BABSON
MAGAZINE
WINTER 2020–2021
VALUES DRIVEN The Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership PAGE 10
PEOPLE OF BABSON / 9 BLACK STUDENT UNION AT 50 / 18 ATHLETICS / 25 BEAVER TALES / 32
FROMTHEPRESIDENT
The day was anchored by two virtual events
attended by 1,200 members of the Babson community. Our conversations centered on Mr. Blank’s new book, Good Company, and the six core principles that have guided his life, career, and the success of The Blank Family
of Businesses—values that also serve as the
efore The Home Depot, before the
founding principles of Babson’s Arthur M.
packed stadium, before the best-selling
Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership.
book and the tremendous success of The Blank
Family of Businesses, Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98
vision and leadership. He is an icon of
was a Babson College student. This October,
business and entrepreneurship, a strategic
it was our pleasure to welcome him home.
philanthropist, and a dedicated Babson
College champion and benefactor. I am
Mr. Blank described his visit as both
I have long been inspired by Mr. Blank’s
intellectual and emotional. Although things
energized by our collaboration and the
look different this year—with COVID-19 health
unparalleled momentum it generates for
and safety protocols in place throughout the
Babson’s continued innovation and leadership.
day—our visit was an important reminder
that the value and impact of the Babson
will amplify entrepreneurial leadership on
experience extends far beyond graduation day.
a global scale and inextricably link values-
Mr. Blank visited his old residence hall
based leadership and entrepreneurship
and stopped by the Babson World Globe in its
education. Together, we are connecting
new location. One of the most inspirational
social and economic value and building
parts of the day was our lunch with The
leaders who will improve the human
Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial
condition and change the world.
Our shared vision for The Blank School
Leadership Scholars. We talked about educational opportunities, Mr. Blank shared stories from his days as a student, and— because Babson students are trained to seize opportunity—several students pitched their business ideas directly to Mr. Blank.
Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD
10
The Blank Blueprint
18
Black Student Union at 50
Shaping the future of entrepreneurial leadership. Student leaders reflect on its legacy and impact.
DEPARTMENTS
18
BABSON MAGAZINE STAFF / Vol. 87, No. 3 EDITOR Eric Beato PUBLISHER Kerry Salerno, chief marketing officer COMMUNICATIONS STRATEGY Lorraine A. Daignault CREATIVE MANAGEMENT Cheryl Robock CREATIVE ART DIRECTION Cathy Cahill SENIOR JOURNALIST John Crawford JOURNALIST Bryan Lipiner CONTRIBUTORS Scott Dietz, Christina Etre, James Kiley, Karl Klaussen, Kait Smith Lanthier, Brianna Radicioni, Thecla Ree, Wendy Schoenfeld MULTIMEDIA TEAM Christopher Brown, Paul DeWolf, Maggie McGinnis, Adam Pearlman
2
Babson and Beyond
8
Office Hours
9
People of Babson
The latest news and updates from campus. Scott Taylor on The Blank School’s direction. Larinda Cole on career readiness and more.
22
Advancement Spotlight
25
Athletics
26
News, Notes, and Nods
32
Beaver Tales
Alumni share time and talent in giving back. Student-athletes stay on track with telehealth. Undergraduate, 26; Graduate, 29; Connections, 28; In Memoriam, 31 The Babson Free Press carries on a tradition.
We welcome your feedback on the magazine. Contact Eric Beato at ebeato@babson.edu Find out more about what’s happening at Babson College at: entrepreneurship.babson.edu On the cover:
Photo of Arthur M. Blank by Michael Quiet
TABLEOFCONTENTS
FEATURES
10
Babson Magazine (USPS 898-140) is published by Babson College, 231 Forest Street, Babson Park, MA 02457-0310, two times a year, in the summer and winter. Copyright 2020 by Babson College. Editorial office: Babson Park, MA 02457-0310. Send address corrections to advancement_services@babson.edu, or call +781-239-4044.
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE
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BABSONANDBEYOND 2 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
PHOTOS: MICHAEL QUIET
The Blank School Leadership Accelerates
NO. 1 BABSON’S MOMENTUM Babson College innovates continuously.
For the 24th consecutive time, Babson is the No. 1
undergraduate school for entrepreneurship, according to U.S. News & World Report. The College, though, never stands still and is taking dramatic steps forward.
Those steps will be led by The Arthur M. Blank School for
Entrepreneurial Leadership and its new leadership team, composed of Donna Levin, CEO, and Associate Professor Scott Taylor as the inaugural Arthur M. Blank Endowed Chair for Values-Based Leadership. Donna Levin
“We can’t sit back and enjoy being No. 1,” Taylor said.
“We’ve got to continue to do what we’ve always done, which is innovate and pivot and stretch ourselves.”
An accomplished entrepreneur and business leader with
an impressive portfolio of academic leadership credentials, Levin most recently served as the executive director of innovation and entrepreneurship at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. She co-founded Care.com, the largest online care destination in the world, and served as a senior lecturer and entrepreneur in residence at MIT Sloan School of Management.
She said Babson is in a unique position to lead: “This
is Babson’s—and The Blank School’s—moment to make a Scott Taylor
global impact when the world needs it the most.” MORE » Office Hours: Associate Professor Scott Taylor, Page 8
» The Blank Blueprint for the Future of Entrepreneurial Leadership, Page 10
Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98 returned to campus October 15 to discuss his expanding partnership with Babson College and his new best-selling book, Good Company. The co-founder of The Home Depot met with students and attended a pair of events: a fireside chat with President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD and a panel discussion with the senior leadership team of The Blank Family of Businesses.
SCOTT TAYLOR PHOTO: JAKE BELCHER
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 3
BABSONANDBEYOND
The Ultimate Act of Giving Back by
THE ULTIMATE ENTREPRENEUR
Lois and Len Green
“Professor Green is the embodiment of the important interplay between teacher and practitioner —‘Mr. Thought and Action.’ ” — President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD
Len Green knows all
Lois Green Charitable Foundation.
about creating impact
through direct action.
fund,” Green said, “you’re supporting a
In his beloved Babson
student who is going to go out and do big
courses, the Professor
things in the world. Your investment is
of Entrepreneurship,
magnified.”
esteemed entrepreneur,
and consultant strives to
created through Green’s gift, will provide
prepare students for the
financial aid to a number of students
challenges of the real world.
each year. Recipients will be required
“Professor Green is the embodiment
“When you give to a scholarship
The Green Leadership Program,
to complete community service hours
of the important interplay between
to instill the value of giving back to the
teacher and practitioner—‘Mr. Thought
community. A portion of the gift also
and Action,’ ” said President Stephen
is directed to vital funding toward the
Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD.
College’s cocurricular programs.
He challenges his students to think
“Green’s gift is an investment in the
differently, network, take calculated
idea that seeing the world in a different
risks, outwork and outthink the
way—and acting on that vision—has
competition, and always give back. When
a positive influence on the human
it comes to giving back, Green leads by
condition,” Spinelli said. “He proudly
example. Together with his wife, Lois,
believes Babson students are the
Green made a $5 million commitment to
standard bearers of a better world.”
Babson College through the Leonard and
— Christina Etre
First Virtual Summer Catalyst Program Convenes What’s the best part about hosting a
director Bob Stringer said. “That’s the most
summer entrepreneurship program
powerful part of the Summer Catalyst
online? The geographical diversity, and
experience … our entrepreneurs figured
the array of venture ideas that come
out how to not let the virus stand in their
with it.
way.”
This year’s first Summer Catalyst
The Summer Catalyst is a 10-week
program—a virtual iteration of Babson’s
virtual program that fosters entrepreneurial
signature Summer Venture Program—
skills and provides resources, tools, and
featured 16 teams of 43 students from the
expert connections needed to accelerate a
Philippines to Canada, and South Korea to
business. It incorporates elements such as
Afghanistan, and they formed ideas such
the Hot Seat, office hours, and dedicated
as a reverse ticket marketplace and
advisors but is delivered online. One-third
a sustainable clothing business.
of this year’s ventures had social impact
missions or goals, and three-quarters of
“Even though we’ve been separated,
we’ve created a special community of
ventures are technology or technology-
peers and coaches,” Summer Catalyst
enabled.
4 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
— Bryan Lipiner
Felix Guelfucci MSEL’20, founder of gourmet seafood product venture BONAMI, pitches his business at the 20th annual Rocket Pitch.
NEW LIFETIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD
Honors Late, Beloved Dean of Faculty
“Bala lives on with us through this award for many, many years to come.” — Ken Matsuno, Murata Vice President of Academic Affairs and Dean of the College
Late Dean of Faculty Bala Iyer
Priya Iyer described it as a special gift in
September 9 all-faculty meeting, her
a timely fashion.
voice heavy.
award for many, many years to come,”
Matsuno said. “There is no question Dhruv
In August, Murata Vice President
“You all know how truly passionate
“Bala lives on with us through this
of Academic Affairs and Dean of the
Bala was about academic achievement.
holds and maintains an extraordinarily
College Ken Matsuno reached out to
Academic research was really his hobby.
high profile in his field of research.”
inform her that The Bala Iyer Lifetime
He managed to convert that to his
Achievement in Scholarship Award had
profession.”
marketing, e-business, and retailing. He
been established in her late husband’s,
has won a plethora of awards for his
and former Dean of Faculty’s, name.
of the award was Dhruv Grewal, a
teaching and research through the years,
This new award would recognize
close friend of Bala Iyer and the Toyota
and in 2020 alone, has been published
distinguished faculty members for
Professor of Commerce and Electronic
seven times.
lifetime achievements in research and
Business.
Fittingly, the inaugural recipient
scholarship.
Grewal’s research hones in on direct
“I’ve always valued my friendship
with Bala,” Grewal said, noting that
An Honor in His Memory
his current work stems from past
She received the news on their wedding
The scholarship award comes after the
conversations the two had together.
anniversary.
2019 installation and opening of the
“Thank you for this honor in his
Bala Iyer Garden at Babson Commons at
memory. It means a lot to me.”
Horn Library.
It wasn’t just on any day, however.
“I’m completely overwhelmed by
this great honor,” Priya Iyer said at the
PHOTO: WEBB CHAPPELL
— Bryan Lipiner
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 5
BABSONANDBEYOND
NEWEST GEM REPORTS
Show Rise in Black and Family Entrepreneurship Black entrepreneurship rates are climbing in the United States, and it’s because innovators like Mandy Bowman ’12 are doing their part.
Bowman established
Official Black Wall Street in 2014, which makes it easier for customers to find and support Black-owned businesses. Due in part to the Black Lives Matter movement, the business experienced exponential growth, and as a result, Bowman has hired seven additional employees, all of whom are women.
“The increased response
Official Black Wall Street founder Mandy Bowman ’12
members, according to the latest
has been amazing,” Bowman said. “We have more followers. We have more users. We have more support.”
Bowman built this go-getter
attitude at Babson, which co-founded the Global Entrepreneurship Monitor with the London School of Business more than 20 years ago.
In its most recent round of research
with data collected from 2014 to 2018, Babson Professor Donna Kelley and Associate Professor Mahdi Majbouri discovered almost 20% of the U.S. Black population was in the process
“Babson graduates are driven to innovate, problem solve, and recognize problems facing our world and take an active role enacting positive social and economic changes.” — Donna Kelley, Babson Professor
GEM Family Entrepreneurship Report, co-sponsored by Babson College. The report also reveals traditional views of the founder as a lone genius may not be the case. Family members, whether their parents, children, siblings, cousins, or spouses, are finding strength and success building companies together. • As researchers work to quantify the impact of COVID-19 on ventures around the world, Babson’s new U.S. GEM Report showcases how at its peak, and when well-supported,
of starting or running a business. This data set also determined 12.9% of the
facing our world and take an active
entrepreneurship is this country’s
U.S. Hispanic/Latino population and
role enacting positive social and
most powerful tool for economic
12.2% of the white population were
economic changes.”
advancement and post-pandemic revival. Of the country’s 202 million
entrepreneurs during the same period.
“Entrepreneurship may represent
a better career path than other
In other recent research findings from GEM:
working-age adults, 27%, or 54.4 million,
• Worldwide, 75% of entrepreneurs and
were starting or running a business
opportunities,” Kelley said. “Babson
81% of established business owners
they own and manage—each
graduates are driven to innovate,
are entrepreneurs, co-owning or
generating its own source of income,
problem solve, and recognize problems
managing their businesses with family
and creating countless jobs for others.
6 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
FOR MORE NEWS, VISIT BABSON THOUGHT & ACTION:
entrepreneurship.babson.edu
On October 16, dozens of members of the Babson community marched from Nichols Hall to Park Manor Quad in a peaceful protest against social injustice. Hear student organizers discuss the experience at babson.edu/studentdemonstration.
‘FEELING OF PRIDE’
It was a feeling of pride, and I was kind of overwhelmed because, wow, this many people cared and this many people took some time out of their day to show up and spread the word. It was kind of amazing. — Ysbely Santos ’23
BRINGING THE ENTREPRENEURIAL MINDSET
to the Halls of Government
Some people might raise an eyebrow if they hear
Called the Babson Accelerator for Growth,
the words “government” and “innovation” being
Innovation, and Entrepreneurial Leadership, or
has attracted much interest. Babson offered a
used in the same sentence.
B-AGILE for short, the program helps instill a
mini-version of B-AGILE to city leaders in Miami
“Government actually is a fascinating place
B-AGILE may be a new program, but it already
culture defined by creativity, collaboration, and
earlier this year, and Quincy, a city located south
for innovation,” said D.R. Widder MBA’99, the vice
the ability to not only dream up new ways of doing
of Boston, completed the program. Boston itself
president of innovation at Babson College.
things, but also the know-how required for making
was due to take part in B-AGILE this fall. While it
them reality.
was originally intended for governments, Widder
Widder, Babson is bringing innovation and the
reports that companies also are beginning to
entrepreneurial mindset to the halls of government.
over time,” Widder said.
Through a new program designed by
“The grand plan is cultural transformation
enroll in it.
— John Crawford
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 7
OFFICEHOURS
Define and Develop
As endowed chair for values-based leadership, Scott Taylor sets course for The Blank School And, as the new faculty chair, that’s now what Taylor will be guiding students to do. In his new high-profile position, Taylor brings a desire to rethink business education and to define entrepreneurial leadership for generations to come. That mindset not only helped secure the appointment but also will help inform The Blank School at Babson. “We have an opportunity to do something that is truly what we
Scott Taylor, associate professor of organizational behavior and The Arthur M. Blank Endowed Chair for Values-Based Leadership.
S
cott Taylor didn’t intend to be the inaugural Arthur M. Blank Endowed Chair for Values-Based Leadership. In fact, he originally wasn’t going to apply for the prestigious appointment, until his colleagues encouraged him. The associate professor of organizational behavior simply was hoping to influence the process and perhaps shape the role—and The Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College. That’s what entrepreneurial leaders do.
PLEASE VISIT OUR
This is an incubator to really do something different, and that’s what’s thrilling to me. say we do, which is entrepreneurial, and, in a larger scheme of things, start to reshape management education,” Taylor said. “More than ever, business schools are needed to have impact. This is an incubator to really do something different, and that’s what’s thrilling to me.” Taylor arrived at Babson in the summer of 2014 after faculty stints at the University of New Mexico and Boston University. He earned his bachelor’s degree in Spanish from
DIGITAL BOOKSHELF 8 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
Featuring Publications by Babson Faculty
Brigham Young University, and he earned both his MBA and doctorate in organizational behavior from Case Western Reserve University. Now, he’s in a unique position to put his experience, his teaching, and his research to use as Babson purposefully expands its focus to entrepreneurial leadership, largely thanks to the $50 million gift by Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98 and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation for the creation of the new Blank School. One of the hallmarks of The Blank School—and Taylor’s direction as faculty chair—is its transdisciplinary approach, attracting faculty from across campus and across divisions to help define and develop entrepreneurial leaders. “I’m excited about the opportunity to define more effectively what entrepreneurial leadership is from an academic standpoint,” Taylor said, pointing to research, science, and rigor to help measure the impact. “I have in my mind what I think an entrepreneurial leader is, and I have an idea in my mind of how we can go about measuring that and developing that, but I don’t want to plant seeds too quickly. “I think the great value of The Blank School is involving faculty from across disciplines and across divisions in those discussions and then seeing where that takes us.” — Eric Beato
BABSON.EDU/BOOKSHELF
PHOTO: MICHAEL QUIET
PEOPLEOFBABSON
Small Talk with LARINDA COLE Larinda Cole has loved clothing from a young age, so she pursued a career in fashion and marketing. She advanced from corporate roles to teaching fashion merchandising at Virginia State University and Newbury College. There, she discovered her other passion: career development. She joined Babson three years ago as an associate director in the Undergraduate Center for Career Development (CCD). Now, she’s advising Babson students on everything from career readiness to racial justice to, yes, fashion. What are students’ biggest concerns right now, and how is CCD helping them? “ ‘Am I going to get a job?’ I think that’s number one, especially for seniors. So, I’m working with students to have a multipronged approach to what they can apply to now and also being thoughtful about what’s going to happen in 2021. Students recognize that times have changed, industries have had some fluctuations, and companies may not be hiring right now. I think a lot of them already are in that preparation mode and are already working toward Plan Bs and Plan Cs, just in case.” How have the traumatic events this year around racial justice affected your role and affected you personally? “In my role and everything that’s happened this summer, I put myself more out there as a woman of color to step into a role more closely related to DE&I (diversity, equity, and inclusion) than what I typically do. That was a risk for me, but it’s important that students see someone who looks like them that can support them in their career journey and to see someone who has had my experience and to know that they can do it.” How important is fashion and style to you now? “When we were on campus, people knew me by what I wore. I love the staff coffees, because it was my one day a month to debut a fantastic outfit, since everybody would see me there. Style is still important to me. I may be behind the scenes more and helping students prepare for interviews and careers, but I’m still sometimes coaching them, if they need it, on what to wear, and how to represent yourself as a brand. — Eric Beato It’s just part of my own DNA.” TO READ OUR COMPLETE Q&A WITH LARINDA COLE: magazine.babson.edu
Larinda Cole has been working remotely from her father’s house in Dinwiddie, Virginia. PHOTO: RYAN DONNELL
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE
9
By Eric Beato
FOR THE FUTURE OF ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98 and four Blank Scholars (left to right): Lauren Vogt ’21, Ju’Quan Mills ’21, Corey O’Neill ’22, and Jonathan DiModica ’21 ARTHUR BLANK PHOTO: MELISSA GOLDEN / LAUREN VOGT PHOTO: WEBB CHAPPELL / JU’QUAN MILLS, COREY O’NEILL, AND JONATHAN DIMODICA PHOTOS: MICHAEL QUIET
lues as the With his core va thur M. Blank cornerstone, Ar abson College ’63, H’98 and B game-changing —thanks to a —are laying $50 million gift d k to inspire an the groundwor xt generation of shape the neby Eric Beato ers. l lead entrepreneuria
t’s a picture-perfect autumn morning on the Babson College campus, and Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98, is strolling down memory lane. Decked out in a green Babson tie and matching face mask, he arrives at the statue of the school’s founder and recounts how he once met Roger Babson at a Founder’s Day event. He notices Park Manor Central and suggests visiting the old dorm he once called home six decades ago and where he once ran both a landscaping business and a laundry service. But, that’s not why Blank—the legendary co-founder of The Home Depot, owner of the Atlanta Falcons, and celebrated philanthropist—is back on campus on this mid-October day. The 78-year-old entrepreneur is here to support the College’s expanding focus on values-driven leadership and to expound upon the six core values he writes about in his new best-selling book, Good Company. More than anything, though, Blank wants to meet the students who will power the next generation of entrepreneurial leaders. “(It’s) fun for me to come back on campus to see some of the same buildings and see the beauty of the campus experience,” Blank says, “but beyond that, it’s because of the minds of the students that are here and the faculty that are here. This is a very fertile ground for that type of thinking, so it’s a great opportunity for all of our business leaders to partner with all the students here in any ways that we can.” That partnership most prominently has created The Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership at Babson College, which was announced last year, thanks to a $50 million grant from The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation. His historic investment not only launched the College into its second century but also accelerated the expansion of Babson’s primacy in entrepreneurship education to entrepreneurial leadership.
PHOTO: MICHAEL QUIET
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 11
“With Mr. Blank’s generous gift, vision, and collaboration,” says Babson President Stephen Spinelli Jr. MBA’92, PhD, “we are changing the arc of Babson’s history.”
he does for people, so you know that he’s a people person, and just being able to interact with him, you can definitely see that. It was amazing.”
Values-Driven Leadership Nine Blank Scholars—including three of the six inaugural Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership Scholars—are seated and spread out around a large outdoor dining table, eagerly and nervously awaiting their benefactor on this picturesque October day. When Blank enters, “everyone was starstruck, everyone was in awe,” says Michael Agard ’24, a Blank School Scholar from Atlanta. The charged energy quickly subsides as Blank makes the rounds, greeting the students and putting them at ease. Agard, in particular, is struck at how down to earth Blank is, despite his many successes. “It goes back to his values and everything he’s done,” the first-year student says. “In the book, he talks a lot about what
The Arthur M. Blank Center for Entrepreneurship—which opened in 1998 thanks to an endowment from Blank—has been home to the world’s largest dedicated entrepreneurship faculty and the hub for Babson entrepreneurs for two decades. During the College’s robust strategic planning process under Spinelli, which began in 2019, discussions between Babson and The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation centered on expanding the very concept of entrepreneurship education. “He’s a competitive, gracious, smart, driven, tough investor with a willingness to listen,” Spinelli says of Blank, whom he has known since Spinelli’s time as an MBA student at
Meet the six inaugural Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership Scholars, a scholarship program established by Babson’s new Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership. The recipients of the four-year, fulltuition scholarship were selected not only for their outstanding academic achievement, but also for their potential as entrepreneurial leaders and by how they embody the values that The Blank School is built upon.
Michael Agard ’24 of Atlanta is the founder of a designer streetwear company and runs track for Babson. I’ve been in sports my entire life, so working with a team is definitely something that I love doing. I love solving problems together, because I think that it’s better to do it together than to do something alone.
INCLUDE EVERYONE 12 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
PHOTO: JAKE BELCHER
LEAD BY EXAMPLE PHOTO: JAKE BELCHER
Kate Lapierre ’24 of North Smithfield, Rhode Island, co-founded an eco-friendly lip balm company.
When creating my business, my goal was to encourage others to become more environmentally conscious and switch to alternatives that were better for the environment.
Babson and during his previous 14-year tenure at the College, including as director of the Blank Center. “We came to focus on values-driven leadership,” he continues. “There’s enormous opportunity in expanding the education of entrepreneurs, and enhancing the interconnectedness of economic and social value everywhere.” With Blank’s transformative gift—which also supports additional scholarships, the formation of a new Entrepreneurial Leadership Village, and more (see Page 17)—Babson already is advancing and amplifying valuesdriven leadership on a global scale. It’s a major investment in the College and in the world’s future entrepreneurial leaders. “We selected Babson not because I went to school there, but because Babson has earned it,” Blank said when the gift was announced. “We’re thrilled to be able to invest in young people and invest in their opportunities to make a difference in the world. It’s a unique opportunity for us, and we couldn’t think of a better partner than Babson College.”
At the luncheon, his investment and interest in students is on full display. It’s clear that Blank knows and recalls specific details about the scholarship recipients, they say. Blank also opens up about his career and his businesses, providing valuable advice and insightful answers to the students’ inquiries. Over dessert, he delays a group photo opportunity to continue their discussion. “His genuine interest in connecting with people is what makes him such an inspirational business leader to me,” says Charlie Cole ’24, a Blank School Scholar from New York City. “Because that’s what business should be about: people. And, that’s what he makes business about, and that’s what he made this interaction about, just getting to know us.”
Babson’s Beliefs, Blank’s Values
At the heart of the partnership is The Blank School, led by newly appointed CEO Donna Levin and Associate Professor Scott Taylor as The Arthur M. Blank Endowed Chair for Values-Based
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 13
INNOVATE CONTINUOUSLY 14 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
Oliver Bustos ’24 has started a string of businesses in his hometown of Fort Worth, Texas. As an entrepreneur, I have had to constantly find new ways of innovating to make not only my products more appealing but also to stay in business.
Leadership (see more, Pages 3 and 8). The foundation of The Blank School has been built on the very core values that have defined his success: Put People First, Listen and Respond, Include Everyone, Innovate Continuously, Lead by Example, and Give Back to Others. With a focus on people and relationships, Blank’s core values also align perfectly with Babson’s beliefs and how the College always has taught entrepreneurship. Now, as building blocks in The Blank School, those core values are providing a blueprint for Babson’s purposeful pivot toward entrepreneurial leadership. “Those six core values drive informed action. So, our direction and his beliefs meld into a cohesive perspective on entrepreneurial leadership,” Spinelli says. “His principles helped us understand in a more clear and personal way how to
connect social and economic value in an interwoven way. “We believe this expansion will create more opportunities across the broad population. It centers the story on the human condition. It is about putting people at the center of the learning process.” Blank explains how those people-powered principles increase value across industries and across communities in his new book, Good Company. Blank’s lived experiences and real-world lessons are so compelling that Spinelli bought a copy for every Babson student, and the book is being integrated into the student learning experience, both in and out of the classroom. Blank is confident that Babson’s entrepreneurial ecosystem is tailormade to help those core values reach maximum impact. “My experience with Babson students is that their minds are primed in that way,” Blank says. “They’re entrepreneurial; they’re trying to be creative; they want to think outside the box; they want to think laterally; they want to think about solutions to things that other people haven’t thought about. “So, this student body, they are the ambassadors, they are the ones that are the believers, and the ones that can be the articulators and deliverers of these core values as we go forward.”
Three of the scholars at the luncheon in October—Jonathan DiModica ’21, Ju’Quan Mills ’21, and Corey O’Neill ’22—also had the privilege of meeting Blank last year during the College’s Centennial celebration at the Fairmont Copley Plaza in Boston. “Without him, most likely I’m not at Babson. I told him that and thanked him for that opportunity,” Mills says of his first meeting with Blank.
We’re thrilled to be able to invest in young people and invest in their opportunities to make a difference in the world. — Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98
Charlie Cole ’24 of New York City comes from an artistic background and is interested in how people’s creative passions intersect with business. Listening and responding was one of our first lessons in acting class. It’s one of the similarities between acting and business: the need for intent listening and active responding.
At the luncheon, Blank presents each of the students with a personalized Atlanta Falcons jersey. They pose for photos, and later at the breakout sessions with executives from Blank’s businesses, he autographs their copies of his book. At every opportunity, the students simply say, “Thank you.” “The amount of gratitude you feel is just overwhelming, and there aren’t words to appropriately express the gratitude,” Cole says. “Thanking him in person meant a lot to me.”
Long-Lasting Impact Blank’s impact as a businessman, as an entrepreneur, and as a corporate citizen has long been cemented, especially in his adopted hometown of Atlanta. He has become one of America’s leading philanthropists. In 2012, Blank signed The Giving Pledge, promising to give away at least half of his fortune. Blank and his family foundation have granted more than $800 million to various organizations, investing in
LISTEN AND RESPOND ARTHUR M. BLANK PHOTO: MICHAEL QUIET / CHARLIE COLE PHOTO: JAKE BELCHER
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 15
GIVE BACK TO OTHERS
Blank and the scholars (left to right): Scott Davidson ’23, Michael Agard ’24, Corey O’Neill ’22, Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98, Jonathan DiModica ’21, Kate Lapierre ’24, Ju’Quan Mills ’21, Charlie Cole ’24, Keydell Fuller ’23, and Demarre Johnson ’24.
16 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
education, parks and green space, youth development, community redevelopment, and the arts. The investment in Babson for the creation of The Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership, though, is more than philanthropy. It’s about creating a new paradigm for higher education and industry. It’s about the future of entrepreneurial leadership. And, most importantly, it’s about the students.
“I think the more we invest, the more opportunities we create for these young folks to really be creative in either starting their own businesses, investing in their businesses, investing in social work, investing in starting nonprofits, whatever it may be,” Blank says. “These minds will make a difference in the world going forward. To have an opportunity to give young folks a chance to do that is unique and special.”
Shruti Jain ’24 of Richmond, California, always looked after her high school classmates. Inclusion and support are so important. Communities I have been a part of have given so much to me. It’s my responsibility to give back to them, and to students who weren’t given the opportunities I was given.
TOP PHOTO: MICHAEL QUIET
PUT PEOPLE FIRST It’s the type of investment that creates a ripple effect, affecting not only generations of Babson students but also all of the people whose lives they touch. And, it’s a remarkable, lasting tribute that could shape even more than the arc of Babson’s history. “Thanks to Mr. Blank’s wonderful gift,” Spinelli says, “we are revolutionizing entrepreneurship education, we are changing business education, and we even are influencing higher education. “This is a seminal moment in higher education, and we have to execute it right. It’s a big lift, and it’s not going to be easy. But, at Babson, we excel at doing the hard stuff.”
Madison Grogan ’24 of Fountain Valley, California, hopes to create a business that analyzes generational trends and predicts how business will shift in the future.
I care a lot about other people, and I try to make connections wherever I am. I always try to help people and uplift them and inspire them every day.
Blank SChool Building Blocks The groundbreaking $50 million investment by Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98 already has spurred significant progress in less than a year, in addition to the creation of The Blank School: • Creating the Entrepreneurial Leadership Village (ELV), an innovative learning facility that brings the entire community together in new ways to create solutions and growth opportunities. The ELV is designing and piloting virtual aspects to extend its reach around the world, and plans are underway to build the physical hub for the ELV on campus. • Announcing the appointments of The Blank School’s leadership team: Donna Levin as chief executive officer, and Associate Professor Scott Taylor as the inaugural Arthur M. Blank Endowed Chair for Values-Based Leadership (see more, Pages 3 and 8).
• Welcoming the first class of The Arthur M. Blank School for Entrepreneurial Leadership Scholars, six students who represent each of the core values. • Launching the new Master of Science in Advanced Entrepreneurial Leadership (MSAEL) program—a first-of-its-kind online master’s degree in leadership. • Awarding The Blank School’s first certificate in the Entrepreneurial Leadership in the Social Sector program, in partnership with The Arthur M. Blank Family Foundation.
MEET THE ARTHUR M. BLANK SCHOOL FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL LEADERSHIP SCHOLARS: babson.edu/blankscholars
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Mezue Eneh ’22 (left), the community manager of The Johnson House, and Jaylen Bell ’21, president of the Black Student Union
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PHOTO: JAKE BELCHER
By Jaylen Bell ’21 and Mezue Eneh ’22 as told to Eric Beato
Fifty years after Eric Johnson ’72, P’08 founded the Black Student Union, current leaders reflect on its impact, its meaning, and its future.
The common room at The Johnson House is where the magic happens. On a day-to-day basis, the 14 of us residents simply are going through the minutiae of student life—classes, studying, extracurricular activities, ventures, future plans— but it is the moments when two or four or six of us are just sitting in the common room that make it all worthwhile. The Johnson House is the new special-interest housing for members of the Black Student Union (BSU). It’s extra special for us not only because of the hard work it took in the past year to secure the 15-room housing in Canfield Hall, but also because it’s named for the founder of the BSU, which is celebrating its 50th anniversary this year. The center of The Johnson House is our common room. That’s where we come together, embracing both vulnerability and positivity. That’s where we congregate, relax, have fun, and ponder deep questions about what makes us the same, what makes us different, what makes us unique. The other night, Xiomara Kelly ’21, the BSU’s chief operating officer, and Mezue Eneh ’22, The Johnson House’s community manager, happened upon a conversation about dreams—what they mean, and how we relate to them. The kinetic energy in the space soon attracted other residents— its gravitational pull giving our community life and purpose. That’s what the Black Student Union means to us.
‘A Place of Comfort and Support’
Eric Johnson ’72, P’08 knows all about dreams—having them, fostering them, realizing them. The son of a successful businessman, raised on
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Chicago’s South Side, Johnson now is the president and CEO of Baldwin Richardson Foods, one of the largest Black-owned businesses in the food industry. He made his way to Babson College during the late 1960s— tumultuous times that are reminiscent of the racial and political tensions of today. Back then, it was Vietnam and the Democratic National Convention, the assassinations of Martin Luther King Jr. and Robert Kennedy, and the Kent State and Jackson State shootings. Now, it’s George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and Ahmaud Arbery; it’s Black Lives Matter and the fight for racial justice; and it’s a pandemic that has disrupted all of our lives. In a recent phone call with Jaylen Bell ’21, the current BSU president, Johnson recounted the similarities with his turbulent era. “All those events made the campus highly political, and the students very, very engaged,” Johnson said. “There are similar elements in place now, so the need for a Black Student Union—a place of comfort and support—is just as
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… the need for a Black Student Union—a place of comfort and support—is just as important today as it was 50 years ago. — Eric Johnson ’72, P’08
Founder of the Black Student Union
LISTEN: A conversation between
BSU founder Eric Johnson ’72, P’08 and BSU President Jaylen Bell ’21.
magazine.babson.edu
important today as it was 50 years ago.” In 1970, during the founding of the BSU, there were just 12 Black students on Babson’s campus. Given that the initial founding class was very small, Johnson and the BSU partnered with Black students at other college campuses in the area. That lesson resonates strongly with us, as the BSU continues to strive to extend its reach beyond Babson’s campus even to this day. That investment of outreach and determination by Johnson and his classmates in the early days truly has returned impressive dividends. Today, there are 133 Black students on campus as we celebrate the 50th anniversary of the BSU. For Johnson, that tenfold growth is a testament to the lasting success of the BSU. “Anytime that you can do something that becomes sustainable, that is, in and of itself, a real tribute to the cause,” Johnson said. “But, the main thing that I’ve seen out of this is there has been a lot of perseverance and a lot of protecting the purpose of what the Black Student Union is all about.”
TOP PHOTO: JAKE BELCHER
Over the years, our organization has been directed by top-notch student leaders. In particular, a group of oldschool alumni—who now refer to themselves as the “OGs”—helped grow the BSU from its founding through its formative years, including John Frazier ’71, Rudy Crew ’72, H’96, Gary Rawlins ’73, Rodney Carter ’76, Melvin “Chuckie” Clark ’76, Craig Thaxton ’76, Gerald Watson ’76, Gary Burke ’77, Chris Cephas ’77, Leslie Fleuranges ’79, Sherrin Stokes-Fowlkes ’79, Ulysses Grant Smith ’81, and Kevin White ’88. One of the central figures was Dr. Geoffrey Kapenzi, a sociology professor, who mentored many of the BSU alumni into successful entrepreneurs and business and community leaders. Crew, for example, went on to become chancellor of the New York City Department of Education. “Doc Kapenzi was the heart of our survival,” Carter said recently. “He gave us the standard of our interaction with each other.” Those interactions, he says, developed into creating their own peer-
mentorship groups in their hometowns, such as Baltimore, New York, and Chicago. “After graduation,” Carter said, “we attended and participated in each other’s weddings, became godparents, and cried at our peers’ Homegoing services.” That’s what the Black Student Union means to the alumni who built and nurtured it.
A Vision for the Future Today, the BSU embraces all of the lessons of the past—with a strong focus on the future. We are honored to name the physical manifestation of BSU after Eric Johnson with a vision to impact not only Babson’s campus but also the Greater Boston community. “It’s a tremendous tribute, and I almost can’t put it into words what it really means, other than to say that the students who are there today created this environment,” Johnson said. “They created it, and they created the purpose and strategy behind it. To me, that is the best honor.”
In our research and planning for The Johnson House, we discovered that the median net worth of a Black household in Boston is just $8—yes, $8. The house was created with a mission to help create the solution to that problem, and we now meet regularly in the common room to tackle it. We are trying to build something economically with the opportunities presented to us while celebrating the uniqueness of coming from a common thread of the African diaspora. BSU is a student organization, but we want it to be more than just that. We talk about the future all the time, and it is invigorating. We talk about the decades ahead and how we can make this moment impactful. We talk about what we can do right now to ensure that those who come after can build upon what we have done— the same way we have been able to build on the foundations created by our predecessors over the past five decades. That’s what the Black Student Union means for the next 50 years.
Over a half-century, the members of the Black Student Union have impacted not only life on Babson’s campus and the wider community but also one another’s lives.
PHOTOS COURTESY OF RODNEY CARTER ’76
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ADVANCEMENTSPOTLIGHT
The Gift of Time One of the six core values of Arthur M. Blank ’63, H’98 is Give Back to Others. It’s a value long exemplified by Babson’s alumni— during good times and, especially notable this year, during the most challenging times. The alumni are the backbone of the College, and they step up again and again to share their time, talent, and treasure with the entire Babson community. Here are just a few alumni who make Babson better by giving back.
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Dan Wheelock MBA’15 Building a Network “Babson people are ditch diggers—they’re kings and queens of chaos,” says Dan Wheelock MBA’15, president of the Babson Alumni Club of Boston. “They’re not afraid to break ground, try new things, and get their hands dirty.” Members of the Babson community, Wheelock says, always are prepared to solve unsolvable problems and turn them into something good. This was true even as the pandemic struck. “The entire College pivoted quickly, had strong top-down leadership, and was impressively proactive, never reactive,” he says. When he first arrived on campus as a graduate student, Wheelock was surprised that so many people at Babson were willing to help others without expecting anything in return. He believes that is what sets the Babson community apart, and is why he decided to stay involved, years after graduating. The current board of the Babson Alumni Club of Boston celebrated its three-year anniversary in November, and Wheelock says that’s thanks to the group of 10 Babson alumni who have worked hard to form this network and keep people involved. In addition to Wheelock, the group includes Tamer Azar MBA’15, Dustan Bonnin MBA’08, Elizabeth Holmes ’16, Alvaro Ortega Sebastian MBA’15, Sara Parker C’19, Dana Heritage Testa MBA’16, Vanessa Theoharis ’10, Anjali Wali ’09, and Erica Zahka MBA’16. When the group first started building the Babson Alumni Club of Boston, Wheelock reached out to one of his former Babson teachers, Professor Kevin Mulcahy, for advice. “I called him up and said, ‘I have no idea what I’m doing. Will you come to our first meeting?’ ” Wheelock recalls. Fortunately, Mulcahy accepted and helped to set the foundation for the group’s mission. Since that day, Mulcahy has attended nearly every club event and continues to offer
Sharlene Sones ’86 mentorship and a helping hand. That’s what the Alumni Club is all about. The club’s first event was the Business of Vice, which included a panel on the business side of marijuana, gambling, and alcohol. Creative events such as that help keep alumni engaged, but the ultimate purpose of the club is to help former Babson students make connections with one another, while learning about the amazing things their fellow alumni are doing in their careers and the community. “Whenever I meet anyone from Babson, I don’t know what I’m going to get, but I know it’s going to be good,” Wheelock says. “I’ve never been bored with a conversation with anyone from Babson.” Over the past three years, the club has hosted two dozen events that engaged more than 2,500 alumni and friends of the College, ranging from the Class of 1960 to the Class of 2023. Since going remote in March, the club has focused on initiatives such as care packages for incoming and returning students to make the “new normal” feel a little more familiar. When asked what his advice is for students who are experiencing this new normal, he says, “Ambiguity is your wheelhouse. Go do something amazing and bring Babson with you.”
“
Leading by Example “I was given a great gift, and I feel a responsibility to give back,” Sharlene Sones ’86 says when describing the sacrifices her parents made to ensure she could attend Babson. Her father faced challenges as a paraplegic, but he went to work every day to provide for his family. Sones’ parents set an example of quiet leadership and selflessness, which she strives to emulate throughout her life and career. The values they instilled in her—along with the lessons she learned at Babson about the importance of creating change—are what motivate Sones to stay involved. As an active member of the Babson Alumni Advisory Board (BAAB), Sones helps other alumni stay connected, no matter where they are. She’s also the
I was given a great gift, and I feel a responsibility to give back.
”
chair of the Babson Alumni Supporting Entrepreneurs (BASE) leadership team, volunteering her time and insight to students and alumni. “It makes me want to be better,” she says. “I always leave feeling motivated to raise my own game.” During her career in branding, while working with notable sports brands, Sones noticed that many female athletes have trouble transitioning after their playing careers. She saw women struggle with their identities and finances, and wanted to help them. Then, while building a house for Habitat for Humanity, Sones met fellow alumna Bethany Yeasted Dufour ’05. She realized that Dufour’s background in executive coaching could help bridge the gap in how female athletes should be supported, and they ignited the concept for The Next Play, a program that provides resources to help female athletes translate the confidence and skills they learn in their sport into their careers and lives. Babson Athletics helped them run a pilot to get their passion project started, and then the program grew to work with athletes through the Ladies Professional Golf Association. Once again, Sones felt the support, encouragement, and generosity of the Babson community. “You never have to ask Babson people for anything,” she says. “It’s in their DNA to automatically start finding ways to help.”
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ADVANCEMENTSPOTLIGHT MEET MORE ALUMNI WHO GIVE BACK At “Not Quite” Back to Babson in September, the College honored those who have gone above and beyond during the 2020 Volunteer Leadership Awards ceremony. With deep gratitude, Babson offers a heartfelt congratulations to the winners:
Isabella Cagnazzo ’97 and Alfredo Fonseca ’97
Married couple Alfredo Fonseca and Isabella Cagnazzo are the co-presidents of the Babson Alumni Club of Costa Rica. Fonseca also is the founder of Intercultura Costa Rica, a company dedicated to providing quality and accessible international programs to Central American youth since 2002; Cagnazzo is the business development manager for Central America at Temenos, a leading banking software provider.
Q: Why do you give back to Babson? A: Babson holds a special place in both of our lives. Not only is it the place where we met, but it’s also the place that has given us many meaningful friendships across the globe, and the place that made us give the best of ourselves during challenging times. Babson is more than a school; it’s a community, a way of life.
Q: What is the most rewarding thing you’ve done as Babson volunteers?
A: We asked Babson to support the
Babson Alumni Club of Costa Rica some years ago. We envision a club that is a catalyst of change, bringing together the innovative Babson community and delivering entrepreneurial actions that will spread Babson’s vision.
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James Kibera Kibinge ’91
James Kibera Kibinge is experienced in advising the public sector, and he currently is a senior partner at True North Investments (TN.i), which specializes in financial technology.
Q: Why do you give back to Babson? A: Babson is so special to me. I loved the idea of adding value, making my own way, and going against the tide. Babson showed me how.
Q: What is the most rewarding thing you’ve done as a Babson volunteer?
A: As Black Student Union vice
chairman, I approached President Bill Glavin and said, “Given the challenges of our community, it would be impossible to increase numbers of Black, African American, African, and Caribbean students unless there was a specific scholarship program to aid their presence in the College.” He accepted our arguments and launched a scholarship program.
Q: What is your advice to current Babson students?
A: Just get going. It’s easier than you think.
Cruickshank Alumni Leadership Award Stephen Martiros ’83, MBA’85, P’21 ’21 Babson College Advisory Board Member
Richard J. Snyder Distinguished Service to the College Award Deborah L. De Santis ’85 Babson Board of Trustees Member
Distinguished Recent Alumni Award Juan Mazo C. MBA’13 Jillian Page Smith-Lakow ’12 Daniel S. Wheelock MBA’15 Babson Alumni Advisory Board Member
Joseph R. Weintraub Alumni Award for Distinguished Faculty/Administrator Service Virginia E. Soybel
John H. Muller Jr. Parent Leadership Award Richard Nohelty MBA’92, P’18 ’21
Adelaide Van Winkle Friend of the College Award Uli Becker
ATHLETICS
ROAD TO RECOVERY
Athletic trainers embrace telehealth to keep student-athletes on track
Ally Kaden ’21 was in a quandary. The women’s tennis player was back home in New Jersey, her season abruptly canceled, and now she was experiencing back pain. But, thanks to Babson’s entrepreneurial athletic training staff, Kaden was properly diagnosed and able to recuperate on her own, more than 250 miles from campus. The pandemic not only canceled the spring sports season but also disrupted every aspect of student-athletes’ lives, including care from athletic trainers. Director of Athletics Performance Rick Burr P’21 ’23 and his staff pivoted quickly to find a solution. Team physician Dr. Mininder Kocher from Boston Children’s Hospital’s Sports Medicine Division introduced the staff to telehealth, the virtual distribution of health-related services. “We were just beginning to understand these platforms,” Burr said. “When we learned Babson was using Webex and found out how protected and secure it was, we started right away.” Babson became one of the first colleges to begin using telehealth in its athletics department with the first consultations March 22. On Kaden’s initial Webex call, she went through physical tests with an athletic trainer to pinpoint the pain in her back. The diagnosis was likely overuse, more specifically an issue in her hips that was causing stress on a muscle in her back. Kaden received a rehab routine, and weekly calls focused on her progress. “It allowed me to connect with my athletic trainer and get me on track for the fall using guidelines I could apply at my own pace,” Kaden said. Patrick Flynn ’21 (men’s ice hockey), Stephanie Mishler ’22 (women’s track & field), and Zach Roman ’22 (men’s alpine skiing) also were among the first student-athletes to take advantage of the new training technology. “My apprehensions on telehealth were proved wrong,” Mishler said. “My injury was pinpointed during the call, and I was provided an appropriate recovery plan. It’s a simple way to give a student-athlete the assistance they need for an injury while physically away from school.” Burr pointed to other telehealth uses, including consultations for medical visits, connections with first-year students before they arrive on campus, communication with student-athletes during breaks, and advising students who need to be seen immediately. “Telehealth is something we’re going to use moving forward,” Burr said. “It’s a drastic change in how we’ve operated in the past, but in many cases a great way to remain connected with our student-athletes.” FOR MORE SPORTS NEWS, VISIT: babsonathletics.com
PHOTO: JEREMY VIENS
Ally Kaden ’21
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NEWSNOTESANDNODS
UNDERGRADUATE 1995 1978
Scott Dennett ’78 was appointed Massachusetts’ representative of the Elite Commercial Realty Group. Dennett has worked as an advisor and Massachusetts real estate analyst for more than 30 years. He also has served in numerous civic capacities throughout the state.
1987
Gregory Bochicchio ’87 was promoted to the role of chief transformation officer at CSC ServiceWorks Inc., a commercial laundry solutions and air vending services business. In his new position, Bochicchio leads processes and distributed resources to identify and advance the company’s value creation agenda. “Over the past few years, we’ve made significant strides to innovate and transform our business,” Bochicchio said. “I can’t say enough about what we’ve done in support of our customers and communities.”
1990
Shaun McMahon ’90, the CEO and founder of Illuminate, writes that his business has been named to Inc. magazine’s list of America’s fastest-growing companies for the second year in a row: “In a time filled with unforeseen challenges, our talented and hard-working team has consistently delivered smart, inspired solutions and a near-seamless experience for our clients. Their hard work and commitment to always doing more and doing better continue to drive our success.”
Former Babson men’s soccer player David Cohen ‘95 has been involved in sports-based youth development since 2008. Today, he’s the CEO of Doc Wayne Youth Services, an awardwinning Boston nonprofit that focuses on the social, emotional, and behavioral well-being of at-risk youth. The programs, which take place in a gym or on a field, and via telehealth during the pandemic, fuse sport and therapy to heal and strengthen the youth while helping them learn important life skills.
1996
Shawn Wells ’96, a biochemist and entrepreneur who has formulated hundreds of dietary supplements and formulas for more than 50 companies across the world, was featured in an article on LatestLY. He also has more than 20 patents filed, with ingredients that provide users with energy, increase productivity, and lessen stress. “When supplement consumption is combined with a nutritious diet and exercise regimen, then it won’t take long for people to notice a difference in their mood and energy levels.”
1999
Charles Gaudet ’99 has coached hundreds of entrepreneurs through the seven- and eightfigure mark in addition to growing multimilliondollar companies of his own. Through his work, he has seen one recurring trend more than any other: Entrepreneurs equate hustle with success. He argues that while hustle alone can get you to the million-dollar mark, it will almost never get you beyond that point.
2002
Gregory Bergida ’02 produced Season 1 of Can We Get Coffee, a podcast in which he brings together students and young professionals with industry leaders from around the world to discuss topics relevant to new graduates today. “Far more work than expected, but it’s been a valuable experience for my student co-hosts, so it’s all worth it,” he writes. “I’m looking for co-hosts and guests from Babson for Season 2.” Students and alumni can reach out at hello@canwegetcoffee.com.
2005 Anthony Caterino ’92 was named senior vice chair and deputy managing partner of EY Americas, where his responsibilities will cover 80,000 people in 31 countries, representing more than $17.2 billion in combined revenues. In his new role, he will be instrumental in driving the execution of EY’s strategy in the Americas. Caterino joined EY as an intern in 1991 and most recently served as vice chair and regional managing partner of its Financial Services Organization.
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Anna (DeFilipp) Dugal ’05 has been promoted to director of development for the LifeFlight Foundation, a nonprofit that provides fundraising and public relations support to LifeFlight of Maine, the state’s only emergency medical helicopter service. LifeFlight works with EMS and hospitals across Maine to provide access to critical care and medical transport to those who need it most. Dugal manages statewide fundraising efforts and has more than 15 years of experience in development, marketing, and events.
Mechanix Wear CEO Michael Hale ’05 was named a semifinalist for Ernst & Young’s Entrepreneur of the Year in Greater Los Angeles. The awards program recognizes entrepreneurs who are excelling in areas such as innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Hale was appointed CEO of the family business, a developer in automotive, construction, industrial, and tactical hand protection, in August 2016. “Since becoming CEO,” Hale said, “it has been my passion to be a leader, innovator, and continue to uphold a dynamic family business that puts its employees and customers first.”
2009
Tyler Low ’09 and Hilary Low ’12 welcomed their child, Eleanor James Low, into the world on August 30, 2020. “She has brought us such joy, and we are so in love with this little one!” Tyler Low said.
2012
Mike Hoban ’12 and Ashley Hoban ’13 welcomed their son, Brooks Francis, on August 21, 2020. Hilary Low ’12: See 2009, above.
2013
Ashley Hoban ’13: See 2012, above.
2017
Shan Bhagat ’17 proudly accepted an invitation to be on the Forbes Business Council. “Having successfully launched an eight-figure business at age 25, they felt that although I was young, I would be a good fit for such an organization,” he said. Bhagat specifically thanked Associate Professors Stephen Deets and Jason Mohaghegh for their guidance when he was a student. UMH Properties Vice President Daniel Landy ’17 took part in virtually ringing the opening bell at the New York Stock Exchange on August 25 to celebrate a housing community loan recently closed between UMH Properties and Fannie Mae.
Peter Foley ’13 married Lauren Jenny on September 4 on Drakes Island Beach in Maine after postponing their original wedding plans due to COVID-19.
2019
Hiba Haider ’13 married Shazan Zaidi on August 8 in her parents’ backyard with their closest friends and family and many virtual guests on Zoom. “My husband went to college at Suffolk during the same time I was an undergrad at Babson. Though our paths didn’t cross until seven years later in New York City, our Boston pride (and college pride, of course) has been a unifier in our relationship!”
Founded by Daniel Brassloff ’19, Freed Foodies placed third in Massachusetts LGBT Chamber of Commerce’s Virtual Pitch Competition, earning the business a six-month membership to The Capital Network and a $2,500 cash prize. The company, which launched in June, makes gluten-free, eight major allergens-free, corn-free, multipurpose flour blends to easily make gluten-free baked goods, with a focus on quality, safety, convenience, and transparency.
Malvika Sheth ’19 writes that she and her fashion platform, Stylebymalvika, have been featured in publications including Forbes India, HuffPost UK, Buzzfeed, Thrive Global, Refinery 29, The Cut, Glamour, and Metro.
2020
Ursula Dedekind ’20 writes that she “bought a domain, designed a website, and started a blog that encapsulates my passions!” The website covers Dedekind’s travels, insights, adventures, and experiences. Jacob Heller ’20 spent the final months of his Babson experience training for and competing in a charity triathlon for No Kid Hungry. “In March, like many people, my life changed in countless ways,” he said. “But, because I had built this selfconfidence over all the years prior, I knew I would be OK, and I knew that I would be able to handle this new paradigm and anything I would need to overcome.”
Keira Yeager Rijsemus ’13 married Diederik Rijsemus on April 16 in New York in a socially distant wedding ceremony, surrounded by a mere six loved ones.
Troy Nanfelt ’20 and his family’s business, Kyler’s Catch Seafood Market and Kitchen, were featured in an issue of The South Coast Insider, the Fall River, Massachusetts-based magazine. Nanfelt has been working at the business since graduation, and his responsibilities include overseeing processing and distribution as part of the business’s wholesale division. Kyler’s Catch Seafood Market and Kitchen has been serving Massachusetts’ South Coast since 1946.
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 27
CONNECTIONS
NEWSNOTESANDNODS
The Office of Advancement continually is looking for ways to support Babson alumni and friends during the pandemic by launching new lifelong-learning resources, expanding alumni career offerings, and introducing useful “do-it-yourself” tools and activities.
Some of the most popular include: VIRTUAL CONTENT PROGRAMS Two signature webinar series—BabsonDiscover and Babson Connect: Online—feature renowned speakers, thought leaders, and faculty who share their insights on emerging trends in the pandemic and the impact on global health care, social enterprise, family business, global investing, and more. These interactive events offer innovative ways to solve the unique challenges facing the entire Babson community.
BABSON STREET This is a virtual marketplace for businesses founded or owned by Babson alumni. Set up shop, and Babson Street will help promote it and encourage other alumni to support other Babson enterprises.
VMOCK This resume platform is powered by artificial intelligence and enables 24/7 access to customized resume reviews—whether you need to update your resume or simply add newly acquired skills. You’ll get instant and personalized feedback that is benchmarked against peers and will help bring your resume to the next level.
CAREER WEBINARS/VIRTUAL COACH CORNER Meet one on one with career coaches and recruiting professionals. They’ll share their insights and strategies on how to navigate the current job market.
ONLINE DIY RESOURCES For a little fun, this webpage is a treasure-trove of resources for everyone at home. It includes alumni blogs and podcasts, a “work-from-home” Spotify playlist, activities for kids, creative Zoom backgrounds, and more.
Both the virtual job-search team and coaching corner were very supportive and uplifting experiences. The fellow alumni and coaches were extremely eager to help with ideas, connections, etc. It was a safe space to share challenges and discuss strategies.
— Anne Connolly Nichelson MBA’11
Babson’s lifelong-learning offerings have helped me and my businesses tremendously during COVID. The Miami Summer Series, the Babson Discover Series, and the Customer Centric Marketing Course taught by Beth Goldstein are examples of how alumni can benefit from Babson. Even after graduating more than 20 years ago, I still find value by staying engaged with Babson. — Philip H. Boulton ’97
For more information and access to resources and virtual events, visit:
babson.edu/alumniresources and babson.edu/events
28 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
GRADUATE
qualitative and quantitative methods, tech ventures, business model innovation, entrepreneurial decision making, founder identity, and entrepreneurial marketing.
Charles O’Boyle MBA’73 published four new books: No BS … Your MBA Primer … in 90 Days or Less; Mission Success in Space; My 50 Years in High-Technology; and The $Panic of 2020 Volume 1.
1999
1973
Christian LesStrang MBA’99 is chief marketing officer of Foodhaul, a venturefunded startup operating in the virtual restaurant/cloud kitchen industry.
1990
Jeffrey Doubrava MBA’90 was selected to deliver the keynote address at the Additive Electronics Conference in October. Doubrava presented “Outlook for Advanced Printed Circuit Board Fabrication—Applications, Technologies, and Production,” and discussed applications driving fabrication of advanced printed circuit board designs. Doubrava is a managing partner at electronic consulting firm Prismark Partners. Shari (Supernault) Worthington MBA’90 completed her PhD in business administration with a specialization in entrepreneurship at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. Her dissertation explored how motivation and identity influence strategic change, and her research combines both
2003 Stephen Coulter MBA’04 joined Solex HCM as head of strategic partnerships. He will be leading the development of strategic relationships for the Stoughton, Massachusetts-based HCM technology firm. Coulter brings more than 20 years of business development experience as a trusted advisor to businesses, helping them to achieve their strategic growth goals. “The challenges facing business leaders have never been more daunting, especially when it comes to managing their workforce and HR compliance,” he said.
David Lockhart MBA’03 was appointed president of Carolina Casualty, a Berkley Company. Lockhart joined Berkley in 2014 and was promoted to executive vice president in 2017. He has more than 30 years experience in property casualty insurance. Kate McLaughlin MBA’03 was appointed executive director of Girls on the Run Las Vegas, a nonprofit organization that inspires girls to be healthy, joyful, and confident using a fun, experiential curriculum that creatively integrates running. A longtime volunteer with the organization, McLaughlin joined the staff as program manager in March and was promoted to executive director two months later. “It’s been an
John Lannan MBA’08 and Lauren Lannan are delighted to announce the birth of Bennett Robert Lannan on July 22, 2020. Bennett is happy and healthy and already learning about the virtues of compounding interest. interesting time to take the helm, but I’m excited about the new ways we’ll be able to serve the community going forward.” McLaughlin would like to thank the late Professor Natalie Taylor for inspiring her to apply her MBA to the social sector.
Flexetail, founded by Joel Kamm MBA’12 (left), is the solution of choice for DHL’s new mobile ServicePoint, a first of its kind in the shipping industry, providing a quick and easily accessible shipping option for customers. “The new DHL ServicePoint is part of our overall retail strategy to be closer and more accessible to consumers, using an innovative mobile model to complement our retail shipping network,” said DHL Express U.S. CEO Greg Hewitt.
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 29
NEWSNOTESANDNODS
Daniela Gaez MBA’20 married Erik Steiner MBA’20. The two met as members of the graduate program during a class trip to Iceland. About 100 friends and family members joined the wedding virtually via Zoom, and in-person celebrations are planned in both Gaez’s home country of Colombia and the United States.
2007
Matthew Boyd MBA’07, chief commercial officer of Boyd Technologies in Boston and Lee, Massachusetts, is filming a documentary series on its spring pivot to producing and distributing medical masks. The documentary’s first episode was released in late September. “This is very personal to us,” Boyd said in April. “We feel a part of the community. We are a family business that resides here. We feel privileged to be here. We feel an obligation to help.” Eric Matckie MBA’07 was named to the executive team of Trinity Life Sciences as president of value and access. Matckie previously held executive leadership roles with Artisan Healthcare Consulting and Decision Resources Group, and will be responsible for leading and building
30 BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
the company’s strategic pricing, access, reimbursement, and contracting, and health economics and outcomes research.
their online community. In the midst of a team expansion, the company hopes to onboard more than 200 communities by the end of the year.
2009
2014
Gil Allouche MBA’09 is serving as the CEO of Metadata.io. Allouche writes that the company has raised $6.5 million in an oversubscribed Series A financing and was ranked No. 233 on Inc. magazine’s list of the fastest-growing companies in the country.
2013
SocioHub, founded by Praveen Dorna MBA’13 and Chethan Mittapalli MBA’14, was featured in a YourStory article. Through a single community management platform, the tool helps individuals and organizations build, grow, and monetize
Edreece Arghandiwal MBA’14, co-founder of the National Independent Soccer Association’s Oakland Roots, was featured in a Hypebeast story for the organization’s and fan base’s mix of “fresh ideas and diverse perspectives.” Women represent 40% of the team’s front office, and players of color represent 80% of the team’s roster. In the country’s second-most diverse city, “it’s a modern way of thinking in the world’s most far-reaching sport— setting new standards of inclusivity,” writes author Luis Ruano. Andrea Kowalski MBA’14, the vice president of product at cloud software
Christine Mills MBA’17 published two young novels: Young, Gifted and Black: The Quarter-Life Crisis and Young, Gifted and Black: Midlife. She also hosts The Veranda Entrepreneur Podcast for creative entrepreneurs.
provider Kareo, was named one of the Top 25 Women Leaders in Healthcare Software of 2020 by The Healthcare Technology Report and one of the Top 25 Software Product Executives of 2020 by The Software Report. “Andrea brings a passionate problemsolving mindset to Kareo,” both articles state. “Driven by improving healthcare through disruptive innovation, she believes in delivering cutting-edge solutions while driving business results.” Chethan Mittapalli MBA’14: See 2013, previous page.
2015
Metrum Research Group Chief Operating Officer Michelle Johnson MBA’15 appeared on an episode of the Project [Re]Work podcast, where she shared a glimpse of her life in her role. “My training in the Babson MBA program has had a significant impact on my ability to do this job,” she writes.
2016
INMEMORIAM
Soniya Ashar MBA’16, founder of
NutriCal, was featured in the United Arab Emirates Business Review for her startup’s work in helping more than 50 national restaurants, cafes, cloud kitchens, food brands, and delivery companies in calculating calories and nutrients in food. Businesses then are able to publish the data on menus to help customers make more informed decisions. “We cater to the growing demand of healthy eating and immunity bolstering,” Ashar said. “Good health and nutritious food have always been my passion.”
2017
For Now partner and operations director Katharine ReQua MBA’17 was named to Ernst & Young’s list of 2020 New England finalists for Entrepreneur of the Year. The achievements of these entrepreneurs were celebrated October 6 during a virtual awards gala event.
2019
Isaac Lewis MSEL’19 is one of the founders of resistance-training
Salvatore B. Simeone ’48, P’90, of Weston, Massachusetts, August 18 Douglas P. Wolfe ’49, of Womelsdorf, Pennsylvania, August 22 Philip D. Jennison ’51, of San Francisco, California, October 19 Albert John Kurtz ’51, of Exeter, New Hampshire, July 8 James Cray Meade ’51, of Nichols Hills, Oklahoma, August 3 Allen Steiger ’51, of Longmeadow, Massachusetts, August 8 James L. Dunbar Sr. ’52, of Hunt Valley, Maryland, June 9 Peter H. Hibbard ’53, of White Plains, New York, April 25 C. Richard Harrison ’55, P’78, G’07 ’07, of Wayland, Massachusetts, June 7 Donald W. Bolster ’56, of Warren, Rhode Island, July 7 Wendell Ronald Grolljahn ’57, of Weare, New Hampshire, June 25 Michael Avery Poler ’57, of Norwalk, Connecticut, July 1 Ronald Nelson ’58, of Englewood Cliffs, New Jersey, June 19 Neil Winfield Childs ’60, of Fernandina Beach, Florida, Feb. 18 Robert C. Smith Jr. ’61, of Farmington Hills, Michigan, June 15
platform ANCOREtraining.com. The business sells a variety of functional training cable systems that can be installed on a squat rack, wall, or door. The business was partially inspired by Lewis’ desire to recover and return to an active lifestyle after he suffered a shoulder dislocation during a college baseball game, without sacrificing portability, accessibility, and adaptability.
2020
Richard O’Brien MBA’20, founder of Hoamsy, helped list on the platform more than 600 rooms vacated during the pandemic, assisting Boston residents in filling empty apartments. Christopher Wimbush MBA’20 was named to the Online MBA Report’s 2020 list of Business Leaders of Tomorrow. “Our hope is that this feature sheds positive light on both the most talented, hardworking, and deserving online MBA students across the U.S., as well as the outstanding online MBA programs of which they attend,” the article states.
Retired Col. Herald Vincent Echols MBA’64, of Hermiston, Oregon, August 4 Windle Beecher Priem MBA’64, of Palm Beach, Florida, August 7 Stuart W. Lawson MBA’65, of Westport, Connecticut, May 27 Retired Col. William Lloyd Norman MBA’67, of Springfield, Virginia, April 8 Lewis Cobrain Cohen ’69, of Brookline, Massachusetts, August 13 Daniel J. Steele ’69, of Saint Augustine, Florida, April 18 Michael A. Iwanowicz MBA’69, of Norwood, Massachusetts, June 28 Peter White Holland ’71, of Nashua, New Hampshire, July 20 James Edward Grady MBA’71, of Las Vegas, Nevada, July 17 Ricardo B. Simonelli MBA’72, of Monroeville, Pennsylvania, May 16 David M. Collins MBA’73, of Framingham, Massachusetts, August 19 Paul H. Goldstein MBA’73, of Norwood, Massachusetts, November 2, 2019 William C. Olsson ’74, of Exeter, New Hampshire, July 30 Timothy O. Todd MBA’74, of Stevenson, Washington, June 5 Raymond George Peterson II ’76, of Buffalo, New York, June 5
ALUMNI NEWS is in demand! To accommodate news and photos from as many alumni as possible, please limit entries and photo captions to 50 words or less.
Babson Magazine has two requirements for Alumni News photos: The submitting alum must be in the picture, and the image must be at least 4 x 6 inches at 300 dpi—no digital alterations, please. We can’t promise that all submitted photos will run, but we’ll include as many as possible. Submit your latest news to the Alumni News Editor at babson.edu/nods.
Gary Paul Lee ’77, of Northwood, New Hampshire, August 7 Patricia Ann Riley MBA’77, of Mount Pleasant, South Carolina, September 17 Anne E. Schneider MBA’77, of Worcester, Massachusetts, July 2 Lois Ann Johnson ’78, of North Woodstock, New Hampshire, October 11 Nathan Mark Ellis MBA’80, of Kennebunkport, Maine, June 2 Robert S. Bigelow MBA’83, of Winchester, Massachusetts, August 18 Retired Col. Gary E. Payne MBA’83, of Apollo Beach, Florida, August 12 Deirdre Drew Russell MBA’84, of Bedford, Massachusetts, August 7 Susan R. Kuder MBA’85, of Watertown, Massachusetts, July 22 Jeffrey S. Reddy ’87, of Ponte Vedra Beach, Florida, May 27 Matthew Jay Mogol ’96, of Sag Harbor, New York, July 20 Mara S. Potter MBA’13, of Medway, Massachusetts, July 2 Sudeeksha Bhati ’22, of Pradesh, India, August 10
WINTER 2020–2021 / BABSON MAGAZINE 31
BEAVERTALES
EXTRA! EXTRA! READ ALL ABOUT…
Babson Free Press
A
t one time, long before the internet, there was one main source for finding out what was happening on campus. “The Babson Free Press was the only way to get campus news,” says David Smith ’92, P’21. “When it came out, it was almost an event in and of itself, with everyone grabbing one as they entered Trim.” Founded in 1971, the Free Press will celebrate its 50th anniversary next year. Smith, who served as the newspaper’s sports editor, was just one of many students through the decades who spent long hours putting together what now might seem like an ink-stained relic of another time. “It is probably hard for today’s students to imagine a time when an actual newspaper was so important and relevant to student life,” Smith says. Alumni look back fondly on their stints at the weekly paper. Marcia Fernandes ’79, MBA’80, a features writer for the Free Press, loved its annual mock edition, though something she wrote in one of those editions, she says, “got me hauled into the president’s office.” Anthony Micale ’03 was the paper’s editor-in-chief when the September 11 attacks happened.
A look back at the people, events, and moments that shaped Babson College.
The Free Press put out a special edition, the front page filled with a story on a campus candlelight vigil. “The Free Press was not a hobby,” Micale says. “It was a pleasure and a responsibility to produce an ongoing product that enriched the campus.” Producing that product meant a race against deadlines. Micale remembers many a coffee-fueled allnighter, as he and the staff readied the paper for the publisher’s 5 a.m. pickup. “Production night was crazy,” Micale says. “Often, we finished just in time for the publisher to pick up.” Those all-nighters were not for the faint of heart. “Some student activities are intense only for a season,” says Liz Tidyman ’78, the first woman to serve as the paper’s editor-in-chief (pictured, bottom right). “The Free Press was intense for its team every week of the academic year. It felt like a win every Thursday to see students reading it.” The Free Press discontinued its paper edition in 2017, but it continues online today. The current editor-in-chief, Thy Nguyen ’21, is amazed by the passion former staffers still feel for the paper. “I am extremely honored,” she says, “to be carrying on a campus tradition.” — John Crawford Alumni take great pride in the long hours they worked to produce the weekly Babson Free Press, which marks its 50th anniversary in 2021.
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BABSON MAGAZINE / WINTER 2020–2021
PHOTOS: THE BABSONIAN
THE WORLD IS CHANGING. OURS HAS TOO.
One thing hasn’t changed: Babson College is still a place for trailblazers, deliberate dreamers, and entrepreneurial leaders. Whether you are 18 or 88, take advantage of alumni discounts to keep learning at Babson. Explore our online and in-person graduate programs, professional development workshops, and custom executive education programs for organizations.
babson.edu/alumnischolarship
Babson Park, MA 02457-0310
Who Defended the Dam? You did! In droves. Our annual giving day was record breaking with 2,358 donors and $724,674 raised— more than double the amount ever given during Make Your Mark. Pretty dam inspiring. Thank you.
Defend the Dam Babson’s Annual Day of Giving
Haven’t given yet in 2020?
December 31 is your last chance to take advantage of the CARES Act charitable giving provisions. On your 2020 U.S. taxes, if you are a non-itemizer, the CARES Act allows you to claim an additional above-the-line deduction for cash gifts to charities—up to $300 per taxpayer. If you are an itemizer, the AGI limit for your cash gifts to charities has increased to 100%. Why wait until the end of the year when you can help our students today!
babson.edu/giving