Check our news and notes page periodically for updates on what is happening at the Fermanian Business Center and School of Business, along with information about PLNU students and alumni in the business world.
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 10/26/09
From a bleak diagnosis to a bright future, Erik Weber’s story is an inspiring one.
At the age of three, Erik Weber was diagnosed with autism. Doctors informed his parents that he would reach the mental development of an 18-month-old, at best, and recommended seeking out an institution at which Erik could live his life. Erik’s parents, however, had hope in a different future for him.
The journey to that future has not been easy. Unfortunately, Erik’s family was struck by tragedy when he was eight years old. His father, Richard, died unexpectedly during a business trip to Turkey.
Despite the many challenges they have faced, Erik and his mother have persevered, and Erik has excelled beyond the doctors’ expectations. In 2006, he graduated high school from San Diego’s Excelsior Academy; in 2008, he graduated from Grossmont College with an associate degree in general education. He graduated from both institutions with a GPA above 3.5. Most recently, he has graduated Summa Cum Laude (GPA of 3.9 or above) from PLNU with a major in International Development Studies and was inducted into the Phi Delta Lambda Alumni Honor Society. The Fermanian School of Business also named him the International Developmental Studies Student of the Year for 2009.
Outside of academics and PLNU, Erik has been busy with additional interests as well. He is a
 |
Special Olympics gold medalist, and, in 2008, he published a book titled “Autism for Dads: The Importance of a Father’s Love”. He has been featured in various newsletters and articles and will be interviewed for a “Salute to Teachers” special on San Diego’s local Channel 4 television station, airing in October. He also has taken part in research studies and has been a guest speaker in special education classes. Most recently, the San Diego City Council honored Erik by naming July 14, 2009, “Erik Weber Day” in San Diego.
Erik’s future continues to look bright and full of exciting opportunity. This fall, he will begin a graduate program at San Diego State University for a Master’s in Public Administration. His career goals are in the field of international business.
In a recent interview with Erik’s mother, Sandy, she expressed the deep love and appreciation which she and Erik have for PLNU. They feel the university has done much to help transform their dream of Erik earning his bachelor’s degree into reality. She said they frequently tell other families with disabled children about their wonderful experience at PLNU. She spoke of her sadness in having to leave the “haven” that PLNU has been, but she said Erik will have continuing pride as an alumnus of PLNU. At many of Erik’s public engagements, he can be seen wearing a PLNU pin or shirt, proudly representing his Alma Mater.
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 10/22/09
Professor Rob Gailey Presents Paper in Stockholm
The Bank of Sweden Tercentenary Foundation’s sector committee for research on the civil society, KTH (Royal Institute of Technology) and Jönköping International Business School organized an international workshop on the theme Civil society, social capital and economic development to further the understanding of this particular theme. The workshop was held in Stockholm 3-4 September 2009. An anthology with selected revised workshop papers was planned. Professor Robert Gailey, Director for Center of International Development at PLNU recently presented his paper on Social Capital and Economic Empowerment.
To view Professor Gailey’s paper that was presented in Stockholm click here.
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 9/2/09
Professor of Economics is Recognized by the University of KwaZulu-Natal in South Africa
HEARD recently hosted Dr Senyo Adjibolosoo, for the Health Economics and HIV/AIDS Research Division. Click on the link to see what they had to say about Professor Adjibolosoo
http://www.heard.org.za/news/heard-hosts-professor-senyo-adjibolosoo
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 8/28/09
PLNU, Economist Look to Form Regional Economic Institute
By Rebecca Go The Daily Transcript
Thursday, August 27, 2009
A local university has tapped Bank of America’s former chief economist to lead efforts to create a regional economic institute designed to serve the San Diego community.
Lynn Reaser, who stepped into the role of Point Loma Nazarene University’s new chief economist earlier this month, envisions a “homegrown” organization based at PLNU that will analyze both macroeconomic and microeconomic issues with the intent of helping San Diego businesses and organizations navigate the economic environment.
“The institute is not a policy advocacy organization; it’s not an academic think tank where we focus on scholarly research for publication,” Reaser said. “It’s meant to be a very practical organization that looks at the data in an objective way, forecasts it (and) translates it into actionable implications.”
The institute could, for example, examine the value of the U.S. dollar and how that would affect San Diego importers and exporters. Or, on a more individual level, it could help a local nonprofit analyze how to best maximize the use of a grant or donation.
Local leaders agree the possibilities abound: studying the true value of military spending to the region, addressing the water shortage, exploring the possibility of expanding the convention center, or looking at the implications of a truly sustainable economy.
“It’s always good to have various points of view,” said Marney Cox, SANDAG’s chief economist. “There’s lots of issues that academia in general could assist in making those choices.”
Reaser and Randy Ataide, the director of PLNU’s Fermanian Business Center, agree that collaboration will be key, both within the San Diego community and across academic disciplines at PLNU.
“You have to have all these disciplines and these insights to really come up with a workable solution,” Reaser said.
The plans for the institute are still in the beginning stages, although organizers intend to move quickly in the next four months in order to address local needs as soon as possible.
Reaser and Ataide hope to officially launch the institute Jan. 1, 2010, pending the approval of PLNU administration. Currently, Reaser and Ataide are conducting a “feasibility study,” to determine the need for a regional economic institute and how such an organization could sustain itself.
“What we’re finding is in many cases, these organizations have a strategic vision, a strategic plan, but often they are missing the economic analysis piece, which they acknowledge is desperately needed,” Reaser said.
A decision is expected in November, along with a regional economic forecast. Reaser intends to incorporate insights from the community members and business leaders she interacts with into her forecast.
“You can look at the numbers and you can do the modeling, which economic forecasters do all over the country, but without that additional insight, it’s hard to come up with a forecast that’s realistic and correct,” she said.
The move to PLNU is a step in a slightly different direction for Reaser, whose résumé includes an impressive list of high profile employers. Reaser originally hails from west Los Angeles and completed her undergraduate and postgraduate work at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Reaser worked as chief economist at Los Angeles’ First Interstate Bancorp before it was acquired by Wells Fargo, and served on the state Economic Strategy Panel and the governor’s Council of Economic Advisors.
After helping shape investment strategy at Bank of America for the last five years, Reaser decided it was time for a change of a career, wanting to delve into the practical applications of economic analysis.
The notion of an institute was already beginning to take shape at PLNU as the economic crisis continued to stoke dialogue among faculty, staff and students. Reaser, who had spoken at the university in the past, spoke again at a January event, which led to subsequent conversations with Ataide and eventually Reaser’s appointment.
“We find ourselves in a unique period of time where economics, good and bad, is of great importance, not only to the university and our students … but also to the local community,” Ataide said. “We want to move quickly and get to the bottom of what San Diego really needs.”
___________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 8/18/09
Dr. Lynn Reaser Elected President NABE for 2009-2010
NABE members have elected Lynn Reaser as their president and Richard Wobbekind as vice president for the 2009-2010 term. New officers and board members will take office at the closing of the annual meeting in October.
In addition, members elected five new board members; four will serve three year terms and the fifth has been elected to a two year term.
Meet the new officers and board members in St. Louis at the business meeting scheduled for late afternoon Sunday, October 11, at the 51st Annual Meeting.
Reaser, chief economist at Point Loma Nazarene University in San Diego, will succeed Chris Varvares, president of Macroeconomic Advisers LLC in St. Louis, as NABE president. Wobbekind, associate dean of the University of Colorado, Boulder’s MBA and Executive Programs, will follow Reaser as vice president.
“It is an honor to be elected as NABE’s next president as we launch new initiatives to re-energize the organization and enhance its value and image,” Reaser said. She also noted that the priorities of the board for the coming year reflect “the superior efforts of Chris Varvares, Ellen Hughes-Cromwick, the Board of Directors and other leaders.”
Priorities Include Educational Programs
Reaser emphasized several priorities for the coming year, including: launching NABE university as the organization’s major educational program, recruiting younger members through student chapters and developing close relationships with colleges and universities, developing relations internationally, expanding the Get Connected program for early and mid-career professionals, extending the value of NABE surveys to policymakers, and better integrating the network of NABE chapters.
Before joining Point Loma Nazarene University on August 1, Reaser served as chief economist for the Investment Strategies Group at Bank of America in Boston. Earlier she was chief economist at Barnett Banks, Inc., and chief economist at First Interstate Bank. The native Californian has been active in NABE since earning her bachelor’s, master’s, and Ph.D. in economics at the University of California at Los Angeles.
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 8/5/09
Said Business School at Oxford University in England Accepts Paper by Professor Randy Ataide
Professor Randy Ataide, Director of the FBC and Professor of Entrepreneurship, received word from Said Business School at Oxford that his paper has been accepted and he has been invited to present. The paper is titled,
A Thorny and Unresolved Issue: Are Religious Entrepreneurs Social Entrepreneurs?
Professor Ataide will be presenting at the first joining of two existing conferences into one, the first day focusing on UK Social Entrepreneurs and the next two days on International Academic Research.
The conference is the
ISIRC 2009 (International Social Innovation Research Conference) and
Social Innovation: Reconfiguring Markets, Blurring Sector Boundaries and Challenging Institutional Arrangements.
He will be traveling for the three day conference in England this September.
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 7/30/09
PLNU To Sponsor Fall 2009 Global Economic Conference in St. Louis
PLNU and the Fermanian School of Business are pleased to announce that they are a co-sponsor of the National Association of Business Economics (NABE®) Annual Conference to be held from October 10-13, 2009 in St. Louis Missouri. The NABE® is an association of professionals who have an interest in business economics and who want to use the latest economic data and trends to enhance their ability to make sound business decisions. There are approximately 2,500 members representing more than 1,500 businesses and other organizations from around the world.
The theme of this year’s Conference is The New Global Financial and Economic Architecture: Gateway to Recovery (or just more of the Blues?). Dr. Bruce Schooling, Dr. Maggie Bailey, Dr. Lynn Reaser, Professor Jose Munoz, Professor Randy M. Ataide and Fermanian Business Center Manager Cathy L. Gallagher shall all attend the Conference on behalf of PLNU. Confirmed speakers for the multi-day event includes:
- James Bullard, President, Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis
- Donald Kohn, Vice Chairman, Federal Reserve Board
- Christina Romer, Chair, President's Council of Economic Advisers
- Tommy Thompson, 19th Secretary of Health and Human Services
Since its founding in 1959, NABE® has continued to attract the attention of the most influential and prestigious economic leaders in business. Past Presidents have included several former Federal Reserve Governors, the former Chairman of the Board of Governors for the Federal Reserve System, Alan Greenspan, and other senior business leaders. NABE's mission is to provide leadership in the use and understanding of economics.
Dr. Lynn Reaser, PLNU Chief Economist, is the Vice-President of the NABE® and at this internationally prominent Conference, PLNU’s logo is featured prominently on the Conference’s website and all promotional material, and PLNU will be a highlighted at a specific luncheon event.
For more information on the NABE® Conference please see http://www.nabe.com/am2009/index.html
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 7/29/09
Point Loma Nazarene University Appoints Chief Economist and Eyes Creation of Regional Economic Institute
Dr. Lynn Reaser, most recently Bank of America’s Chief Economist for its Investment Strategies Group in Boston, will join Point Loma Nazarene University as its Chief Economist on August 1, 2009. Reaser currently holds the role of the Vice-President of the National Association for Business Economics, which is one of the leading global organizations committed to using current economic data to assist in sound business decisions. Reaser will serve through 2009 in leading a study on the feasibility of creating a cutting-edge regional Economic Institute.
PLNU President Dr. Bob Brower stated “We are pleased that Dr. Reaser has decided to bring her formidable skills and voice to the San Diego region. The possibility of establishing PLNU as one of the leading economic, policy and business resources for our community is of great interest to us.” Reaser has spoken at PLNU several times on behalf of Bank of America. With the many critical economic issues it is intended that Reaser will be able to provide a prominent voice that for the San Diego region.
Ms. Julie Meier-Wright, President and CEO of the San Diego Economic Development Corporation commented “I know Dr. Lynn Reaser well and we served together on the State of California’s Economic Strategy Panel, and Lynn was an active, involved member of the panel. She had outstanding input and perspective, and despite subsequently living outside of California for several years and charged with a national perspective, her insight on California continues to be on the mark and important to our state.”
Working with the faculty and staff of the Fermanian School of Business at PLNU, Reaser will be preparing an economic forecast to be published this fall, as well as speaking at many events. She is also part of a PLNU Task Force that is investigating the creation of a Regional Economic Institute committed to actionable economic analysis for the San Diego region. Examples of this proposed Institute’s focus could be sustainable business, science and technology, small business and the Mega-Region Initiative of the San Diego Economic Development Corporation. A final decision on the proposed Institute will be made in Fall 2009.
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 7/13/09
Leading Economist Dr. Lynn Reaser At PLNU For Fall 2009
Starting August 1, 2009, Dr. Lynn Reaser, Vice President of the National Association of Business Economists and the former Chief Economist Investment Strategies Group, Bank of America, will be at the Fermanian School of Business for the Fall 2009 term. During this period, Dr. Reaser will be doing consulting work for PLNU related to economic vision, strategy and forecasting for the San Diego Region, as well as attending and speaking at special events for the Fermanian School of Business and guest lecturing in specific courses.
“We are excited to have Dr. Reaser join us as we explore various strategic opportunities as well as assisting PLNU in acquiring a deeper understanding and appreciation of the global economic crisis, and its impact on our institutions. With her vast level of experience, she will bring a unique expertise to the dialogue, as well as projecting on a national level the voice and vision of PLNU,” stated Dr. Bruce Schooling, Dean of the Fermanian School of Business.
Dr. Reaser will be the keynote speaker at two upcoming Fermanian Executive Network Events, the first on July 31 at the La Jolla Sheraton, as well as a Sacramento event on August 11 at the Sacramento Hyatt. For more information on these events please see
http://www.pointloma.edu/Fermanian/Fermanian_Executive_Network.htm
For more information on Dr. Reaser see http://www.nabe.com/index.html or contact the Fermanian Business Center at 619.849.2692.
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/30/09
Congratulations to Students of the FSB Who Made It On PLNU's Dean's List
See the complete list of FSB Students Who Earned this Honor
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/25/09
PLNU's Bovich Signs With San Diego Padres
The Fermanian School of Business and Business Center Congratulates pitcher Andrew Bovich who signed a free-agent contract with the San Diego Padres on June 19. He is reporting to camp in Peoria, Ariz. The senior lefty posted a 13-1 record last season and was part of the most successful baseball team in the university's history.
Andrew is a Spring 2009 Business Administration graduate.
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/22/09
PLNU Business Alum and Owner of The Sanctuary Day Spa in Ocean Beach is recognized in Ocean Magazine
Tracy Duhs (Juarez) is a 2000 Business Administration graduate of Point Loma Nazarene University. In 1999 she started her first company, Eudaimia Models. Eudaimia Models was a modeling agency specializing in print work, runway, and trade shows. Tracy also has official training in the areas of makeup artistry, skin care, nutrition, and fitness and through the modeling industry built a great network of specialists whom were very highly acclaimed in their respective fields.
Tracy closed the agency in 2004 but after being asked questions by many people about skin-care, health and fitness, and makeup, she decided to start Lifestyle Fitness and
mylifestylefitness.com to give people access to the advice and coaching that celebrities and top models do.
The Sanctuary Spa is an element of her company and is gaining great accolades with local media such as
DiscoverSD and
Ocean Magazine.
Click here to read about the Sanctuary in Ocean Magazine
________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/10/09
PLNU Alum Heads to The International Christian School in Budapest, Hungary
PLNU Alum, Brandon Wilcox and his wife, Melissa Wilcox have been offered positions as student counselors at The International Christian School of Budapest. The school provides an English education for students in grades 1-12, preparing them for entrance into North American colleges and the world, learning in a Christian environment. Their commitment is for 1 school year starting in August 2009 through June 2010. Brandon will work as a Physical Education teacher and coach in the High School, and Melissa with be one of the school counselors serving on all levels.
For more information
click here
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/26/09
Northwestern Mutual Wins Honor from Training and Development Magazine
The Fermanian School of Business and Business Center would like to congratulate longstanding business constituent, Northwestern Mutual for winning Training Magazine's Top 125 Features Companies that Excel in Training. Northwestern Mutual provides many internship and career opportunities with PLNU business students and is a valued business partner that supports many FSB and FBC endeavors.
To view the article
click here
_________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/22/09
Ashoka Founder & Social Entrepreneur Speak at PLNU
Bill Drayton, founder of Ashoka, the largest association of social entrepreneurs in the world, addressed members of the San Diego philanthropic, grant and donor community on Monday May 18, 2009. Drayton was named one of America’s Best Leaders by
US News and World Report and Harvard’s Center for Public Leadership in 2005, and simultaneously received the Yale Law School Award of Merit, the school’s highest honor.
Ashoka is a group of men and women with system-changing solutions for the world’s most urgent social problems, and since its inception in 1980 has developed a network of approximately 2,000 Ashoka Fellows in over 60 countries. Muhammad Yunus, awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2006 for his microfinance work, is one of the established Ashoka activists.
Ashoka initially focused just on Third World projects, but in 2000 expanded into the United States. Coordinating the event with the Ashoka staff included the San Diego based Equinox Center which is a non-partisan, independent, nonprofit research center focused on economically sound environmental sustainability for the San Diego region.
Working at the intersection of scientific understanding, community values, government policy, and economic strength, we provide San Diego's community leaders with usable information, practical vision, and innovative thinking.
For more information on the Equinox Center see
http://www.equinoxcenter.org/index.html__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/19/09
Awards Go To 2008-09 Fermanian Honors Scholars
On Sunday April 26, PLNU’s Honors Scholars presented their posters, projects or research papers at the annual Conference and Banquet.
Seniors Jon Crane, Vanessa Pridmore and Tanya Johnson all successfully completed the rigorous process of being named a PLNU Honors Scholar. Each completed a significant project involving research, writing, presentation and defense.
Near the end of the junior year, students of exceptional scholarship and capacity for serious and creative study or research who have maintained a 3.5 cumulative GPA, may apply to do a senior Honors Project under the auspices of the Honors Program. With guidance from a major professor, and in community with other Honors Scholars, the student will complete an honors project during the senior year. In the spring Scholars complete their project, meet regularly with their advisor, and prepare for two formal presentations: a first one to their Committee and a second to the Point Loma Nazarene University Honors Conference held in early May.
Each Honors Scholar receives a medal for their successful completion, which is worn during Commencement, as well as being named an Honors Scholar on their transcript and their diploma.
Jon Crane & Professor Randy Ataide |
Vanessa Pridmore & Professor Rob Gailey |
|
|
Tanya Johnson & Dr. Croy |
|
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/19/09
Recent Graduate to receive Collaboration Fellowship Award
Recent Graduate, Travis Vaughan, has been selected to receive a Collaboration Fellowship Award to attend a microfinance retreat in Mexico where some of the biggest names in microfinance including practitioners and investors, will be gathering. You can learn more about the event here on the homepage of Opportunity Collaboration.
To view the agenda for the week click here:
To view the list of delegates including Vaughan click here:
Other Collaboration Fellowship winners on the list of delegates were selected from:
Duke, London School of Economics, Columbia University, Babson, Brown, Northwestern, U. of Wisconsin, U. of the Pacific, U. of Michigan, BYU, NY University, U. of North Carolina, Colorado State U., and Dallas Theological Seminary.
Vaughan first heard about this opportunity from one of HOPE International's board members – HOPE is the Christian microfinance institution where Vaughan interned last summer and where three current PLNU students will be interning this summer.
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/5/09
Jacob Willis of Allure Album Designs Named PLNU Entrepreneur of the Year
Read more about the event by clicking on the links below
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/4/09
Fermanian School of Business Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship Interviewed on KOGO AM 600
Professor Randy Ataide discusses the Entrepreneurial Spirit in America and how it is a primary driver of the economy. Special recognition of the PLNU MBA program was also mentioned as well as discussion of medical coverage for small business people.
Click here to listen to the interview.
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 4/22/09
Fermanian Business Center’s “Business Partner of the Year” Richard Bartell
Receives Prestigious Career Achievement Award from USD
University of San Diego has selected Richard Bartell as its 2009 Career Achievement Award recipient. Bartell is a skilled entrepreneur who has brought his many skills to bear throughout the Point Loma and San Diego area in the fields of entertainment, hospitality, marina development and tourism. The professionalism and high standards of the many Bartell Hotels throughout the area are well known as premier properties with “San Diego’s Unforgettable Locations.”
Bartell’s commitment and service has long extended to Point Loma Nazarene University as a key supporter, and he serves on the President’s Community Council, a key strategic planning body that assists Dr. Bob Brower, PLNU’s President. Bartell Hotels is also very involved in the Fermanian School of Business internship and employment efforts, as well as being the destination of choice for PLNU guests, which generates substantial annual revenue for PLNU scholarships and operations. He has also spoken at several business events hosted by the School of Business. Bartell Hotel’s is also the Sponsor of the Fermanian Executive Network, which supports multiple business networking events throughout the year.
 |
In 2008, Bartell was honored by the Fermanian Business Center at its annual Dealmaker of the Year Awards with its Business Partner of the Year Award. This was given in light of his commitment to higher education, generosity, standard of excellence in business and for serving as a role model for the community.
See SDDT article here
________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 4/22/09
“A Night in Africa” Human Factor Leadership Academy
Featured in the interview is Dr. Senyo Adjibolosoo, and MBA Alum Jason Jenkins
San Diego 6 News, March 5
http://www.sandiego6.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=586054@xetv.dayport.com&navCatId=164
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 4/21/09
Student-Entrepreneur of the Year to Be Announced April 29
Following seven months of mentoring by entrepreneurs and business professionals from many fields, nine market-ready business plans have been completed in the second Entrepreneur Enrichment Program ("EEP") hosted by the Fermanian Business Center. The Student-Entrepreneur of the Year will be announced at a banquet to be held on Wednesday, April 29, 2009. The finalists who have completed the challenge process of taking their entrepreneurial ideas from a concept to completed plan include:
- Jon Crane and Anna Runion - The Urban Roots Cafe
- Amanda Kleen - The LIGHTER 1 Bear Proof Container
- Ian Grier - Garbage Mining Co.
- Phil Barnes - Cabanga Textbooks
- Paul Gentry and Jim Houliston - The Dagger Project
- Jacob Willis - Allure Album Designs
- Chris Gutierrez and Jordan Cherry - San Diego BikeShare
- Ashleigh Livingston and Carrie Stewart - Nu Intentions Jewelry Co.
- Dustin Kunkel - SolarBright Service Co.
click here for the full press release
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 4/21/09
BUSINESS PROFESSOR INTERVIEWED ON KOGO-600
San Diego Broadcaster George Chamberlin interviewed Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship, Randy M. Ataide on his “Money in the Morning” radio show on Sunday April 19, 2009.
During the 15 minute interview, Chamberlin and Ataide discussed PLNU and the Fermanian School of Business, and focused extensively on entrepreneurial efforts in the San Diego community by the Business School and its Business Center. This included conversation about the Small Business Institute course taught by Ataide, that each semester creates market-ready business plans for local businesses, Entrepreneurs and non-profits.
Ataide highlighted the Institute’s current projects which include a strategic business plan for Lazarian World Homes ( http://www.lazarianworldhomes.com/ ) and their efforts to build sustainable, affordable and safe homes throughout the world as well as a traditional new start-up for a construction service company in northern San Diego county.
Chamberlin asked Ataide his opinion on the current attitudes of business students in light of the global economic crisis. Ataide offered that there were two significant areas of opportunity for coming graduates including the need for greater clarity and actionable and affordable economic analysis of for all businesses, as well as the burgeoning field of sustainable business practices and emerging technologies.
In the past months, Ataide has been interviewed by many local media outlets including several on air television appearances. Fox News, NBC and CW, among others, as well as participating in several economic forums hosted at PLNU.
___________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 4/13/09
Microfinance Club Makes Headlines with the $2 Challenge
35 students took the $2 Challenge, to live on $2 a day for three days. Led by the Microfinance Club, students simulated poverty by living on the grass in front of the gym, walking to the nearby grocery store, cooking food for all 3 meals a day, boiling water before drinking, and obtaining from showers and dorm use. The purpose of this event was to bring awareness to the campus and the San Diego community along with fundraising money for two non-profit organizations: HOPE International and Vitamin Angels.
Watch the video and see what the $2 Challenge was all about at http://vimeo.com/4047437
The club raised $300 and awareness across the community through the Union Tribune, CW6 and Fox News.
Check out stories
Union-Tribune
CW Channel 6
Fox News
Club Members Accepted to HOPE International Internship for Summer 09
Maira Flores, Claire Henry, Daniel Renz
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 4/3/09
The San Diego Microfinance Summit
Thursday, May 7, 2009 • 8:30 am – 2:00 pm
University of San Diego
The Joan B. Kroc Institute for Peace & Justice
Keynote Speaker: Lynn McMullen
Lynn McMullen has been engaged in the field of microfinance for over twenty years with federal policy, advocacy, and program evaluation. More recently she has been working to develop programs for AIDS orphans, vulnerable youth and voluntary home based care networks in rural South Africa.
For more information please see the San Diego Microfinance Summit Flyer
__________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/5/09
Take a TOUR of the New MBA Suites!!
To take the tour click here
___________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 3/5/09
PLNU Students, Carrie Stewart and Hayley Nenadal, Travel to Uganda to Help Empower Women
PLNU Students, Carrie Stewart and Hayley Nenadal are about to come alive with a group of women in Uganda. Stewart, Co-Founder of Nu Intentions and Nu Threads designer, and Nenadal, Nu Intentions Film Documenter, flew out Tuesday, January 13th, to Uganda. Their mission is to develop and invest their talents to empower women in Uganda.
Stewart and Nenadal arrived safely and for the next two months will be living in an Internally Displaced Persons (IDP) camp, Kapelebeyong, to work with the women, hear their stories, and develop a women's empowerment program through the training of Nu Threads jewelry line.
Ash Livingston, Co-Founder of Nu Intentions and Nu Thread and an MBA student at PLNU may also be joining Stewart and Nenadal in Uganda.
UPDATE
Carrie, Ash, of Nu Intentions are proud to announce the selection of eight girls to begin the jewelry project in Kapelebyong. They are already into their third week of training and the women are already making flawless jewelry. After spending more than three weeks with these women, they have realized the purpose of Nu Intentions is so much more than making jewelry, they are making a community. All are school dropouts, some are orphans, some are abandoned mothers, and one was told by her parents she was not worth sending to school.
After much thought, prayer, and consideration the Nu Intention leaders have decided it is best for the project to have Carrie remain in Kapelebyong to continue to build community with the women. The women there already love and trust her and the success there depends on her presence. We will be trusting God’s guidance as Carrie will begin to teach the women classes on Scripture, basic health and nutrition, savings, budgeting, and encouraging them to become local visionaries. They also have much anticipation for the monthly meetings in bringing together the group with the neighboring Karimojong tribe who also makes jewelry, in order to build peace between the conflicting tribes.
The three girls will parting ways shortly but are excited for the different ways they are being called: Carrie will be developing the women’s group, Hayley will be producing the documentary film that will tell their story, and Ashleigh will be returning to the states and creating the market for the long-term success of the jewelry.
_____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 2/19/09
Crosswind Strategies Recognized in San Diego Magazine as San Diego's 2009 FIVE STAR Wealth Management Team
Fermanian Business Center congratulates the team at Crosswind Strategies. Special notice to Ryan Ponsford, vice-president of Crosswind Strategies, who is a PLNU Business Alum, Entrepreneur Enrichment Program (EEP) mentor, and business partner of the FBC.
Click Here to View Article in San Diego Magazine
___________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 2/11/09
PLNU MBA Graduate Publishes His Thesis
PLNU MBA Graduate, Michael Forbes, recently published his thesis titled,
"The Knife & The Wasp". It is a business and financial self-help book about globalization. Forbes' book examines what is truly meant by globalization, how cultures react to globalization, and how Americans need to change their thinking about competition in a global economy.
Available for sale through Author House
___________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 2/11/09
PLNU EEP Project Featured in San Diego's Riviera Magazine
Entrepreneur Enrichment Program (EEP) Participants, Ash Livingston, current PLNU MBA, and Carrie Stewart, PLNU undergraduate, gains recognition in San Diego's Most Modern Luxury Magazine. The fair-trade company that works internationally to empower women in third-world countries to help sustain their families and be leaders in their communities was featured in the "Best of the City '09" Issue of Riviera Magazine.
Click here to view the Magazine
You can view their piece on page 29
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 2/10/09
San Diego Fermanian Executive Network Luncheon Highlights
Forty-five business leaders, guests and faculty and students of the Fermanian School of Business gathered at the elegant Humphrey’s Restaurant on Shelter Island for a Friday luncheon. Hosted by the Fermanian Business Center staff of Randy Ataide, Cathy Gallagher and Courtney Urbano, the guests started with a pre-luncheon time of networking and then followed with a luncheon feast and welcome by Ms. Dana Irby, Sales Manager of Bartell Hotels. Ms. Irby shared the corporate philosophy and emphasis on quality shared by all seven premier San Diego area Bartell properties, and discussed some exciting plans for expansion and growth of the firm.
For more information on the event click here
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 2/9/09
PLNU MBA ('07) Tim West Helps Lead San Diego Small Business Investment to Record Levels
In his work as a Vice President with Wells Fargo Business Banking, PLNU MBA alum Tim West has helped the consortium of California lenders reach a record level of nearly $500,000,000 in loans to small businesses under the SBA-504 loan program. The CDC Small Business Finance Group made 639 loans in 2008, and of all offices the San Diego group made the greatest gains with a remarkable 74.5% market share of SBA-504 loans!
Tim is featured on page 4 of the 2008 Annual report for the CDC Small Business Finance Group, which you can download by clicking on the link below.
Tim remains deeply committed to entrepreneurship and small business growth, and continues to represent the PLNU MBA and the Fermanian School of Business well in all that he does.
Well done Tim!
View the 2008 Annual Report
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 1/29/09
PLNU Alumni Win at Sundance Film Festival
On Jan. 20, 2009, Point Loma Nazarene University alumnus Destin Daniel Cretton (01), writer and director, won the U.S. Jury Prize for short films at the 2009 Sundance Film Festival for his film Short Term 12.
Other PLNU alumni were also involved with the film, including Bekah Macias (06), production coordinator), Brad Kester (07), assistant director, Jared Callahan (05), assistant director, and Whitney Ball (05), production assistant.
There were 96 films in the category accepted to the festival out of 5,632 submissions.
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 1/22/09
Rick Bergman of Bank of America is Recognized as a "San Diego's Top Influentials 2009"
The Fermanian School of Business and Business Center would like to congratulate Rick Bregman, Market President of Bank of America for being recognized as a finalist for the San Diego Daily Transcript's,
"San Diego's Top Influentials 2009".
He was recognized as being a leader in keeping Bank of America's fingers in the local community, which is what keeps the bank thriving. He is commended for his philanthropic responsibilities at the bank that keep him busy. To view his profile click here
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 1/20/09
Professor Randy Ataide wins "Best of the Regions" Award at the ACBSP Western Region Conference
The Fermanian School of Business and Business Center would like to congratulate Professor Randy Ataide, Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship and Director of Fermanian Business Center for winning the
“Best of the Regions” Award for his presentation at the
ACBSP Western Region Conference. Randy was one of five presenters selected to make a presentation at the conference based on a competitive call for papers. During the conference, the members evaluated all five presentations and selected Randy for this award. His presentation was entitled, “From Globalization to Globalrelation: Responding to the New Voice of the Emerging Entrepreneurial Pedagogy.”
As a result of this honor, Randy will be asked to make this same presentation at the ACBSP national conference in San Antonio this summer. The national conference of the Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) brings together hundreds of individuals from around the world that care about high academic standards and the accreditation of business schools.
Randy's presentation was also recently accepted to the 2009 WASC Academic Resource Conference (ARC) which will take place April 15-18 at the Hollywood Renaissance Hotel in Hollywood, CA. They received over 150 submissions, and only 60 were accepted.
To view the Power Point Presentation click here
____________________________________________________________________________
___________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 1/15/09
2007 PLNU Graduate, John Niemeyer, Shares His Adventures with Restore International in Uganda
Shortly before graduation, 2007 PLNU graduate, John Niemeyer, was challenged by Business Law professor Bob Goff to do something extraordinary. John took the challenge and linked up with Bob in his work with Restore International in Uganda. Restore International is a non-profit organization focused on human rights violations against children. Their work in Uganda is extensive, opening a school for the disadvantaged in northern Uganda, working within the judicial system to be a voice for the voiceless, and working with homes for vulnerable children.
John is currently the Country Director for Restore in Uganda, planning, coordinating and overseeing their work in Uganda. See videos of John here: http://www.vimeo.com/2823333 and here: http://www.vimeo.com/2822713
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 12/22/08
Small Business Institute Class Presents Strategic Business Plan for the Fermanian School of Business
The Small Business Institute class instructed by Professor Randy Ataide, presented their class project to an audience who included various members of the PLNU cabinet, professors and President Brower was also in attendance. The goal of the plan and the conclusion of the class is to create the best Christian Business School in the United States.
For six weeks, the 35 students of the Small Institute (BUS 486) diligently worked on a strategic business plan for the Fermanian School of Business. They attempted to address critical critical issues facing the FSB, including SWOT Analysis and Competitive Forces Analysis as diagnostic tools, and provide solutions and suggestions looking ahead. Students were broken up into five groups and extensively studied specific issues of mission, marketing and recruiting, curriculum, centers and resources, and management and leadership. There were five presenters who spoke on behalf of their group collaborating to make one exceptional presentation.
From left to right: Zach Lucas, Tommy Katona, Sarah Marson, Daniel Renz, Matt Porcelli, Brian Todd
Members of the SBI Class Wish the San Diego Marines a Merry Christmas!
The SBI students also sent care packages to the San Diego based Marines who are stationed in Iraq over the Holidays.
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 12/18/08
PLNU Alumni-Owned Clothing Company, Apolis Activism, Gives Brief Overview of Recent Highlights
- Finalized a bridge loan from our advisory board to allow us to produce SS09 production and FA09 samples – on time.
- Great reception from the editorial we received in the British publication Monocle. They recognized Apolis as one of the ten Smart Brands to watch for 2009 – driven by high standards, innovation, and a desire to make a difference (attached). The editorial has opened doors with domestic and international retailers, as well as a number of new avenues for press. The European Business Review has requested a 2,000 word article – asking us to examine our positive instruments, vision and corporate social responsibility in the present economic environment and an upcoming one page interview in Denmark’s SZ Magazine – recognizing Apolis as one of ten fashion ‘Idealist’ to not compromise their standards (www.sz-magazin.de).
- Holiday sales we have noticed a majority of our retailers feeling the pressure but across the board they have seen consistent sales with Apolis (especially in CA, IL, WA, DC, NY, WI, MN, Canada, and online). We just finished an exclusive - 80 piece product – with our best retailer for Black Friday and they pre-sold 50 units online (attached).
- Nepal cashmere sweater project with the non-profit Citta continues to be the product we will seed for FA09 and great introduction in the recent Monocle article.
- Our growth has passed the capacity to facilitate sales alone. To maintain numbers for 2009 Apolios owners are in discussion with domestic and international like-minded sales people that are excited to increase volume and extremely creditable in the industry.
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 11/14/08
You are invited to an entrepreneur luncheon
Join Student-Entrepreneurs from across the San Diego University community
In celebrating Global Entrepreneurship Week
Tuesday, November 18, 2008
11:00am-12:00pm Blue Chowder open house in FSB Board Room
11:30am Lunch served on plaza
12:00pm Guest Speaker
Burnham Event Plaza
Fermanian School of Business
Special guest speaker ~ Mr. Stephen Thesing
President and founder of Blue Chowder.com
You must rsvp for the lunch (no cost) Please do not rsvp to this email, rsvp to stuferm1@pointloma.edu
This event is in conjunction with the student led global entrepreneur initiative global Entrepreneur Week culminating in the San Diego Entrepreneur Festival.
Countries all around the world are joining together to carry the banner of Global Entrepreneurship Week, an initiative aimed at young entrepreneurs everywhere.
During the week of November 17 - 23, 2008, San Diego student entrepreneur clubs from UC San Diego, USD, SDSU, and Point Loma Nazerene University will conduct a range of activities designed to inspire, connect, inform, mentor and engage the next generation of entrepreneurs
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 11/13/08
FBC Director Named Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship
Dr. Bruce Schooling, Dean of the Fermanian School of Business, has announced that Randy M. Ataide, Director of the Fermanian Business Center and previously an Associate Professor of Business, has been named an Associate Professor of Entrepreneurship. Ataide has taught entrepreneurship at the undergraduate levelsince 2006, and recently began teaching the subject in the PLNU MBA program. He remains as the Director of the Center.
Prof. Ataide recently presented a paper at the Christian Business Faculty Association annual conference in Indianapolis. The paper was titled “Salt, Light and a Large Dose of Reality: Deconstructing the Entrepreneurial Myth Through Co-Curricular Programs.” He is currently preparing the paper for consideration of journal publication,and is near completion on a research paper on a sub-field of social entrepreneurship that he has titled “Missional Entrepreneurship.”
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 11/12/08
PLNU MBA’S Host Sempra President Mr. Neal Schmale
Over a wonderful dinner overlooking the Pacific, Dr. Bruce Schooling and the facultyand staff of the Fermanian School of Business welcomed PLNU MBA’s, their spouses and friends to dinner with Mr. Neal Schmale, President and Chief Operating Officer of Sempra Energy. During an hour long discussion, Dean Schooling and Mr. Schmale shared their thoughts on “Leadership in the 21st Century” and fielded many questions from the MBA’s.
Sempra Energy is a highly diversified Fortune 200 publicly traded company, and Mr. Schmale is widely regarded in the business world as an excellent leader of a rapidly growing and prosperous company. Schmale is also a member of the board of directors for Sempra Energy, a San Diego-based, Fortune 500, energy services holding company whose subsidiaries provide electricity, natural gas and value-added products and services. The Sempra Energy companies' 13,500 employees serve more than 29 million consumers worldwide. In his current job Schmale is responsible for implementing Sempra Energy's growth strategy and for overall management of the Sempra Energy companies.
The evening was part of the ongoing series of Executive Development Events for PLNU MBA’s, and is a service of the Fermanian Business Center, which is tasked with being a connecting point between Fermanian School of Business School students and the regional business community. The next Executive Development Event is scheduled for Monday March 23, 2009. The topic for that event is “The Pain of Publishing: The Journey of the MBA Thesis.” Past PLNU MBA graduates will share the experience of completing a thesis and offer specific counsel to current and prospective MBA’s.
For more information on the PLNU MBA or the Fermanian School of Business,
Please contact ClaireBuckley@pointloma.edu
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 10/1/08
2008 "Dealmakers of the Year" Awards Announced
Individual Winner: RADM Len Hering, U.S. Navy Region Southwest
Firm Winner: San Diego Renewable Energy Society
Deal of the Year: Kilroy Realty Corporation
Business Partner of the Year: Bartell Hotels
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 9/31/08
September 26, 2008 in Crill Auditorium at PLNU, The Fermanian School of Business and Business Center and the Center for Justice and Reconciliation and the Wesleyan Center presented, "A Dialogue: the Global Economic Crisis". The panel included Jamie Gates, Becky Haven, Randy M. Atadie, Bruce Schooling, Mark Mann and the discussion was moderated by Dean Nelson.
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 9/3/08
The Department of Biology and the Fermanian School of Business
along with President Brower and the Cabinet of
Point Loma Nazarene University
invite you to a Professional Development Event
Monday, October 27, 2008 @ 5:30 p.m.
“Responsible and Profitable:
The New Era of Sustainable Businesses.”
Moderator
Professor Randy M. Ataide
Panelists include:
Ms. Irene Stillings, Executive Director of the California Center for Sustainable Energy
Dr. Bob Brower, President Point Loma Nazarene University
Ms. Carolyn Keith, Board Member, US Green Building Council; Principal TheEcoLogicStudio.com
Ms. Paula Brock, Chief Financial Officer, San Diego Zoo
Mr. Vernon Peterson, Farmer and Owner of Abundant Harvest and Peterson Family Farms
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 8/26/08
PLNU International Development Studies Major Has Book Published
The Fermanian School of Business and Business Center congratulates current PLNU International Development Studies major, Erik Weber, for his success with his book Autism for Dads, which comes off the press this week and will be available for sale shortly. Weber has overcome extraordinary circumstances as an autistic 19 year-old, but getting a book published is only one of the few amazing accomplishments he has attained.
Erik Weber recently had an article published about him in the San Diego Union-Tribune as well.
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 8/20/08
PLNU Featured in Campus Kiva Promotional Materials
Kiva is an organization recently featured on the front page of the Wall Street Journal, in Bill Clinton's latest book and on Oprah, among other places. This year, they have started Campus Kiva to get colleges and universities more involved. Since our microfinance club started last year PLNU has already been involved with Kiva. Travis Vaughan, president of the microfinance club, was asked by Kiva to write a case study of how the club was started and how it got involved in Kiva. PLNU is featured on pages 16-17 of the starter kit, when went out to the all the chapters.
Chapters include UCLA, University of Chicago, North Greenville University, Boston College, Moorpark College, Bucknell University, Chapman College, CSU Chico, University of Oxford, PLNU, MIT, UC Berkeley, UC Santa Barbara, Davidson College, University of Miami, NYU, Harvard, Tufts University, and Oberlin College.
Kiva Starter Kit
To learn more about Kiva visit their website at http://www.kiva.org/
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 8/15/08
The Fermanian School of Business Welcomes Fresh & Easy to Point Loma!
Belgian chocolate, Irish butter, Atlantic salmon and California produce greeted Cathy Gallagher and Randy Ataide of the Fermanian Business Center on Wednesday August 13, 2008, as they attended an open house at the new Fresh and Easy Neighborhood Market just ¼ mile away from the main campus on Catalina Boulevard. The 10,000 square foot store features premier brands as well as many private label items uniquely suited to the busy lifestyles of contemporary families as well as college students. With much fanfare and dignitaries from the community, Fresh and Easy CEO Tim Mason turned over the keys of the store to the local manager and his team, who had worked hard to make the store ready for the grand opening and it did not disappoint.
Mason emphasized the community emphasis and values that Fresh and Easy brings to Point Loma, and Gallagher and Ataide had an opportunity to visit with Mason and Chief Marketing Officer Simon Uwins about PLNU and the School of Business, and the value of creating a strategic relationship. Gallagher was also joined by fellow Peninsula Chamber of Commerce members including Chamber President Matt Kalla of State Farm Insurance.
Welcome to the Point Loma Fresh and Easy!
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 7/10/08
SIFE Co-Sponsors 2008 Business Breakfast
Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) of the Fermanian School of Business is named co-sponsor of the 2008 Annual Business Breakfast and "Dealmakers of the Year" Awards. SIFE is an international organization that mobilizes university students around the world to make a different in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible leaders. A significant partnership that the PLNU School of Business SIFE Club has established within the local business community is with Junior Achievement (JA) of San Diego and Imperial County.
The partnership between JA and SIFE allows students from PLNU to volunteer and teach the JA Company Program in High School classes around San Diego. By attending the weekly session in the classrooms, the PLNU business students (consultants) become positive role models and are helping to prepare the next generation of San Diego leaders. The SIFE students introduce the classes to the business principles covered in the curriculum, and mentor the students through the process of choosing a business name, creating a business plan, selling stock, and selling a product to students and faculty at the school.
One unique element in the partnership is the JA/SIFE Entrepreneurial Convention. To learn more about the partnership please see the SIFE homepage.
Learn more about the International SIFE Organization.
_____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 7/3/08
2006 PLNU Graduate Accepts Opportunity with World Relief's Microenterprise Development Technical Unit
Wendy Wellman, 2006 International Development Studies Graduate has been granted an opportunity by her employer, World Relief in Baltimore to transfer her position temporarily to Burundi for a period of about nine months. Essentially she will retain many of her current responsibilities, particularly relating to tech support and grant management for their AGL microfinance institutions. She will also continue in her current position within the economic development tech unit, but will just be field-based in order to more effectively and directly support the institutions.
In addition to her current role she will be acting in an advisor capacity on the ground to a local organization that is launching a church-based savings program. She has been researching and trying to help World Relief develop similar initiatives for over a year now, and will be able to help this partner organization with their actual implementation of the program. Wellman said, "I expect the experience to be tremendous and it will help build up our own team's capacity in savings programs that will be useful as World Relief launches similar programs in the future".
Also, check out Wendy's Blog
http://wr-economicdevelopment.blogspot.com/
_____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/30/08
Int'l Institute for Human Factor Development Inc. Recognized in San Diego Business Journal
Dr. Senyo Adjibolosoo, president of International Institute for Human Factor Development was recently recognized in the Non-Profit Profile section of the San Diego Business Journal. Dr. Adjibolosoo is also the Professor of Economics at the Fermanian School of Business. The non-profit organization is his primary research interest, which emphasizes the significance of the human factor (HF) in economic development and human performance in other areas of endeavor.
_____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/25/08
2008 PLNU MBA Takes Senior Project
to Start Up
Recent MBA graduate Eric Danielsen has taken his Senior Project “Photofest” to the start up stage and is now operational. See
www.myphotofest.com
Positioned as a business that provides “An environmentally friendly, cost-effective alternative to disposable film cameras that allows you to capture every moment of your special event,” Photofest has superior cameras combined with an easy to use online viewing and ordering platform. The focus of the MBA project was to create an business that could improve upon the standard low-quality disposable cameras typically used in such venues and events.
Danielsen, recently discharged from the US Navy where here served as a helicopter pilot and instructor, has now moved to the East Coast and taken a new position with General Electric.
Congratulations to the company and its founders!
_____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/23/08
PLNU Entrepreneur Enrichment Program Business Goes Live for the Euro 2008
PowerStatsOnline.com, a 2007-08 EEP Project submitted by Luke Pinneo (PLNU ’08), has successfully completed testing of its new website and is now operational with constant updates. A fully integrated approach to the burgeoning field of soccer statistics, the launch coincides with the Euro 2008 tournament this summer and will continue to be updated and rehauled for the World Cup 2010 in South Africa. See
www.powerstatsonline.com
Manager of Operations for PowerStats, Nathan Irby (PLNU ’09) stated “We view the opportunity for PowerStats to be nothing short of being the world’s primary source for soccer statistics and the many uses of this information including fantasy leagues, marketing opportunities, co-branding, and many related content sources for our fans and users.” Updated frequently, Irby noted “The PowerStats Crew is currently comprised of college students and friends at PLNU in San Diego, all of whom are soccer aficionados. We have transformed a residence hall recreation room into an online soccer studio.”
Congratulations to Nathan, Luke, PowerStats originator Prof. Carl Hammond, and the many soccer fans who are working hard to make PLNU and PowerStats a global resource for fans as well as an emerging business!
Check out the Live Blog for the Final Match on the SI site Fan Nation.
http://www.fannation.com/blogs/post/210316
_____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/18/08
PLNU Business Grad Earns Collegiate Games Surfing Win
 |
In May of 2008, shortly before his graduation from the Fermanian School of Business, Chris Neubauer destroyed the competition in the boarding competition for CBS Sport’s Collegiate Games. Before a national televised audience, Neubauer executed a flawless final ride to easily outdistance all other rivals. The photos show Neubauer’s winning technique, hoisting the trophy on the victory podium, and posing next to a portrait of surfing legend Duke Kahanamoku while enjoying a well deserved post-graduation vacation in Kauai. Congratulations Chris!
See more of the photos
Neubauer photo
Championship Photo |
| Chris Neubauer, 2008 PLNU Business Grad |
|
_____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 6/3/08
The Human Factor Group and their Adventures in Ghana, Africa
The Human Factor Group, lead by Dr. Senyo Adjibolosoo, has been in Ghana for two weeks now. They had the opportunity to visit the Ghanaian Education Services (GES) office for the Akatsi district in Ghana. The group has also visited the future site of a Human FactorLeadership Academy and they from Monday to through Saturday they work in the Human Factor Library with children from the village who come on their own to learn even after a full day of school. To see the Newsletter click here.
_____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/19/08
PLNU Golfer and Business Major, Sam Cyr, Wins NAIA Golf Title.
Cyr will also represent the United States in the 2008 World University Games
OKLAHOMA CITY, Okla. (Jan. 30, 2008) – Oklahoma Christian head golf coach David Lynn has selected Sam Cyr of Point Loma Nazarene (Calif.) to represent the United States in the 2008 World University Games.
The event is slated for Sept. 2 through Sept. 5 at the Sun City Resort in Sun City, South Africa.
A junior from Makawao, Hawaii, Cyr is a two-time first-team NAIA All-American. He was the runnerup at last year’s NAIA National Tournament where he fired a four-day total of 285 (-3). Cyr won four events in 2007, including the NAIA Region II championship.
Cyr tied for second at the NAIA Region II tournament in 2006 and placed 11th at the national tournament.
“Much like the other two players we’ve chosen, Sam is a fantastic individual,” Lynn said. “He has a long list of accomplishments and is one of the top players in the NAIA.”
Cyr joins Drew Chuipek of St. Ambrose University (Ia.) and Jared Trammell of Berry College (Ga.) on the U.S. National Team.
Lynn will lead the three NAIA players along with three NJCAA players in the event.
The World University Games feature teams comprised of college athletes from countries all around the world. The event is held every other year.
The Gary Player Golf Course at the Sun City Resort will host this year’s golf event. The site is also the host of the famous Sun City Million Dollar Invitational.
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/14/08
PLNU Entrepreneur Enrichment Program Recognized by San Diego Chamber of Commerce
The San Diego Regional Chamber of Commerce’s Spring 2008 Business Action Magazine features President Brower on its cover with a lead article on “Preparing the Workforce of Tomorrow.” On pages 15-16, the Entrepreneur Enrichment Program is featured as an innovative co-curricular program for PLNU undergraduates and MBA’s alike. The inaugural EEP program featured seven San Diego regional area business projects and the 2008-09 EEP has twenty current applicants. These projects have now been turned into marketable business plans, with several San Diego business ventures already underway from the program.
San Diego area student-entrepreneurs know that the Fermanian School of Business at Point Loma Nazarene University is becoming a magnet for business conception, ideas, design and execution. With its Christian heritage, liberal arts tradition, outstanding accredited academics and a passionate focus upon business ethics, the Entrepreneur Enrichment Program is emerging as a key component of building long-term business, personal and professional value in the San Diego region.
Check out San Diego Chamber of Commerce Business Online for more information
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/13/08
New World Water Campaign
PLNU students took part in the New World Water campaign to reduce consumption of bottled water to benefit the non-profit PlayPumps International.
A class taught by Professor Gailey of International Development and an upper division Sociology Globalization class taught by Professor Gates formed six groups and were assigned six different campaign titles and told the students they had one week to create a campaign using the general theme. All creative freedoms were given to the groups. The students in the New World Water group were Corbyn Small, Nathan Kurisu, Travis Vaughan, Shannon Pavel, Lauren Nelson, and Erik Weber.
Click here to see the overall summary and results of the campaign week to see how well PLNU responded.
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/5/08
"Entrepreneur of the Year" Announced at the Annual EEP Banquet
______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/5/08
Northwestern Mutual Financial Network Welcomes Three PLNU Students To Financial Representative Internship Program
See the press release here
______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 5/5/08
JA/SIFE Entrepreneurial Competition
San Diego high school students tested their business acumen at San Diego’s first-ever Junior Achievement/Students in Free Enterprise Entrepreneurial Competition, Friday, May 2. The event was the culmination of the eight-week JA Company Program, a partnership between Junior Achievement of San Diego and Imperial Counties and Point Loma Nazarene University’s Students in Free Enterprise Club, which teaches students all aspects of running a successful business, including marketing, production, finance and human resources.
Point Loma business college students have mentored more than 300 students at participating San Diego County high schools and helped them form companies, sell stocks, develop business plans, and sell and market their products. Once the program is completed, students will be encouraged to donate the proceeds of their businesses to charities, schools and neighborhoods of their choice.
The competition took place at JA BizTown, a learning facility built to resemble a miniature metropolis, and be judged by a panel of business experts and alumni of the Junior Achievement program. Awards will be given to high school students with the most profitable company, most socially responsible company and those who produce the most original product. Students in Free Enterprise Club members will receive awards for outstanding mentorship and student leadership.
The event is sponsored in part by Kaiser Permanente, Sentre Partners and the associated student body of Point Loma Nazarene University.
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 4/17/08
2007 PLNU Business Administration Graduate Develops 450 KW Solar Energy System
2007 PLNU Business Graduate, Troy Hinds, develops 450 kW Solar Energy System, which has gained international exposure after the announcement it will be built on PLNU's campus. The project began as Mr. Hinds' student research project on the viability of solar energy for PLNU. The project developed into a collaborative effort between students, staff and faculty, which will become the first large commercial solar photovoltaic (PV) system for a San Diego university. The project has made headlines on CNBC, Forbes.com, and a number of other news websites both nationally and internationally.
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 3/31/08
PLNU Student-Entrepreneurs Take Central California Business Road Trip
The weekend of March 28-30, 2008, PLNU seniors Jarod Gorla, Gerardo Sandoval, Luke Pinneo and Zach Johnson traveled to the Central San Joaquin Valley of California to tour a myriad of successful agricultural and real estate operations. They were hosted by Mr. Mike Broyles (PLNU ’07), the new Business Development Manager of Summeripe Worldwide, headquartered in Dinuba, Ca., just south of Fresno.
During the whirlwind tour, they met with Mr. Scott Anderson, President of the Kingsburg Federal Land Bank for a discussion of maximizing opportunities for small business funding for entrepreneurs; Mr. and Mrs. Gale Bamford, owners of Bamford Dairy Cattle Feeders, for a tour of their massive operation and discussion of faith, work and ethics; Mr. Daryl Nicholson of Nicholson Enterprises, a diversified firm in land development and mini-storages who discussed the nuances of development and capitalization; and Mr. Broyles who led them on a tour of various aspects of the California tree fruit industry. Each of their hosts are involved in the efforts of PLNU and the Fermanian School of Business, and strong supporters of PLNU students. A special highlight of the weekend was a BBQ at the Bamford home in Kingsburg, where they met Mr. Webster Bamford, an engaging retired businessman, whose passion, energy and charm well reflect his 95 year old youthfulness!
The group of students each are pursuing entrepreneurial activities and such opportunities provide a great opportunity to learn from successful business leaders who can share their wisdom, practices and faith in Jesus Christ, in furtherance of the Fermanian School of Business’s vision of “More Than the Bottom Line: Business Education to Change the World.”
The Fermanian Business Center would like to thank Mr. Anderson, Mr. and Mrs. Bamford, Mr. Nicholson and Mr. Broyles for their time and effort!
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 3/27/08
PLNU MBA Students Attend Business Clubs America Breakfast Featuring Jim "The Rookie" Morris
Westland Insurance Brokers Business Clubs America Breakfast Event was held Friday, March 14, 2008 at The Hall of Champions in Balboa Park. Special Guest was Jim Morris, who shared his inspiring story based on the Walt Disney movie "The Rookie" and the bestseller "The Oldest Rookie".
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 3/25/08
JA/SIFE 2nd Annual Entrepreneurial Convention
SIFE (Students in Free Enterprise) has a partnership with a local nonprofit, Junior Achievement (JA) of San Diego and Imperial Counties. JA is an educational nonprofit with programs that teach students (k-12) business principles, economics, and financial literacy. The organization trains business volunteers from the community to teach their programs and become role models for the students. The result of JA's programs are students who are inspired to stay in school and know how to be contributing citizens in their community, thus preparing them for a successful future. One program in particular is called the JA Company Program that not only teaches the High School students about businesses, but allows the students to create and operate their own business during a 12 week program.
In the partnership between JA and SIFE, the SIFE students from PLNU are the volunteers that teach the JA Company Program in High School classes around San Diego. By attending the weekly sessions in the classrooms, the PLNU business students (consultants) become positive role models and are helping to prepare the next generation of San Diego leaders. The SIFE students introduce the classes to the business principles covered in the curriculum, and mentor the students through the process of choosing a business name, creating a business plan, selling stock, and selling a product to students and faculty at the school.
One unique element in the partnership is the JA/SIFE Entrepreneurial Convention. This year the JA/SIFE 2nd Annual Entrepreneurial Convention, sponsored by Kaiser Permanente, took place on PLNU's campus on Tuesday, March 11, 2008. This was an all day event for the Officers and two delegates from each of the 12 high school classes that are participating in the program. The high school and SIFE students that attended the event heard from PLNU business professors and other San Diego based business leaders discuss topics on Entrepreneurship, Marketing, Finance, Leadership, and Social Responsibility. Representatives from Kaiser Permanente, Nixon, and San Diego Office Interiors among others led these informational and interactive sessions. The students also learned about resumes, informational interviews, and the importance of dressing professionally. The students were provided with lunch sponsored by Papa Johns and ended the day with a tour of the PLNU campus. The point of the convention was to provide the students with important principles that would be brought back to the classroom to help them have a successful JA Company Program business.
This year there are over 20 SIFE students placed in 12 high school classes. The schools include Morse High, Patrick Henry High, San Diego Met, Kearney High, and Mission Bay High.
These 12 classes that are participating in the partnership will compete against each other at the end of the program. The businesses will be judged and a winner will be awarded in each of the three categories; overall profitability, product originality, and social responsibility. There will be a competition and awards ceremony in the beginning of May held at Junior Achievement's offices.
For more information on Junior Achievement please visit the website at www.jasandiego.org
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 3/18/08
PLNU MBA Turns Senior Project Into Shaping SD Youth Art Education
PLNU MBA (2006) Sarah Yasukochi is the owner of the Young Rembrandts franchise in northern San Diego, and has successfully taken her extensive event planning, marketing, and business background to help shape young artists in San Diego. The Young Rembrandts is an innovative and rapidly growing art education program that works with local elementary schools or pre-schools to supplement or enhance existing curriculum. Recently, Entrepreneur Magazine ranked the program as one of its "Best of the Best", as well as earning top honors for "Best Home-Based Franchise" and "Low-Cost Franchise". For more information see www.youngrembrandts.com/northsandiego-ca.
Ms. Yasukochi is just another example of the significant impact PLNU MBA's past, present, and future are having in their communities. While she leads her business, she continues to pursue multiple professional opportunities and can be reached at syasukochi@aol.com.
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 2/21/08
Fermanian Business Students
Make Their Presence Known at
Regional Venture Capital Breakfast
On Thursday, February 21, 2008, a group of sixteen students and the staff of the Fermanian Business Center attended the San Diego Venture Group’s breakfast event titled “Initial Public Offerings: Let Me Count the Ways…” Held at the Hyatt Regency La Jolla, the PLNU group joined over 300 other entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, financiers, investment bankers, attorney’s and other business leaders to discuss innovations in taking small-cap and mid-cap companies to the financial markets.
The San Diego Venture Group is a non-profit business organization whose mission is to provide an informal atmosphere that fosters ideas on how to form, fund and build new ventures. The group is comprised of professionals with bright ideas to share, and the skills to implement those ideas. With over 800 affiliated members and an average monthly meeting attendance of 325 people, the SDVG is helping San Diego become a significant entrepreneurial and venture center.
The burgeoning entrepreneurial interest among many of PLNU’s students involves more than just business students, and this interest continues to be fostered by the efforts of the faculty and staff of the Fermanian School of Business and Business Center, especially with the Entrepreneur Enrichment Program. Connecting our student-entrepreneurs to significant regional individuals and firms who are supportive of for-profit and non-profit firms is a major initiative of the Fermanian Business Center.
Students who attended included Michael Anderson, Jonathan Ares, Nathan Cadieux, Aimee Call, Whitney Cauzza, Alycia Cox, Joe de Craen, Daniel Eddy, Steve Haskell, Zach Johnson, Alexander Knutson, Stephen Miller, Hugh Scanlon, Zachary Smith, Brian Todd, and Travis Vaughan joined Fermanian Business Center Staff Courtney Urbano, Cathy Gallagher and Randy Ataide, were greeted by Rachel Barley (pictured), Executive Director of SDVG.
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 2/15/08
2007 Dealmaker of the Year, NTC Foundation, Honored in San Diego Magazine
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 2/15/08
PLNU MBA Graduate, Jason Jenkins,
Recognized in San Diego Magazine as a Five Star Wealth Manager
San Diego Magazine's 2008 Five Star Wealth Managers in the San Diego area were determined by the 2008 Independent Survey of Consumers to find the best in client satisfaction. Surveyed are high-net-worth consumers, financial service professionals, and San Diego Magazine subscribers. Mr. Jenkins, with Jenkins Wealth Management, is recognized for Integrity, Intelligence, and Independence.
____________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 2/1/08
SAN DIEGO 2008 ECONOMIC OUTLOOK
Bank of America and the Fermanian Business Center held the San Diego 2008 Economic Outlook Breakfast on Wednesday, January 30, 2008. Managing Director and Chief Market Strategist, Mr. Joseph Quinlan was the keynote speaker.
See what Voice of San Diego had to say.
_______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 12/20/07
PLNU Journalism Professor Publishes Story About Trip To Guatemala And Working with Healing Waters International
Dean Nelson, founder and director of the journalism program at PLNU, has story published in Westways Magazine about his trip to Guatemala with his daughter to work with Healing Waters International, an organization that installs water purification systems in developing countries. The organization was co-founded by Tom and Dana Larson. Dana Larson was the Alumnus of Point Loma in 2005.
Read story
______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATED 12/10/07
Entrepreneur Enrichment Program Recognized in San Diego Metropolitan
Randy M. Ataide and Cathy L. Gallagher, director and manager of the Fermanian Business Center are recognized in the San Diego Metropolitan for the development of the Entrepreneur Enrichment Program (EEP). The EEP consists of competition-driven business projects and models for collaboration and counsel between students and industry leaders, entrepreneurs and financiers.
See what the San Diego Metropolitan has to say about the EEP
______________________________________________________________________________
PLNU MBA Publishes Book
(November 19, 2007) SAN DIEGO, CA Chad Young (PLNU MBA ’07) has just published his MBA Senior Project “Da Capo: A Voyage to a Better Life” in both hardbound and paperback. Combining his literary flair and business acumen, Chad created a reflective volume of life and personal spirituality and with the assistance of his MBA Advisor Dr. Harry Watkins, built a formidable marketing plan around his vision and passion. At the Executive Development Event held at the Fermanian Business Center on Monday, November 19, 2007, Chad’s efforts were spotlighted for our faculty, MBA’s, prospective MBA’s and invited guests.
To obtain your own copy of Da Capo visit www.dacapobook.com/
______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 11/12/2007
PLNU Business Professor Addresses Farm Credit Administration Leaders During California Agricultural Tour
(October 4, 2007) REEDLEY, CA - Board and Staff members of the Federal Farm Credit Administration (“FCA”), based in McLean, Virginia, visited several key agricultural operations based in the San Joaquin Valley during a three day visit from September 30-October 2, 2007. The FCA is the independent Federal agency for examining and regulating the approximately 175 billion dollar Farm Credit System (“FCS”). Led by Ms. Nancy C. Pellet, the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of the Farm Credit Administration, and Board Member Mr. Dallas Tonsager, the group totaled approximately 60 people and included not only the FCA representatives but also Board Members and staff from FCA lending agencies throughout California.
Co-hosted by the Kingsburg Federal Land Bank and its President Mr. Scott Anderson, and Farm Credit West and its President Mr. Ken Graff with approximately 5 billion dollars of FCA loans in California agriculture, the tour made an afternoon visit to the Mountain View Fruit Sales and Cold Storage facilities located in Reedley. The group learned about issues, products and innovations in the stone fruit industry, and toured the cold storage, ripening and research and development facilities of Mountain View, as well as the innovative strategic organization Summeripe Worldwide, Inc., of which Mountain View is a founding member. Founded in 1994, the Mountain View companies are the sales agent for approximately 100 Fresno and Tulare tree fruit growers.
Following the tour, there was a question and answer period between Point Loma Nazarene University’s Associate Professor of Business Randy M. Ataide as to emerging financial services, products and competitive challenges for California tree fruit growers and how the FCA, FCS and its member financial services cooperatives can remain the lenders of choice for the vibrant agricultural economy across the United States. Ataide joined PLNU in 2005, but remains a principal in the Mountain View family of companies. Joining Professor Ataide on the tour were John Miles and Michael Broyles, 2007 graduates of PLNU, and Stephen Miller, a senior at PLNU.
Under Chairman Pellet’s leadership, to enhance their understanding of the diversity and evolution of agriculture throughout the country, several years ago the FCA Board and staff began to visit various agricultural regions of the United States, and this tour represented the first-ever visit by the FCA to California.
______________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 11/8/2007
Congratulations to PLNU alumni Shea Foley and Shea Parton for their successful marketing of Apolis Activism to several high-end retailers including Bloomingdales.
To find out more about Apolis Activism, visit their website or read their Designer Spotlite article in revolveclothing.com
___________________________________________________________________________
UPDATE 10/8/2007
See What the San Diego Business Journal has to say about the Dealmaker of the Year Awards: