ship were also on hand to share lunch and conver-sation including Kris Davis (99), Sr. Director Busi-ness Development at Kabam; Ruben Sigala (97),

Chief Analytics Officer, Caesars Entertainment Corporation and also Jyarland Daniels (96), Diversity Communications & Branding Con-sultant. Mrs. Daniels’ 2015 article, (rewire.com) on talking about racial injustice, continues to resonate.

MBSP Proudly welcomes STATE STREET to the family! Scholars experienced the high level of skill and leadership at State Street first hand; Mr. Steve Green, Talent Ac-quisition Manager, Vice President

and Mr. Pat Kelly, Human Resources Director, Vice President shared their evening and offered insights to scholars about the industry. State Street partners with institutional investors all over the world to pro-

vide comprehensive financial services, including in-vestment management, investment research and trad-ing, and investment servicing. A quote from the Chairman Mr. Joseph L. Hooley expresses the compa-ny’s investment in diversity and inclusion, “By lever-aging the diverse talents and backgrounds of our em-ployees globally, State Street fosters an inclusive, cre-ative and fulfilling work environment – and delivers better results for our clients.”

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O U R G E N E R O U S D O N O R S

Platinum:

EY Global kEY Fund (EY-study abroad fund)

Gold: David and Dee Dillon

F A R E T H E E W E L L T O J O N I – F R I E N D O F M B S P

Long time champion of MBSP and MSP, Joni Scheonen bid us farewell in June of 2016; she will enlighten minds and brighten hearts at the Topeka alternative school, Hope Academy. Her spirited presence, steady determi-nation and constant focus on the needs of scholars—will be greatly missed. Wholehearted thanks and well wishes to Joni!

Kayla Deters and Allyssa Castilleja at the EY Launch In-tern Training in Chicago. “Today we are very thank-ful for EY, MBSP, and the opportuni-ties multicultural students are exposed to through the program.”

Endowed Funds: Ever Giving

Megan E Taylor Memorial Scholarship Fund Wittig Scholarship Fund

John and Nancy Rodgers Scholarship Fund

Silver: Capitol Federal Savings Doug and Audrey Miller

Kroger Co. Hills Pet Nutrition

State Street

Bronze:

Target SC Johnson (an alumni match)

M U L T I C U L T U R A L B U S I N E S S S C H O L A R S P R O G R A M

YOUR SUPPORT MAKES A DIFFERENCE for the SCHOLARS! Please visit us online to make a contribution.

Or send a check to MBSP at Capitol Federal Hall 1645 Naismith Drive, Suite 1186, Lawrence KS 66045

Every new ALUMNI dollar makes 2x the impact —EVERY new Alumni dollar is MATCHED!!!

Join our LinkedIn Group

Donate to MBSP

GET CONNECTED

http://msp.ku.edu/business Join our LinkedIn Group Like US on FaceBook

M B S P S C H O L A R E L E C T E D K U S T U D E N T B O D Y P R E S I D E N T

Stephonn Alcorn will continue honing his leadership skills as he leaps into his role as KU Student Body President; as Stephonn takes office, several MBSP Scholars join him as elected senators of OneKU, including Al-lyssa Castilleja, BreShawna Briggs and Anto-nio Lopez-Bormann. OneKU expresses their mission in these word: “We are a Student Senate coalition founded on the basis of culti-vating tangible change at The University of Kansas. We aspire to establish unity and in-clusion by addressing the challenges and em-bracing the differences we face as individual students, working together as One KU. “ Check out the website for more on initiatives coming this year: www.oneku.org

A L U M N I D O N O R S ~ A P A T H F O R T H E F U T U R E

J O I N W I T H O T H E R M B S P A L U M N I

Please consider joining Alumni DONORS and make an impact!

Email Trish with questions– tdowdkelne@ku.edu