Mike Ross (EMBA 1989) was named to Positive Maturity’s Top 50 Over 50 List. According to the Birmingham Business Journal, this honor recognizes individuals who are exhibiting a high level of success in their careers, civic engagement or personal lives, as well as making a measurable impact on their communities through their work. “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by an organization such as Positive Maturity,” said Ross, “It’s support of our aging population is a model for us all in terms of the importance of giving back to our fellow man in need.”
The list also includes several high profile civic and business leaders in the Birmingham metro area and celebrities such as the Crimson Tide Radio Network’s own, Eli Gold. In addition to Ross, other Culverhouse College of Commerce alumni named to the list were retired Community Activist Joel Rotenstreich, and Jeffrey Bayer, President and CEO of Bayer Industries and Culverhouse College of Commerce Board of Visitor member.
“We are thrilled to have Mike recognized for his many contributions,” said Donna Blackburn, Director of UA EMBA Program, “he has always and continues to support and assist our program, students and alumni whenever and wherever needed.” Ross currently serves as the Central Region President and Chief Commercial Officer at Renasant Corporation. Ross was also a finalist for the Birmingham Business Journal’s 2015 CEO of the Year and was named to BHMBIZ Magazine’s list of 205 Influential Executives. He has also been very active with our EMBA Alumni Network, serving on the board as President in 2015 and Past President this year.
For more information on the EMBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.
To the sounds of “Take Me Out To The Ballgame” The University of Alabama Executive MBA alumni, students, staff and their families celebrated the 2016 Family Day. Hosted by the EMBA Alumni Network everyone gathered at Regions Field on Sunday July, 10 to watch a Birmingham Barons game. This year’s event brought out 96 attendees, representing nine different EMBA classes.
As Birmingham’s minor league baseball team bested the Jacksonville Suns 7-4, alumni reconnected, and everyone mingled, forged new friendships and had a great time on the Party Deck in the stadium.
Hot dogs, hamburgers, potato chips, ice cream and Bud’s Best cookies were on the menu along with the traditional peanuts and Cracker Jack®. Babe Ruff, the popular Barons mascot, stopped by to pose for pictures and entertain children.
“This was a great networking event. It always helps when you have a fun reason to get together and at such an amazing venue,” proclaimed Ben Paulk, President of the EMBA Alumni Network.
Regions Field opened in 2012 and is credited with revitalizing downtown Birmingham.
The history of the Birmingham Barons traces back to 1885, when the Barons were originally called the Coal Barons. Regions Field also has the honor of being named at the 2015 Southern League All-Star Game Ballpark Digest’s Best of the Ballparks: Double-A.
The UA Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Alumni Network hosts several events throughout the year for alumni as well as current and incoming students.
For more information on the EMBA Alumni Network and the EMBA Program contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.4501 or email at caltemara@cba.ua.edu.
HEMBA Graduates (L-R) Jeremy Phelps, Heather Martin and Jim Boyd.
The roar of “Roll Tide” was loud as 40 graduates and over 200 family members, staff and students gathered at The Zone in Bryant-Denny Stadium on May 6 to celebrate the Culverhouse College of Commerce Executive MBA Class of 2016 graduation. During their EMBA Program at The University of Alabama, the graduates completed academic coursework in finance, accounting, marketing, spreadsheet analysis, strategy, operations and project management, negotiations, statistics, communication and leadership. They also traveled to Morocco and Spain as part of their global business course. Team work, case discussions, projects and presentations rounded out the M.B.A. degree curriculum. Along the way they forged friendships and made special memories.
Recognition of EMBA Class leaders (L-R): Interim Dean Brian Gray, Richard Spears, Jim Boyd, Pritha Powell, EMBA Director Donna Blackburn and Tom Thayer.
The afternoon festivities began with a tour of the Alabama football locker room and the Crimson Tide tunnel to the Bryant-Denny field. Everyone then convened in The Zone for the EMBA reception and awards ceremony. This year’s honorees included recognition of HEMBA President Richard Spears and Vice President Jim Boyd, and TEMBA President Tom Thayer and Vice President Pritha Powell. The class MVP awards went to Zeph Isom (HEMBA) and Tom Thayer and Ben Caro (TEMBA) for exemplifying high ideals, integrity and leadership ability, as well as being supportive of class and teammates.
Class leaders presented the Faculty Excellence awards to Dr. William Walsh, Clinical Professor of Economics (HEMBA), and Dr. Ron Dulek, John R. Miller Professor of Management (TEMBA). The award honors the professor who has shown outstanding commitment to the EMBA Program through their exceptional instruction generating a positive learning environment and creating a significant impact on student understanding.
U.S. Army Contracting Officer Rodney Bilbrew receives Completion of EMBA Program plaque at May 5 EMBA Award Ceremony.
Interim Dean, James I. Harrison Family Teaching Excellence Faculty Fellow, and Professor of Statistics Dr. Brian Gray was awarded the Dr. James F. Cashman Faculty Award by both the TEMBA and HEMBA classes. The James F. Cashman Faculty Award is given to the faculty member that reflects the spirit and positive influence on EMBA students as exemplified by Dr. Cashman, a man of integrity who’s generous counsel impacted students’ lives.
During the EMBA ceremony all of the graduates received plaques and University of Alabama pins. Nine graduates received 4.0 GPAs: Stephen Burton, Aaron Craddock, Zeph Isom, Ryan McDaniel, Neil Morton, Pritha Powell, Richard Spears, Edward Stringfellow and Nic Ward. Eleven Veterans were also honored with cords recognizing their service to our country.
TEMBA 2016 graduates getting ready to line up for UA Commencement.
At UA we are proud of saying we are a family and once you become a student, you and your family becomes part of the Alabama family. It was only fitting that at the end of the EMBA graduation event everyone joined in for a class family portrait. “I’m so proud to be affiliated with the University of Alabama. This has been a life changing experience for me,” said Mike Starnes (HEMBA).
Thank you to the family, friends, co-workers and companies that supported our graduates throughout the program. Check out more photos from graduation on our Facebook page.
Once again, congratulations to our Executive MBA Class of 2016:
Rodney Bilbrew, U.S. Army Contracting Command
Jim Boyd, Army Aviation Flight Test Directorate
Patrick Briles, Wells Fargo
Justin Brown, ColeMarie Austin
Stephen Burton, Buckman Laboratories, Inc.
Ben Caro, USAF Sr. Noncommissioned Officer Academy
Joe Caubo, Mississippi Power Company
Aaron Craddock, Randall Reilly
Stefan Eitzinger, Drummond Company, Inc.
Paulo Gonzalez, Drummand Company, Inc.
Erika Hailes, Conversant Biologics
Nate Hall, Hubbard Properties, Inc.
Don Hersh, Teledyne Brown Engineering, Inc.
Cody Higgins, Social Security Administration
Zeph Isom, Universal Lighting Technologies
Jason Kennedy, Southeastern Plateworks, LLC
Josh King, WTI Transport
Shannon Lewis, Conversant Biologics
Heather Martin, Mercy Regional Medical Center
John Mathison, Booz Allen Hamilton
Ryan McDaniel, Nissan of Smyrna, TN
Neil Morton, Moultrie Products/Pradco
Jeremy Phelps, Nissan North America
Pritha Powell, Regions Financial Corporation
Bradford Price, All-South Subcontractors, Inc.
David Reiniger, The Boeing Company
Jordan Reynolds, Missile Defense Agency
Kimberly Rose, BBVA Compass
Eric Satterfield, Neptune Technology Group, Inc.
Beth Smith, Progress Rail Services
Joey Snowden, McLeod Software
Richard Spears, DRS Technologies
Erik Spencer, Walter Energy
Michael Stanley, U.S. Navy
Mike Starnes, Heidelberg USA
Edward Stringfellow, Stringfellow Technology Group, Inc.
Dr. Lonnie Strickland, John R. Miller Professor of Strategic Management, is the 2016 Algernon Sydney Sullivan Faculty Award honoree. Considered the highest honor The University of Alabama offers. Recipients of the award have demonstrated the highest standards of scholarship, leadership, and service. The Sullivan Faculty Award recognizes the practical application of noble ideals and is based on excellence of character and service to humanity.
Strickland currently teaches Strategy Formulation and Implementation in the Tuscaloosa and Huntsville EMBA Programs. He began teaching at Alabama in 1969 and is one of the founders of and has taught in every EMBA class at Alabama since its inception 31 years ago. He has won every major teaching award the University has to offer. He is also ranked first, second, or third when graduating Culverhouse students are asked a version of the following question, “Name one person who has had a significant influence on your life at Alabama.”
A rigorous, demanding and passionate professor as well as a skillful raconteur who is held in high esteem by his students. According to Jimmy Mauldin (EMBA 2002), Economic Counselor, U.S. Embassy-Accra Ghana, “Lonnie Strickland’s classes on strategic management always come to mind … even 13 years later.”
The impact of Strickland’s teaching is evident in the stories our alumni continue to tell. “We grew market share of a key product in a growing segment from 15% to ultimately 100% ($200M annual run rate) over a seven-year period using principles of Michael Porter’s 5-forces model taught in Lonnie Strickland’s Strategy class,” according to Kevin Morgan (EMBA 1998), Director of Cloud and Services Marketing, ADTRAN, “and along the way we put competitors out of business.” Strong testament to the power of a course and a professor who strives to make a difference in a student’s life.
“To Lonnie, teaching is a vocation, not a job,” said long time peer and friend, Dr. Ron Dulek, John R. Miller Professor of Management, and EMBA Professor of Business Communications. “I can assure you, as one who sees him daily either before he goes or after he returns from class, he is as excited about and dedicated to teaching well today as he was in 1969 when he started teaching at Alabama.”
Dr. Strickland entertaining EMBA students and spouses at his home for the annual EMBA End of Class celebration event in Tuscaloosa.
Strickland is co-author of the best-selling strategic management textbook, Crafting and Executing Strategy, which is currently used at 900 universities worldwide. Along the way he has served as National President of Phi Kappa Phi; served on various local, regional and national Boards of Directors, including two Fortune 1000 size companies: the Statesman Group and American Equity; co-founded a number of smaller companies and has been an advisor to countless students in their efforts to start small businesses or advance their corporate careers.
Dr. Strickland has been a tremendous supporter of the EMBA Program and continues to be an inspirational source for our students and alumni. Congratulations Lonnie.
This is the final story of a four part series on The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Class of 2016’s international trip to Morocco and Spain from February 27 to March 8, 2016.
Executive MBA Programs throughout the world have provided international trips to their students to further global business, political, historical and cultural understanding. For The University of Alabama Executive MBA, like most EMBA programs, the trip is a required part of an international business course. However, over the last couple of years, UA EMBA has offered an optional extension at the end of the required trip. The optional trip offers the students an opportunity to extend their cultural and historical understanding of a country as well as fulfill a dream to visit a bucket list location. In the past we have made visits to Valipariso, Chile, Machu Picchu, Peru, Izmir and Ephesus, Turkey and this year to Barcelona, Spain.
Thirty-three of the sixty EMBA students, alumni, staff and spouses journeyed to the cosmopolitan capital of Spain’s Catalonia region on March 5. Defined by quirky art and architecture, imaginative food and a vibrant street life. We arrived by high-speed train from Madrid to Barcelona. The trip took two-and-a-half hours and afforded us a beautiful view of the countryside. Upon arrival we took in a breathtaking view atop the city looking over the Marina, then we explored the Raval, a large boulevard crowded with pedestrians and a fountain that locals swear that if you drink from you will return again one day to Barcelona.
After checking in at our hotel we made our way to La Sagrada Família. This beautiful and haunting site was the obsession of famed architect Antoni Gaudí. Gaudí’s influence touches all of Barcelona, but none is more amazing than this magnificent temple.
The first stone was set in 1882, and in 1883, Gaudí joined the project and transformed it, adding his personal touch of Gothic and Art Nouveau forms. He devoted the last years of his life to the building, but died at the age of 76, before he had the chance to finish his masterpiece. At the time of his death, less than 25% of the building was finished. Today 65% has been completed with an anticipated completion date of 2026.
In the afternoon, we separated to shop, visit Gaudí’s La Pedrera (a family residence designed by the architect with a rooftop that conjured up scenes from Dr. Seuss) or Pauk Güell, stroll the Raval, or have a drink in the local cafes. For many of us, it was still hard to adjust to having dinner so late. Restaurants do not open until 8:00 p.m., and most locals do not dine until 10:00 p.m. Although by now, we were getting accustomed to mid afternoon tapas, Sangria or hot chocolate to tied us over until dinner.
UA EMBA students get a lesson in wine making at Caves Montau de Sadurni.
On Sunday we spent the day touring Caves Montau de Sadurni, a small winery, founded in 1530, located outside the city. No visit is complete without a sampling of the winery’s white and red wines and a country lunch of salad, olives, sliced meats and sausages, tomatoes, rice and for dessert flan.
The next day we spent in Tarragona, the capital of Hispania Citerior during the Roman Empire (its origins date back to around 218 BC). We strolled along the old Amphitheater, Placa de la Font, Cathedral of Santa Maria, and the Central Market. The afternoon was spent at the impressive Cistercian Monastery, El Poblet, founded in 1150, it is found hidden in the mountains. Although we did not see any monks we found solace and beautiful vistas to photograph, as well as icons to take home of Saint George, the patron saint of Catalina, who according to legend slew a dragon.
We returned to Barcelona for a group dinner above the city at Restaurante Mirabé. The beautiful views of the city lit below brought us full circle from the site overlooking the Marina the day we arrived. We recounted our journey and the many lovely people we had met and the memories made. One last toast to Morocco and Spain and to more journeys ahead.
This is part three of a four part series on The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Class of 2016’s international trip to Morocco and Spain from February 27 to March 8, 2016.
UA EMBA 2016 students Erika Hailes and Shannon Lewis toast Real Madrid.
It should come as no surprise that Alabama LOVES football. Can I get a Roll Tide! So if you are a University of Alabama Executive MBA Class of 2016 student on an International Trip in Madrid, Spain, where do you go first? You visit the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu, stadium and home to Real Madrid or Real, as the team is commonly known, one of the most widely recognized and supported teams in the world. 2015 was a great year for Alabama and Real.
In 2015, Real was crowned Champions of Europe for the ninth time after beating Olympiacos in the Final Four, and Alabama took home the CFP National Championship after beating Clemson. In the world of football it’s important to pay your respects. So, we bought a ticket and drank a toast to Real and Madrid. After the stadium we had a quick tour through the city where sites were pointed out and notes taken of places to visit, we then headed to our hotel.
As we arrived we faced a sea of media, spotlights and cameras. Our hotel, as it turns out, was located directly across from the Congreso de los Diputados (Congress of Deputies or the lower house of Spain’s legislative branch). We had arrived on March 2, 2016 to our tour guides exclaiming, “Welcome to Spain, we have no government.” According to Reuters, during this week, “the leader of Spain’s Socialist Party (PSOE), Pedro Sanchez, was unsuccessful in winning enough parliamentary votes to become prime minister, resulting in a new round of talks or the possibility that Spaniards will have to return to the ballot box in June for new elections.” Everyone quickly and quietly rolled luggage over cables, smiled for cameras (we probably no doubt ended up on Madrid’s nightly news shows strolling through the backgrounds), checked into our hotel and promptly headed out to the nearest Tapas bar or for a cooking class.
There is no dish or drink more identifiable with Spain than paella and sangría. Some of the EMBA students and spouses put their culinary skills to work in recreating the Spanish rice dish rich with meats, seafood, vegetables and spices at Madrid’s Private cooking school the Cooking Point. They also unlocked the secrets to preparing sangría. As with all cooking classes a final tasting was in order for our newly minted Master Chefs.
On Thursday, we visited the Headquarters of BBVA, a multinational group providing financial services in over 35 countries and to 66 million customers throughout the world. During the presentation, Mr. Miguel Cardoso, Chief Economist BBVA Research reported that “1) the world economy will continue to grow but at a slower pace than in past with more risks, 2) Spain’s economy has started 2016 with positive signs pointing to continuation of trends set in 2015, and 3) due to uncertainties, internal and external, forecasting growth at 2.7% for this year.” BBVA also reported that they were investing for new ideas and ways of doing things rather than just for profitability as a long-term strategy.
In the afternoon the students visited Genomica, Spain’s leading molecular diagnostics company. The company’s mission is to improve the current approach to molecular diagnostics in the life sciences by providing reliable and automated diagnostic tools. Genomica’s CEO and General Manager Rosario Cospedal talked about Genomica’s development of diagnostic tests for human papillomavirus, viral respiratory diseases and providing analysis of DNA, legal and forensic medicine and technology transfer service and toured students through the laboratories.
On Friday, students visited Deimos Space and met with General Director Miguel Belló Mora. Deimos specializes in the design, engineering and development of solutions and systems integration in the aerospace, satellite systems, remote sensing, information systems and telecommunications network sectors. Students enjoyed interesting discussions regarding the Galileo Project, mining on the moon, Don Quixote Project (to deflect asteroids), tracking satellites along with Deimos’ work in energy, transport and tracking solutions and services.
The final company visit belonged to the Grey Group, one of the world’s top advertising and marketing organizations. Grey operates in 154 cities in 96 countries serving one fifth of the Fortune 500. CEO Javier Suso led the EMBA teams in a case study on the revitalization of the Grey Group.
As with all good things they must come to an end. Well, at least for some. We ended our official trip with a farewell dinner and (because it’s Spain) a Flamenco Show at the Corral de la Moreria Restaurante. And, yes there was paella and sangria, and dancing. Corral de la Moreria is quite famous. Not sure if they would post our pictures up on the walls with Ron Wood, Omar Sharif, James Cameron, Harrison Ford, Sarah Jessica Parker, Richard Gere and Justin Beber – but we did feel we deserved a spot. I mean, come on Roll Tide! The next morning half of the students, spouses and faculty returned home while the other half extended the stay with an optional trip to Barcelona. We were not ready to say goodbye just yet.
This is part two of a four-part series on The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Class of 2016’s international trip to Morocco and Spain from February 27 to March 8, 2016.
Hate to tell you, but there never was a Rick’s Café in Casablanca until after the movie. No Rick, no Sam, no Ilsa or Victor – never existed – except on a Warner Brothers’ back lot in Hollywood. And, yet we just passed Rick’s Café on Boulevard Sour Jdid on our way to our next company visit.
“It was actually an American (Kathy Kriger) who upon visiting Morocco decided to bring the famous gin joint to life in 2004,” this according to our tour guide. The University of Alabama Executive MBA students took note and many made plans at that moment to dine at Rick’s and to hear Sam play that song “As Time Goes By.”
UA EMBAs visit Marsa Maroc port in Casablanca.
It’s Tuesday, March 1, 2016, and we are on our second leg of a three-part journey for the EMBA Class of 2016 international trip to Morocco and Spain. Our time in Casablanca will be brief, less than 36 hours. Our first visit was to Marsa Maroc, the national leader in the management of port terminals. Mr. Rachid Hadi, Executive Board Member and Operations Director of the Casablanca Port, and Ms. Nawal Taji, Head of Communication Services spoke to us on lean manufacturing and quality improvement, union negotiations and international trade challenges. In addition, students toured one of their nine ports including the terminal for processing and storing cars.
“Global traffic has increased for 2016, including the exporting of cars, which increased 25% since January,” according to Taji. Well connected in trade lines throughout the world they see continued growth for their company. Marsa Maroc also hosted the students at their company’s Club Resort where employees can relax, swim and play tennis.
UA EMBAs meet with executives at Toyoto Morocco.
The afternoon focused on Morocco’s thriving automotive industry with a visit to Toyota Morocco and a meeting with Country Manager Adil Bennani. Toyota Morocco is a subsidiary of group ALI (Abdul Latif Jameel), one of the biggest Toyota distributors in the world. Established in 1996 with the main aim to import, distribute and sell vehicles, spare parts and accessories and provide quality service. According to Bennani, “ALI operates in 17 countries and three continents.”
TEMBA students Ben Caro, Paulo Gonzalez and Joe Caubo pose in front of the Hassan II Mosque.
When asked about differences in the market place, Bennani pointed out “in the U.S. the average age of a car is 11 years, in Europe 10 years and in Morocco it is 17 years.” The average consumer in Morocco is not loyal to a make or model of car. They look for value. Taxes are very high on gas, which explains why 90% use diesel as opposed to 3% in U.S. who drive diesel cars.
Following our visits everyone spent their last evening in Casablanca visiting the Hassan II Mosque, last minute shopping in the Medina, dining at Rick’s or strolling along the Corniche (beachfront district) or downtown. Tomorrow we fly to Madrid, but for tonight here’s looking at you … Casablanca.
This is part one of a four-part series on The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Class of 2016’s international trip to Morocco and Spain, February 27-March 8, 2016.
Josh King (TEMBA 2016) and UA EMBA Class of 2016 try on scarfs in the Marrakech Medina.
Morocco conjures up a world glimpsed from movies. Say the word Morocco and you immediately transport yourself to scenes out of Casablanca, Lawrence of Arabia, The Jewel of the Nile, The Bourne Ultimatum or Mission Impossible – Rogue Nation. It is a nation shaped by many cultures, and whose history is rich and deep and can be traced back to prehistoric times. A country where a Medina offers the intoxicating smells of spices and food, a visual kaleidoscope of yarns dyed and hung across the narrow alleys, of being wrapped in scarfs and touching the artistry of wooden bowls and ironwork and the rapid intensity of bartering for goods.
It was into this world, in exotic Marrakech, that The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Class of 2016 began their international trip. As part of their Global Business course in their final semester, the EMBA students are required to spend a week abroad meeting with senior officials of local and international corporations, as well as experiencing and understanding the culture first-hand. Sixty students, faculty, staff and spouses journeyed to Marrakech and Casablanca, Morocco and then to Madrid, Spain. An optional post trip to Barcelona, Spain allowed students to further their cultural adventure.
The global experience began February 27, with a welcome orientation and lunch followed by a tour of Marrakech with shopping in the Medina and a dinner that included a Moroccan Show. We dined on traditional food that began with a course of small dishes of olives, nuts, vegetables, a sweet fruit jam and bread. Next came a mound of couscous with roasted vegetables and chicken, then a Pigeon Pie (complete with a Pigeon’s skull) and then orange slices for dessert.
The next day combined film with adventure as everyone learned more about Morocco’s booming movie industry from James Cutting, owner of Cutting Loose Productions, who has been in the business for 40 years and cooperated on such Hollywood films as Alexander, Kingdom of Heaven, Babel and Mission Impossible V. The afternoon included an opportunity to explore the beautiful views of the Atlas Mountains either by quad bike or camel, or experience a Hamman (traditional Steam Room and Bath) at the Beldi Country Club. For most it was a first time to experience fishtailing a four-wheeler, navigating a camel, or being scrubbed head to toe until you are red and shiny.
On Monday, February 29, the EMBA students arrived at the ABURY Foundation, a charity with two main goals: to support development co-operations and community education. The ABURY Foundation is supported heavily by the ABURY Collection, which connects emerging designers with artisans in remote places of the world (in this case in Marrakech where women create exquisite handcrafted bags and carpets). For every product sold from the Collection ABURY gives back to the local community education for women and children.
As part of a consulting project, the Tuscaloosa and Huntsville EMBA classes were tasked with developing a set of recommendations for the best strategy for ABURY to enter the U.S. Market. Student teams presented to ABURY’s Founder and CEO Andrea Kolb their general analysis of the U.S. Market, customer analysis and segmentation, initial target city markets, logistics, marketing and communication strategy, and online sales recommendations. The students received high praise from Kolb, “[The EMBA teams] presented amazing work and a valuable framework for us to follow in order to expand our business.”
UA EMBAs are challenged to a football game by the children in Douar Anzal.
After the presentation the students, faculty and staff visited the small village of Douar Anzal, in the Atlas mountains, where the women live and create their handbags. Upon arrival students filled the school that ABURY built. Inside the women proudly showed off their writing skills in English and Arabic while outside an impromptu football (soccer) game ensued between the children and some of the EMBAs. Then the students experienced the overwhelming generosity and warmth of a Moroccan welcome. We climbed the hillside to enter their homes. Women, some holding babies on their hips filled the small kitchen to prepare our meal of couscous, vegetables and chicken. It was agreed this was our best meal. A meal with friends, with those that welcome you into their homes and hearts, are always the most remembered. We said our goodbyes and as the sun set on the small village we made our way to Casablanca.
2015 MFB CFP National Champions Alabama Team Celebration. Photo by Amelia B. Barton, Crimson Tide Photos/UA Athletics
Roll Tide and Happy New Year to everyone. What a wonderful way to kick off the new year with an exciting and remarkable season for Alabama Football…by far the best season I have seen to date and best National Championship game also. Congratulations to our 2015 CFP National Champions the Crimson Tide.
As I was reflecting on this game and entire season, the familiar theme, a “tradition of excellence” kept ringing in my head. We see this focus on excellence in The University of Alabama’s many athletic and academic programs … but I was thinking what about a “what’s next?” part.
As an Alabama alumnus, I need to carry with me this tradition both at home and work. It is an honor to be the recipient of the many efforts and sacrifices of the University students, staff, faculty and benefactors who ensure that the University and its many “products” remain excellent. I take great pride in serving my University, but I am also aware there is much more I could be doing to be better.
I realize that completing the Executive MBA Program from an accomplished and highly recognized institution is no guarantee of success, but by striving for excellence in our everyday duties we increase our odds at exceeding our goals.
My take-away from the 2015 Alabama football season is to constantly and relentlessly strive to become better and to focus on achieving excellence. We should translate the efforts we see from our remarkable student-athletes from the playing field to the boardroom, the workroom, the shop floor, and within our families. The students, alumni, faculty and staff are both a reflection of The University of Alabama as the University is a reflection of us and our legacies to our families, communities and to the world.
The outcome of this season (and Coach Saban’s frequent remark of this being a special team that following a one season loss made a commitment to do their job and finish) made me look more closely at their accomplishment and what we should want to achieve. The 2015 National Champions are an example to us all to continue working hard, to become better and to be relentless, especially when the circumstances surrounding us tempt us to take the easy road and put forth only a “good enough” effort. I hope their example inspires me and others for many years.
Roll Tide Roll!
Roberto Carmona (TEMBA 2011)
(Roberto is Mechanical Reliability Lead with Ascend Performance Materials. He resides in Texas with his wife Patsy and daughter Valentina.)
____________________________
For more information on The University of Alabama’s Executive MBA Program contact Cheryl Altemara at caltemara@cba.ua.edu or call 205.348.4501.
Education: University of Alabama Birmingham, BS, Marketing; The University of Alabama, M.B.A.
Current Occupation/Board Position: Senior Product Manager for Commercial Credit Card at BBVA Compass Bank and 2015-2016 Executive MBA Alumni Network Board President
How has the UA EMBA Program contributed to your career? The EMBA program has absolutely contributed to my advancement. I benefited, not only from the world-class instructors but also the interaction that I had from the diverse set of professional peers.
Beyond career enhancements, what personal gains have you taken away from the EMBA program?
I have developed relationships through my class, and the larger alumni network, many of which I consider to be close friendships. The leadership and financial skills that I learned have helped me to serve on my church’s vestry. The discipline and dedication that I honed in the program have helped me become a better runner. Those are just a few examples of the innumerable benefits I have derived from my EMBA experience.
You have been actively involved in the EMBA Alumni Network since its inception three years ago. What keeps you involved?
What interested me in the Alumni Network was the chance to give back. I feel greatly indebted to the program for all of the opportunities it has afforded me and for all of the ways it has enriched my life. I want to ensure that everyone who comes through the program realizes the full value that it can provide. I hope to continue in the tradition, set forth by past alumni, who have added value to the degree by creating connections among the members.
As the incoming EMBA Alumni Network President what are you looking forward to in the next year?
Regarding the year ahead, I want to challenge everyone to promote the Alumni Network and the Executive MBA Program as a whole. We have a great story to tell and we all benefit when we strengthen the Program by networking, providing continuing educational opportunities, and attracting the best students to the program. We have a very talented Board of Directors and together we are creating a great plan to grow the network and execute on our mission statement.
What is your advice to those seeking an M.B.A.?
For any prospective students, I would strongly urge you to consider the UA EMBA program. You will find that this program, in particular, can provide value in so many different ways. You will receive unparalleled instruction, create lifelong memories and accomplish things, you never thought possible. It is a truly transformational experience.
For more information about the Executive MBA Program at The University of Alabama, contact Cheryl Altemara at 205.348.5401 or request information here.
Mike Ross (EMBA 1989) was named to Positive Maturity’s Top 50 Over 50 List. According to the Birmingham Business Journal, this honor recognizes individuals who are exhibiting a high level of success in their careers, civic engagement or personal lives, as well as making a measurable impact on their communities through their work. “I am honored and humbled to be recognized by an organization such as Positive Maturity,” said Ross, “It’s support of our aging population is a model for us all in terms of the importance of giving back to our fellow man in need.”
