Jones Journal -- Alumni Magazine of the Jones Graduate School of Management, Rice University

Please send comments to:
Deanna Sheaffer, Editor
Director of Alumni Affairs
Jones School of Management - MS 531 Rice University
P.O. Box 1892
Houston TX 77251-1892
e-mail:JGSalum@rice.edu

2nd Annual All Class Reunion Weekend
– By Adam Goldenberg, Class of 2001

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1. Barbara Ostdiek, professor of management and Greg Hopper (MBA '88). 2. Professor Ed Williams. 3. A classroom of alumni back in their "student" role at Alumni College. 4. Jay Adkins (MBA '01), Professor Randy Batsell, Elena Chilkina (MBA '01) and Adam Goldenberg (MBA '01) at the Alumni Dinner.

While the 2nd Annual All Class Reunion Weekend started out battling the unpredictable early March weather, it culminated with a spectacular view of Houston on an amazingly clear Saturday night. By all accounts, the Alumni Weekend was another tremendous event, and one can only wait with eager anticipation to see what next year has in store.

The weekend’s festivities kicked off on Friday, March 2 with the 2nd Annual Jones Charity Golf Tournament at the Southwyck Golf Course. While the course is designed to play like a Scottish links course, golfers could never have imagined the “European-like” cold wind and rain that they battled all day. After completing their rounds, golfers were welcomed back into the clubhouse with a warm barbecue lunch. All in all, it was a tough day on the golf course, but you didn’t hear anyone complaining about being out of the office on a Friday.

After cleaning up and drying off, everyone convened at Herring Hall for a Friday evening reception. Churrascos catered a lovely cocktail reception in the Business Information Center, while JGS Alumni Association President, George Walker (MBA ’96), provided the welcome remarks. He then yielded to Dean Whitaker, and Executive Director of the CPC and Admissions, Peter Veruki, who impressed the attendees with 2001 placement and salary information.
Saturday began with the return of the enormously popular Alumni College. Nine distinguished Jones School faculty each gave an hour and fifteen-minute presentation on a popular topic within their specific area of expertise. Each alumnus chose three lectures to attend. Lecture topics included: The MBA Today: Insights from the World’s Leading Deans, Randy Batsell; Technology Entrepreneurship in Houston and the Role of the Rice Alliance for Technology and Entrepreneurship, Steve Currall; Business and the Current Political Environment, George Greanias and Duane Windsor; Marketing on the Internet: Where do we go from here?, Lisa Klein; Financial Market Crises, Barbara Ostdiek; Emerging Issues in World Trade, Doug Schuler; Current Issues in Financial Markets, James Weston; and Going Public: Is it worth it? Thoughts from a Director of a Fortune 500 Company, Edward Williams.

To round off the weekend, the 25th Annual Alumni Dinner was held at the Petroleum Club. Dean Whitaker recounted the 25-year history of the Jones School with a colorful slide show that included archived pictures of iconic faculty such as Duane Windsor, Randy Batsell, and Ed Williams. He also discussed the future of the Jones School and the eager anticipation we all have for the opening of the new home for the Rice MBA program.

Amy L. Sutton (MBA ’90) commented, “Once again, it was nice catching up with fellow Jones School alums. There were many new faces this year that didn’t make the event last year. Hopefully, it will become an event that alums try to make every year.” Help make next year’s All Class Reunion the best ever. As

Jay Oliphant (MBA/MAcco ’82) noted, “Alums who miss the Jones School All-Class Reunion Event are really missing out. Besides the chance to see old friends and network, where else can you meet Gordon Bethune and get free advice from Greanias, Batsell, and Windsor regarding a run for U.S. Congress in 2002, all in one weekend?” For reservations and sponsorship information concerning next year’s event, please contact Deanna Sheaffer, Director of Alumni Affairs.