By Nathaniel Luce
Eight classes from the Owen Graduate School of Management (1972, 1977, 1982, 1987, 1992, 1997, 2002 and 2007) returned to campus for reunion weekend April 20-21.
The pre-festivities started on Thursday night with a bowling mixer pairing current students with alumni arriving in town for reunion, followed on Friday, April 20 with meetings of the Alumni Board, a cocktail reception for all returning reunion years, and individual class gatherings, hosted around the city that evening.
On Saturday, April 21, alumni gathered for a family picnic, as well as “Dust Off Your MBA” lectures delivered by Owen faculty members. Finance professors Jacob Sagi and Bob Whaley led one discussing their development of Alpha Indexes for Nasdaq. And management professor Ray Friedman offered a session on applying negotiation strategies. Debbie Clapper from the Alumni Career Services office also held sessions for those looking to transition their careers and capitalize on their job search.
That night, alumni honored distinguished alumni award winners at the second annual Owen Circle Celebration Dinner, held on campus at the Vanderbilt Student Life Center. “This year has been a landmark for Owen,” Dean Jim Bradford told the audience. “It is truly an exciting season for us. But in all seasons, it is important to honor those whose shoulders have lifted us up and exhorted us on.”
Among those honored at the Owen Circle Celebration Dinner were:
Steve Buchanan (BS ’80, MBA ’85), who oversees the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman for Gaylord Entertainment, was presented with the 2012 Outstanding Service Award for his remarkable efforts during the 2010 Nashville flood.
Heiki Miki (MBA ’96) received a special recognition award at the Alumni Board meeting for more than a decade of service and support on the Board.
Jim Sohr (BE ’86, MBA ’90), a co-founder of AIM Healthcare, received the 2012 Distinguished Alumni Award for his significant investments in helping Owen students bring their “big ideas” to fruition through a variety of entrepreneurship programs.
Peter Veruki, Owen’s Director of Corporate Relations and former director of the Career Management Center, was named in honor of a new Wall Street Scholarship. Eric Noll (MBA ’90), Executive Vice President of Transaction Services at NASDAQ OMX presented the award “in recognition of and profound gratitude for all the lives Peter has touched, the connections he has made, jobs he has helped to create, and the ceaseless hours he has devoted to strengthening and building our community.” It will be awarded each year to an outstanding student with an interest in finance.
View photos from the weekend’s events:
Student and Alumni Bowling Party
Individual Class Parties
Kickoff Reception
Family Picnic
Owen Circle Dinner
Contact Person: Ryan Underwood Business Editor Vanderbilt Owen Graduate School of Management
Contact Phone: (615) 322-NEWS
Contact Email: ryan.underwood@owen.vanderbilt.edu
