The Carson Scholars Program: Celebrating 15 Years
The Carson Scholars Program:
Celebrating 15 Years
N
ot all learning takes place in a classroom.
Sometimes the most impactful education occurs out in the real world, where one can immerse themselves in the subject material. Mr. Carson, you understand this. For the past 15 years, the Carson Scholars Program has combined the best of both educational worlds, pairing a focused classroom experience with real-world exposure to the moving parts of Washington, D.C. This program puts BBA students at the University of Michigan Ross School of Business at the epicenter of business and public policy in our nation’s capital. By establishing a fund that covers tuition for the unique three-credit course, you help empower students with the tools needed to incorporate public policy into managerial decision making and strategic planning. The Carson Scholars program is truly a highlight of Ross students’ time at U-M, as evidenced by the fond memories that stay with them years later. Mr. Carson, thank you for helping us make a world of difference through business education at Michigan Ross. Your commitment to excellence inspires us all. We look forward to the next 15 years.
Dear David, It’s hard to believe that fifteen years have passed since Frank Wilhelme introduced us during a conference call on June 9, 2005. Little did we know that from that call would emerge one of the premier learning experiences at the University of Michigan. The Carson Scholars Program benefits Ross students in many ways. Entering students, for example, often mention that the program influenced their decision to select the University of Michigan over other leading universities. During their time at Ross, students have selected the program as the highest impact learning experience in the BBA program. This is a typical comment: “The Carson Scholars program was, for me, the most significant educational experience as a Ross undergraduate. There is simply no lecture hall equivalent to having a former Federal Reserve official shed light on current economic conditions in the same boardroom where Chairman Bernanke and the other governors set the Federal Funds Rate.” And Ross alumni often let me know about the continuing impact of the program on their careers. Here is an example: “The Carson Scholars program was nothing short of life changing. It opened my eyes to new possibilities and ignited what was a spark of interest in government into a bonfire. I was so fascinated that I am now working on a PhD in Political Science where I am studying business regulation and economic development—kind of like getting a PhD in Carson Scholars curriculum!” This impact is the product of your vision in creating the program. As a result of your long and successful career in insurance and banking, you understood that business leaders need to know how government works. You also realized that education about the public policy process was missing from BBA programs. The Carson Scholars Program fills this curricular gap by providing students with the concepts and tools needed when they assume leadership positions in business and government. As one student put it: “Not until I came to this class did I fully understand all the ways business leaders can use public policy to promote their ideals.” Beyond the program in Washington, you serve as a role model for students by virtue of your unique combination of business success and civic service. I am fortunate to have witnessed the values that you, Sara, and Peter bring to both your professional and family endeavors. Thank you for your innovative spirit, for your leadership and for your friendship. — George Siedel
“A true highlight of the experience is the annual trip to Washington where students directly interact with a wide range of policy experts and policy makers drawn from a range of political perspectives. Students are able to get a feel for how policy discussions happen in real time and the enduring importance of relationships and the fact gathering process. The interactions with policy makers include discussions with Members of Congress, particularly during the visit to Capitol Hill that usually includes time on the floor of the House of Representatives. Students also attend
Senate and House hearings and have unstructured time to explore around the Capitol and the Congressional offices, which always leaves them with a sense of how advocacy happens in Washington. The entire D.C.-based experience adds to the students’ understanding of how public policy is made and a sense that if a business is not in on the discussion then the negative ramifications can be severe.” — Norm Bishara, Faculty Director
In this commemorative book, scholars from
throughout the Carson Scholars Program’s 15
years share their personal messages about what they’re currently doing in their career, how the
program impacted them, and their gratitude to you, David Carson, the donor who made the program possible.
Kristen Nicole Boschma Vanderploeg BBA 2014, MAcc 2015 Personal Update:
Since graduating with my Master's in the spring of 2015, I passed the CPA exam and began my career as a tax accountant with Plante Moran in Ann Arbor. Then, in the fall of 2016, I moved to Washington DC and started working for Cotton and Company as a staff auditor in the federal space. I am now an acting Manager with Cotton and I specialize in Department of Defense financial statement audits. I met a wonderful man from California shortly after I moved to DC, and he and I got married November 9, 2019. He is a special agent with the United States Capitol Police Dignitary Protection Division. We now reside in Old Town Alexandria with our adorable toy poodle, Lincoln.
Program Impact:
I remember the diversity in opportunity. DC is a melting pot of people, but also of jobs. There were so many individuals that came to speak to us of all backgrounds and professional experience making an impact day-to-day and shaping policies and government from the inside and out.
Gratitude Message:
Thank you for providing students like myself with an opportunity to go out into the world and be cultured. Public policy, politics, and government are the foundation of our country, and every individual has an opportunity to make an impact. The Carson Scholars program opened my eyes to unique world of Washington DC. It left such an impact on me that I actually made the move to DC shortly after graduating. I am a CPA specializing in DoD audits. I am on the ground floor alongside generals and high ranking government officials working to enact changes that will impact all of the DoD and create an audit- able agency. My job has afforded me the opportunity to travel all over the world, and I am incredibly grateful to the Carson Scholars program for introducing me to the city I now live in.
Alison Bronson, BBA 2012 Personal Update: Since I graduated from Ross, I made a career switch and earned my Master’s degree in Social Work at the University of Chicago. I now work as a private practice therapist to children and adults facing mental health difficulties. Program Impact: My experience as a Carson Scholar ignited my passion for public policy issues that contributed to me pursuing my Master’s in Social Work after graduating from Ross. However, the most valuable experience I came away with was meeting my husband on the program, who was also a Carson Scholar that year! Gratitude Message: Thank you so much for making this wonderful program available to so many students. I can’t express enough gratitude for the impact it had on my professional and personal life!
Nina Chen, BBA 2018 Personal Update:
Since graduation, I have been pursuing a career in category management to help drive decision-making in the beverage category. In my personal time, I enjoy sharing my experiences with younger students, playing with my cat, and learning to cook.
Program Impact:
One of the most important values I learned in Carson Scholarship is the impact that people can make, especially my own decision to vote, to stay engaged with my world's issues and topics because all political representatives rely on their constituents to be successful.
Gratitude Message:
Thank you, Mr. David Carson, from BBA '55 and other donors who support the Carson Scholars Program at Michigan Ross for better equipping my post- college adult life with knowledge and skills to be an active contributor to my community. I am so grateful for this opportunity that helped me learn about our policy process and shape my desire to be a positive impact on society.
Jacky Chu, BBA 2018
Personal Update: I moved to New York City and have been working for BlackRock ever since graduating from Ross. Program Impact: I gained a significantly better understanding of how the American political system works; I have started to leverage that knowledge to access how actions from the government impact the financial markets. Gratitude Message: Thank you Mr. Carson for your generous support to the program and enlightening Michigan Ross students.
Autumn Coulter, BBA 2019
Personal Update: I have moved to New York City full time to join a post-grad, sales rotational program at ViacomCBS. Program Impact: The opportunity to see the intersection of business and public policy gave me a fresh perspective on the working world. This program gave me a greater appreciation for policy and sparked a political curiosity within me. Gratitude Message: Thank you for providing us with the opportunity to expand our education outside of the walls of the University of Michigan! As someone who was not financially able to study abroad, this course gave me the chance to gain a similar learning experience in a domestic setting. Your generous contributions are building a class of leaders who are well-rounded and can see the unique impact policy has on business.
Elliott Darvish, BBA 2011 Personal Update: I did four years of investment banking and have been running a startup I co-founded with my brothers for the past four years. Program Impact: Professor Siedel, he was really an incredible professor. I have a passion for politics as is and I thought it was cool to see the relationship between policy and business. I also saw the challenge of running for congress/senate and representing your district/state. Sometimes you may be representing an unpopular stance on something but that's your job. Gratitude Message: Thank you for your generous donation. The program had quite an impact on me and I'm grateful I was accepted and was able to attend.
Matthew DeGulis, BBA 2014 Personal Update:
Since graduating, I’ve had two jobs in finance. First, I worked in investment banking at JP Morgan in Chicago. And now I work in Equity Research with KeyBank in New York.
Program Impact:
The strongest memory I have from the Carson Scholar Program was meeting Rep. John Dingell. He spoke to us for probably close to an hour, and I got a chance to ask him a question. I remember one of his aides kept bugging him, saying he had to go to his next meeting. But Rep. Dingell chose to be late to his next meeting to speak with us. I will always remember how kind and forthright he was with us. I’m so thankful I got to meet him before he passed.
Gratitude Message:
To the donors who support this program, especially Mr. David Carson, I say thank you for funding a program that exposes BBAs to the world of Washington and policy-making. It made me feel more connected to my country, and helped me gain a clear-eyed understanding of how stuff gets done. I look back on my class very fondly.
Andrew DeNooyer, BBA 2015 Personal Update:
Since Ross I decided to stay local in Michigan. I spent time in merchandising and finance in a corporate setting at Meijer, Inc. From there I decided to move on to a more entrepreneurial environment back home in Kalamazoo. I am now leading business development and future projects for our company, 633 Group. Personally, I have supported local political races and issues. I've participated in groups like the West Michigan Policy Forum and Comm PAC in an effort to advocate for our local economy at the state level.
Program Impact:
The Carson Scholar program drove home the marriage of governing, public policy, and business for me. Our speakers shed light onto their respective corners of Washington, some areas I had never imagined! The exposure we were given has been an immensely valuable resource.
Gratitude Message:
Thank you for your immense generosity. The Carson Scholars program was a highlight of my time at Ross and it would not have been possible without you! My future efforts and endeavors have been shaped by your support.
Erin Dingrando, BBA 2015
Personal Update: After graduating with a Masters in Accounting from Michigan Ross in 2016, I went to work for Deloitte’s Audit practice in Chicago. While at Deloitte I specialized in real estate and the not for profit sectors. I left Deloitte in November 2018 to continue my career with Alvarez and Marsal’s Disputes and Investigations practice where I currently assist several testifying experts in arbitration’s and federal trials involving technical accounting and economic analyses. Program Impact: One of the more eye-opening discussions I remember having was with lobbyists. They discussed how they stand as a voice in Washington for businesses and industry. This is a sector, I would have known nothing about had it not been for the Washington Campus. Gratitude Message: Coming from a rural Michigan farm town, my understanding of Washington and business’ interaction with government was limited at best. The enrichment to my education that the Washington Campus provided is unparalleled. My experience there helped me to broaden my lens and be more impactful when communicating, be it professionally or personally. Thank you for your generosity and investment in my education.
Joel Goldstein, BBA 2017 Personal Update: After graduating, I interned at the New York State Supreme Court. I observed cases before Justice Charles Ramos of the Commercial Division. Then I worked at a Bronx middle school for City Year AmeriCorps. After that I was an immigration paralegal at Fragomen. I am now a 1L at NYU School of Law. Program Impact: The tour of Congress was a unique experience that I won’t forget. Managing the (simulated) federal budget was also as memorable as it was challenging. Gratitude Message: My experience doing Carson Scholars was truly instrumental for my development and my ultimate decision to go to law school. When I have described the program to classmates in law school or potential employers, they are impressed. I’m so grateful to have had the opportunity.
Matthew Haven, BBA 2008 Personal Update: Since graduation, I've worked in management consulting, launched multiple healthcare startups, and built my own small tourism business. Program Impact: The Carson Scholars program was a fascinating glimpse into the world of public policy and a wonderful opportunity to study outside Ann Arbor. I learned a lot and remember it very fondly! Gratitude Message: Thank you for your very generous support!
Erin Johnson, BBA 2018 Personal Update: After graduating from Ross, I moved to San Francisco to begin a Human Resources rotational program at Cisco. I've done work ranging from data analytics, leadership coaching, social impact program management, stakeholder management, business strategy, and mergers & acquisitions. I love spending time exploring the city and the outdoors, traveling around the country to see friends, staying active, and following international affairs and politics. I've been spending time working on social impact initiatives both inside and outside of my company. Program Impact: I met my best friend, Danny Madion, through the Carson Scholars program. We connected on our first day of the program when we decided to take a walk to the Washington Monument together. On that walk, we started to talk about how people who were "just like us" were in charge of our justice system, how everything is inherently political, and how if people could understand that everything operates in an interconnected web, maybe political conversations could be easier. To this day, Danny is my favorite debate challenger, and we continue to discuss how the law has the power to change lives. Gratitude Message: Thank you for your generosity! My experience through the Carson Scholars program helped spark my interest in the intersection between business and politics. As time goes on, and as I continue to learn more about corporations, government, and the world, I feel grateful to have even a small background in the underpinnings of all of them as a result of the program. I sincerely appreciate the gift of education that you gave to me. I'll try my best to put it to good use!
Brian Juhyuk Lee, BBA 2018 Personal Update: I've been working as an innovation and strategy consultant, trying to help companies revamp their strategies and make their companies more innovative. Personally, I've completed my first triathlon and joined the ambassador program for a non-profit on global affairs. Program Impact: The program was phenomenal with great speakers throughout the week! If anything, I would've loved it to be longer! I thoroughly enjoyed going with my classmates as that greatly enhanced the experience and still keep in touch with some of them today. Gratitude Message: Thank you Mr. Carson! I had never visited D.C. until the Carson Scholars program and was amazed at its beauty and culture. I loved learning about how policy in the US is made in the city its made in. Without your contribution, I would not have had a once in a lifetime experience. Thank you so much for your generosity, and I hope you continue to fund the program.
Veena Katragadda, BBA 2015 Personal Update: I have been working at Target Corp. and have worked in the digital marketing and corporate responsibility function. Program Impact: I remember learning so much about the different stakeholders that participate in any business-public policy forum (ie, media, lobbyists, activists, think tanks, etc). These learnings have only helped me in my current role on Target's Corporate Responsibility team. Gratitude Message: Thank you so much! In another world, I don't know if I would've gotten the opportunity to participate in Carson Scholars without your generous donation. The learnings from that week in DC have only helped me think differently about my career and where I'd like to make an impact. I, consistently, refer back to my experience as guidance in my current role on Target's Corporate Responsibility team. Carson Scholars is one of my favorite memories from my time at Ross.
Rebecca (Portney) Kirby, BBA 2012 Personal Update:
After working in consulting I went back to grad school for my MBA. Post MBA I have been working for NEST360° (Newborn Essential Solutions and Technologies), an international multi-disciplinary initiative dedicated to reducing newborn mortality rates in nations across the world. NEST360° is based on the idea that bundling newborn care along with marketing and distribution services are key to sustainably reducing preventable newborn deaths in sub-Saharan Africa. NEST360° is working towards the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals to reduce newborn mortality.
Program Impact:
Gained first-hand experience learning about how private interest groups and large corporations play a role in influencing our government through lobbying and public-private partnerships. Also sparked my passion for foreign policy, especially in emerging markets, and how governments around the world interact together and shape the global economy.
Gratitude Message:
Thank you for giving me the opportunity to explore my interest in public policy through my education at Ross. This program was influential in shaping my initial understanding of politics and private interests and ultimately sparked my passion for federal policy and foreign affairs.
Joseph Marshall, BBA 2011 Personal Update: I began my career in marketing and brand management for a large consumer goods company. After four years, I began to get a little restless - lacking the ability to find meaning in my work. Due to this, I decided to take a drastically different step and I joined the Peace Corps, serving in Botswana. While in Botswana I decided that the next phase of my career would likely be in the public sector, in some capacity. Upon completing my Peace Corps service, I went back to school to receive my Master's degree in public policy. I'm now a consultant for government and public sector clients, blending my business background with a desire for mission driven work. In somewhat of a full circle I am now living in Washington DC! of my company. Program Impact: I mostly remember the feeling I had during that week. I was inspired...and inspired by more than just the prospect of getting a job. I was inspired by possibilities that the Carson program was opening my eyes to. Business, and business education, didn't have to be solely about financial fluency and market dominance but could also be a force for good and outlet to make an impact on the world. Gratitude Message: Thank you for enabling this opportunity for me and for so many others. You helped to continue to enable my intellectual curiosity, which is a gift that has continued to serve me well throughout my life. For this, I'm incredibly grateful to you.
Patrick Mathieson, BBA 2010 Personal Update: I spent three years in operating roles in enterprise software businesses, followed by five and a half years so far in venture capital. Recently I relocated to Los Angeles and work with my colleagues there to source & lead investments in software startups. Program Impact: The Washington Campus program was one of the highlights of my college experience -- I vividly remember the lectures, the visits to the Senate chambers, the introductions to legislators, and the social time on the trip (I turned 21 during the program so everyone sang to me & we all went out together afterward for drinks). For me personally, the best memories of my Michigan academic experience were the ones that were most interdisciplinary, so the marriage of Business & Public Policy was a major highlight. Gratitude Message: I'm extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in the program & I recommend it heartily to any students whose curiosities bend towards the multidisciplinary. In my opinion the best way to support Ross students is to give them opportunities and experiences outside the four walls of the School of Business. The Carson Scholars program certainly qualifies, and I believe it's helped me become a more thoughtful and well-rounded businessperson. Thank you very much for the support and I very much hope that the program continues!
Meghan Meneguzzi, BBA 2018 Personal Update: Since graduating from Ross in 2018, I have been living in San Francisco and working for Salesforce.com. My job is to help the C-suite develop its long range plan and communicate it to investors and the board. Program Impact: My experience at the Washington Campus brought the relationship of business and public policy into clearer focus, with immersive simulations of government work, engaging presentations by longstanding government professionals, and thoughtful class conversation. Gratitude Message: Thank you for sharing this amazing experience with a bright, diverse class of Michigan Ross students. We developed valuable insight into government process, policy, and infrastructure. But equally important, we formed invaluable friendships!
Abhimanyu Muchhal, BBA 2018 Personal Update: I am a Product Manager at Facebook in the SF Bay Area. Program Impact: The Washington Campus program was an amazing crash course in thinking about policy from a business perspective. I learned a lot about the federal budget and how a majority of it is mandatory spending (vs discretionary). Gratitude Message: Today, where confidence in government and civic participation is at an all time low, and political polarization is high -- programs like the Carson Scholars which teach students how to understand government are immensely valuable. Thank you for your contributions.
Ariel Olaiz, BBA 2007 Personal Update:
After graduating from Ross in 2007, I moved to NYC to work for BlackRock doing business development for Central Banks and SWFs in Latin America. After six years, I decided to move back to Mexico to join the growing FinTech ecosystem. I am currently the CFO for a startup that provides instant access to wages and financial services for the base of the pyramid.
Program Impact:
The Carson Scholars program was a fundamental part of my education because it provided me with a policy lens through which I could analyze business problems. The program heavily influenced my decision to enter the investment management industry post-Ross in a role that catered primarily to central banks, sovereign wealth funds, and other official institutions!
Gratitude Message:
I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for the generosity you and your family have shown in endowing this fund to Ross. It is truly humbling to receive an award from someone who has contributed so much to business, government, and business education in the United States.
Austen Park, BBA 2017 Personal Update:
I started work at IBM upon graduation as an applications consultant. After a year and a half, I joined LEK where I have worked in strategy consulting with 10+ clients in the industrial and consumer sectors.
Program Impact:
The integrative business and legislative curriculum was certainly immersive. But my most vivid memory was of a friend named Joe who attempted a food challenge during lunch at a local DC restaurant. This kid tried to eat a sandwich that legitimately must have weighed two pounds (plus chips), ultimately throwing up but returning to class on time and in great form.
Gratitude Message:
Thank you all so much for sponsoring was what a life changing opportunity! When I think about a potential future in public policy, it is in large part because of the great experience I had in DC during the Carson Scholars Program.
Adam Percy , BBA 2007 Personal Update:
Since graduating from Ross, I spent time with Teach For America and other pursuits before ultimately moving to Australia, where I am now an inhouse lawyer for a 'FinTech' payments company called Openpay. Before that, I practiced in mergers and acquisitions at Allens, a large Australian corporate law firm.
Program Impact:
When I think on my time as a Carson Scholar I will always remember the thrilling pace of DC, the breadth of topics covered (by an impressive list of presenters) and the ever-present realization that "this is how things ACTUALLY work!". Following the week-long course, I was fortunate to complete my Carson Scholar research at the Harvard Law School while spending that summer in Boston. Put simply, the Carson Scholar program was THE highlight of my Michigan education.
Gratitude Message:
To Mr. Carson and the other donors to the Carson Scholars program, I cannot say thank you enough. As a kid from a small town in Michigan who wanted to go to college "to figure out how the world works", the opportunities afforded by the Carson Scholars program were beyond anything I could have imagined. My experience as a Carson Scholar remained influential in my career path, and is ultimately what inspired me to become an in-house lawyer, where a significant amount of my time is spent at the intersection of business and the public policy process. Cheers to all of you, and especially to Mr. Carson.
Alexa Porter, BBA 2020 Personal Update:
I am currently working towards graduating and am applying for jobs, mostly in consulting. I hope to work for a few years and then return for a Masters in Public Policy, MBA or a JD.
Program Impact:
I gained a new perspective on how all the 'moving parts' of Washington D.C. interplay and work together. It was absolutely fascinating understanding more of the 'behind the scenes' work that happens as well as hearing more about how business is playing an ever more integral part in politics and policymaking.
Gratitude Message:
Thank you so much for making this program possible. I have been passionate and interested in business and public policy since high school and could never find a course that seemed to merge my interests until I became a Carson Scholar. Having the opportunity to hear from so many experts and interact with them was invaluable to me and solidified my desire to pursue a career within that intersection. Thank you again for supporting my and so many others' passions and helping us realize what we can do after graduation.
Chelsea Racelis, BBA 2019 Personal Update:
After graduating from Ross, I took time to travel with loved ones before starting in my role at Ernst & Young in their People Advisory Services practice. I've been lucky enough to balance work with some passion projects in social justice and human rights while exploring my new city of residence, Chicago!
Program Impact:
I was both impressed and intrigued by all of the wonderful speakers and
visits throughout the program, but I think my absolute favorite part would be the conversations I had outside of formal programming with the people around me. I remember one night over tacos, a group of six of us got into a fun and animated debate about some topic we had encountered that day. It was the first time that I had deeply engaged with other business students on topics that were not strictly business - and I learned a lot from their perspectives. After Carson Scholars, I know many of us felt like more of these conversations should be part of our business school experience.
Gratitude Message:
I'm endlessly grateful for my Carson Scholars experience and the friends I gained from it. Thank you, Mr. Carson, for the opportunity you gave me and so many others.
Mira Sanghvi, BBA 2019 Personal Update: I work as a financial analyst for Microsoft. I work to understand past and future trends for certain products while working with various stakeholders to make effective investment decisions. Program Impact: I loved getting the opportunity to see the House Chamber. It was incredible to be in a room where so many laws and bills were passed. Gratitude Message:
Thank you for giving us the opportunity to gain a better understand of the US government through a business lens. It was an experience I fondly remember.
Sarah Schachner, BBA 2019 Personal Update:
I lead all consumer insights and strategy for KeVita, a functional health brand within PepsiCo’s beverage portfolio.
Program Impact:
As a Carson Scholar, I learned about the importance of business and government working together. It can be both advantageous for businesses and society to communicate and work together. Additionally, as a professional in the Consumer goods space, I learned the importance of protecting and advocating for consumers and following legal regulations. This is especially relevant to me as I champion the consumer in my day to day at PepsiCo.
Gratitude Message:
Thank you for enabling myself and my peers to feel empowered within the public policy space. As business students, it is not every day that we are consciously thinking about policy and government involvement, but it is essential to understand and include in any successful business!
Ali K. Shammou, BBA 2019 Personal Update:
Professionally, I have been working through the Global Purchasing & Supply Chain rotational program at General Motors. The program is two years and aims to provide members a holistic yet detailed perspective on the world of purchasing, manufacturing, and supply chain in the automotive industry. Personally, I am enjoying my current friendships/relationships and always having fun making new ones. I live in Detroit and do what I can to give back to the community that raised me.
Program Impact:
The Carson Scholars program was absolutely phenomenal. The exposure to the world where business and politics intersect heavily prepared me for my current role at General Motors where business and politics have already quite frequently intermingled. It was a memorable and valuable experience that would be tough to give up.
Gratitude Message:
Thank you for making this program a reality. With your support, you've made previous students such as myself more equipped for the real world.
Apoorvee Singhal, BBA 2019 Personal Update: After graduating from Ross, I had an internship in Boston and currently I am working as a Research Assistant at Ross. I just signed an offer with PwC Middle East to join as a Consultant in their Dubai office starting August 2020, and I am finally making my way into consulting. Personally, I have been spending time reading, working out, and meeting new people as well as taking certain classes to enhance my skillset. Program Impact: I really enjoyed learning about the various perspectives on public policy and that impacting business decisions and strategy across industries in the United States. I also enjoyed learning about the litigation process behind advocating for what is right and gathering support to do the right things for the greater good of the economy and society. Gratitude Message: Thank you so much for your generous donation to the Carson Scholars Program, and for your belief and trust in the Ross School of Business. I feel honored to be part of such an incredible program that allows students to expand their horizons and learn the impact that public policy has on business industries and organizations.
Pierre de Smet, BBA 2019 Personal Update: Since graduating from Ross in December of 2019 I have made the most of my time off before work and moved out to Aspen, Colorado to ski and explore nature. I will begin my full-time position in early May in Chicago. Program Impact: I loved the ability to speak directly with policymakers in Washington and learn about how they spend their days influencing and shaping American politics. It was great to see how passionate all these individuals were. Gratitude Message: Thank you very much for your support and helping inspire us to make our own difference in the future!
Brenden Taylor, BBA 2016 Personal Update:
I have been working in the investment banking industry in New York City since graduating from Ross in 2016. Specifically focused on Debt Capital Markets I work with the largest technology, media, and telecom companies in the world to help finance transactions and fund their balance sheet.
Program Impact:
It was just exciting the actual exposure we got as students being in D.C. and getting up close and personal with politicians, dissecting what was happening in real time. Obviously we covered so much around politics and the relationship with business on a macro level, but it was eye opening just the unique proximity we were able to get to the material, outside the classroom.
Gratitude Message:
The Carson Scholars program was the most unique experience I had in my college career. In my opinion, more than anything it represents redefining what you think is possible. The program expanded my horizons to another world and it made me feel that there was so much knowledge and resources at my disposal that I could take advantage of. That is an invaluable gift, so I am extremely humbled and grateful that Mr. Carson and other donors made that experience possible. It has had an affect on me to this day! Thank you!
Neil Thanedar, BBA 2010 Personal Update: I started my first company (a testing laboratory) the same month that I graduated from Ross (May 2020), so I'm now coming up on 10 full years of entrepreneurship. Program Impact: I loved that the Carson Scholars Program brought together Ross students with an interest in politics and got us thinking deeper about how entrepreneurs can positively impact our government. It's great to see business and politics as complementary rather than conflicting forces. Gratitude Message: Despite being just one week long, the Carson Scholars program is still the most frequently remembered class among my Ross friends ten years later. Being in DC for the class made the experience even more immersive.
Neal Uppal, BBA 2007 Personal Update: I spent the first several years of my career working in management consulting, working for Bain in its Chicago and Boston offices. Five years ago, I transitioned to the tech industry, working for start-ups in the fleet and now autonomous vehicle industries. Program Impact: As an International student, before the Carson Scholar Program, I did not have detailed knowledge of how US government functioned, and how it interfaced with the business sector. The Washington Campus was instrumental in giving me a base level of knowledge that I have since relied on multiple times in my career, especially when working in regulatoryintensive industries. Some of my key takeaways from the class were that business and public policy were linked in more ways than most people realized, and that business could really be a force to do good in society. Gratitude Message: Thank you so much for your support for this wonderful program! It truly was one of my most memorable weeks of my entire college experience. Beyond the unparalleled classroom experience (which included truly amazing speakers), I also made many lasting friendships on that trip that I have maintained to this day. Thank you and Go Blue!!
Matthew Wang, BBA 2011 Personal Update: I started working as an investment banking analyst after graduating from the Ross School of Business in 2011. After a couple of years, I moved on to the hedge fund Citadel in an internal strategy consulting role. Later I transferred internally to a technology strategy and project management role. I mainly helped to manage projects for the long/short Fundamental Equities businesses, but also worked with the IT teams serving other front and middle office functions (e.g. Credit, Treasury, Legal and Compliance, Portfolio Construction and Risk). Further, I helped coordinate large scale infrastructure projects and worked on a data visualization (i.e. Tableau) project as well. Program Impact: I remember learning about the importance of business leaders working with Congressional representatives to educate them on key issues, and advocating for their own interests. It was also super interesting to hear from a variety of speakers from different backgrounds (e.g. staff of a Congressional representative, different regulatory agencies, think tanks, lobbying groups, etc.). Gratitude Message: Many, many thanks to Mr. David Carson and all the other generous donors who make the Carson Scholars program possible. It was an honor to be selected and provided a truly unique and memorable learning opportunity.
Joe Weber, BBA 2020 Personal Update: As I graduate from Ross this spring, I'll be moving to Chicago to work in investment banking at William Blair. Gratitude Message: Thank you so much for your support. Your generosity inspires me to work hard now so that someday I can pay it forward in a similar manner to yourself!
The arrival of the COVID-19 coronavirus in the spring of 2020 affected the way we live, work, and learn. Most of our interpersonal interactions switched to an online video format, with classes, meetings, and even social exchanges taking place on monitors. The global pandemic’s impact on the Carson Scholars Program was no different, as the Washington, D.C. portion of the course connected students, faculty and guest speakers via computer. During the week of May 4, 2020, Carson Scholars logged in to Zoom to hear from program founder David Carson, his son Peter, and a host of other officials shaping public policy in the nation’s capital.
Halaina Jimenez, BBA ’21, said the program opened her eyes to the possibilities of a career in public policy that she had not considered previously. “Even though we were virtual this year, The Washington Campus and Associate Dean and Professor Bishara did a fantastic job in making our
experience valuable,” she said. “In many ways, meeting over Zoom allowed us to spend more time with several guest speakers than we normally would have been able to have. I also personally felt more comfortable in a virtual setting developing and asking in-depth questions than I would have been had we been in a traditional classroom.”
Thank you David and the Carson family! "One of my favorite memories of each year is getting to have dinner on Sunday night with David and often Sara Carson and to hear their perspective on what is going on in the world and why they have so generously invested in this unique undergraduate experience. I’m also thoroughly excited that we have now been able to get their son Peter, an expert on public affairs and advocacy with a wealth of experience across the Washington, D.C. landscape, involved in speaking to students and as a regular presenter for many programs at The Washington Campus.” — Norm Bishara
Published by Ross Development & Alumni Engagement © 2020