The Dean's Leadership Circle
Recent News & Announcements
Dean's Leadership Circle Demonstrates Fundraising Prowess
Click here to read the recent article, featured in the Dean's Quarterly Winter 2012 issue:
http://merage.uci.edu/deans-quarterly/winter2012/demonstrates-fundraising-prowess.html
January 12, 2012
Dear Members of the Dean's Leadership Circle:
Happy New Year! I feel honored to begin this new year by sharing the following important announcement regarding the Dean's Leadership Circle Endowed Professorship.
For those of you in attendance at the Dean's Leadership Circle's End of Year Holiday Celebration, you witnessed this announcement made by Senior Associate Dean Rajeev Tyagi.
The selected recipient of the inaugural Dean's Leadership Circle Endowed Professorship is Dean Andrew J. Policano.
The decision to select Dean Policano was made through a formal school process in which a faculty committee is tasked with identifying senior faculty members to be awarded Chairs or Professorships for their contributions. The Merage School already has eleven professors who have been awarded such Chairs and Professorships, and Andy is the twelfth person to receive it.
I hope you will join me in celebration of this news as each and every one of you helped make this possible. Creating the Dean's Leadership Circle Endowed Professorship was one of the top priorities of the Merage School when we began the campaign in 2007. Within three years and more than 400 donations, your support created this honor and will recognize the true visionary who helped create the Dean's Leadership Circle.
On behalf of the entire Merage School, faculty, staff, and Dean's Leadership Circle Advisory Board members, I wish to thank you for your ongoing support of the Merage School of Business and the Dean's Leadership Circle.
Click here to download a copy of the press release. Should you have any questions, please let me know by reply email or contact me directly at 949-824-8880.
Best regards,
Sandra
Sandra Findly
Senior Director of Development
DLC Annual Holiday End of Year Celebration, Fisker Automotive
On December 8, the Dean’s Leadership Circle drew in 200+ guests for the highly anticipated Annual Holiday End of Year Celebration at Fisker Automotive of Orange County. Located in Irvine, members celebrated the future together and enjoyed the first peek at the world’s first eco-chic, eco-friendly, luxury performance car and were able to sit behind the wheel and sign up for a test drive. Guests received a red carpet welcome complete with a live jazz band, festive holiday lights and decor, passed appetizers and sparkling wine including a plentiful buffet dinner.
The Dean’s Leadership Circle was a very select group invited to view this luxury plug-in hybrid, which has been all the rage with car aficionados here in Orange County and all over the world due to the strategic design and limited, custom order that are available. Dean’s Leadership Circle members not only enjoyed a private viewing of the cars, but also received an update from Damon Shelly of Shelly Automotive Group who operates Fisker of Orange County, and Alexander Klatt, Vice President of Global Design of Fisker Automotive provided an overview of how the care was designed including several of the key features of the “Karma”.
Following their presentations on these revolutionary cars, DLC emcee Kyle Van Hoften ’97 introduced Senior Associate Dean of the Merage School, Rajeev Tyagee. Rajeev presented the exciting announcement that all DLC had been waiting months to hear, the news that the UC campus has chosen to appoint Dean Andy Policano as the inaugural holder of the Dean's Leadership Circle Endowed Professorship!
The funds to create this Endowed Professorship were provided through gifts from more than 350 donors through the Dean’s Leadership Circle, totaling $1.2 million which enabled the Merage School to be the first on UCI’s campus to fund such a unique and highly sought after Professorship. The campaign began in 2007, and in 2010 the goal was reached! The generosity of our Visionary members was highlighted as they helped to lead the campaign by stepping up to provide greater funding and allowed this professorship to be realized. The evening concluded with the dean thanking all members for their support to the School.
We thank you the event sponsors for making this event such a great success! Please see photos below of the event.
Event Sponsors
Fisker of Orange County
Kristen McAlister ‘03, Cerius Interim Solutions
Select Advisory Board & Event Committee Members for contributing the wine served
Darren Whissen ’02 & Dao Vo Whissen ‘01
Dave Jones ‘93
Greg Queen ‘03
Fabulous Food Provided by
Johnny Mosham & Lett-uce Cater to You
Music Sponsored by
Greg Lai, Featuring Will Brahm Quartet
Photography Provided by
Brent Valera
Emcee & Event Committee Member
Kyle Van Hoften ‘97
See photos below...
    
    
    
    
    
We Invite You To Reserve Your Seat In The Dean's Leadership Circle Auditorium Today!
Introducing the 'Reserve Your Seat' Campaign in the new Building's Auditorium
Details: a 3-year membership pledge will reserve your personal seat inside the Dean's Leadership Circle auditorium, slated for completion in 2014. Don't miss out on this exciting opportunity to leave your legacy.
- This new building is the top priority of Dean Policano and the Merage School
- This new building will help to ensure the school attracts the best and brightest students in future years
- The Interior of the building will showcase corporate history and leadership of Orange County
- Help to raise visibility for the Dean's Leadership Circle for all that visit the Merage School
DLC Fall Insider's View Event at the home of Ken & Carla Neeld
Annual-level members and above along with spouses and guests gathered at Visionary Ken and Carla Neeld’s home for a tropical evening and “Insider’s View” from Dean Andy Policano on September 22nd. Situated atop a hillside in Newport Coast, guests enjoyed a beautiful evening with one another while overlooking the natural scenery of Orange County. The aloha spirit was in the air with guests dressed in island attire and Hawaiian music playing in the background. An amazing buffet dinner and refreshments were served by Lettuce-Cater-To You.
Ken Neeld (EMBA ’07) and his wife Carla graciously welcomed everyone in attendance. Ken is currently the President & CEO of Delphi Display Systems, located in Costa Mesa. Ken introduced Andy who spoke about the Dean’s Leadership Circle Endowed Professorship, and the significant impact this will have upon a select faculty member. Rajeev Tyagi, Senior Associate Dean joined Dean Policano and explained that they are currently in the final stages of selecting this person, and that he is confident that they can announce the recipient within the next thirty days.
Dean Policano gave an update on the Merage School, and shared that he’s currently celebrating his 7th year here as Dean. He originally launched the Dean’s Leadership Circle in 2005 with the help of Pam Adams ’98 (Founding Chair of the DLC) to create a strong business community and advance the School to top tier status, and discussed the many achievements that the group has seen over the past six years. He spoke about his book that will be released in the Spring entitled “Public No More.” He looks forward to the upcoming Business Outlook forecast in January featuring Jennifer Granholm, former Governor or Michigan and a discussion on the American economy. He thanked everyone for their generous support and highlighted the Advisory Board leaders within the DLC that have truly helped to make a difference thus far.
Many thanks to all of our members for joining us for this special evening, and for the Neeld’s who opened up their lovely home to our group!
See photos below…..
    
    
    
    
    
    
    
DLC Visionary Summer Gathering at the home of Pam Adams
It was the hottest night of the summer when a group of Visionary members along with spouses and Dean Policano all gathered at Pam Adam’s home for a summer barbecue. It was a fun, casual evening outdoors in Pam’s newly landscaped backyard that had everyone involved playing bocce ball, enjoying summertime tunes and cool margaritas and a fun icebreaker game featuring ‘80s music!
This group who lead the campaign to create the Endowed Professorship received an update from Dean Policano on the Merage School and the status of the Dean’s Leadership Circle Endowed Professor.
Three new Visionary members in attendance were presented with their official Dean’s Leadership Circle gold seal wall plaque commemorating their status, which included members Tim Cannon ‘07, Beau Pirghibi ‘01 and David Jones ’93.
We wish to extend our gratitude to Pam for not only being a wonderful hostess but also for her leadership and vision as the Founding Chair of the Dean’s Leadership Circle.
DLC Family Day at Pretend City Children's Museum
Back by popular demand, members of the Dean’s Leadership Circle and guests gathered with their families for an exciting morning of exploration at Pretend City Children’s Museum in Irvine on Saturday, August 27th for the Annual Family Day event. Sponsored by the DLC in partnership with Pretend City, over 60 adults and 50 children enjoyed a private breakfast reception provided by Johnny Mosham’s Lettuce Cater to You, and exclusive entrance into the museum before doors were opened to the public later that day.
Linda Hunter, Executive Director of the museum welcomed the group and provided an overview of the site, proudly sharing that Pretend City is the first educational facility of its kind in the OC, representing a small interconnected city. The museum first opened their doors in August of 2009, and has since enjoyed great success as a “hot” location for play dates and kid parties. The non-profit organization specifically targets children from infants to ten years of age, and has a mission to build better brains through whole body learning experiences, educational programs with over 15 permanent exhibits. She explained that each exhibit empowers children to learn about and meaningfully connect with and expand their world, in a similar fashion as Merage MBA’s focus on global business and higher education at the school.
DLC Advisory Board member Sam King ’00 and Greg Queen ’03 presented Linda and her team with gifts on behalf of the Merage School, and thanked them for their generosity and new found partnership. Sam provided a brief background on the DLC and why this influential group has made such a tremendous impact at the Merage School. Later that morning, DLC members and guests enjoyed reconnecting with one another and making new contacts, while their kids played in the special “DLC kids corner” and roamed the museum. Favorite exhibits included the pretend garden where kids learned how to grow healthy foods, the restaurant where they could serve each other foods and work with a cash register, and the art center where they could let their creative juices flow. The morning was concluded with a special story time that allowed all of the children to wind down. Goody bags were given as departing gifts to the families on their way out.
The DLC is pleased to offer this type of family fun event for our members to enjoy with their kids. Members along with their family are helping to make a difference not only by advancing the School but also strengthen the general Alumni Network and are truly active participants of the “Merage School family”. Thank you for your continued support and the Dean's Leadership Circle looks forward to offering similar events in the future. Thanks to all who attended.
See photos below…
    
Pretend City Marquis Sam King '00 Linda Hunter Megan Waldeck Zsolt Kiraly '08
    
Glen Kauffman '94 Petros Keshishyan '10 Judith Gass '00 Catherine Tran '10 Edward Uy '94
    
Kumar Mangalick '05 John Newton '10 Mindy Zive Timothy Kay Storytime
    
New Reserve Your Seat Campaign Launched at Dean's Spring Reception
For the second consecutive year, Newport Coast’s Pelican Hill Resort was the chosen destination spot for the Annual Dean’s Spring Reception. The highly anticipated event brought together over 200 dedicated members of the Dean’s Advisory Board and the Dean’s Leadership Circle in the Mar Vista Room with fabulous food and cocktails. Guests mingled with one another while overlooking expansive views of the Pacific Ocean, 18-hole golf course, and the Coliseum pool in the distance with a beautiful sunset backdrop.
Chair of the Dean’s Advisory Board and President of Marriott International Ed Fuller welcomed the crowd. Ed is an enthusiastic and outstanding member of the Merage community as a member of the DLC, commencement speaker and has made a gift to the Merage School Building Campaign. The future office and suite that the Dean will occupy in the new building will be fittingly named in honor of Ed. Ed provided a brief history of the Dean’s Leadership Circle and Dean’s Advisory Board and remarked on the sense of pride he feels to be surrounded by a group of philanthropic and influential people within the community. All who were in attendance had helped to play a part in the School’s success.
Dean Policano addressed the group and provided a timely update on exciting news including his trip to Fudan University in Shanghai to establish the US-China Institute of Business and Law. He shared that the primary purpose of The John & Marilyn Long U.S.- China Institute for Business and Law is to promote links and synergies between the two countries on business research and educational fronts, and ensure that University of California will stay on the leading edge of study of U.S.-China commercial relations. Dean Policano provided an update on the Dean’s Leadership Circle Endowed Professorship, which had been signed off just days before by UC President Yudoff. Dean Policano reflected on the importance of this Professorship and eagerly awaits the day when he can award this to a deserving faculty member of the Merage School.
To cap off the program, DLC Advisory Board member Ken Neeld ’07 presented exiting news on the Dean’s Leadership Circle Reserve Your Seat Campaign to place the group’s name on the Auditorium that will be located inside the future business building. The auditorium will offer 300 seats, each to be reserved and named in honor of members of the Dean’s Leadership Circle. Inside this auditorium, we will have state of the art technology that will include the best technology, sound system, and lighting. A new 3-year member pledge is now available that will automatically include a reserved seat inside the Auditorium with each members’ personal name inscribed.
The new business school building is estimated to cost approximately $47.5 mil, with $40 mil already approved by the state and slated to be funded. The additional $7.5 mil will be raised by private support from alumni and members of the community. UC Irvine was the only school in California selected by the legislature to upgrade with a new building at this time. In addition to the Auditorium, the Dean’s Leadership Circle will also name a suite of offices for DLC staff members along with a private conference room for members’ exclusive use.
For more info and to “RESERVE MY SEAT” visit: 3-Year Member Pledge Form or 5-Year Visionary Member Pledge Form
Welcome Class of 2011 Shareholder Members!
The Dean’s Leadership Circle would like to welcome the Class of 2011 Shareholder members and congratulate them on their successful completion of the MBA program. We are honored to have them as our newest members of the Dean’s Leadership Circle and believe they will add value to our network.
Several Shareholders received special recognition at their recent Commencement Awards Banquets.
Matt Baldy ’11 was awarded the Best Team Leader award by his fellow classmates and was recognized for his outstanding leadership in uniting his class and representing the views of each individual diplomatically and effectively with the School’s administration. Matt could always be found reaching out to fellow students taking an interest in them and getting to know them on a personal level.
Theresa Suppanade ’11 was named one of two Best Team Players within her EMBA class. Theresa was said to always be willing to help someone in need and would drive long distances to meet with her team. She also participated in the Polaris competition and took on the team coordinator role for the group. She actively reached out to fellow classmates to inquire about them personally and professionally with a kind and generous manner.
Greg Palavivatana ’11 was nominated as one of two awards for FEMBA class 2011 Best Team Player. Greg invokes class team spirit linking students and groups from different sections together and is always willing to put 100% of himself into his activities. He is a great representative of the Merage School.
Jennifer Poley ’11 was awarded the Dean’s Scholar award and Beta Gamma Sigma honor, graduating top 20% of her class.
 Sarah Ramsey ’11 was recognized as the second person within the FEMBA class of 2011 for Best Team Player with her winning attitude motivating her peers to participate to the fullest in various school activities. Sarah is said to be a successful organizer of events and facilitates building strong bonds between members of her class.
The Dean’s Leadership Circle invites all recent graduates including current students to join our network. To learn more about the Dean’s Leadership Circle, visit our website at: www.merage.uci.edu/go/DLC or become a Shareholder member: DLC Shareholder Pledge Form
Class of 2011 Shareholder Members
Matthew Baldy Deborah Kelly Sarah Ramsey
Mark Boll Tom Ko Jean Shahdadpuri
Kathleen Boyle Cathalee Nelson Theresa Suppanade
Alison Brown Reena Pal David Toung
Ben Cherian Greg Palavivatana
Kristian Hermansen Jennifer Poley
Visionary Member Beau Pirghibi '06 featured in OC Metro
Alum and founder launches online store for eco-friendly based products. (click here)
The Dean’s Leadership Circle Announces New Leadership for 2010-2011
The Dean’s Leadership Circle is fortunate to have a group of committed alumni leaders who volunteer their time and leadership in helping us oversee this growing group of supporters and we have several new initiatives undertaken by the DLC Advisory Board for this coming year.
For the past two years, Greg Lai ’88 has done an outstanding job of chairing the Advisory Board, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank Greg for not only his leadership and dedication in helping the DLC reach new heights but also his personal commitment toward fulfilling the Endowed Professorship Campaign. Alongside Greg are other equally dedicated DLC leaders who helped to facilitate the recent election to select Greg’s successor.
We are delighted to announce that Dave Jones EMBA ‘93 has been elected as the new DLC Advisory Board Chair for the next two year term. Also new this year is the position of Vice Chair, which will be held by Ken Neeld EMBA ‘07. Also three new committee chairs are: Sam King HCEMBA ’00, chairing the event committee; Amy Tan FEMBA ’06 leading the membership committee; and John Karem EMBA ’02 will oversee our marketing committee.
We are so pleased that these alumni are leading the charge on behalf of the DLC. If any of you wish to work alongside them and take on a volunteer leadership role to help the Dean’s Leadership Circle achieve its mission and goals, please contact:
Sandra Findly directly at 949-824-8880 or Dave Jones at 949-900-8176.
Meet the New Leaders of the Dean’s Leadership Circle:
Dave Jones '93 Advisory Board Chair
Ken Neeld '07 Advisory Board Vice Chair
Roster of the new DLC Advisory Board
DLC Celebrates 5th Year Anniversary
This year the Dean’s Leadership Circle reached a significant milestone since its foundation. The Dean’s Leadership Circle celebrated its 5th Year Anniversary in style at Newport Coast’s Pelican Hill Resort. The event was attended by Paul and Lilly Merage, Dean Andrew Policano, Dean’s Advisory Board members and Dean’s Leadership Circle members including many of our esteemed alums. For more information about this remarkable celebration please visit our past events page for a full recap and photos of the event.
Two DLC Members Honored at 16th Annual
Women in Business Awards
Lisa Locklear, Ingram Micro’s North American chief financial officer, and Pamela Adams, first vice president - investment officer for The Adams Financial Group of Wells Fargo Advisors, LLC, were recognized among the most prominent women executives in Orange County during the Orange County Business Journal’s 16th Annual Women in Business Awards held May 25 in Irvine.
Adams and Locklear were selected from 162 nominees and were among five women recognized during the event which featured keynote speaker Linda LoRe, chief executive of the retail division of New York-based Frederick’s of Hollywood Group Inc. About 750 people attended the luncheon.
“It’s rewarding to see our alumni succeed throughout the course of their careers,” said Andy Policano, dean of The Paul Merage School of Business. “It’s especially rewarding when they remain involved with The Paul Merage School of Business and provide ongoing leadership to other alumni and our current MBA students.”
A certified public accountant, Locklear received her bachelor of science from UC Davis and her MBA from The Paul Merage School of Business. She resides in Orange County with her husband and two sons, and is an active member of the Orange County United Way Board of Directors, as well as the Merage School Dean's Leadership Circle.
Adams is a certified financial advisor with an MBA from The Paul Merage School of Business. She is a founding member of the Girl’s Inc Guild of Orange County, and an active member of the National Association of Women Business Owners of Orange County. She is also a member of the Dean’s Advisory Board and the Dean’s Leadership Circle for The Paul Merage School of Business, and Chair of Community Programs for the school’s Center for Investment and Wealth Management.
Other executives recognized during the Women in Business awards luncheon included: Julie Schoenbachler, vice president of operations for Bascom Group of Irvine; Lula Halfacre, chief executive and cofounder of Traditional Jewelers in Newport Beach, and Linda White-Peters, president of development for Discovery Science Center in Santa Ana.
DLC Raises $1 Million in Pledges
In January, the Dean's Leadership Circle announced the $1 million pledge goal to establish the DLC Endowed Professorship Campaign had been fulfilled. At the Holiday Celebration at Tom's Carriage House in December, a $1 million check was hand delivered to Dean Policano by members of the DLC Executive Committee. We wish to thank all members between July 2007 and December 2009 whose contributions to this campaign will create a prestigious endowed position for a high ranking faculty member of the Merage School. Once the deserving faculty is on board, members will be notified and invited to meet the newly appointed Dean's Leadership Circle Professor.
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