HBS Leaders on HBS | Alumni on Leadership | Community Memories

Community Memories

A collection of poignant, humorous stories and reminiscences on the HBS experience from our community members, including alumni, staff, and MBA students.

1-23 of 23 listed alphabetically by storyteller's last name

CLASS OF2009

Durdana Achakzai Story VIDEO: RT: 03:22

Story regarding her smooth transition into the flow of HBS through the Pre-MBA Program and her intentions of carrying forth the principles of business ethics and corporate social responsibilities into her role as a business leader. She commends Pre-MBA staff members, Maureen Walker and Joyce Majewski, for their dedication to ensuring the success of the experience and the international faculty for sharing their stories of acclimating themselves to life in the United States. The multiplicity of ideas and opinions expressed during class discussion serve as the basis for truly informed decision making. In her future capacities, she will construct her leadership on the foundational teachings of courses such as Leadership and Corporate Accountability.

 

STAFF

Sharon Black Story VIDEO: 7 minutes

Story regarding her experience working in the Campus Planning department at HBS for 20 years, making note of the caliber of staff, the schedule for revising the campus plan, and the impact this residential campus has on the student experience.

 

MBA2010

Oliver Bladek Story VIDEO: RT: 08:58

Story regarding his initial attraction to the "HBS mystique" and how he has managed to deal with the demands and joys of the MBA Program. After a former professor and HBS graduate recommended the program to him, he decided he was not ready yet and worked as a consultant in Toronto. The application process enabled him to reflect on his long-term career goals. For him the people of HBS are the core of the School. The faculty act as facilitators and expect the students to discover the answers together. The ninety members of his section are also his teachers and co-pilots on this intense yet also delightful adventure and will be his partners in life's journey.

 

STAFF

Noah Cain Story VIDEO: 05:00

Story regarding the dynamic collaboration of students and MBA Student Services to improve the HBS experience. As a staff member close in age to the student population, his ideas are as highly valued as his more senior colleagues in a team-oriented work environment. All the hard work pays off at the momentous occasions from registration to graduation and through his personal connections with students along the journey.

 

STAFF

Rebecca Dornin Story VIDEO: 6 minutes

Story regarding her experience taking part in the Pen Pal program, where one corresponds with elementary school students, through the HBS Human Resources department.

 

STAFF

Annmarie Fennelly Story VIDEO: 06:43

Story regarding her first position at HBS working with Prof. Jay Lorsch, who made her feel at home. She recounts dashing across campus in bare feet to deliver a typing job. In the Executive Education program, she worked business leaders from around the globe. She was called out of retirement to work with Prof. Linton Hayes. She describes the staff and faculty as a family and HBS as an institution of "understated elegance."

 

CLASS OF1998

José Gerstl Story VIDEO: RT: 04:48

Story regarding how his first year was arduous due to his English language difficulties, and then, with the assistance of Maureen Walker of MBA Support Services and his determination, he earned academic honors in his second year. He states that the interpersonal skills he acquired at HBS are as valuable as the business skills, while the friendships he made are invaluable.

 

STAFF

Susan Hamilton Story VIDEO: 12.5 minutes

Story regarding her experience working in the development department of HBS since 1992. She elaborates on her first business trip, the international travels of a "road warrior", getting to know alumni, and the solidarity of HBS staff.

 

STAFF

Frederick Hughes Story VIDEO: 8 minutes

Story regarding his experience working in the Operational Support Services department since 1965; a history of the evolution of that department and of the HBS campus.

 

STAFF

Ani Kharajian Story VIDEO: 08:01

Story regarding her years managing international Executive Education programs. She recounts the transformational experience of leading the Senior Executive Program for Southern Africa and how she convinced HBS to extend the program so that the participants could come to the School. She describes her professional growth through these programs and their global impact.

 

CLASS OF2008

Anny Kwok Story VIDEO: RT: 09:52

Story regarding how learning with such a diverse group of accomplished people has been at the heart of her HBS years. Prof. George's leadership class supplied a safe space for candidly sharing ideas. The faculty have continually responded to students' needs, and MBA Career Services has provided invaluable coaching and support. She will use her transformational experience to make a positive difference in the world.

 

CLASS OF2009

Gina Liao Story VIDEO: RT: 07:49

Story regarding her pleasant surprise at the warm and supportive environment of the Pre-MBA Program and the caring and personal attention from the faculty and staff. The program supplied the academic preparation for the academic system of the MBA Program. The international students found numerous affinities among themselves that flourished into harmonious unity. She extends her heartfelt gratitude to program staff members for their concern for her well-being. The most memorable moment of her first year was the frank and candid discussion of a case on child labor in Southeast Asia in Prof. Sandra Sucher's Leadership and Corporate Accountability course.

 

STAFF

Pat Light Story VIDEO: 08:32

Story regarding her thirty plus years at MBA Support Services working with students to ensure the best possible HBS experience for them. She narrates a story of helping a student's brother after the tragedy of September 11th. She describes the School's "culture of support" and how Harvard and HBS are "in her blood."

 

STAFF

Don Lippincott Story VIDEO: 5 minutes

Story regarding his experience working in the MBA Program department for over 7 years, with note of his previous employment at Harvard University.

 

CLASS OF1983

Bob Maginn Story VIDEO: RT: 04:27

Story regarding his long-term association with HBS and his abiding loyalty to and affection for the School. After writing cases with Prof. Joseph San Miguel, he entered the MBA Program and, even with his familiarity with the case method, was struck by its unique pedagogical dynamics and effectiveness in refining his communication skills. Completing the cycle of student through budding entrepreneur to established business leader, he returned to Prof. Quinn Mills's course on CEOs as a guest speaker with his wife, Ling Chai, MBA 1998. Pondering the changes in the School over the past twenty-five years, he is excited by the diversity and international character of the student body and their dedication to social enterprise and engagement in making the world a better place.

 

CLASS OF2003

Sava Marinkovich Story VIDEO: RT: 02:13

Story regarding his being on crutches during his first year of the MBA program and how the wonderful care he received from the staff is characteristic of the entire School. The incredible array of opportunities and resources at HBS induced him to hone his time management skills. The courses were so fascinating and the faculty was so superior at keeping ahead of new trends that he wanted to stay an extra year to take full advantage of both.

 

STAFF

Erika McCaffrey Story VIDEO: 4 minutes

Story regarding her experience working at the Baker Library, featuring nesting pigeons, a rug heist, and an inventive attempt to evade photocopying fees.

 

CLASS OF2009

Demaris Mills Story VIDEO: RT: 07:45

Story regarding the joint decision of Jon Sallade and DeMaris Mills to come to HBS, she as an MBA student and he as a staff member, her concerns about how they would fit in as married people, how her section has bonded with him, and how he is a support for her. She speaks of the importance felt by students that their loved ones share the intensity of the HBS experience, particularly case discussion.

 

STAFF

Marty O'Sullivan Story VIDEO: 4 minutes

Story regarding his experience working in the Operations department at HBS for 20 years, and his path there through landscaping. He makes note of the community spirit of HBS, and professorial paperwork.

 

CLASS OF2008

Avni Patel Story VIDEO: RT: 08:11

Story regarding how through classroom exchange, she was struck by the importance of listening to the ideas of others. The faculty's concern for the students has impressed her deeply. Her section bought a Christmas gift for a custodial staff member to show their appreciation of her work. Prof. Tom Piper's teaching has inspired her to be a better leader.

 

STAFF

Jon Sallade Story VIDEO: RT: 07:45

Story regarding the joint decision of Jon Sallade and DeMaris Mills to come to HBS, she as an MBA student and he as a staff member, her concerns about how they would fit in as married people, how her section has bonded with him, and how he is a support for her. She speaks of the importance felt by students that their loved ones share the intensity of the HBS experience, particularly case discussion.

 

STAFF

Rachel Vargas Story VIDEO: 03:40

Story regarding her starting work at HBS in the Finance Unit. She recounts how a co-worker, who was out sick and had not yet met her, called to sing her 'Happy Birthday.' She was made to feel very welcome, and she extends the same warmth to new staff members. A friend introduced her to Shad Gymnasium, and she takes full advantage of its facilities.

 

CLASS OF2009

Eduardo Weinstein Story VIDEO: 7 minutes

Story regarding his experience attending HBS in the 2000s, in terms of the caliber and community spirit of students, faculty and staff. The respect for and interest taken in international cultures evokes this spirit.