wharton's prescription for health care - Wharton Magazine

CLASS UPDATEALUMNI LEADERSHIP CONFERENCE:STRENGTHENING THEWHARTON COMMUNITYAlumni volunteersfrom all over the worldgathered on campus inOctober for two daysof celebration, education,and perhaps mostimportantly, appreciation.It was the School’sfirst Alumni LeadershipConference, and its goal was to drawtogether the best of Wharton’s alumni leadership,from students to club presidents toadvisory board members, among others.More than 150 participants, includingsome from Norway, Australia,France and England, attendedthe event.Part of the conferenceagenda was “togive [alumni leaders] aninside view of Wharton’sprogress and prospects, andto provide support for theiractivities on behalf of the School,”notes Wharton Dean Thomas P. Gerrity.According to Jordan Tannenbaum,Associate Dean for External Affairs, thetiming of the conference was especially good“because of our recent No. 1 rankings in BusinessWeek and U.S. News & World Report. People arefeeling very positive about the School.”The conference kicked off on Friday, Oct. 27,with remarks from Michael Tarnopol, W’58, managingdirector ofBear Stearns, onthe importance ofleadership amongalumni. A receptionin the TarnopolRoom, to whichthe whole Whartoncommunity wasinvited, was followedby a dinner at theUniversity Museum.During that event,Frank Fountain, Jr.,WG’73, vice president,government affairs, atChrysler Corp., offeredhis personal reflectionson volunteer leadershipand its impact on the School.On Saturday, Oct. 28, alumni participatedin executive education seminarson persuasion and brand equity, followedby a presentation on theSchool’s accomplishments and goalsby the dean and senior administrators.Afternoon workshops were heldon reunion planning, club management,fundraising, careerrecruiting and admissionsinterviewing.“Alumni participatein these activitiesthroughout the year intheir own cities,” says MartiHarrington, WG’76, directorof alumni affairs. “It isexciting to have so many leaderstogether exchanging ideas andgenerating even more enthusiasm.”According to Tannenbaum, the initialidea had been to have the conference once everytwo years. The success of the October event, however,has led to a proposal to hold the event annually.“I never cease to be impressed by the strength and leadershipdemonstrated by the Wharton community,” notesGerrity. “This leadership hasbuilt enterprises, carried forwardorganizations andshaped the future of business.This leadership has also beenthe driving force of Wharton’sprogress.” ”PHOTOGRAPHS / TRACY KAUFFMAN WOOD25W HARTON ALUMNI MAGAZINE