In Memory of Bill Sonnenschein –
An influential instructor, an effective mentor, and a great friend
I have a particular memory that is as clear as if it were yesterday. On a sunny Saturday, in April 2008, Bill and his Leadership Communication GSIs - Steven, Bruno and I, went for a quick bite where we enjoyed our usual lunch chitchat. Bill, who was more high-spirited than his usual cheerful self, shared with us the great news that he had been invited to work directly with the leaders of Madagascar in establishing a nation-wide communications program. This program would significantly affect the country’s, and perhaps the whole African region’s, continuous improvement toward development and prosperity.
It was understandable that the grand nature of such an invitation would require him to uproot himself from a home he enjoyed so much. Even though I knew he had such an extreme life changing decision to make, I felt Bill always enjoyed life’s challenges and would think of the greater picture first. I have been one of the few blessed who worked closely with Bill as a GSI and personally witnessed his passion in coaching future leaders and making a positive difference in the world.
As an instructor, Bill's goal was to always ensure that every student would leave with the skills in articulation, confidence and poise, that would immediately be applicable in becoming the new leaders of our time. His uncanny high standards for lecture content and conduct, as well as the great amount of time he spent training his GSIs, built a strong foundation for students’ learning experiences. Bill constantly looked for ways to improve the class experience with feedback from his GSI’s as well as his students. I once asked Bill, "What makes a good Leadership Communication GSI?" He looked at me with a smile, "Be authentic, know when to tell a good story, and really care about the students". I knew that those are also his belief on what makes a good instructor.
At the end of the semester Bill informed us GSIs that he had indeed accepted his appointment in Madagascar. Even with his new obligations he still wanted to work with us this coming April. During the following few months he kept me in the loop about his wonderful experiences in Madagascar, yet never forgot his obligation as a Haas instructor. He kept close contact with me to refine course logistics, and was always responsive, patient, and encouraging. Bill's last e-mail to me concerned tons of requests from his students to swap sessions. Bill wrote,"...it's always been my policy to accommodate people...however we must be careful not to inconvenience other students (by allowing one particular session to swell too large)...." Providing great experience and lessons to remember for life had always been Bill's top priority.
It is very difficult for me to believe that Bill's exciting assignment in Madagascar ended so suddenly and unexpectedly. Just a few days ago we were still exchanging e-mails about how exciting the upcoming course would be. I feel that I have lost an influential instructor, an effective mentor, and a great friend. This feeling is shared by so many in the Haas community. His influence and contributions will live on forever for me and for hundreds of Haas people.
Thank you Bill. Thank you for teaching me the meaning of being authentic, how to tell good stories, and how to be a good leader through powerful communication. You will be missed greatly.
Stacey Fang
Candidate of MBA, 2009
Update your CalNet ID
It’s time to update your CalNet ID. Go here to make this mandatory change. The deadline to do this is January 31, 2009.
eZine Editors Wanted
Neither rain, nor snow, nor sleet, nor gloom of night stops the eZine. Every Thursday, it is faithfully sent to our EW population.Do you enjoy being in the know? Do you like being the eyes and ears for your fellow EW buddies? Do you want to serve your community? Here is your chance. The eZine is seeking one first year and one second year to write, edit, and compile submissions for the upcoming year's eZine. It's a great opportunity to work with the Program Office, Haas Alumni office, and all of our readers. Look what it did to Anlei and Ben, I mean, what it did FOR Anlei and Ben. If you're interested, contact Anlei anlei_lee@mba.berkeley.edu or Ben benchong@mba.berkeley.edu for more details.
Saturday and Evening Career Advising – Spring 2009
Career Services is pleased to continue the popular Saturday and Evening Career Advising hours in the Spring 2009 semester! For your convenience Career Advisors are available:
· Tuesday and Wednesday evenings until 8:15 PM (@ Haas and by phone). Starts Tuesday, January 20.
· Most Saturdays that class is in session (not exam days), either @ Haas, in Santa Clara, or by phone. Starts Saturday, January 31.
· Normal Career Services business hours (Monday – Thursday, 9:00 AM – 6:00 PM, Friday 9:00 AM – 4:00 PM). Year-round!
Mock interviews are also available. Please sign up through CareerNet, or contact careers@haas.berkeley.edu with career-related questions.
To plan or check out new events, visit the Haas Calendar:
http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/calendar/
EVENTS
Two Ways to Clean Energy
Date: Tuesday, January 13
Time: 6:30 – 9:30 pm
Location: Fenwick & West, 801 California St, Mountain View
Admission: Regular $10, Student $5
6:30 - 7:00: Networking, schmoozing and eating - Bring your job postings, business cards and resumes!7:00 - 7:10: Welcome, committee news and other group business7:10 - 8:30: Presentation and Discussion with our featured guests8:30 - 9:30: Informal discussions and networking with our guests and each otherA light meal and soft drinks will be providedClean energy is not just an option, it's a requirement for a healthy future but getting there is no clear path. Both our guests are working on innovative approaches to this challenge and will talk about the technical, business and regulatory issues that must be resolved.
RSVP: http://www.jhtc.org/
Udi Paret is VP, Business Development & Marketing, at Pythagoras Solar and an entrepreneur at heart with two decades of extensive international executive management and a passion to build companies. Before joining Pythagoras Solar, Mr. Paret was President of Fusion Dynamic, where he led its global expansion and partnership development with IBM.Prior to that, he was part of the founding team at Intransa, a pioneering storage-over-IP company and oversaw it from early development to multi-million global revenue and OEM agreements with Huawei, China and HCL, India. Udi also was an executive at 3Com Corp.: Sr. Director of Customer Care for its $600M OEM division and Director of Supply-Chain Operations for LAN-over-ATM division, which he nurtured from product development to a $250M business. Mr. Paret holds a B.Sc in Industrial Engineering & Management from the Technion in Israel and participated in Executive Programs at Stanford University.Ed Lieberman is Business Development Manager at Bloom Energy, a stealth mode company focused on bringing low cost solid oxide fuel cells (SOFCs) to the stationary power market. He's also a principal in Transcendent Partners, a consultancy that focuses on helping technology startups move from technology to product delivery.Ed was previously an associate at Angeleno Group and an analyst at Shelter Capital Partners, both technology-oriented private capital firms. Ed has a BA from the University of Maryland and an MBA from the Anderson School of Management at UCLA.
Federal Energy & Climate Policy on the Road Ahead
Date: Thursday, January 15
Time: 5:30 - 8:00 pm
Location: Hanson Bridgett, 425 Market St, 26th Floor, San Francisco
Cost: $28
The program will feature Dr. Holmes Hummel, a former Congressional Science Fellow and lecturer at UC-Berkeley's Energy Resources Group. She will discuss four major policy vehicles taking shape on the eve of a new Congress and Administration:
· A "Green" Stimulus Package for Economic Recovery
· New Energy for America, a priority campaign promise
· International Climate Negotiations – from Poznan to Copenhagen
· Cap-and-Trade Platforms for Federal Climate Policy
The wine and professional networking reception begins at 5:30pm and will be followed by dinner.
Registration is $28. Space is limited. Please register promptly online:
http://www.acteva.com/booking.cfm?bevaid=174537
Holmes Hummel is a leading expert on energy and climate policy development, serving as a lecturer at UC-Berkeley's Energy Resources Group and a former Congressional Science Fellow. Over the last decade, Dr. Hummel has addressed energy sufficiency, security, and sustainability problems for Silicon Valley companies, development banks, and international energy analysts. Recognized as a "visionary, action-oriented emerging leader" by the Environmental Leadership Program, Dr. Hummel holds a PhD from Stanford specializing in the energy technology and policy implications of scenarios for climate stabilization.
Haas Celebration in the East Bay: Obamaeconomics – A Conversation with Professor Jim Wilcox
Date: Wednesday, January 21
Time: 6:00 – 8:30 PM
Location: Round Hill Country Club, 3169 Roundhill Road, Alamo, CA 94507
Cost: $20 for current students, $50 for alumni & guestsObamics: Opportunities & Challenges for the New Administration
Agenda:6:00 pm: Reception7:15 pm: Discussion8:30 pm: Conclusion
The credit crisis and the economy’s ensuing recession present unprecedented challenges to President Obama’s Administration. Haas professor Jim Wilcox will provide background about some of the events that led to this crisis. He will also discuss the challenges and opportunities which the new administration is likely to face and what lies ahead for the rest of us.
What’s next? With a high-profile team assembled, what might President Obama’s economic stimulus package look like? Around what industries will the economy get a jump-start? Will the Administration hold back on tax cuts and regulation? Will it continue to revive damaged companies considered “too big to fail”? Professor Wilcox will share his expertise on these questions and yours.
Jim Wilcox is an engaging speaker and leading authority on macroeconomics. Frequently cited by media outlets such as NPR and The Los Angeles Times, Jim is the J.J. and M.B. Lowrey Professor of Business. Spend an evening with Professor Wilcox and the Haas Alumni Network Chapter-of-the-Year; leave with new insights and wisdom.
There is ample free parking at the Country Club. The Reception will include drinks and gourmet food.
REGISTER EARLY AS THIS EVENT WILL SELL OUT! To register, please visit the following link: http://www.haas.berkeley.edu/alumni/eb
Contact Meg Roundy meg@haas.berkeley.edu if you have any questions.
No comments:
Post a Comment