10 minutes with: Shirley Ann Jackson; from "The Business Review"

Pam Allen

Reporter- The Business Review

Jul 5, 2013, 6:00am EDT

http://www.bizjournals.com/albany/print-edition/2013/07/05/10-minutes-with-shirley-ann-jackson.html

Professor Stodder's Paper Has Global Reach

Professor Jim Stodder at the Venice Biennale

Rensselaer Professor James P. Stodder, Ph.D., Lally School of Management and Technology, has been a part of the International Scholars Program (ISP) faculty since ISP was launched in June 2008. Rensselaer’s ISP is a study abroad program for graduate students designed to expose young professionals to a first-hand set of international experiences in conjunction with global organizations. Students complete four and a half weeks of study in Rome, Italy, as one of the international destinations.

This year, after finishing his teaching assignment in Rome, Professor Stodder decided to visit the 55th International Art Exhibition in Venice, at the Venice Biennale (La Biennale di Venezia). Most major countries have national pavilions with exhibits there. The Greek Pavilion was a display with films on the history (and emotional symbolism) of money. Naturally, Dr. Stodder was quite interested in this exhibit since it is in his field of expertise.

Imagine his surprise when he came across one of his own academic papers cited in the main display area on evidence that alternative monetary systems can be viable. Professor Stodder’s paper was just one of a couple of dozen academic papers cited there. In addition to being known for his economics expertise, now he can claim his paper is a work of art!


View photos and read more about the Greek Pavilion display entitled, “History Zero,” at: https://www.facebook.com/HistoryZeroStefanosTsivopoulos and http://artsy.net/#GreekPavilion. Watch an interview with the Greek director of the display/film, artist Stefanos Tsivopoulos, at: http://www.labiennale.org/en/mediacenter/video/55-b60.html.


Dr. Stodder’s bio is available at: http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/faculty/bio/stodder_j.html. Visit his faculty homepage, http://www.ewp.rpi.edu/hartford/~stoddj/, to learn more about his academic publications and current research projects.

Rensselaer at Hartford Students Gain Real-World Perspective During an International Experience in Germany

Twenty Rensselaer graduate students, guided by Dr. David Rainey, Acting Dean and Professor of Practice, Rensselaer at Hartford, and Dr. Sudhangshu Bose, Professor of Practice, traveled to Munich, Germany, in May, to engage in discussions with executives from some of the most successful European corporations. 

The purpose of the week-long trip was to have a truly interactive learning experience and obtain insights and knowledge from cutting-edge leaders in high-tech businesses. The international trip is an integral component of Rensselaer’s M.S. in Management degree program with a concentration in Sustainability and Clean Energy Management, and the M.S. in Engineering Science with a concentration in Environmental and Energy Engineering. The coursework focuses on sustainability and how strategic and technical leaders create innovative solutions and robust systems. Classroom sessions were held at the Technical University of Munich (TUM). TUM is one of the top-ranked universities in Germany. 

Students visited: (1) Siemens’ Energy Sector transformer business unit in Nurnberg. Large 800kV to 1200kV power transformers that weigh as much as 400 tons are produced at this plant. Vice President Robert Stuerzebecher presented Siemens’ strategies, solutions, and the challenges facing its global business. (2) OSRAM Opto Semiconductor facility in Regensburg, which produces state-of-the-art LEDs that provide energy-efficient lighting solutions. Vice President Alfred Haas detailed the technical developments and the process requirements for producing high-tech products. (3) The MAN Truck and Bus operation in Munich is a top-ranked international supplier of commercial vehicles and transport solutions. CEO Anders Nielsen advocates that, “Sustainability is our worldwide responsibility towards society and environment.” (4) The Audi A4 assembly plant in Ingolstadt, where Dr. Antonia Wade, head of Corporate Responsibility, presented a compelling picture of Audi’s sustainability initiatives. (5) BMW’s WELT in Munich showcased their advanced designs such as an e-vehicle and hydrogen car. (6) President Johannes Winklhofer of IWIS Systems, a producer of specialty components in Munich, told the students, “With standard machines you only get standard parts; IWIS modifies machines to make them one of a kind to produce better parts that no one can copy.” And, (7) Porsche’s manufacturing facility in Stuttgart.   

View photos at: www.ewp.rpi.edu/academics/study_abroad/munich05_2013/index.html  

Rensselaer’s International Scholars Program Awarded a CQIA Gold Innovation Prize

The Connecticut Quality Improvement Award (CQIA) Partnership’s 26^th Annual Conference on Quality and Innovation was held on June 12. Rensselaer’s International Scholars Program (ISP) was awarded a Gold Innovation Prize for 2013. John Maleyeff, Ph.D., Associate Dean for Academic Affairs and Professor of Practice, represented Rensselaer at the Conference and accepted the award on behalf of all the faculty and support staff who comprise the ISP team.  

ISP is designed to expose young professionals to a first-hand set of international experiences in conjunction with global organizations. Initiated in June 2008, the ISP is a study abroad program for graduate students. It combines coursework, visits to local business and industry sites, expert guest speakers, and a comprehensive project. Credits are incorporated into several Master’s degree programs at Rensselaer. Students are joined by Rensselaer professors who teach courses and coordinate all other events. A total of 18 outside-of-classroom events take place during the time abroad. The ISP project provides an opportunity for students to solve internationally relevant real-world problems, in conjunction with an organization located in one of the resident locations. 
           
Since its inception, 91 students have participated in the ISP. As a result, they have enhanced educational opportunities (e.g., many have been offered impressive internships), better employment opportunities (e.g., many have been considered distinct from peers with similar degrees), and they benefit personally and professionally by experiencing life as a global citizen. An unintended benefit for faculty members is their own career development.  They have a renewed awareness of global business, cultural, and industry issues, and have brought this knowledge to the working professional classroom in Hartford. Learn more about Rensselaer’s ISP at: www.ewp.rpi.edu/isp.
          
The Connecticut Quality Improvement Award (CQIA) Partnership Inc., America’s first state-level quality award was founded in 1987 utilizing the Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award for Performance Excellence criteria in an effort to advance innovative programs that improve quality performance and marketplace competitiveness. Annually, the CQIA Partnership sponsors Five Steps to the Baldrige Award, with the CQIA Innovation Prize as Step One.

Acting Dean, David Rainey, has Book Published on The Pursuit of Sustainable Leadership

David L. Rainey, Ph.D., Acting Dean, Rensselaer at Hartford, and Professor of Practice in the Lally School of Management and Technology, has authored the book, The Pursuit of Sustainable Leadership: Becoming a Successful Strategic Leader through Principles, Perspectives and Professional Development, recently published by Information Age Publishing.

Sustainable Leadership (SL) encompasses the broad roles and responsibilities of leaders that cut across the whole organization and the entire extended enterprise. The underpinnings of SL require strategic leaders and professionals to play leading roles in dealing with critical issues affecting business and people.

According to Dr. Rainey, “Sustainable strategic leaders ensure that their organizations and enterprises are fully capable and responsive to external forces and market spaces and have the potential to be successful. They serve and support markets, customers, and stakeholders and provide them with solutions and successful outcomes.”

The Pursuit of Sustainable Leadership (PSL) involves the ongoing learning and development of business leaders and students to become true strategic leaders who employ the principles, philosophies, values, capabilities and perspectives for achieving sustainable success. “True leaders are dedicated to their endeavors and never stop making transitions and transformations to higher levels of sophistication,” said Professor Rainey. To learn more about the book, please visit: http://www.infoagepub.com/products/The-Pursuit-of-Sustainable-Leadership.

New PayScale Rankings for 2013 Announced

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked 9^th for “2013 College Education ROI Rankings – Best ROI by Region, Northeast Schools”

• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked 13^th for “2013 College Education ROI Rankings – ROI Rank for Private not-for-profit Universities”
• Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute ranked 21^st for “2013 College Education ROI Rankings – Overall College ROI Rank”

-- PayScale

Read more about the rankings at:
http://www.payscale.com/research/US/School=Rensselaer_Polytechnic_Institute_(RPI)/Salary

Rensselaer Commencement Speaker and Honorands Announced for 2013

Renowned Human Rights and Civil Liberties Pioneer Congressman John Lewis To Address Rensselaer Graduates at 207th Commencement

Retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula M. Burns, and Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Pioneer Patty Stonesifer Also Will Receive Honorary Degrees May 25

U.S. Representative John Lewis (D-GA) — one of the nation’s most dedicated and courageous civil rights leaders — will address Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute graduates at the 207th Commencement May 25, 2013. He will join a group of high-level business, military, and nonprofit foundation leaders who will participate in the graduation ceremonies.

Lewis will receive an honorary degree, along with Retired Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Admiral Mike Mullen, Xerox Chairman and CEO Ursula M. Burns, and Microsoft and Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation pioneer Patty Stonesifer.

“Congressman Lewis is indeed a ‘profile in courage,’ an extraordinary example of the power of an individual to change the world,” President Shirley Ann Jackson said. “At about the same age as our students, he stood up for what was right by sitting down at lunch counters, walking across a bridge in Selma, and marching on Washington. In doing so, with a persistent commitment to non-violence, he helped lead our nation through the civil rights era to a new day. Long considered the ‘conscience of the U.S. Congress,’ for more than a half century he has remained steadfast in his pursuit of equality, justice, and fairness for all. We are honored to have this Presidential Medal of Freedom recipient and true American hero address the graduates at Rensselaer.

 “We also look forward to honoring and hearing from three other influential leaders in corporate America, the military, and the foundation and nonprofit sectors,” President Jackson added. “As chairman and CEO of Xerox, Ursula Burns has led the transformation of a Fortune 500 company, and the conversation on the importance of inviting young people to pursue math and science careers. As former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, Admiral Mike Mullen guided the U. S. armed services through a shift in mission and in culture. As Chair of the White House Council on Community Solutions, and a pioneer in Microsoft and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Patty Stonesifer has remained focused on creating access, reducing inequities, and expanding opportunities for others. Each has been global in reach and profound in impact, and we are honored by their participation in our Commencement.”