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Black Katz Gazette “GIVING BACK AND POWERING FORWARD”
Helping Hands Across The Decades by Shelby J. Smith („07)
The Katz Class of ‟72, once students navigating regression analysis, are now at
the helm of corporate America. They are CEOs, VP of Sales, and prestigious
restaurant owners welcoming the next phase: uniting and lifting subsequent Katz
graduates through the newly formed Pitt Black MBA Network (PBAN). On
October 29-30, 2010, several generations of African-American Katz grads took
the first step towards making PBAN a reality.
PBAN is unifying our expertise, our networks, our knowledge, and our capital to
assist your career goals while partnering with Katz Graduate School of Business
(KGSB). PBAN‟s charge is to bridge the gap between current students and past
Black Katz alumni; partner with KGSB to support diversity efforts; and increase
career advancement opportunities for Katz graduates. The key to PBAN‟s success
is YOU. PBAN is seeking class champion from each year to spur involvement
from classmates to implement PBAN‟s goals:
1. Establish a network among PBAN members.
2. Assist career development at entry and mid-level.
3. Develop targeted scholarships and program funds.
4. Recommend African-American MBAs for corporate board positions.
5. Promote business investments among PBAN members (i.e. franchises,
venture capital, and business expansion).
6. Dispense personal wealth building strategies.
7. Demystify generational wealth and knowledge techniques.
8. Aid KGSB minority recruiting efforts for students and faculty.
9. Contribute monies to KGSB; matching funds will be made available.
Join PBAN!!! Give back and power forward. Interested parties opt- in at [email protected] and provide the following information:
Name (First & Last)
Class Champion Sign me up ( Yes or No)
MBA Graduation Year
Degree Program (e.g., MBA, MBA / JD, etc.)
Current Employer
Home Address
Phone (Home, Office & / or Cell)
Preferred Email Addresses (Home / Office)
Welcome to the inaugural issue of the Black Katz Gazette, a newsletter dedicated to the advancement of Black Katz graduates and an information exchange for current Katz students. PBAN’s next meeting is February 15-17, 2011 (agenda in left - hand panel).
ARTICLES:
1. “Helping Hands Across the Decades” Past
Grads Unite to Make a Difference
2. “A Panel of Success, Sharing, and Survival-
S3” PBAN Panel Exchange with Students
3. “Diversity is a Global Initiative” Dean
Delaney‟s Charge to PBAN
4. “Lost in Pittsburgh: The Class of „72 Relives
Their Past”
PBAN‟s FEBRUARY SCHEDULE: Feb. 15th, 7pm -10pm
o Informal Networking Event: Holiday Inn, 100 Lytton Avenue
Feb. 16th, 8am – 10pm
o General Board Meeting, 8-10:30 a.m.
(teleconferencing available)
o Dean Delaney & PBAN Town Hall
o Luncheon, 11 a.m.-12:30 p.m. o PBAN‟s Volunteer Classroom Speakers
o Happy Hour, 5-6:45 p.m.
o Pitt vs. S. Florida: Petersen Events Center
Feb. 17th, 8:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.
o PBAN Debrief, 8:30-10 a.m. o Clarence Curry presents…
o Black History Month Speaker Series, Inter-
act with MBA students, 11 a.m.–12:30 p.m.
ISSUE #1
Above from left to right front row: Wes Coleman („72), Tricina Cash („09), Robert Ellison („72),
Dr. Pauline Long („95), Gloster Current („72). Second Row (from left to right): Azubike (Aike) O. Okolo, PE („00), Ramon Harris (‟72), Michael Le Blanc („72), Ronald Rowland, Esquire („72),
Kevin Cameron („00) and George W. Martin („72). Resume submitted, but missing from picture
are: Pamela Rich-Wheeler („90), Solomon Wheeler („93) Floyd Trotman III, MS/MOIS, PMP („91),
Martha Chiles („95), MJ Graves („00), Zoe McFarlane-Sweeney („93), Rodney Odom („93), Reginald Cummings („08), Kathleen Valentine („90), Calvin Speight, Jr., PMI-PMP, CCC, MRCIS
(„90), Roxanne Dye Grimes („94), and Shelby Smith („07).
Email us: [email protected], or get
PITT BLACK MBA NETWORK
JANUARY 2011
Black Katz Gazette “GIVING BACK AND POWERING FORWARD”
“Giving Back and Powering Forward”
ISSUE #1
A Panel of Success, Sharing and Survival—S3 by Gloster Current („72)
worldliness and a sense of humor. Dr. Pauline Long, Michael LeBlanc and
George W. Martin did just that with the aid of moderator Laura Kirsch, Sr. Associate Dean for MBA Administration. They challenged, cajoled,
collaborated, and convinced the audience there is success in their future. They
had the audience spellbound and excited.
“I want to challenge you as you have challenged and/or questioned us,” declared
a revitalized LeBlanc, “How many of you think this young lady was betrayed or
was she actually being mentored and nurtured.” Michael questioned the reality
of a young lady‟s perception of corporate betrayal to the audience. To the
panelists‟ surprise the majority of the student audience sided with the young
lady, in regards to the definition of mentorship. This illustrated a clear
disconnect between academia and the real world.
The panelists held up a new set of lenses by which everyone could see the future
and look at their respective past. It was a “learning lens” projecting brilliant,
colorful illuminations of prosperous, articulate, and passionate Black executives
that held national and international positions throughout the world; while sharing expertise and hardships from their routes of success. As George Martin
stated, “All careers are not in a straight line. You may fall backwards, go
sideways or it could be circuitous— be not discouraged. You can alter your
goals and change your path.” The revolving themes were consistent:
1. Set Goals
2. Make Plans
3. Network 4. Seek Mentors
5. Challenge Yourself and Others
6. Take Risks
7. Communicate
The discussion proved invaluable
for all in attendance; students were
left begging for the February 15th -
17th, 2011 continuation.
PITT BLACK MBA NETWORK Email us: [email protected], or get
Dean John Delaney throws down the gauntlet on Katz Graduate
School of Business‟ (KGSB) lack of diversity, and his
expectations of PBAN‟s commitment to Katz. In today‟s flat
business world there is no room for racial boundaries. The
business world cannot afford to neglect the global economy, nor
can KGSB. KGSB was once the model of multi-racial inclusion;
presently they struggle to attract the evolving rainbow of
business minds. Thus, it is the perfect time for a PBAN
partnership.
During the 2010 Homecoming weekend Delaney met with
PBAN to express his concern for KGSB‟s monochromatic
population, as well as his correction plan to improve rankings.
Delaney said, “We must go beyond diversity –this is not a
numbers game or to be politically correct… but a GLOBAL
NECESSITY to improve our [KGSB] competitive-ness and our
[KGSB] overall performance.”
Alumni were inspired by Delaney‟s candor, vision, and
commitment to working with PBAN to improve KGSB‟s
mission and new vision. Delaney applauded and propositioned
PBAN to come up with a new set of precepts and concepts to
engage students and faculty.
The Dean covered a myriad of topics that challenged and
excited the group. In addition to diversity, Delaney spoke
openly about:
KGSB Curriculum Challenges:
Experienced Based Learning Entrepreneurship
Partnering with Corporations and Organizations
Supply Chain & Value Chain Management
Ph.D. Program Awareness
Statistics Pitt‟s rankings, and its implications
Action plan to improve rankings
Commitment
Making the graduate school better
Thought leadership
Other—Scholarship, Fund Raising, etc.
No matter the curriculum changes, diversity must be embraced
for KGSB‟s longevity, thus making PBAN timely.
Panelists (from left to right): George W. Martin,
Dr. Pauline Long and Michael Le Blanc
Delaney Challenges and Hosts Hosts Multi-Decade Alumni Meeting
by George Martin („72) & Shelby Smith („07)
Dean John Delaney, 6th Dean of the University of Pittsburgh- Joseph M. Katz Graduate School of Business D
How do you capture lightning in a bottle? Simple. Place three very proven Black Alumni from the Katz Graduate
School of Business in an auditorium and let them take you
along their success journeys, trials and tribulations armed with
JANUARY 2011
ISSUE #1
JANUARY 2011
Lost in Pittsburgh The Class of ‘72 Relives Their Past By George W. Martin („72)
How does one get to the CASBAH or ELEVEN, the restaurant? This very
special „72 Alumni team traversed their old haunts, traveled well-worn roads, and found new ones in search of these key restaurants. Errors were made and
jokes were told.
The „72 Grads took circuitous routes in and out of towns around Pittsburgh, which created a meaningful journey down memory lane. These men have
traveled millions of miles and visited hundreds of countries, but somehow lost
their way around the old neighborhoods, which have changed over the last 40
years.
But these Grads know their way around business issues, and they are always
looking for new deals. By the end of the night they had cornered and met Tom
and Amy Baron, owners of the Big Burrito Restaurant Group‟s Eleven Restaurant (located at 1150 Smallman Street, Pittsburgh, P.A.) Michael LeBlanc
(Pican Restaurant owner based in Oakland, CA) and several PBAN colleagues
toured Eleven‟s wine and meat curing areas. This serendipitous meeting led to a
networking session amongst Michael and Eleven‟s owners. They shared restaurateur plans and growth objectives.
In an instant a social hour had turned into a quality networking opportunity for
these pathfinders. The night showed the opportunities and the business commitment of these men. The meeting proved that regardless of how far from
the trail one might be there are always opportunities.
The evening was filled with old memories, the creation of new ones, and the promise of new sojourns yet to come. As the classes‟ journey continues so does
their mantra to work hard, play hard, and negotiate new deals along the way. We
look forward to more participants and new trips to Pittsburgh “Go Panthers”
(another member of the great cats & a fringe member of KATZ)!
Stay tuned for new trips, business opportunity updates and the never-ending
story of the Katz alumni grads thru the decades.
Email us: [email protected], or get
PITT BLACK MBA NETWORK
Questioning your career path?
Unsure how to handle life-
altering choices? Ask Dr. Inc.
Your anonymous question will be
posted in the next issue with Dr.
Inc.’s prescription. At the Black
Katz Gazette the “Doctor” is always
in at [email protected].
Question examples: What is the acceptable way to
network? Is it too aggressive to give credentials during the first meeting?
Do career plans work? Does it have to be strictly adhered to, can I deviate? How do I put an effective plan into place?
Can’t wait to hear what’s on
your mind!
Black Katz Gazette “GIVING BACK AND POWERING FORWARD”
Jester‟s Corner: How do you
know you’ve read an MBA newsletter?
A: Every article had bullet
points.
1
Ask Dr. Inc.