Sunday, 20 May, was a watershed moment for the Darden Class of 2012. As the graduates filed down Flagler Court dressed in the caps and gowns of graduation, anticipation, as expressed by the words of Thomas Jefferson, hung in the air: “I like the dreams of the future better than the history of the past.” At “The Space” in Downtown Charlottesville, a cross section of graduates from Darden’s MBA and MBA for Executives Class of 2012 gathered. Meet the leaders of the future.
Bianca Vanin
(MBA)
HOMETOWN: Montreal, Canada (originally from Dubai, United Arab Emirates) OTHER DEGREES: B.A. in Economics,University of Western Ontario student activities: Vice president of outreach, Community Consultants of Darden area of focus: Impact investing
“I truly believe that for-profit investments can be both a morally legitimate and economically effective way to address social challenges. I hope to build a career in the impact investing industry deploying capital to social enterprises that are trying to address these challenges in Latin America.”
Curtis Flood (MBA) HOMETOWN: Madison County, Kentucky OTHER DEGREES: B.A in Government, Georgetown University; M.A. in Strategic Studies, Naval War College student activities: Vice president of events for the Darden Military Association; organizer of the Tough Mudder competition; member, Darden Rugby and Darden Finance clubs Distinction: The Casey Lichtendahl Award for Inane Commentary area of focus: Finance and investment banking
Patrick Clifton (MBA)
“It is staggering to look back at my early days in Darden and recognize how little I knew and how far I have come.”
HOMETOWN: London, United Kingdom OTHER DEGREES: B.A. and M.A. in Archaeology and Anthropology, University of Cambridge STUDENT ACTIVITIES: President, Media, Entertainment & Sports Club; captain, Darden Rugby Club; student blogger; MBA Class of 2012 graduation speaker AWARD: Strauss Marketing Award
“I’m hopeful that the technological revolution of the last 20 years will eventually lead to the renaissance of the creative industries. I’m passionate about seeing that happen.” darden.virginia.edu • SPRING/SUMMER 2012 21