MBA > MMA Network > Online Connections

MMA Network ONLINE CONNECTIONS
February 2003

In this Issue:
Alumni News
McCombs Business
Press Mentions


Alumni News

Reunion 2003: "In the Company of Friends"
The MMA Office welcomes the classes of 1978, 1993, and 1998 back to Austin the weekend of April 4 & 5 for Reunion 2003. We have been working hard to make sure it is a memorable weekend for everyone- full of Austin favorites and business school memories. In addition to these great opportunities to reconnect, the reunion gives us a special opportunity to support the school and the program.
Make a gift online at www.utexas.edu/supportut/giveonline or call 866/875-9651. Please indicate that your gift is for the McCombs MBA program.
For more information about the upcoming Reunion, please see: http://mba.mccombs.utexas.edu/mma/events/

Chapter Winter Receptions
This year's receptions were a huge success with most chapters experiencing the highest attendance for this type of event. We have heard very positive feedback from alumni, as well as from current and prospective students about the event they attended. Thanks to all everyone who attended the receptions and a special thanks to the chapter presidents for all you hard work!

Upcoming Events
Keep informed about upcoming MMA events by checking out our Online Calendar. Some of our chapters have great spring events already planned.  Stay connected with fellow alumni by attending the events in your area.
Check out our Calendar of Events


McCombs' Matters

Executive Lecture Series features Astros owner, Drayton McLane
Legendary entrepreneur and Houston Astros owner Drayton McLane spoke to MBA students on January 29th. McLane focused his talk on leadership, discussing how he worked his way up through his family-owned grocery business, how he became one of the most successful owners in professional sports, and how he went on to develop the McLane Group.
Check out the full story

Women in Business Leadership Conference: "Crossing Boundaries"
The 2nd annual Women in Business Leadership Conference is set for Friday, February 14th and is sure to be another outstanding event that brings together motivated MBA students, successful corporate businesswomen, and thriving entrepreneurs from all over the world to connect, discuss, and learn more about issues facing women. At this conference, participants will embark on a journey of global, community and personal discovery, pushing the boundaries that women encounter in today's business world.
Check out the full story


MBA Applause: Professors recognized for outstanding teaching
The following professors were honored by the MBA student body as outstanding teachers:
Dr. Michael Brandl Dr. Britt Freund
Dr. Michael Granof Dr. Greg Hallman
Dr. Wayne Hoyer Dr. Steve Kachelmeier
Dr. Orlando Kelm Dr. Lisa Koonce
Dr. Vish Krishnan Dr. Kate Mackie
Dr. Leigh McAlister Dr. Jim Nolen
Dr. Bob Parrino Dr. Steve Salbu
Dr. Marc-David Seidel

Leave a Legacy Campaign 2003
The Class of 2003 is currently busy planning for the 8th annual MBA Leave a Legacy campaign. These soon-to-be graduates are ready to join a great network of MBA alumni who have loyally supported the McCombs School. The 2003 class gift selection process is underway. Stay tuned for more details.

Press Mentions

MBA Grad to Head Nation’s Largest Real Estate Investment Trust
Crain’s Chicago Business, Dec. 23. 2002
As CEO of Equity Office Properties Trust, Richard Kincaid will be charged with proving founder and chairman Sam Zell's hypothesis that size matters in commercial real estate. After joining the management team of Chicago-based Equity Office in 1990, Kinkaid helped build the firm into the nation's largest real estate investment trust (REIT). When Kinkaid inherits the CEO post from Zell in April, his top priority will be a reorganization that consolidates functions like accounting, leasing and purchasing. He predicts the move will cut costs and improve service at the company's 744 office buildings around the country.

Time Names McCombs Grad Watkins Person of the Year
Time Magazine, Dec. 30, 2002
In its annual end-of-year issue, Time selected McCombs graduate and former Enron executive Sherron Watkins as one of three Persons of the Year for 2002. Time’s profile outlined Watkins’ fall from corporate grace for warning chairman Kenneth Lay of “an elaborate accounting hoax” at the energy firm. Some managers suggested firing her for sounding the alarm. “It was a horrible response. There's nothing in there to remind them to remember the code of conduct, the vision and values,” she said.

The Financial Times Rankings
The Financial Times released their latest International MBA rankings and the McCombs MBA program placed #32 in the global survey, up from #40 in 2002. The doctoral program ranked #6 in the world, tied with MIT Sloan for #4 among U.S. schools. The McCombs research ranking (based on faculty publications in select journals) rose to #23 in the world and #20 among U.S. schools.