It was a trip around the world one day, an elementary school lesson the next, and then a weekend featuring a fashion show and a Hogwarts dinner. The Austin Entrepreneurship Program’s BA 160 class’ ability to give students a variety of hands-on project management experiences was on full display in Week 9 as they hosted four events they spent fall term planning.
An International Affair taught students about cuisine and culture from Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Indonesia and China.
The week kicked off Sunday, Nov. 16, with An International Affair, hosted on various floors of Weatherford Hall. Each of the four involved floors represented a different country (Saudi Arabia, Uganda, Indonesia and China), and BA 160 students invited peers to learn about international cuisine and culture. The event’s purpose was to increase intercultural understanding and appreciation.
Things boomeranged back to a more local scale the following Friday when another set of students taught financial literacy at Pioneer School in Lebanon. These AEP students gave lessons on the importance of saving, managing money and finance terminology. Pioneer School offers education to students from kindergarten through eighth grade, so the college students could use their teaching skills with a variety of age groups.
Weatherford was transformed into four houses for Hogwarts Thanksgiving.
That same evening, a third group of BA 160 students hosted the beYOUtiful Fashion Show in the auditorium of brand-new Austin Hall. The show was designed to break down fashion industry stereotypes and emphasized building positive self-images for people of all shapes, sizes, ethnicities and styles.
An extra busy week in Weatherford Hall concluded with a hint of magic as a fourth group of BA 160 students put on a Hogwarts Thanksgiving celebration. Weatherford was transformed into the four houses of Hogwarts — Gryffindor, Slytherin, Ravenclaw and Hufflepuff — and Harry Potter-themed events and food filled the hallways. The event, free to all Weatherford residents, was a magical transition into the holiday season.
Those final projects concluded fall term for the BA 160 students, but this quarter was simply a warm-up. In next term’s BA 161 course, students will be required to form their own start-up venture to raise money for entrepreneurs in Nicaragua in the form of microloans. So while fall 2014 represented a great quarter of project planning, the best is yet to come.
Domestic Oregon State students paired up with the international students to help ease the transition joined the celebration, as well as and College of Business faculty and staff.
The Arthur Stonehill International Exchange Program is the biggest of its kind in the state of Oregon, and will host students from more than 20 different countries this year. The program allows students to gain cultural understanding and learn international business from a global perspective.
In addition to this reception, the College of Business also sponsored a trip to the coast and a trip to the Woodburn Outlet mall to acclimate the exchange students to the Pacific Northwest.
As a student-led organization that actively manages a $1.6 million equity portfolio, the Oregon State Investment Group (OSIG) has a substantial undertaking that provides an unprecedented experiential learning opportunity. In addition to the value of hands-on experience, members of OSIG now have more accolades to add to their already-impressive resumes.
Blake Hendricks accepts a check from D.A. Davidson & Co.’s Rich Fisher for OSIG’s first place win in the Portfolio Competition.
OSIG took first place in the annual D.A. Davidson & Co. Student Investment Program competition that ran from Sept. 1, 2013 –Aug. 31, 2014. Student teams were provided with $50,000 to invest, and the top-performing teams received a check on behalf of their college. With a gain of 38% and ending portfolio value of $69,014.35, OSIG finished above the 20 other university teams competing. In a ceremony that took place in Austin Hall Friday, Oct. 3, OSIG was awarded more than $8,000 from D.A. Davidson & Co.
On September 5, 2014, 10 members of OSIG, accompanied by Assistant Professor of Finance Inga Chira, went to Wall Street in New York City and were directly immersed in the world of finance.
“The annual New York trip is one of the most valuable experiences for the students in OSIG. The opportunity to witness firsthand the environment and culture of the Wall Street firms is something that cannot simply be taught in the classroom,” said Blake Hendricks, DADCO Portfolio Manager.
Members of OSIG in NYC include Jessica Kim Katie Merrill, Arun Varghese, Majed Abdelrasul, Jake Roselli, Chase Norlin and Alex Markgraff Van Wong Chris Koenig Blake Hendricks
The group learned the value of networking, and spent time with OSU alumni at influential firms such as PIMCO, Goldman Sachs, J.P. Morgan, Morgan Stanley, Barclays, BIDS and Fortress. Among those they met was Wesley Edens, a College of Business graduate. Edens is co-chairman of the board of directors of Fortress, and co-owner of the Milwaukie Bucks.
“Because of this trip, I was able to gain several in-person interviews for a summer internship which ultimately led to a summer internship with PIMCO and a full time position after graduation,” said Jessica Kim, OSIG President. “I believe very strongly that none of this would have been achievable without the Annual New York trip.”
The College of Business hosted a popcorn social Thursday, September 25 for new students, which included a student organization fair for business clubs. Despite the rain, more than 200 students attended the gathering to make a popcorn “sundae,” listen to music, talk with advisors, faculty and the dean, and learn about the College of Business student organizations.
The College of Business hosted a popcorn social for new students.
Dean Kleinsorge talks with students in the Austin Hall marketplace.
A student signs up for Beta Alpha Psi.
Students enter a taste test contest to win an iPad or Beaver Store gift certificate.
Winners of the iPad mini and Beaver Store gift certificates.
The College of Business offers twenty different student organizations that span the various business and design disciplines. Learn more about each student organization here.
Each fall the Oregon State University hosts a day that encourages faculty and staff to connect with each other and learn about what other departments and colleges are doing. Intended to inspire and motivate employees for the impending academic year, it is also a day to recognize and honor the people and achievements of its employees.
Taking place September 18, 2014, University Day includes awards to approximately 20 faculty and staff members in various categories for their accomplishments and contributions.
College of Business and School of Human Design Instructor, Brigitte Cluver, who also serves as the Program Coordinator for Apparel Design and Merchandising Management, is the recipient of the OSU Faculty Teaching Excellence Award. This award honors unusually significant and meritorious achievement in teaching and scholarship, greatly enhancing instruction for students.
University Day Award Winner Brigitte Cluver with President Ed Ray.
“Brigitte is an extremely dedicated teacher who finds a balance between empathy and stringency. She is uncompromising in her demand for excellence, and provides ample support for students to succeed in their learning,” said Minjeong Kim, Associate Dean for the School of Design and Human Environment.
Cluver, who holds a B.S. from University of California at Davis and two degrees from Oregon State (M.S. and Ph.D. in Human Behavior in the Near Environment) also worked in the textile and apparel industry as a textile laboratory technician.
“As a life-long learner, Brigitte is open to learning new strategies and commits herself to innovative teaching that results in enhanced student learning. Her courses are always evolving with more effective teaching methods.”
Awards were given by President Ed Ray at the OSU Faculty Teaching Award Reception on Wednesday, September 17 and again acknowledged at an all university presentation held at LaSells Stewart Center in Austin Auditorium on University Day.
While Austin Hall has many striking features, the artwork, textures, colors and design elements used throughout make the building truly unique. Until you have the opportunity to experience it firsthand, enjoy this sneak peek of the art and design.
The abacus that hangs in the third floor atrium.
Copper panels seen from the exterior of Austin Hall.
Graphics inspired by currency patterns on Austin Hall signage.
Business-themed wall coverings in common spaces of Austin Hall.
Graphics inspired by currency patterns on Austin Hall signage.
Artwork being installed on the first floor of Austin Hall.
Business-themed wall coverings in common spaces of Austin Hall.
The move to Austin Hall has commenced – the finishing touches are being added, boxes are being unpacked and computers are being set up. While waiting to open doors to students and visitors, below find a sneak peek amid the unpacking and finishing work chaos.
Working on getting the digital commons area set up through the abacus, a distinguishing feature of the building.
First floor hallway with project rooms to the left and the auditorium to the right.
The auditorium.
Furniture being set up in the graduate programs work room.
The technology in a graduate programs classroom is set up.
This editorial cartoon from the Barometer in 1981 depicts the growing pains experienced by the College of Business at the time.
As the Oregon State College of Business packs to move into Austin Hall, there is reflection on the growth and expansion of the college throughout the years.
Boxes in Bexell Hall await the move to Austin Hall.
Growth of the college is common and according to Barometer articles in the early 1980s, increased enrollment numbers taxed the college’s resources so much that measures were taken to deliberately curtail the number of students entering the business programs at Oregon State.
The original caption for this photo: “On the Outside Looking in: Some students have found themselves unable to get into School of Business classes, and are like those students pictured above.”
At one point, a lack of available teachers resulted in more than 700 business students unable to enroll in necessary courses because the college simply ran out of space.
Despite these challenges, the constraints were eventually lifted, the growing pains subsided and the college continued to innovate and expand for more than 30 years.
The culmination of decades of expansion in programming and enrollment will finally be realized as the College of Business moves into Austin Hall, a building that has the space and technology to support the growth.
As faculty and staff move in next week and students begin the first term in Austin Hall on September 29, the state-of-the-art facility will now reflect and enhance the innovation, entrepreneurship and experiential learning opportunities available to our students and future business leaders.
SDHE grad Patch Leishman is now a designer at Portland design studio Ideaville.
Recent College of Business grad Patch Leishman is now happily working for a design studio in downtown Portland. Read all about how his experience at Oregon State helped prepare him for a fast-paced and varied career in the design industry with this week’s Q and A.
What did you study here at Oregon State? I majored in graphic design, as well as minor in new media communications and I loved both programs. While the design program taught me essential fundamentals of design, the new media program gave me insight into the realm of cognitive science and communications, which was great for me since I tend to focus on digital interfaces and user experience.
What are you doing now that you’ve completed your degree?
After graduation, Jeremy Ehn (owner of Ideaville) graciously offered me a position at Ideaville, a design studio in Downtown Portland, OR. Alongside two other Oregon State alum designers, Brenden Schild and Dana Beaty, I am the third graphic designer to join the team. We also have a web developer, Ryan Niswonger, who absolutely kills it on the code front. As far as responsibilities go, Ideaville wasn’t afraid to start giving me a lot of projects to work on. In any given day I can find myself designing print flyers for Regence, mocking up web designs in Photoshop, designing wine labels, editing content in the WordPress platform, or coming up with rich and engaging SEO content. Really the sky’s the limit as far as the type of work I get to do, which was one of the reasons I was so attracted to the job.
How did you find out about your current job?
I actually found out about Ideaville through Dana Beaty. She was my TA in my intro graphic design class and I made an effort to connect early on in the design program. Come senior year, I invited her and her coworkers to the senior show. Brenden Schild showed up and was impressed with my thesis work on design in the health care industry and connected me with Ideaville’s owner, Jeremy Ehn,who is one of the nicest people I’ve ever worked for.
Did you complete any internships while attending Oregon State?
I did have a few internships. From working in the basement of Milner computer lab, interning as a designer for KidSpirit, working in Portland for Outlier Solutions during my junior year, to the most recent position as a designer and exhibition coordinator at the Special Collections and Archives Research Center at the Valley Library. I’d say each job taught me a lot about responsibility and helping other people, which as a designer, is something that really excites me. Service design, design that harmoniously focuses on all aspects of a person’s experience is something that I strive to pursue, and all the internships I completed while at Oregon State helped me form fundamental skills that make me a better user-centered, service-driven thinker.
What was the best part of your experience at Oregon State?
The best part of my experience was starting the AIGA OSU student group (American Institute of Graphic Arts) and being president for a year. It was so great to see designer students ranging from freshmen to seniors come together and get involved. I think that no matter what your grade classification, we all have something to learn from one another.
What is the most significant takeaway from completing your degree that you think will benefit you early on in your career?
I think the most significant thing I took away from the program was the ability to think conceptually about communicating messages in an original yet level-headed away. I think consumers and society in general are becoming smarter and savvier, and as a designer I’ll always need to be able to create fresh yet concrete solutions to any design challenge, whether that be tomorrow or 10 years from now.
What are you most looking forward to in your career?
The thing I’m looking forward to most is being a part of this crazy fast paced world of change we live in. Technology is getting more advanced and smarter everyday, and I’m so glad I get to be the part of that. To be able to merge design and function into our everyday experiences is so thrilling.
What advice would you give current and future College of Business students about how to be successful in their program and in seeking a job?
Network. I know it’s so cliché because people say it all the time, but honestly in the design program, it couldn’t be more true. Start networking early. Try not to be too pushy, but just be honest about your intentions. Be driven. Always pursue more knowledge and keep trying. I think I applied to over 30 places from here to Austin, Texas. One of the offers I got was indeed from my immediate network, so it does pay to make connections.
What is your favorite thing about Corvallis?
One of the things I miss most about Corvallis is walking into Interzone on a rainy day and getting a hot cup of their River Mud coffee. Lucky for me though I have Stumptown nearby!
What’s your favorite thing about Oregon State?
My favorite thing is how friendly and beautiful the campus is. At no time did I ever feel threatened or insecure about my learning experiences, which I think helped push me to keep trying new things while I was there.
If you knew you were leaving Corvallis for good, where would you go for your last meal here? What would you order?
My last meal would have to be the French toast at Gathering Together Farms. It’s not normal French toast. It’s magical farm French toast.
Do you have any “secret” talents or hobbies?
Not many people know that I play the guitar but it’s one of my hobbies I enjoy doing when I get time.
What do you watch when you just need to laugh?
When I need to laugh I watch failed cat jumping videos. Be careful though, once you’ve entered the funny cat video domain, hours will have passed before you realize it.
Any final thoughts you’d like to share?
I love the direction the graphic design program is taking at OSU. I think it was so smart for SDHE to transition to the College of Business, and both Dean Klinsorge and Associate Dean Minjeong Kim have done a great job in the transition. I think there are so many opportunities for design students within the College of Business. Lots of amazing things are happening, and I’m so lucky to have seen a small part of it. As one of my professors Andrea Marks always said, “Onward!”
In honor of Throwback Thursday, take a look back at an article from 1980 that highlighted the College of Business’ most cutting-edge technological acquisition at the time.
A professor works on the College of Business’ lone computer in 1980, an Apple II which in today’s dollars would cost more than $14,000
From the Oct. 17, 1980 edition of the Daily Barometer:
Computer allows realtors to appraise land
In the future, realtors will be able to evaluate property values at the push of a button thanks to two OSU business professors. Arthur Stonehill and Wilbur Widicus, finance professors, have developed programs for an Apple II computer that allows realtors to appraise real estate by comparing a variety of assumptions. The Apple II is a small personal computer system, retailing for approximately $5,000.
Stonehill and Widicus worked with Bill Olsen of Real Estate Microcomputer Systems, Inc. in Corvallis this summer on the project. According to Stonehill, the program is not a new idea.
“We have been teaching the analysis techniques in finance classes for years. You could do everything on a calculator,” he said.
Widicus explained the program as an adaptation of other programs on larger computers.
“Nearly every university has a program of this type on their large computer,” he said. “We have one like it on the OSU computer, but it costs money to run it (the program) every time.”
Adjusted for inflation, a computer that cost $5,000 in 1980 would today sell for $14,462.56 (according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics). The fact that the College of Business had just the one Apple II computer (while the university had only one main computer) at the time is pretty shocking when compared to the 400-plus computers that the College of Business owns and operates today.
The work of professors Stonehill and Widicus certainly embodies the innovative spirit of the College of Business, as the concept has evolved to current-day websites such as Trulia and Zillow (which just merged for $3.5 billion) that can provide property values to anyone at the touch of a button, not just realtors.
Just two months later in 1980, the Barometer published an article about a $20,000 grant the College of Business received to purchase micro-processor computers. In the article, College of Business Dean Earl Goddard accurately predicted how computers could someday shape the future landscape of business, saying, “There may be a day when a micro-computer will sit at a business desk desk much like a calculator or typewriter.”
In 1980, the College was only able to purchase a few computers with the $20,000 grant. Adjusted for inflation, that’s $57,850.24 in today’s dollars, which would buy a whole truckload of computers. It really is amazing to take a look back into the not-too-distant past and realize how much technology has changed the way we do business, and how much it impacts our daily lives.
