JMU - Alumni News
Alumni News
April 29, 2008
Holland Discusses Sustainability--Personally and Professionally
Paul Holland, CoB Executive Advisory Council member and one of the nation's top venture capitalists, talks with The Weather Channel about personal and professional efforts toward sustainability More
Alum Heads Richmond Office of Accounting Firm
Hayes M. Walker III, a '93 accounting graduate, is named president of Rollins Accounting & Inventory Services, Inc. More
MBA Grad Leads Retirment Community
John Dwyer, who received an MBA from JMU in 2001, heads Sunnyside, a Rockingham County, Va., retirement community. More
Worth the Bucks: JMU Accounting Alum Helps Clients Plan Ahead
"Listen to my clients and provide them with what they need." That’s the philosophy of JMU accounting graduate Kira Nazelrod Brucker. She works in the family business in Towson, Md., and was admitted to the Maryland bar recently, which is an asset to her firm’s estate planning services. A relative few dollars up front, usually saves the client more in the long run, Brucker says. Read More.
Feb. 19, 2008
Consulting Magazine names CoB Grad Top 30 Under 30
Meaghan Bouchoux (CIS- ’00) was recognized as one of the top "30 under Thirty" in the January/February issue of Consulting Magazine, the industry’s flagship publication. Bouchoux is a Project Management Professional (PMP) and a Manager in the Public Services Business Unit at BearingPoint. She has over seven years of professional experience in Information Technology consulting including extensive practice in project management, requirements definition, and program support. This rising star credits her early interest in consulting to Mr. Glenn Smith’s IT Consulting course in JMU's College of Business.
Read Bouchoux's professional biography.
Heiden Launches Visual Online Resume Company this Month
Clint Heiden (CIS-’90) co-created with Phillip Merrick a revolutionary way of looking at the resume. With the launch of the new company, VisualCV.com, students and professionals are able to create an Internet-based resume, build and manage an online career portfolio and securely share professional qualifications with employers, customers, partners and colleagues.
VisualCV.com is the first website to allow professionals to do this all in one place, with privacy and control, and for free. The VisualCV makes traditional paper resumes come alive with video, pictures and a portfolio of best work samples. Informational pop-ups provide background data on past employers and education.
VisucalCV Provides Professional Appeal
VisualCV.com was developed to solve problems that professionals face as they seek to find jobs, develop and advance their careers, and helps employers find and hire better candidates faster. The format and information included in a VisualCV accelerates career advancement while reducing interviews and associated time, cost, travel and frustration for job seekers. The VisualCV may present information not included in a paper resume.
VisualCV Helps Students Enter the Job Market
VisualCV is the first resume that enables a student to incorporate videos, music or PDF files of a business plan or a paper that achieved recognition. As a recruiting professional, Heiden suggests individuals spend time using a tool that will make them stand out. “Give a little personality, appeal to the audience, and have some fun making a resume,” Heiden says. “Having something that is visually appealing will almost guarantee a company to look at the resume, which achieves the goal of being given a chance.”
CoB Encourages Entrepreneurship
Heiden says his experiences at the College of Business prepared him for launching a new product. “The College of Business is a professional place to be creative and unique, and provides real world experience, ” Heiden says. “JMU is full of community, one that is friendly and inspiring. The students strive to achieve and appreciate the opportunities they are presented with.”
The skills and experiences Heiden took from the CoB translated into his interest in creating the VisualCV, allowing the product to appeal to professionals and students. Working with students and professionals allows Heiden to see what both parties are looking for. The VisualCV is a great way to connect the two.
Heiden Mentors Future Entrepreneurs
Heiden worked with Professor Carol Hamilton’s MGT 472 – Venture Creation class as an entrepreneur mentor in fall 2007. In the class, students explore entrepreneurship. It includes a JMU graduate as a mentor, who is able to provide real world experience on how to create and market a successful business.
Heiden was excited to see the JMU students engaged and knows they will be successful after graduation. “Working with students, especially the JMU group, is refreshing,” Heiden says. The ability to work with students allows Heiden insight into what the next generation is looking for in employers.
Try VisualCV.
Sprague Elected to PGA Board of Directors
At a young age Derek Sprague knew his love for golf would follow him through life. Sprague, who graduated from JMU in 1988 with a BBA in marketing, has always seen golf as his passion. He attended JMU on a golf scholarship and is currently the general manager and head golf professional at the Malone Golf Club in Malone, NY. Recently, he was elected to the Professional Golf Association’s Board of Directors.
The awards and recognitions Sprague received relate to his education while at JMU. Looking back, Sprague admires Dr. Robert Reid and Dr. Harold Teer. They inspired him to be the best he could be and they never let him settle. The year after graduating, he decided to give something back on an annual basis. To this day, the Derek Sprague Marketing Award is given to the JMU marketing student who shows strong academic performance, while demonstrating a willingness to take initiative and bring a sense of entrepreneurship to his or her college learning experience.
With his love for golf and marketing, Sprague is able to use his degree daily.
“Golf is a business and the largest tourism attraction. We have to market to our guests and members,” Sprague says. “I love coming to work. It’s a home away from home.”
Nationally, the game of golf is becoming known as a course for business, and a place where an employee becomes a partner. How you conduct yourself on a golf course can translate to how you may handle yourself in a business situation.
Throughout his life, Sprague has felt fortunate and believes timing is everything. “It is important to pursue your passion. Even though you are in a certain major, switch gears, make it what you want.” Sprague believes that a career can be made from what you love; it's just about the choices you make.
Chef’s Secret: Super shrimp Po-Boy
Jeff Callaghan’s harbour-side restaurant, Fluke Wine, Bar & Kitchen in Newport, RI., shares a scrumptious recipe for fried shrimp po-boy. Callaghan is a 1987 graduate of JMU’s hospitality and tourism management program. Read the entire article online.
Sargento promotes Schuman
Daniel “Chip” Schuman is vice president of marketing for the consumer products division at Sargento. He joined Sargento in 2003. Schuman graduated from James Madison University in 1986 with a BBA in marketing. Schuman lives in Mequon with his wife, Carolyn and two children. Read about it online.
Equity One Announces Appointment of New Chief Administrative Officer
Mark Langer ('88-accounting) is a member of the College of Business Executive Advisor Council and volunteers as a mentor to CoB students. Read the full article.
Henley Joins MAEF Board
The Maryland Agricultural Education Foundation, Inc. (MAEF) announced today that William T. "Bill" Henley, IV ('02) has joined their Board of Directors. Henley graduated with majors in management and economics. Read the full article.
For a Franchise, Success is in the Hiring
Before you read far enough to learn that he's a JMU College of Business alumus, you may guess that he is. Featured in a New York Times article, Dave Melton ('81-management) and his wife Angelina Muse-Melton ('81-psychology) attribute their success in opening several Domino's Pizza stores in New York City to hiring the right people. Read the full article.
Fauber's Successor Brings Variety of Experiences
After years of successfully running and selling businesses, Michael Syrek ('94-accounting) is settling down in banking. Read the full article.
Jan. 2, 2008
Foundation appoints Bingham Treasurer
Darcy Bingham (’87) was named treasurer of the Montgomery Village Foundation after 15 years with FEMA. She has an MS in accounting from JMU. More
Dec. 19, 2007
Accounting Major Shares Business Skills with Residents in West African Villages
Michael Kapocsi ('07) spent three months as a Peace Corps volunteer in Mali, West Africa. He was part of a team specializing in small business development. More
Dec. 5, 2007
Davis Moves into Panama Real Estate
According to Kent Davis (’02), Panama is HOT. He’s not referring to the temperature. Davis accepted a position as global broker relations manager for CPanama Real Estate Corporation in Panama City, Panama. Real estate in Panama is a hot commodity right now, Davis says, as Panama has been experiencing unprecedented growth in the last few years.
Before moving to Panama he worked as a profit center manager in Atlanta and Virginia for Hajoca Corp, a company he said he loved and hated to leave.
While at JMU, Davis double-majored in marketing and Spanish. He played JMU water polo all four years and was a member of Golden Key, MMA and the Catholic Campus ministry.
“I may be the only car with a James Madison University decal here in Panama. Go Dukes!” Davis says.
Nov. 9, 2007
Argy Participates in KPMG's Global New Hire Training
A new audit associate with KPMG LLP, Kim Argy had the rare opportunity to receive her company training in Madrid, Spain, in October. The 2006 JMU graduate was one of the company’s 100 U.S. employees, selected out of 700 applicants, to participate in its first Global New Hire Training program.
“International experience is good for getting other people’s opinions and learning different perspectives,” Argy says. “That’s good for audits because it gives you a different way of looking at a situation. And I just think traveling helps you grow as a person.”
Argy and her U.S. colleagues were joined in the two-week program by 200 other new employees from Germany and the United Kingdom. During the first week, all of the participants were integrated and divided into groups to complete team projects. The American employees worked alone during the second week, receiving their training in U.S. audit procedures. Between scheduled activities, Argy took advantage of her free time to explore the city and meet new international friends.
KPMG started the Global New Hire Training program to expose new audit associates to the global business environment while giving them a consistent training experience, says Manny Fernandez, KPMG’s national managing partner for campus recruiting.
“We believe giving our younger employees the opportunity to experience the KPMG global culture earlier in their career will help to accelerate their development,” he says, “and inspire them to seek further international experiences as they build their career path.”
CoB Alumnus and EAC Member Supports Sustainability and Agritourism
Dennis Tracz (‘78), entrepreneur and a member of CoB’s Executive Advisory Council, has recently taken his talent of turning “chaos” into “opportunity” and turned it toward the business of sustainability.
Tracz is the CEO and founder of Barista On Demand, LLC, a gourmet coffee company that has made the conscious decision to purchase organic coffee beans, pay the growers directly, and roast locally. The practice supports farmers and the farming industry and benefits the local community where the company is headquartered in Central Virginia.
Barista On Demand, LLC, participates in the Rainforest Alliance Certified Seed to Cup program, which provides direct payments to coffee growers. The company also uses a biodegradable ecotainer®.
And now Tracz has partnered with the Inaugural Virginia Agritourism Conference that will be held in Charlottesville, Va., in November 2007. Barista On Demand will provide complimentary fresh-ground organic and Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee and gourmet beverages to conference attendees and speakers.
“Partnering with Barista on Demand makes perfect sense for us,” says Barbara S. Lundgren, proprietor of Barb Wired, LLC, and creator and organizer of the premier event. “This is a conscious choice to partner with a local company whose products are outstanding, sustainability practices are very compelling, and whose goals fit with our own, both in terms of customer satisfaction while reducing waste and supporting our important Virginia Agritourism effort.”
The two-day event will gather farmers, tourism professionals and economic leaders to promote agritourism as a viable option to sustain and enhance the family farm. Some of the proceeds will benefit the Virginia Tech Memorial Fund.
“We strongly believe that agritourism is an important part of our area’s future, and we are happy to contribute to the effort by participating in Monday night’s ‘Taste of Virginia’ event and serving our delicious coffee in partnership with the Doubletree to conference attendees,” says Tracz. “We are also proud to be supporting the contribution to the Virginia Tech Memorial Fund.”
Bartee Establishes Endowment to Reward Top-Notch Teaching
When Kenneth Bartee, ’83, reflects on his experiences as a student at JMU, he remembers with fondness the innovative and sometimes “quirky” teaching methods of management professor, Dr. Kent Zimmerman, now retired. Bartee recalls Zimmerman’s organizational behavior course, where students engaged in learning techniques such as role-playing or drawing pictures in groups—“exercises that you don’t know quite why you’re doing them at the time,” he jokes. Strange, perhaps, but the concepts stuck. Bartee says he still applies many of Zimmerman theories in his career as president and CEO of McDonald Bradley Inc.
“Dr. Zimmerman was phenomenal in the classroom—he opened up my mind,” Bartee says. “He was very extroverted and demonstrative, which made him fun in the classroom. He was really committed to teaching.”
That’s the kind of legacy Bartee hopes to keep alive in JMU’s College of Business. With their recent gift of $250,000 to establish the Kenneth R. Bartee Endowed Professorship in the CoB, Bartee and his wife, Sue, hope to reward faculty who go the “extra mile” for their students. The endowment may be awarded to deserving faculty in any CoB department.
An enthusiastic Duke supporter, Bartee wants to see future students have the same positive experience he had at JMU . During his term as chair of the college’s Executive Advisory Committee, Bartee has learned the value of rallying alumni support for the university. While public colleges and universities once were primarily funded by state and federal governments, that financial support is waning, Bartee says. Now it’s up to alumni to help the university maintain its excellent programs.
“I think the folks who come out of JMU have this well-rounded education, great leadership capabilities and great teamwork capabilities,” he says. “If we don’t support this, I’m afraid we’re going to see this great program that JMU has built, this great culture—we’re going to see it disappear.”
As a student at JMU, Bartee observed a strong sense of community, driven by the fact that many students lived on campus at that time. But there were other reasons he felt so connected—namely the emphasis that was placed on teamwork, reinforced through group projects and experiential learning. He also appreciated that professors did most of the teaching at JMU, rather than graduate teaching assistants.
“In the end, you get this very well-rounded student with pretty strong interpersonal skills, leadership skills, that allowed me to move up in my industry a lot faster than I think I would have at some other places.”
Since graduating from JMU, Bartee has enjoyed a successful career in the field of information technology, including executive positions at Computer Sciences Corporation, Innovative Systems Solutions, PSC and General Electric. In 1994, he joined McDonald Bradley, a provider of information technology solutions, primarily to agencies of the federal government. During his tenure with McDonald Bradley, he has increased the company’s revenues ten-fold, earning it recognition as one of the fastest growing firms in the Washington, D.C., area, and one of the leading providers of technology services to the federal government.
Bartee recently was a finalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year and a finalist for Fairfax County Chamber of Commerce Government Contractor Small Business Executive of the Year. In October 2005, JMU honored him with the Inez Room Alumni Service Award.
While serving on the EAC requires a significant time commitment for the already-busy corporate executive, Bartee enjoys the opportunity to offer his insights for curriculum development, fund raising and other administrative functions of the council. He, like other EAC members, also mentors students and enjoys helping them in their career development. He hopes to see the College of Business maintain its high rank among business schools nationally and create a few leading edge programs that will draw national attention.
“It starts with feeling so strong about the education I received at JMU,” Bartee says. “When you step back in [after graduating], and you believe that you’re helping others to get that same experience, it feels really good.”
Peter Santana Named Financial Analyst at DuPont Community Credit Union
JMU alumnus Peter Santana ('06) graduated with a B.B.A. in finance. Read the article online.
Kistler Graduates Realtor Training Academy
Elizabeth Funkhouser Kistler ('89) graduated from the Virginia Leadership Academy, class of 2007. She received her undergraduate degree from JMU in Computer Information Systems. She works for Coldwell Banker Commercial Funkhouser Realtors of Harrisonburg. Read the article online.
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