Webster University

New York Times Magazine Honors Webster Professor Anna B

On December 22, 2011

by Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean
Walker School of Business, Webster University
(published by The New York Times Magazine, December 21, 2011)

Last summer the news hit us like a St. Louis heat wave. Our colleague and dear friend Anna Barbara Sakurai had died in a car accident. Anna B, as we affectionately called her, made us happy with her contagious joy. Anna B came to Webster University as a student more than 50 years ago and retired in 2009 as a professor in the Math & Computer Science department. For our students, she was the ultimate professor. For her friends, she was the ultimate confidant. And for her husband Ed, she was an ultimate soul mate.

I love this picture because it shows Anna B before she met Ed and left the order. She’s content in her classroom not knowing yet what the future held or how her life would touch those of so many others. Although she physically left the Sisters of Loretto, Anna B’s heart remained and she continued to serve all who needed her with Ed by her side.

We remember Anna B as one who, by extending the boundaries of learning, exemplified all her beloved Sisters and Webster University stand for. We will honor her by following in the path of caring she cleared for us.

View it in The New York Times

Webster Walker Alumna Joins Exclusive Fortune 500 Club

On December 16, 2011

It is with great pride that the Walker School of Business announces the promotion of alumna Kathleen Mazzarella to President and CEO of Graybar. Ms. Mazzarella’s appointment makes her one of only 16 female CEOs of Fortune 500 companies nationwide and the only one in the St. Louis area. Kathy takes over the top spot June 1st.

“The Webster University community congratulates Kathy Mazzarella, our distinguished alum, on her appointment as Graybar’s next president,” said Dr. Elizabeth (Beth) J. Stroble, president of Webster University. “This region has long benefitted from her singular accomplishments, and we take pride in the unusual position of leadership she will occupy regionally and nationally with this presidency of a Fortune 500 company.”

“Kathy’s accomplishments exemplify the global leadership and citizenry we value most here at Webster and for our graduates,” says Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean of the Walker School of Business. “It is our job as educators to open the world of knowledge to our students. Kathy has taken that knowledge to new heights not only for herself but for business women everywhere. We couldn’t be more proud to call her one of our own.”

Ms. Mazzarella’s personal philosophy has always been to “earn trust through integrity, build a strong team, and expect only the best from yourself and those around you.” While moving forward professionally at Graybar through multiple customer service, sales, marketing and management positions she also pushed herself to advance personally with an MBA in 2002 from Webster University. That has allowed this leader, whose passions include supporting children’s charities, advocating for minority businesses and formulating networking groups for other women in business, to continue her investment in the development of others.

“It is an honor to be appointed as the next President and CEO of Graybar,” said Ms Mazzarella. “As an employee-owned company, Graybar takes pride in working to the advantage of its customers, suppliers, employees, shareholders and the communities where we do business. I wholeheartedly support Graybar’s mission and am committed to sustaining the culture of integrity that makes it such a remarkable organization. I also have the utmost respect for Graybar’s senior leadership team and look forward to working with them to build a bright future for the next generation.”

“For those of us at Webster, Kathy is more than the newest member of the Fortune 500 CEO list. She’s more than one of our outstanding graduates,” says Dean Akande. “She is an exceptional individual dedicated to her industry and committed to those around her. She’s now the one teaching us what great leadership looks like.”

Tagged with: CEO • Fortune 500 • Graybar • Kathy Mazzarella • leadership • Webster University

Financial Times’ Agenda International 100 Includes Walker School of Business Dean

On November 8, 2011

Dr. Benjamin Ola. Akande, dean, Walker School of Business at Webster University

Expertise in corporate responsibility, educational partnerships and strategy just secured a place on the prestigious Agenda International 100 for Webster University’s Dr. Benjamin Akande. A panel of corporate governance experts selected the business school dean to its Financial Times’ list of top global management experts which multi-national companies will go to when they need to reinforce their boards.

“Boards need more than token international representation,” Agenda 100 editors stated upon releasing the list. “Some of the Agenda International 100 are legal and regulatory whizzes. Others have managed global divisions at public companies, overseeing thousands of employees who speak half a dozen different languages. It’s not hard to see why such people could give a company a significant competitive advantage by joining its board.”

For 11 years Akande, who also serves on the public board of Ralcorp, has been the Walker School of Business dean. He is a specialist in business collaborations having secured millions of dollars in corporate – educational partnerships from Wal-Mart, Ameren Electric and other companies for Webster’s global educational network. To be on the list, candidates had to have had sufficient experience in more one or more non-U.S. markets, be qualified and willing to serve immediately on a Fortune 1000 board, and have demonstrated ability to govern senior managers as well as make strategy decisions for a $2 billion company with a global supply, manufacturing and distribution network.

“I am honored to be named to this remarkable group of accomplished global leaders,” Dean Akande said upon learning of the listing. “It’s very humbling indeed.”

Candidates on the Agenda International 100 list who have been singled out to face the challenges of public board service all have exceptional global literacy and international IQ. All come from the ranks of current and former corporate executives, academicians and public officials.

Tagged with: Agenda 100 • Ameren • corporate governanace • Financial Times • global • international • leadership • Management • WalMart • Webster University

Taking Control: The Demands of Accreditation

On September 28, 2011

How do you know you are really a success? Some might say it depends on your paycheck. Others might site your popularity, whether it comes from being famous…..or infamous. In higher education, we like to judge success by how many people search us out as experts, as teachers or as guides toward information. It is why we are here. It is why we teach.

Mollie Harris, GMBA '11

That’s why for those in academics “getting published” can be so important. Outside our classrooms and away from the presentations our faculty at the Walker School of Business give around the world, having work and research published allows even more people to learn from what Webster has to offer. And, the latest information we have to present is something all students, business employers or fellow academicians will want to seek out: accreditation.

Accreditation is the $10 word for giving something a “thumbs up”. It’s important for learning institutions because without receiving credit or recognition for maintaining a set of standards how do students know they are getting the right information in the classroom? How do employers who hire someone with a degree from your college or university know they are employing someone who received the best education? And how do other professors know what is happening elsewhere in their field so they can continue to move it forward? (more…)

Tagged with: ACBSP • accreditation • George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology • higher education • international education • Research in Higher Education Journal • Webster University

On The Road To Everywhere

On September 13, 2011

(Dr. Benjamin Akande’s introduction of Gig Gwin for the Walker Speaker Series, September 7, 2011)

Planes, trains and automobiles don’t even begin to describe the modes of transportation our speaker this morning has used over the past 40 years of travel. Gig Gwin is no stranger to riding on the back of an elephant, camel, mule and even the occasional ostrich to get him to where he’s going. And where this man has and is going is everywhere!

Gig Gwin

In the span of 40 years, Gig Gwin has visited every country in the world, including some nations that no longer exist! He’s traveled almost 3 million miles by plane alone, he’s eaten airline food on more than 2600 flights and he is one of only 8 members of the traveler’s century club to have visited all 317 countries in the world. From the peaks of Mount Kilimanjaro to the depths of the Dead Sea shore, he’s journey has yielded an amazing travel trove of experiences and stories along the way.

Gig’s first international travel experience was a trip to Viet Nam – courtesy of the U.S. Army! It was not a sightseeing trip, by any means, but according to Gig it was the beginning of his lifetime of passion for travel and cultures. In the end, Gig’s travel dissolves into one thing: the need to explore and broaden his world…to go out of a comfort zone and see what is on the other side! In a world that is growing smaller every day with every new technological advancement, Gig Gwin’s travels and experiences help make each of our world indeed “bigger”. We are all global citizens but what is a citizenship if we do not use it to its fullest and embrace the diversity of our world? (more…)

Tagged with: Bunge • business • global • international • networking • travel • U.S. Army • Walker Travel Award • Webster University

Remembering Anna Barbara

On June 6, 2011

Memorial for Anna Barbara Sakurai

A memorial service celebrating the life of Anna Barbara Sakurai will be held this Monday, June 20th at Nerinx Hall High School. The Sisters of Loretto invite all of Anna Barbara’s Webster University family to join them in honoring this great teacher and friend.

Monday, June 20
Nerinx Hall
Heagney Theater
Memorial Service – 1 p.m.
Reception following the service

Nerinx Hall High School
530 E Lockwood Ave
Webster Groves, MO 63119-3217

_________________________________________________________________

Today we are sad.

At the Walker School of Business & Technology our faculty, staff and students are mourning the passing of our colleague and dear friend Anna Barbara Sakurai who died Thursday as a result of injuries suffered in a car accident.

Anna B, as we all affectionately knew her, made us happy. She was a joyful person and her joy was contagious. We were lucky to have Anna B as a colleague and cherished friend because she was a woman who pursued with great enthusiasm and warmth the many causes that engaged her. We remember her as a valued and much loved peer who was always willing to listen and help.

For our students, Anna B was the ultimate professor. They knew she was dedicated to them and loved to help them learn. She set high goals for those in her classes and then worked side by side with her students to help each achieve every last one. They responded in kind with affection for their devoted teacher.

Anna B came to Webster University as a student more than 50 years ago and retired in 2009 as a professor in the Math & Computer Science department. During those years, she also taught in Webster’s Religion Department, at the College School and was the recipient of the William T. Kemper Award for Excellence in Teaching.

Throughout her tenure, Anna B epitomized the commitment to social justice that characterizes the Loretto community which was central to her life. She loved to help those in need and alongside her husband Ed initiated the St. Peter and Paul dinner program. This Webster University service project continues to serve dinner to the needy each month and remains as a tribute to her dedicated care and concern.

Most of all, Anna B loved Ed. The two met at Webster, served as professors together at the Walker School of Business and became a wonderful, devoted couple who completed each other. (Anna B would invite people to dinner and Ed would cook the meal!) In this moment of grief we reach out to comfort our colleague Ed and hope he finds solace in our collective celebration of Anna B’s life.

In the end, we will remember Anna B as one who exemplified all that the Sisters of Loretto and Webster University stand for. We honor her best by following her examples. The faculty, staff and students in the Walker School of Business & Technology will be forever changed because we knew her.

Anna B, we will miss you so very much and we will never forget all the lives your extraordinary life touched.

Please share your memories and condolences on our Facebook page, with an e-mail to deansbt@webster.edu or through the comments feature below.

Condolences for Anna Barbara’s husband of more than 40 years Ed may be sent to:

Ed Sakurai
Walker School of Business, Webster University
470 E. Lockwood Avenue
Webster Groves, MO 63119

Tagged with: College School • Computer Science • math • religion • Sisters of Loretto • Webster University

Ever Onward: IBM’s Sam Palmisano

On April 28, 2011

remarks by Ambassador George Herbert Walker III at ceremony honoring Webster University 2011 CEO of the Year, Webster University, April 26, 2011

Dean Benjamin Akande, Sam Palmisano and Ambassador Walker at Webster University

Each year Webster University honors an individual who through his or her professional and personal dedication toward making a difference has impacted our society. This year it is my honor to present Webster University’s 2011 CEO of the Year award to an extraordinary businessman, an insightful leader and a dear friend… Mr. Sam Palmisano.

Sam, because you are a person of inspiration and foresight who continues to advance IBM into new markets around the world so our internationally neighbors may benefit from its technology… Because your leadership and identification of products and services as exemplified in your “Smarter Planet” vision continue to help IBM flourish, even through the financial crisis… Because by experiencing every facet of IBM, by working hard and by quickly developing a reputation for being industrious, you have shown that those with professional passion and integrity rise from success to significance… Because you, like Webster University, understands and embraces the value of diversity and the need to prepare global professionals throughout the business world… And like our own Walker Global MBA students you know that when it comes to learning about the global marketplace, “nothing compares to being there” so you continue to engage in economic development projects in emerging markets such as Ghana, the Philippines, Turkey and Vietnam. Because you know that in a globally integrated world, a successful business cannot separate the work it does for profit from the health, prosperity and sustainability of its constituents… AND Because your dedication to IBM has helped the 100 year old company move “Ever Onward” in the field of technology and the global business… We honor you today with the 2011 CEO of the Year award. Congratulations, Sam!

Tagged with: IBM • international • Webster University

The Portrait of Leadership

On February 11, 2011

Who is this guy who has his name on this outstanding school?” Ambassador George Herbert Walker III asked Webster University faculty and staff at the unveiling of his portrait at the Walker School of Business & Technology.

“Is he smart as hell? An intellectual giant?” He says “no”. We say if you measured passion for education in feet, Bert Walker would stand head and shoulders above us all.

Tagged with: George Herbert Walker School of Business & Technology • higher education • leadership • Webster University

Anticipate change to lead a global institution

On February 4, 2011

by Joan Hope, Wiley Publishing
as first published in Dean and Provost

President Beth Stroble, Provost Julian Schuster and Geneva campus students atop the new residential building.

“Universities were not made to change. They were made to last forever and do things as they always did,” said Julian Schuster, provost and senior vice president at Webster University. “But we live in a time of exponential change,” he added. “Leading the traditional way usually will lead to traditional results,” Schuster said.

Webster, with campuses in the United States, Europe and Asia, has positioned itself as a global university. In an environment in which international cooperation is key, leaders need to be open minded about their own and other cultures, he said. When you’re considering opening campuses in other countries or forging partnerships with foreign institutions, Schuster recommends that you:

Visit the countries. Preconceived ideas you have about them might not be correct, he added. Schuster recently visited Oman, where Webster is exploring partnerships. Some aspects of what he experienced surprised him, he said. (more…)

Tagged with: global • higher education • international • Webster University

Super Bowl XLV’s Other Quarterback

On February 4, 2011

Dr. Patrick Rishe, Walker School of Business & Technology

There will be more than two quarterbacks leading teams at Cowboy Stadium on Super Bowl Sunday next month. Both the AFC and NFC champions will suit up their best players in hopes of earning a trophy and those coveted championship rings. But on behalf of North Texas, it will be sports economist Patrick Rishe calling the shots.

Dr. Rishe, Associate Professor of Economics for the George Walker School of Business and Technology at Webster University, is the star player for the North Texas Super Bowl Host Committee which has retained the expert to conduct a Post Event Analysis for Super Bowl XLV.

The objective of the study is threefold: to analyze visitor perception of North Texas, estimate the value of media exposure for the North Texas region, and gauge the economic impact for North Texas from hosting the Super Bowl. When the study is completed, North Texas hopes it will come out the winner. (more…)

Tagged with: Cowboy Stadium • economy • Patrick Rishe • Super Bowl XLV • Texas • Webster University