Seventy-five Oregon Executive MBA alumni and current students met for an evening of networking and presentations on Thursday, April 2. The event was held in Portland at the Oregon College of Oriental Medicine, overlooking the site of the executive MBA program's future new home in the Old Town Chinatown neighborhood. A spacious balcony provided guests with a bird's-eye view of the site where construction will soon begin.
David Boush, the program's executive director, shared a presentation highlighting the program's current status and future plans, and he answered audience questions. Next, a representative from Gerding Edlen, the firm that is developing the new building, provided a detailed look the planned facility, including the sustainability features that the firm anticipates will enable it to qualify for LEED Gold status, a coveted level of green building design. Guests also got a sneak preview of the new building's interior design, thanks to the carpet and tile samples provided.
“One of the most exciting aspects of the Oregon Executive MBA program's new home will be its contribution to reenergizing the Old Town China Town Community in Portland. This neighborhood is right in the middle of the city, and I'm looking forward to what it will look like five years from now," said Boush.
Event attendees—who ranged from 1990 graduates to those who will receive their degrees in 2016—also enjoyed drinks and hors d"oeuvres. They additionally had the opportunity to participate in a raffle whose prizes included Oregon Executive MBA-branded goodies as well as tickets to a Portland Trail Blazers game and September's Oregon vs. Eastern Washington football game.
For director of marketing and executive admissions Julianna Sowash, the program's ongoing connection to its thriving alumni community is a vital part of its success.
“Our alumni are a tremendous part of the program's future," said Sowash. “They often refer students to the program or act as mentors to students. Events like these are an opportunity for us to share our updates and vision with our alumni, so they are well informed about our goals and accomplishments."
Want to be sure you're on the invite list for upcoming Oregon Executive MBA alumni events? Contact Wendy Sierra at sierraw@uoregon.edu