MORAN CENTER for GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
Annual Review
INSIDE | Celebrating Global Business Graduates p. 4 | Above and Beyond Recognition p. 13 | Professional Development Immersion to Ecuador p. 17
3 | Message from the Directors 4 | Around the World: Global Programs 12 | Leadership, Conferences and Recognition 15 | In the Classroom and Extracurricular Initiatives 17 | In the Community: Outreach and Service 20 | Among the Academe: Thought Leadership and Research 22 | Within the Center: Stakeholders, Partners and Supporters
Above: Business and Culture in the Italian Context students, Urbino (photo courtesy of Juan Eguiguren ’25 VSB)
Annual Review 2022-2023
On the cover: Global Citizens Asia Pacific students, Bali, Indonesia (photo courtesy of Antonio Talotta ’23 VSB)
MORAN CENTER for GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
From Top:
JONATHAN P. DOH, PhD Associate Dean of Research and Global Engagement; Herbert G. Rammrath Endowed Chair in IB; Co-faculty Director, Moran Center for Global Leadership
MICHELLE CASARIO, PhD
Co-faculty Director, Moran Center for Global Leadership; Associate Professor, Economics
KIM CAHILL Director, Moran Center for Global Leadership
MESSAGE FROM The Directors
AS THE WORLD CONTINUES to rebound from the pandemic, the Moran Center for Global Leadership (MCGL) is especially pleased to recognize our global graduates, who completed international experiences in a very challenging environment. We remain grateful to our donors for the scholarships and fellowships supporting internships and study abroad that are even more critical as we rebuild momentum and engagement in international education.
The “new normal” of the post-COVID era has presented both challenges and opportunities for MCGL. We extended some of the virtual offerings begun during the pandemic while continuing innovations initiated in its midst. In response to continued student interest, we offered both the Maymester Berlin and the Maymester Sydney programs. Our graduate students welcomed the in-country experience associated with the Global Practicum, traveling to Africa, Europe and South America.
MCGL returned to an in-person offering of the Business Dynamics Globalization Panels, which included veteran and recent alumni serving on our Advisory Council along with current Global Leadership Fellows. Building on innovations developed during virtual meetings, we continued a robust series of panels highlighting the expertise of the Center Advisory Council itself, including a session where Advisory Council (AC) members and Villanova faculty discussed regional developments in China, Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. After a one-year delay, MCGL Advisory Council members, VSB faculty, staff and their guests participated in our fifth Professional Development in International Business immersion in Ecuador.
We continued to serve the international business community through participation in and contributions to the US Department of Commerce District Export Council, the StudyPA organization that works to attract international students to the state, and via the Consortium for Undergraduate International Business Education (CUIBE). Our faculty directors and affiliated faculty continued to serve as thought leaders in their respective fields, keynoting major conferences and sharing their expertise with professional and academic audiences.
Throughout the year, VSB celebrated its 100th anniversary with a series of events and activities, culminating with an End of Year Celebration in Finneran Pavilion for Advisory Councils and special guests. VSB recognized 100 problem-solvers, change makers and humble servant-leaders—including our own Gloria Angel—who live their VSB values and make a difference in their communities and around the world.
Although the global, political and economic environments remain challenging, we at the Center remain steadfast in our dedication to advancing international opportunities and connections for our students, faculty, staff, alumni and other stakeholders. We are deeply thankful to all of these stakeholders, especially our Advisory Council members, Dean Russell, Vice Dean Mao, our donors, partners and of course, our students.
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MCGL CELEBRATES GLOBAL BUSINESS
GLOBAL LEADERSHIP
FELLOWS—MCGL is honored to recognize four outstanding IB students that graduated with the Global Leadership Fellows (GLF) distinction: Anshu Ajmera ’23 VSB, Connor Carpenter ’23 VSB, Maranda Peak ’23 VSB and Antonio Talotta ’23 VSB. Each of the GLF graduates has benefited from a mentor relationship with an MCGL Advisory Council member. They have all completed the requirements for an International Business co-major and a functional major, two required international experiences, and at least one international internship.
Collectively, GLF graduates have completed more than a dozen internships and achieved a 3.9 GPA. They speak Chinese, French, Hindi and Spanish and have studied or interned across Africa, Asia, Australia and Europe. Graduates combined IB majors with degrees in Finance, Applied Quantitative Finance, Management and Accounting.
Ajmera interned with companies in Singapore and Indonesia. On campus, she served as president of the VSB Ambassadors program and co-president of the International Business Society. She will join the staff at EY in the Forensics and Integrity Services practice in NYC. Carpenter completed internships in three different countries during his undergraduate career and plans to volunteer next year with Asociación Civil Apoyo Familiar, a faithbased, nonprofit organization in Chimbata, Peru. Peak received the Bartley Medallion for Excellence in International Business—the highest distinction VSB can bestow—in recognition of outstanding achievement. She will start her professional career in investment banking with Perella Weinberg Partners in NYC. Talotta received the Bartley Medallion for Excellence in Finance with highest distinction and will return to Nomura in NYC to begin a career as an Investment Banking analyst within the Financial Sponsors Group.
“I am proud of my GLF affiliation and honored by the generosity of the Moran Center for Global Leadership. MCGL has allowed me to experience so many international opportunities, engaging people from different cultures and countries. These lessons have helped to shape me in preparation for the global marketplace!” — Anshu
Ajmera
“GLF allowed me to turn my college experience into a global adventure—unlocking the educational and personal goals I had always held for myself. The education achieved by being a GLF scholar puts you above your peers by taking theory and applying it in a cross-cultural context. It is a program for students looking to excel on a global stage and opens their careers to limitless future opportunities.” —
Connor Carpenter
“The GLF program and the Moran Center for Global Leadership enabled me to have the most impactful and rewarding experiences throughout college. Studying abroad was the best decision I have ever made and I am incredibly thankful for the resources at Villanova that allowed me to have those opportunities.” —
Maranda Peak
“The unique international and domestic experiences I took part in as a Global Leadership Fellow with the support of the Moran Center for Global Leadership have left an indelible mark on the person I have become today; they have pushed me to grow into a more culturally aware, globally focused and well-rounded young professional.” —
Antonio Talotta
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AROUND THE WORLD Global Programs
Anshu Ajmera
Connor Carpenter
Maranda Peak
Antonio Talotta
GRADUATES
GLOBAL BUSINESS CONCENTRATION GRADUATES—
MCGL created the Global Business Concentration (GBC) in 2020 to encourage interdisciplinary scholarship and leverage VSB’s global resources to the benefit of both IB comajors and students from across the University interested in a global business credential. The GBC requires four international business (IB) courses or a combination of study abroad and three IB courses with foreign language proficiency. MCGL is pleased to recognize five exceptional Global Business Concentration (GBC) graduates: Anthony Flynn ’23 CLAS, Andrew Johnson ’23 CLAS, William McKeon ’23 CLAS, Olivia Nakhjavan ’23 CLAS and Mark Niland ’23 CLAS.
All GBC graduates paired the global business concentration with majors in Economics, with four demonstrating proficiency in Spanish and one in Chinese. Flynn served as head manager for the Villanova Men’s Basketball team and has secured an analyst role with Global Finance and Business Management at JP Morgan Chase & Company in NYC. Johnson studied abroad in Madrid, added a minor in Spanish and completed three internships. He will be joining Deloitte as a Government and Public Service analyst, TEACH Rotational Program. McKeon added minors in Psychology and Business, studied abroad at the London School of Economics, and completed two internships. He will be joining AlphaSights as a Client Service associate. Nakhjavan was awarded the distinctive Wong Medallion for Excellence in Chinese Studies. She spent a semester in Barcelona and participated in three internships. On campus, she was a student outreach director for the International Business Society and a director for Operation Smile. Nakhjavan will begin her Fulbright program in Taiwan in August 2023, working as an English Teaching Assistant. Upon her return, she plans to attend law school to study international business law. Niland also completed three internships and plans to join TD Securities in NYC as an Investment Banking analyst.
“Though I was not able to travel abroad during college because of COVID, the GBC program provided me with the knowledge to understand business on a global scale. It was through my international business courses and professors that I was able to gain the skills needed to be comfortable and successful while conducting business across the globe. I am truly in a better position and much more prepared to enter the world having participated in this program.”
— Anthony Flynn
“The GBC program sparked my interest in global leadership and international affairs and was a core reason why I decided to spend a semester in Madrid, Spain—one of the most rewarding experiences in my life. The access to International Business courses in Management and Marketing at VSB has allowed me to form relationships with some of my favorite professors that I’ve learned from over the course of my college experience.” — Andrew
Johnson
“The GBC program allowed me to put my critical thinking and communication skills from liberal arts education into relevant international business classes. I was also able to expand my knowledge of international cultures and look forward to doing business abroad in my future career.” — William
McKeon
“I am forever grateful for the opportunity to take international business courses. It has bridged the gap between my Chinese and Economics studies while also strengthening my global perspective. Most importantly, it is what has inspired me to apply for a Fulbright Award and then pursue a law degree.” — Olivia
Nakhjavan
“The GBC program has been such a fulfilling experience during my time at Villanova. It has allowed me to understand the interconnectedness of the world, gain exposure to diverse cultures and create opportunities for international careers. The program has provided me with a unique set of skills and perspectives that has prepared me for a successful and meaningful career in a rapidly changing global economy.” —
Mark Niland
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Anthony Flynn
William McKeon
Olivia Nakhjavan
AROUND THE WORLD Global Programs
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RAMMRATH FUND SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES
THE HERBERT G. RAMMRATH ENDOWED FUND for Global Initiatives and International Scholarships was developed in 2008 to provide financial resources to support global programs and underwrite student scholarships for business students. Scholarships support international students attending VSB as well as outgoing VSB students’ participation in a study abroad or global internship experience. Herbert G. Rammrath ’57 VSB commented, “Villanova helped me have a fruitful life. Now, I am simply giving back some of the benefits I received from my time at Villanova.”
MCGL is grateful for Rammrath’s generous philanthropy. This year, Rammrath Scholarships were awarded to 17 students. One international student from Vietnam received funding for the academic year. Sixteen students completed international experience requirements in six different countries including Australia, France, Korea, Italy, South Africa and Spain.
In a note to Rammrath, Kyla Phan ’26 VSB, an international student from Vietnam, wrote, “Your contribution will significantly impact my educational experience, particularly the Business and Culture in the Italian Context study abroad program that I will attend in Urbino. My journey abroad will be a life-changing experience that will provide additional opportunities to explore and immerse myself in a different culture. … I hope to pay forward the kindness you have shown.”
An international student from the Czech Republic, David Kasak ’26 VSB added, “I would like to take this opportunity to thank you for your generosity in providing these funds. Your scholarship will allow me to focus on my studies and lower the financial burden associated with attending college as an international student.”
Chelsea Canal ’25 CLAS commented, “As someone who doesn’t travel much, this opportunity means the world to me. Your scholarship truly took the burden off my shoulders and thanks to your generosity, I will be able to spend the summer in Dublin completing an internship in Parliament. I am so excited and truly could not have done this without you.”
An international student from Honduras, Alejandra Palomo Saavedra ’25 VSB stated, “Thanks to your generous sponsorship, I will be able to further pursue my passion for international business as I attend the Sydney Maymester in Australia. Taking this class abroad will benefit my career as I will develop a diverse and multicultural network and learn about economic development and global trade in one of the most important regions of the world.”
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AROUND THE WORLD Global Programs
CELEBRATE 10TH ANNIVERSARY CRUSE FELLOWS
IN NOVEMBER, MCGL welcomed Ron Cruse ’77 CLAS to campus to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Cruse International Fellows Award named in honor of his colleague and friend Sergey Kuzminykh. Many Cruse Fellows joined Villanova faculty and staff for a luncheon ceremony to recognize Cruse, sharing how their international experiences during college have shaped and influenced their chosen career paths. Cruse also met with University leadership and served as a guest speaker in Dr. Jonathan Doh’s Global Management class.
President and CEO of Logenix International, Cruse has had a front row seat for nearly every major world crisis over the past 30 years. He has travelled more than three million miles across nearly 90 countries. Recognized throughout the industry as an expert in the world’s toughest regions and highly regarded for his thought leadership, Cruse has been profiled in Forbes, Financial Times, INC., and industry magazines such as Logistics Today Cruse’s career journey is the inspiration for his highly acclaimed book, Lies, Bribes & Peril. The book provides cultural insights into the down-in-thetrenches, practical training necessary to navigate the world. The book has been utilized by universities across the United States.
MCGL Director Kim Cahill commented, “It has been a personal honor and privilege to collaborate with Ron and steward this transformative gift over the last decade supporting such unique and compelling students. More than 20 students have been awarded a Cruse Fellowship to intern or conduct research in 17 different countries and have benefitted from Ron’s advocacy and commitment to global education.” Cruse Fellows completed projects in Argentina, Belize, Botswana, Costa Rica, Czech
Republic, Ecuador/Galapagos Islands, Guatemala, Jordan, Madagascar, Mozambique, Nicaragua, Panama, Qatar, Suriname, Tonga and Uganda.
“I was awarded the Cruse Fellowship in 2014 to support my semester abroad in Uganda. At that point, I had never set foot in the developing world. My Villanova education had sparked a strong desire to broaden my perspective and to use my skills to help others, and the Cruse Fellowship made it possible for me to start down that path. I loved having the opportunity to engage in meaningful cultural exchange for the first time. … While my focus has since shifted to US health policy, I apply what I learned in Uganda about problem-solving, communication and public health every single day. I am incredibly grateful to Ron Cruse and to everyone who makes the Cruse Fellowship possible for their support during such an important time in my education. I am thrilled that so many Villanovans, through the generosity of the Cruse Fellowship, have been able to stray from the beaten path and to learn something new about themselves and about the world.”
Morgan Gruenewald ’16 CLAS, program analyst at Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, MPH candidate at George Washington University, Washington, DC “The fellowship removed financial
barriers, enabling me to spend a summer in a remote village in southern Belize, helping to start a microfinance program that added significant value to the local economy. While in Belize, I not only learned more about the fundamentals of business, but also about a diverse culture and beautiful country. I travelled through scenic rainforests, seeing ancient ruins, and went island hopping on a friend’s fishing boat. I was lucky enough to watch the 2014 World Cup Finals from the friendly strangers’ porch while waiting for the next bus three hours away. While the food, experiences and sites were all amazing, the best part of the entire adventure was connecting with the people. I became friends with people from completely different backgrounds, learning so much in the process and developing a new, more open perspective on the world. With all that said, I would like to say thank you to Ron Cruse and the Villanova team (thank you Kim!) for making this experience possible and ultimately making me a better person through this fellowship.”
— Michael Lamb ’16 VSB, senior associate consultant, Clarion Life Sciences, New York, NY
“In early 2018, I was studying in the Arabian Peninsula. While my courses were informative and the friendships I made are invaluable, my time in the Gulf did not demand that I hone my Arabic language skills. … I knew early in my tenure in the Gulf that if I wanted to master the Arabic language, I would need to travel elsewhere. Fortunately, the Cruse scholarship allowed me to do just that. The scholarship funded my living and learning in Amman, Jordan for three months. It was that time in Jordan that marks the true beginning of my ability to effectively communicate in Arabic. Everyday interactions with fruit vendors and cab drivers alike granted me language exposure that
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Cruse presents certificate to Isaiah Gabriel ’20 CLAS
I could not have gained stateside. It was experiences like the ones I had in Jordan that made me well situated to carry on my language studies in graduate school. Having now finished my MA, it is still my language skills that have made me most attractive to my employers. So, while I sit on a plane to the Middle East to fulfill my job, I will never forget that it was Mr. Cruse’s generosity that helped me forge my path. Thank you!”
MK Smith ’19 CLAS, director of Communication and Development, Arab Studies Institute, Washington, DC
INTERNATIONAL PARTNERSHIPS
OEA ADVISES STUDENTS from all Colleges across the University on credit-bearing study abroad opportunities and supports international-study program development and implementation. During the COVID-19 pandemic, when all travel was suspended, the OEA’s core functions shifted to focus on the steps needed to resume study abroad amidst a global pandemic. There were significant challenges in restarting programming, which included additional health and safety concerns, continued travel restrictions and visa issues, and collaboration with on-site partners in a variety of countries—each with their own unique policies and protocols. Limited study abroad options resumed in fall of 2021, but summer 2022 marked the return of the first full academic year of study.
The Office of Education Abroad Director Liz Campanella stated, “Study abroad and international experiences are such an important part of a Villanova education, and I am grateful for all of the hard work of University administration, faculty and staff that allowed these opportunities to resume. Student participation in study abroad has almost returned to pre-COVID numbers and I expect the interest to continue to grow in the future as exciting new programs and partnerships are developed. We are all happy to be out exploring the world together again.”
This year, Cruse Fellowships were awarded to Natalie Schirmacher ’24 CLAS and Niralee Shah ’24 FCN. Natalie studied at one of the top think tanks in Latin America, the Centro de Estudios de Estado y Sociedad (CEDES); conducted extensive research in Spanish; and learned from grassroots activists advocating for human rights, activists fighting for environmental justice, and indigenous groups defending their community land rights.
Natalie hopes to continue her work in service of others through her Navy career and in the future. Niralee’s Cruse Fellowship allowed her to pursue experiential learning in a global health setting with a summer-long Counseling and Humanitarian Action internship in Amman, Jordan. She interned with organizations focused on providing aid to refugees residing in Jordan. This experience helped her gain a better understanding of the public health issues posed by the refugee crisis that can be applied in her future health care career as a nurse.
In the initial return-to-travel plan, the University required all travelers to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19. This requirement not only provided protection for the student traveler but also guaranteed compliance with in-country requirements and protected the local populations. The OEA helped students and faculty navigate these requirements and collaborated with our on-site partners to manage any other unique local guidance such as isolation requirements or mandatory quarantine.
The pandemic upended the field of international education, with some overseas programs limiting locations and others closing programs altogether. While physical travel was not possible, partners offered virtual internships, consultancy projects and peer-to-peer engagement online. To resume physical travel opportunities, the Office of Education Abroad collaborated closely with our overseas partners and universities to evaluate pandemic-related restrictions and to renew partnership agreements that addressed these concerns. Contingency planning for academic delivery was also an important part of the process since disruptions due to COVID were still common through summer 2022.
During the 2022–2023 academic year, a total of 602 students participated in a year-long, semester, summer or May-term program. Of that total, 34% were business students who studied or interned in Italy, Germany, Spain, Australia or Singapore, among many other countries. In comparison, during the most recent pre-COVID academic year (2019–2020), 708 students studied abroad on at least a two-week program, with 38% of those students in the Villanova School of Business.
As we enter our second full academic year of study abroad in the COVID era, participation rates and student interest are at an all-time high, with over 370 students studying abroad during summer 2023. Students and faculty report high satisfaction with international program opportunities and are enthusiastic about returning to in-person experiences all over the world. Follow the OEA on Instagram for more student stories: @goabroadnova.
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OFFICE OF EDUCATION ABROAD PROMOTES
Natalie Schirmacher ’24 CLAS with her classmates in Patagonia, Argentina
AROUND THE WORLD Global Programs
MAYMESTER PROGRAM
CONTINUES TO GROW
A RECORD NUMBER OF VSB STUDENTS participated in MCGL’s 2023 Maymester programs, with 30 students studying abroad in Sydney and 22 in Berlin. The model, which combines academic coursework with business meetings and corporate site visits, provides students the opportunity to participate in a short-term, intensive study abroad immersion. This is particularly appealing to VSB students who frequently start summer internships in the beginning of June.
The replication of the Sydney Maymester model in Berlin has propelled a trend that MCGL expects to continue. Students who participate in a Maymester program early in their academic studies are more likely to pursue additional study abroad opportunities in their undergraduate careers. Seven students from the 2022 Berlin Maymester program participated in the 2023 Sydney program, and several students waitlisted for the 2023 Sydney program participated in the Berlin program. This trend underscores MCGL’s commitment to the expansion of study abroad opportunities for VSB students to include additional courses in new locations next year, including Iceland and Ireland.
Led by MCGL Co-faculty Director Michelle Casario, PhD, students completed requirements for the Global Political Economy course in Australia. With a focus on doing business in the Asia-Pacific region, students participated in corporate site visits and business meetings across multiple sectors and industries, including Ernst & Young, Snapchat and Salesforce. A highlight for the students was their corporate site visits to KPMG and Lendlease, where students were enthusiastically welcomed by Villanova alumni who shared their knowledge and industry expertise along with personal and career advice. Mary Kelly, PhD, associate chair and teaching professor, Economics, served as the assistant faculty program coordinator and will lead the Sydney Maymester program in 2024.
GLOBAL GRADUATE PROGRAMS REBOUND
ALTHOUGH THE MBA GLOBAL PRACTICUM TRAVEL resumed in March of 2022, innovations initiated during the height of the pandemic continued to inform the domestic version of the course, and global virtual consulting projects are now a required component. Students from the domestic global practicum class worked virtually with AI Superior, a German company specializing in big data, machine learning and artificial intelligence, and Neo Consulting, a Peruvian international marketing and digital strategy consultancy based in Lima. Both student projects focused on expansion efforts and explored market-entry strategies in a number of new markets.
Throughout the year, graduate business student cohorts traveled to South America, Europe and Africa as part of the MBA Global Practicum and EMBA Global Immersion. For Mackenzie Manning ’22 MBA, this experience provided an opportunity to research and better understand the factors that shape international markets, knowledge that she could directly apply as a professional 10 years into her career in the aerospace and defense industry. “The trip was one of the most enriching experiences of the entire MBA program,” Manning said.
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Annie Snyder ’24 VSB commented, “Exposure to other countries and cultures is integral to a well-rounded education in the evolving global business world. Villanova has opened many doors for me to learn international business firsthand, including the opportunities to study strategic information technology in Berlin, Germany, and global political economy in Sydney, Australia. In both locations, I learned about the nuances of different business practices and economic initiatives while interacting with global business professionals. The Maymester programs gave me the opportunity to meet new people, explore two new cities and regions of the world, and become more culturally aware.”
In Germany, MCGL Director Kim Cahill served as program coordinator and partnered with Faculty Program Coordinator Sue Metzger, MIS professor of practice. Metzger stated, “The Berlin Maymester program offers immediate application of learned concepts from class. For example, one day we learned about enterprise systems and the management of business processes and data, and the next day we were on the floor of a BMW plant watching motorcycles being made to order with the support of an SAP system. I know that the experiences we design in Berlin bring the relevance of the academic content to life!” Guest lecturers joined the class from SAP, IdeaLabs and Freie Universität Berlin. Outside of the classroom, students toured several museums, the Reichstag and the Olympic Stadium and had the sobering experience of visiting the Sachsenhausen concentration camp. Alumni again assisted with informative and engaging business visits at Bonial and Deloitte, a highlight for many students.
In Santiago, Chile, students volunteered at Fundación Origen, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to improve the quality of education through agroecology, and enjoyed a masterclass in wines at the Kingston Family Vineyards. In Cape Town, students volunteered at a nonprofit educational institution in Kliptown, Soweto. Flash consulting projects created opportunities for students to apply classroom theories in a practical setting.
In Morocco, students met with Project Soar, an organization working to empower teen girls, and founders of the Jnane Tamsna Hotel chain. In Portugal, students visited HealthTech Lisboa and other healthtech entrepreneurs and a vineyard in Cabo de Roca. In Johannesburg, students engaged with Harambee Youth Employment Accelerator, a social enterprise committed to solving youth unemployment through national partnerships.
EMBA student Ryan Morse, chief operating officer at the Jonus Group, remarked about his experience, “I’m still reeling from the impact of our international excursion to South Africa. I am in awe of how everyone we met is so full of resilience and hope in shaping an incredible future from such a dark past. Going forward, our class will embrace the concept of ubuntu in the second half of our learning journey—‘I am because we are.’”
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& Recognition #23
TOP INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS (IB) PROGRAMS IN THE NATION
2023 U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT
CENTER LEADERS SHARE EXPERTISE WITH GLOBAL COMMUNITIES
VILLANOVA UNIVERSITY was recognized among the top International Business (IB) programs in the nation in the 2023 U.S. News & World Report ranking, placing #23. The undergraduate program rankings were based solely on peer assessment surveys and serve as a testament to the effort and quality of our faculty, staff, students and global programs.
The IB co-major is supported by MCGL and housed in the Management and Operations Department at VSB. Multidisciplinary in nature, departments across VSB contribute IB coursework to the curriculum and students combine language training and study abroad to fulfill degree requirements. Each year, MCGL awards $250,000 in scholarships and fellowships to support international experiences thanks to generous donors.
The unique, customized Global Citizens program for firstyear students in Europe and Asia includes coursework and internship experiences; many of these students then participate in our Global Leadership Fellows program. Alongside the condensed Maymester programs, many other semester and summer study abroad programs combine classes with an internship or international consulting project. Launched in 2020, the Global Business Concentration provides opportunities for non-business students to earn an IB credential.
International experiences enable students, scholars and practitioners to build the crucial leadership skills and knowledge to compete effectively in the 21st century workforce as global citizens.
LAST SUMMER, Co-faculty Director Jonathan Doh, PhD, made a number of presentations at the Academy of International Business (AIB) meeting in Miami, Florida and the Academy of Management annual meeting in Seattle, Washington. In September, he was a co-organizer and panelist for the conference “Repurposing Management for the Public Good” in Cambridge, UK. He served as a panelist and professional development workshop facilitator in October at AIB NE in Washington, DC, and was co-organizer and moderator at the AIB Frontiers Conference “MNEs and Sustainable Supply Chains” in Charleston, South Carolina. In February, Dr. Doh was a panelist and speaker for the Journal of Management Studies’ professional development workshop in Miami, Florida. He was also appointed editor (Sustainability) at the Journal of International Business Studies and selected to serve on the Advisory Board of the Penn State Smeal College of Business Center for Global Business Studies.
Additionally, Dr. Doh co-authored the following articles: “Developing International Business Scholarship for Global Societal Impact,” Journal of International Business Studies (2023); “Income Inequality, Social Cohesion and Crime Against Businesses: Evidence from a Global Sample of Firms,” Journal of International Business Studies (2022); “Towards a Behavioral Theory of MNC Response to Political Risk and Uncertainty: The Role of CEO Wealth at Risk,” Journal of World Business (2022); and with MCGL Co-faculty Director Michelle Casario,
12 | Moran Center for Global Leadership Annual Review 2022-2023 LEADERSHIP,
CONFERENCES
PhD, “MNEs and the Practice of International Business Diplomacy,” International Business Review (2022).
MCGL Director Kim Cahill continues more than a decade of service on the US Department of Commerce MidAtlantic District Export Council and was recently elected as the treasurer for a two-year term. She is a member of the leadership team for two professional associations—the Consortium for Undergraduate IB Education (CUIBE) and the Business in International Studies Network (BisNet)—serving as Membership chair at both organizations. Cahill presented at the fall and spring conferences; facilitated discussions around membership criteria, engagement and growth for both organizations; and created the inaugural by-laws for BisNet. On campus, Cahill serves in a number of leadership roles: she chairs the MCGL Global Stakeholders Committee and the International Alumni Engagement Committee and is co-chair of the VSB Global Programs Committee. She represents MCGL on the VSB Staff Advisory Council, the Asian Studies Advisory Board, the Fulbright Committee and the Fellowship Advisory Board.
MCGL Global Research Fellow Maira Reimão, PhD, co-authored the article “Migration and Resilience During a Global Crisis” with researchers from various institutions including Yale University and UC-Davis, recently published in the European Economic Review. She presented research on gender and migration in Bangladesh in the Midwest International Economic Development Conference, held in Houston in April, and was one of 30 Villanova faculty members awarded a University Summer Research Grant. In the spring, three of Dr. Reimão’s undergraduate students presented their research at an economics conference. In February, Austin Glass ’22 VSB presented his Honors thesis, which Dr. Reimão had advised, at the Eastern Economic Association Annual Meetings in New York. In April, two current students from her capstone course were selected to present their research at Stony Brook University as detailed on page 21.
AFFONSA RECEIVES ABOVE AND BEYOND SERVICE RECOGNITION
MCGL WAS PLEASED to honor Advisory Council member Deborah Affonsa ’89 VSB as the Center’s recipient of the Above and Beyond Service Recognition at the VSB Stakeholder Summit on May 4, 2023.
Affonsa has been an active and engaged member of the MCGL Advisory Council for over a decade. She has been a thoughtful and insightful contributor around IB curriculum and professional development activities and has traveled with the Center on four consecutive Professional Development in International Business immersion programs. Affonsa is always eager to engage with VSB students, faculty and staff, serving as a mentor, case competition judge and panelist on the annual Business Dynamics Globalization Panels.
Affonsa earned her BS degree in Business Administration from Villanova University and was a recipient of the Bartley Medallion for Academic Excellence. She holds a Master of Science in Organizational Dynamics from the University of Pennsylvania and completed an Advanced Management Program at Harvard Business School in 2000.
Currently, Affonsa is an executive advisor and independent consultant providing extensive expertise and leadership on strategy development and critical initiatives using innovative approaches to problemsolving. She most recently served as chief customer officer at Public Service Electric and Gas (PSEG) and as vice president, Customer Service for Pacific Gas and Electric Company (PG&E). Throughout her career, Affonsa has held several leadership positions, including vice president of Sales and Marketing for Community Energy and director and strategic vice president of Sales for Exelon Corporation. Affonsa looks forward to sharing her knowledge and expertise as an instructor at Wharton, where, beginning this fall semester, she will teach a required Communications course for undergraduate students.
Affonsa remarked, “As a member of the MCGL Advisory Council, I get a first-hand view of the life-changing impact international studies can have on the personal and educational development of Villanova students. The Center supports many global initiatives, including Maymester programs in Sydney and Berlin; Global Citizens in London, Sydney and Singapore; and internships throughout Asia. My participation with the Center has impacted me much like the students. I have developed long-lasting relationships with fellow council members, and international travel immersions have made me a better person and professional.”
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VSB Dean Joyce E. A. Russell, Deborah Affonsa ’89 VSB and MCGL Director Kim Cahill
LEADERSHIP, CONFERENCES & Recognition
VSB CELEBRATES 100TH ANNIVERSARY
COMMUNITY LUNCH IMPACTS INTERNATIONAL STUDENTS
GLORIA ANGEL, MCGL assistant director, started with one lunch sponsored by MCGL in fall 2019 for the students who do not travel during fall and spring breaks. This academic year, the International Student Community Lunches (ISCL) fed more than 400 students during breaks. Angel chooses local, minorityowned restaurants with the idea of having diverse cuisine options represented per day: Greek, Indian, Korean, Latin and Moroccan.
Ten departments now generously sponsor five days of lunches: MCGL, the VSB Dean’s Office, the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences Dean’s Office, Campus Mission & Ministry, the Career Center, the Center for Common Good, the Center for Research and Fellowships, Office of Education Abroad, the Grad Center, and the Institute for Innovation and Entrepreneurship.
The initiative has grown, allowing Angel to now share the organizing efforts with the help of the Grad Center’s leadership of volunteers. The team includes Emily McCloskey, director; Joyce Harden, coordinator of the Graduate Student Experience; Joseph Nolan, assistant director; Jinda He, graduate ambassador; and Sharon Ballard, MCGL’s administrative coordinator. One student commented, “This is the best food I eat all semester.”
THE VILLANOVA SCHOOL OF BUSINESS celebrated its 100th anniversary in 2022–2023 with a series of special activities and events. Villanova University dates back to 1842, when the Augustinians from Saint Augustine’s Church in Philadelphia purchased the 200-acre “Belle Air” estate in Radnor Township with the intention of starting a school. In 1922, the Division of Commerce and Finance was established as part of a larger trend in higher education to offer specialized coursework in the fields of business, nursing and engineering. While much has changed over the past 100 years, VSB’s founding principles have stood the test of time: a well-rounded business education rooted in a liberal arts foundation; a focus on experiential learning and realworld application; and the pursuit of excellence in business education guided by our Augustinian Catholic values.
The 100th anniversary events kicked off on the first day of class with VSB Fest, a community-wide celebration on the Bartley Quad. VSB Fest included remarks from Dean Russell; competitive games; company representatives; and alumni-sponsored vendors offering free Tastykakes, Wawa smoothies, ice cream and cold pressed juices. Food trucks offered free Chickie’s & Pete’s crab fries, tacos, healthy plate options and desserts. There was also entertainment, VSB gear, and freebies from companies and vendors.
Throughout the year, VSB recognized 100 problem-solvers, change makers and humble servant-leaders who live their VSB values and make a difference in their communities and around the world. These individuals are featured on VSB’s websites, with a number providing short video testimonials.
Finally, on May 4, VSB held a 100th anniversary celebration that included meetings, lunch and networking with the VSB Advisory councils; Above and Beyond Recognition Ceremony honoring standout Advisory Council members; a Mass at St. Thomas of Villanova Church; and the grand finale: the 100th Anniversary End of Year Celebration in Finneran Pavilion for Advisory Councils and special guests.
14 | Moran Center for Global Leadership Annual Review 2021-2022
IN THE CLASSROOM & Extracurricular Initiatives
MCGL HOSTED its annual series of panels on globalization for more than 600 Villanova School of Business first-year students, transfer students and business minors enrolled in the foundational Business Dynamics course. The program was delivered in person after two years of virtual programming.
Collectively, our panels represented a wide range of careers and industries including global supply chain and logistics, consumer products, global financial services, insurance, global health, and pharmaceuticals. Current GLF seniors represented global leadership from a student perspective and encouraged students to take advantage of the many international business opportunities afforded by MCGL and Villanova.
Panelists included: Anthony Chiarello ’77 CLAS; Steve DeRose ’76 VSB; Cristina Green ’24 VSB; Rich Heintzelman ’81 VSB; Tom Henry ’81 VSB, ’92 VLS; Jeff Lehocky ’89 VSB; Manny Nuñez ’03 MBA; Maranda Peak ’23 VSB; and Frank Tchuisi ’09 VSB.
MCGL Co-faculty Directors Michelle Casario, PhD, and Jonathan Doh, PhD, served as moderators across the six panel sessions. Business Dynamics students and faculty engaged with the panelists in a wide-ranging discussion of global business and economic issues, particularly around the pandemic.
Students learned about the variety of global experiences offered through VSB, as well as the Global Leadership Fellows program and scholarships offered by MCGL. The panel discussion focused on the current state of globalization, growth projections and the impact of pandemic disruptions on global supply chains (GSC). Students heard about two emerging trends in globalization, namely that remote work allows companies to tap into foreign talent pools and that the expansion of cross-border e-commerce can help smaller organizations go global. Students learned that businesses are interconnected through a worldwide web of global supply chains, and the behavior of large companies impacts those working at the bottom of these networks.
COO of Crayola
FEATURED DURING INTERNATIONAL EDUCATION WEEK
GLOBALIZATION PANELS HIGHLIGHT Advisory Council Members
IN NOVEMBER, MCGL joined the Center for Business Analytics to host a thought leader presentation during International Education Week featuring Pete Ruggiero ‘90 VSB, chief operating officer, Crayola LLC. Ruggiero’s remarks, “A Crayola Career: 25 Years of Creativity,” took students on a compelling personal and professional journey, explaining how he helped transform Crayola’s global supply chain, enhance innovation and execute numerous sustainability initiatives including a 3.0-megawatt solar farm at corporate headquarters.
Ruggiero joined Crayola in 1997 and evolved through key leadership positions including director, Corporate Sourcing; managing director, Europe; and vice president, Global Finance, before becoming EVP, Global Operations & Information Technology in early 2007. As COO, he is responsible for US sales in addition to global operations and information technology.
Ruggiero graduated with an accounting degree from Villanova University, where he played varsity football, and earned his MBA in supply chain management from Lehigh University. He is a CPA and was honored in 2012 by Lehigh University with its inaugural Global Impact Award. He is a native of Pen Argyl and is a member of the high school’s athletic Hall of Fame. He resides in Nazareth, Pennsylvania with his wife, Liselle, and they share a passion for following the musical and athletic pursuits of their three children. Ruggiero recently joined the MCGL Advisory Council.
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MCGL Director Kim Cahill, Pete Ruggiero and Center for Business Analytics Director Meredith Lockyer
Panel B: Chiarello, Nuñez, Peak, Heintzelman, Doh
IN THE CLASSROOM & Extracurricular Initiatives
VSB STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN
International Business
Case Competition
MCGL SPONSORED FOUR STUDENTS—Luca Covino ’23 VSB, Binti Kohli ’23 VSB, Will McKeon ’23 VSB and Maranda Peak ’23 VSB—to compete at an international business case competition at Northeastern University. Professor Ward Utter served as the team coach, working with the students in advance and accompanying them to Boston for the competition.
The Northeastern University CUIBE International Business Case Competition provides students with the opportunity to highlight their knowledge and talents in a unique international business learninglab venue while sharpening their critical thinking and presentation skills. Students are then able to apply what they have learned in the classroom to network and gain real-world experience in a competitive environment. This is a great way for business students to learn how to work in teams, under very tight time constraints, and to achieve a solution that is well researched and feasible to reach. Student teams test their research skills, presentation abilities and sales acumen to win over a panel of global corporate executives that serve as judges.
The case study asked students to determine whether a Danish wind turbine company should maintain operations in China or expand its footprint overseas. Students had just over a day to develop a solution and prepare a presentation for the judges. Their recommendation was to sell Chinese operations as a carveout and expand to Mexico and South Africa with a focus on corporate social responsibility to increase access to renewable energy.
Binti Kohli ’23 VSB stated, “Competing in the IB Case challenge was an amazing learning opportunity where I could apply my research and problem-solving skills and my international business curriculum in a real-world setting. I am proud that Villanova prepares us to work in different team settings and present with research-backed data effectively.”
COMMITTEE SUPPORTS International Students
THE INTERNATIONAL STUDENT SUPPORT SERVICES GROUP held three events in the spring, collaborating with the Villanova International Students Organization (VISO) for workshops. The group is comprised of Gloria Angel, assistant director of MCGL; Melanie Menkevich, the global programs specialist for the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences; Hubert WhanTong, Esq., the director of the International Students and Scholars (ISS) office; and Catalina AraratOspina, assistant director of ISS.
The first workshop was a combination of technical advice and included how to file for Curricular Practical Training (CPT) and preparation for an upcoming career fair. The committee spoke with students about how the career fair went: if they found it useful, if they applied for any jobs and if they followed up on the leads that they made.
In the second workshop, “Email Etiquette in Academia,” Jill Jacobs Cohen, EdD, from the Villanova Writing Center shared her expertise, experience and knowledge of resources used in email writing with professors and staff. The students edited sample writings and created emails with prompts.
The third workshop was “Financial Literacy,” featuring representatives from Citibank. Financial services professionals spoke to the students about saving for the future once they are making a salary, retirement plans, investment accounts, and the different options and tax implications in transitioning from students to working employees in the US. The committee and the students agreed that the workshops should be held at least once a year.
16 | Moran Center for Global Leadership Annual Review 2022-2023
IN THE COMMUNITY Outreach & Service
MCGL Leads Professional Development IMMERSION TO ECUADOR
THE MORAN CENTER SPONSORED and led an international immersion focused on sustainable development and resilience in Ecuador last January. Ecuador is considered one of the most diverse areas of the world. It relies heavily on the export of commodities such as bananas, oil, cut flowers, broccoli and shrimp, but is seeking to diversify into higher value-added products and services. Tourism, especially ecotourism, plays an increasing role in the economy, and as travel rebounds post-COVID, the country will face challenges in how to manage growth in tourism while preserving its rich biodiversity.
Twenty-six Villanova alums, faculty, staff, students and guests participated in MCGL’s fifth global immersion for professional development. During this program, the group visited Quito, Ecuador’s capital, a UN World Heritage Center constructed on the foundations of an ancient Incan city. Participants visited businesses, government and nongovernmental agencies, and cultural sites to learn more about the country, its capital, and the current social and economic challenges they face. The favorite business visit was Pacari Chocolate, an organic, premier chocolate producer committed to sustainable business practices that has won more awards than any chocolate maker in the world. Programming included an NGO visit with EkoRural and service work at one of its client communities in Carrillo. Participants also took a city tour, explored markets, sampled local cuisine and visited a craft beer producer.
The program then traveled to the Galapagos Islands, the volcanic archipelago considered one of the world’s foremost destinations for wildlife viewing and the site of growing ecotourism. Its isolated terrain shelters a diversity of plant and animal species, many found nowhere else, and is the site that partially inspired Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. The group visited a tortoise ranch and North Seymour Island, where they experienced blue-footed boobies, land iguanas and frigate birds on land and hammerhead sharks while snorkeling. Participants explored the Darwin Center, the world’s leading research institution dedicated to the conservation of the biological diversity and natural resources of the Galapagos, and committed to building a sustainable and collaborative society to achieve this objective.
In the program evaluation, 100% of respondents reported they are more knowledgeable about cultural practices and business opportunities in Ecuador as a result of participation. Personal highlights of the program included deepening relationships, making new friends and positively impacting the Carrillo community through service.
MCGL Advisory Council Chair Steve DeRose ’76 VSB added, “From a most informative meeting in Quito at the sustainably focused Pacari Cocoa factory, to assisting farming families sowing their fields high in the Andes, and then on to exploring the Galapagos islands witnessing the unique species that Darwin encountered almost 200 years ago, it was without question a trip of a lifetime.”
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THE COMMUNITY Outreach & Service
BE A CITIZEN OF THE WORLD: A Conversation
with Rick Steves
AFTER NEARLY TWO YEARS, MCGL was pleased to finally welcome guest speakers back to campus. Topping a decade of partnership, the Center collaborated with the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia to host a conversation with Rick Steves, a popular public television host, best-selling guidebook author and an outspoken activist. Attendees were able to hear from one of the world’s leading travel experts about his experiences; favorite places; and best tips and tricks for making your next adventure fun, affordable and culturally broadening.
Villanova University Provost Patrick G. Maggitti, PhD, welcomed the 400 attendees to campus, stating, “At Villanova, we proudly say that our students are intellectually inspired, morally grounded and globally minded. We challenge them to expand their worldviews and to undertake meaningful work that advances the greater good. A huge part of becoming a global citizen is experiencing other countries, people and culture through international travel and study.”
Lauren Swartz, president and CEO, World Affairs Council of Philadelphia, thanked our co-sponsors—Villanova’s School of Business, the College of Liberal Arts & Sciences, and Meridian Bank—with a special acknowledgement for the partnership with MCGL, adding, “We are proud to have partnered with MCGL for over a decade. After the isolation of the pandemic, it was a joy to see over 400 people, including many Villanova faculty members, students, parents and alumni at Villanova University for a truly memorable and delightful evening with Rick Steves. We are grateful for Villanova’s support of the World Affairs Council of Philadelphia over the past decade, and for our longstanding collaboration with Kim Cahill, Gloria Angel and so many others in the Villanova community who share our mission of bringing impactful and educational world affairs-oriented programming to the greater Philadelphia area.”
During his keynote address, Steves explained how to travel more thoughtfully—to any destination. He shared how his travels have shaped his politics and broadened his perspective. Travel as a Political Act starts with the premise that we cannot begin to understand the world without experiencing it. Travel helps us fit more productively into a shrinking world, demonstrates global interconnectivity and inspires creative new solutions to persistent problems. Royalties from the sale of the second edition of Travel as a Political Act will be donated to Bread for the World, a Christian organization working to end hunger around the world.
Participant comments included, “The most frightened people are the ones with no passports,” and “As a traveler, I’ve often found that the more a culture differs from my own, the more I am struck by its essential humanity.”
GOINGGREEN INITIATIVE
MCGL IS HOUSED IN THE VSB CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE (COE) suite in Bartley Hall, sharing collaborative space with the DiLella Center for Real Estate, Center for Business Analytics, Center for Church Management, and Center for Marketing and Consumer Insights. COE’s administrator, Sharon Ballard ’11 MPA, championed the suite’s sustainability efforts; the suite received VSB’s first Green Office Certification and is only the second office on campus to receive this distinction.
Ballard said, “The COE going-green journey was an introspective and fulfilling accomplishment. The team undertook 20 green initiatives, such as conducting ecological and water footprints assessments to determine just how much water and other resources we personally use. The footprints survey also allowed us to see where we might minimize waste professionally, too.”
18 | Moran Center for Global Leadership Annual Review 2022-2023
IN
VSB Centers Lead
(Study Pennsylvania) is a nonprofit, member-driven organization of higher education institutions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. The mission is to support the internationalization initiatives of member institutions and to connect international students and scholars with quality programs and universities in Pennsylvania. StudyPA members work collaboratively to promote Pennsylvania and to facilitate partnerships with international colleges and universities, agents, and vendors. StudyPA spread its wings this year with various events to support the recruitment of international students.
StudyPA participated with other state consortia hosting a booth at NAFSA, the leading international education association, in Washington, DC. NAFSA’s annual conference brings together hundreds of exhibitors and over 11,000 educators from around the world. “USA: A Study Destination” exhibited alongside 16 study state consortia. This is a new branding effort from the International Trade Association to market the US as the premier destination for international students to study with support of the study state consortia across the nation. Valueadded services include pre-scheduled educator-to-educator meetings, Showtime Program, best practice sessions and on-the-ground support.
StudyPA board members connected with Kendee Yamaguchi, deputy assistant secretary for the US Field at the International Trade Administration. Yamaguchi’s role oversees nearly 300 trade professionals in more than 100 US cities. She helps US businesses export their goods and services and attract foreign direct investment to grow jobs within the United States. She stopped by the booth to learn more about the diverse higher educational opportunities for international students in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Following the conference, a post-NAFSA trip to Pennsylvania was organized for international student advisors from their respective countries. They visited several campuses and heard from members about their institutions. Gloria Angel, MCGL assistant director and the treasurer for StudyPA, represented Villanova at the “Get to Know Your Pennsylvania Higher Institutions” session at Temple in Philadelphia. The trip was organized with the help of the US Commercial Service. University hosts were Millersville, Temple, Arcadia and Widener Universities. The additional members who participated were from Arcadia, Drexel, International House Philadelphia, Juniata, Kutztown, Moravian, Villanova and Wilkes Universities. The trip was well received and will be done annually with funding from membership dues.
In the future, StudyPA hopes to create internship opportunities for international students who study in Pennsylvania. It is currently working with the District Export Council of Western PA deputy chair, Jack Adams, to find employers. Welcome banners will be installed at the Philadelphia Airport, advertising StudyPA during the arrival of students for the fall semester. Participation in the International Education Stakeholders Roundtable aims for collaboration and expansion of global networks. The StudyPA Board of Directors will grow to include a member of the Pennsylvania Council of International Educators (PaCIE).
The group conducted an office-suite waste audit, and the outcome revealed a low percentage of waste materials. However, to further these efforts, the number of trash and recycling bins were reduced to one large recycle bin and one large trash bin for the entire COE suite.
Another green initiative replaced standard power cords with energy-saving smart power cords. The COE suite replaced disposable batteries with rechargeable batteries, reused office materials and supplies before purchasing any new orders, eliminated the use of balloons, and bought potted plants instead of cut flowers. The COE suite uses 100% recyclable paper and only prints when necessary. Furthermore, everyone committed to primarily using electronic and digital correspondence. Ballard added, “Overall, we are glad to have embarked on the going-green journey; it has allowed us to become more sustainable and serve as a champion for green initiatives!”
REACH
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EXPANDS GLOBAL
THE ACADEME Thought Leadership and Research
Advisory Council Members Share Global Expertise
MCGL continues to highlight the expertise of its Advisory Council members with briefings and discussions on pertinent global issues. The fall 2022 meeting featured a panel discussion on current global economic challenges. Moderated by MCGL Co-faculty Directors Michelle Casario, PhD and Jonathan Doh, PhD, the panel shared their knowledge and insights on a series of important issues across the globe, including China, the US, the EU, and the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).
GUEST PANELIST FRED YOUNG , assistant professor of practice, Economics, outlined critical geopolitical flashpoints in the People’s Republic of China (PRC) including Taiwan, Hong Kong and the South China Sea. He discussed the economic, political and strategic implications of deteriorating US-China relations including steep declines in bilateral trade, foreign direct investment and PRC economic stagnation. Young forecasted imminent PRC leadership changes that would effectively pave the way to lifetime leadership for Xi Jinping. Finally, Young prescribed confidence-building measures to improve US-China relations, including the elimination of tariffs, and by extension the trade war.
GREG MANCINI ’95 VSB , co-head of Global Research at Nuveen|TIAA, shared his perspective on the similarities and differences between the US and EU recoveries from the COVID-19 pandemic. Noting that both the US and EU were confronting high inflation rates, Mancini contrasted the US’s demandpull inflation with the EU’s supply-side
shocks related to the war in Ukraine. He also noted that both the US Federal Reserve and the European Central Bank were pursuing contractionary monetary policy through interest rate hikes to combat rising inflation.
RYAN VIRAG ’00 VSB, who heads
ClearBridge’s business development and operations in Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), articulated specific investment strategies in the context of current global macro and capital-markets conditions. He discussed major political and economic trends in the MENA region, including the impact of extreme climate change, regional instability, increased food insecurity and worsening income inequality. Virag concluded that while the western world sometimes views MENA as a homogenous region economically, progress or regression can vary widely from country to country for many reasons. The intersection of each country’s economy, political systems, religious ideals, and open-ness/closed-ness to the rest of the region/world creates very diverse scenarios for each country.
Center Staff Recognized
IN CELEBRATION OF OUR 100TH ANNIVERSARY, VSB recognized 100 problem-solvers, change makers and humble servant-leaders who make a difference in their communities and around the world. MCGL Assistant Director Gloria Angel was highlighted for her impact on international students. Her experiences living and working in different countries and cultures, as well as recruiting and retaining international students, instilled in her empathy for those far from home—particularly for students. Angel stated, “Our international students are a vital part of our Villanova community. It has always been my mission to make sure they have the resources to succeed.” She was recognized for helping
20 | Moran
AMONG
Center for Global Leadership Annual Review 2022-2023
Gloria Angel
MCGL Supports Undergraduate Research
MCGL SUPPORTED two Villanova students in presenting their research at the Undergraduate and Pre-Graduate Economics Conference held at Stony Brook University on April 14, 2023.
Anthony Grasso ’23 VSB, Economics and International Business, presented “Impartiality in Humanitarian Assistance: An Investigation of Refugee Outflows Informing Levels of Food Aid Inflows,” and Yen Nguyen ’23 CLAS, Economics and Political Science, discussed her paper “Humanitarian Assistance and the Child Recruitment Crisis in Yemen.” Both students presented their capstone papers for Economics of Humanitarian Assistance taught by Maira Reimão, PhD, MCGL Global Research Fellow.
Grasso expressed his gratitude for this experience, saying “I learned about the process of presenting research in a formal academic setting and got a glimpse of what it
international students stranded during the COVID-19 pandemic find success. She also received the 2023 VSB Staff Excellence in Inclusion Award. One nominator shared, “The passion Gloria has to support our international students is truly inspiring. She goes above and beyond to ensure they feel welcome here at Villanova. The creation of the International Student Community Lunches during school breaks will continue long after her time.”
MCGL Director Kim Cahill received the 2023 VSB Ambassador Award for being consistently recognized by students and colleagues for displaying service in support of VSB that goes above and
would be like to attend a graduate program in economics. The honest and constructive feedback that I received at the conference helped me to strengthen both my argument and my ability to defend it, and it left me with strategies and techniques that I believe will be extremely applicable in my career and future education.”
Since joining Villanova two years ago, Dr. Reimão has been committed to increasing student research and presentation experiences. “I encouraged students in my economics capstone class to submit their papers for this undergraduate conference. … It was important to me that, in representing Villanova at the conference,
they do not incur any additional financial cost. I am grateful to the Moran Center, which, along with the hosts of the conference, covered all travel costs for our students,” she says. MCGL hopes to see and respond to more requests like these in future years.
beyond normal duties. One nominator noted, “Kim is a tireless advocate for student international experience, and she consistently leverages contacts outside her day-to-day interactions to expand opportunities, including attending conferences and participating in cross-school focus groups. Kim is a master of promoting VSB among her Advisory Council and their companies.” Another colleague wrote, “Kim petitions our donors to help expand the requirements for their scholarships to include marginalized groups. She goes beyond her job description in helping others and works hard to make sure all opportunities are available to everyone.”
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CENTER Stakeholders, Partners and Supporters
DONOR RECOGNITION
The Moran Center for Global Leadership would like to thank the following donors for their generous funding support:
Deborah Affonsa ’89 VSB
Susan Anderson ’16 VSB
Gloria Angel
Mary J. Bailey ’15 VSB
Kim Cahill
Michelle Casario, PhD
Anthony ’77 CLAS and Christine Chiarello
Charles Crew ’73 VSB
CENTER LEADERSHIP
The Moran Center for Global Leadership is led by two faculty directors, a director, an assistant director and an administrator. The Center is guided by a diverse Advisory Council of experienced professionals with extensive global leadership experience.
Michelle Casario, PhD Co-faculty Director
Jonathan P. Doh, PhD Co-faculty Director
Kim Cahill Director
Gloria Angel Assistant Director
Sharon Ballard Administrator
2059 Bartley Hall
(610) 519.3906
MCGL@villanova.edu
villanova.edu/MCGL
Ronald S. Cruse ’77 CLAS
Jeffrey Davis ’02 VSB
Stephen DeRose ’76 VSB
Jonathan Doh, PhD
Thomas Donnelly ’98 VSB
Brendan and Stephanie Glackin
Meghan ’10 VSB and Brett ’10 VSB Gora
Richard ’81 VSB and Gabrielle Heintzelman
Thomas Henry ’81 VSB, ’92 VLS
Michael “Mike” Januszeski, PhD, ’08 MBA
William Kelly ’72 VSB
Barbara Knauss ’06 VSB
Kaitlyn (Mincer) ’08 VSB, ’13 MBA and Justin Kramer
Jeffrey ’89 VSB and Maureen Lehocky
James Maguire ’84 VSB
Michael Manning ’92 VSB
Gregory ’95 VSB and Kristen ’94 VSB Mancini
Robert Moran ’72 VSB
Danielle Nefouse ’05 VSB
Sean Peyer ’97 VSB
Herbert Rammrath ’57 VSB
Kenneth Reilly ’95 VSB
Peter Ruggierio ’90 VSB
Christine ’90 CLAS and Craig Sanders ’90 VSB
Ryan Virag ’00 VSB
Kerry White ’86 VSB and Steve Geyster
Anthony Zinni ’65 VSB
Bank of America Charitable Gift Fund
Benevity/America Online Giving Foundation
BlackRock, Inc.
Deloitte Foundation
Fidelity Charitable Gift Fund
The Freeman Foundation
KPMG Foundation
PricewaterhouseCoopers Foundation
Vanguard Group, Inc.
YourCause
22 | Moran Center for Global Leadership Annual Review 2021-2022
WITHIN THE
MCGL ADVISORY COUNCIL 2022–2023
Deborah T. Affonsa ’89 VSB Executive Advisor, Independent Consultant
Gloria Angel
Assistant Director, MCGL Villanova School of Business
Kimberly A. “Kim” Cahill Director, MCGL Villanova School of Business
Michelle Casario, PhD Co-faculty Director, MCGL; Associate Professor, Economics Villanova School of Business
Anthony Chiarello ’77 CLAS Owner
Lighthouse Maritime Advisors
Charles “Charlie” Crew ’73 VSB
Retired President & CEO SABIC Innovative Plastics
Jeffrey Davis ’02 VSB Partner Ernst & Young
Stephen “Steve” DeRose ’76 VSB MCGL Chair
Retired Vice President, Global Customer Development Excellence Unilever
Jonathan P. Doh, PhD
Associate Dean, Research and Global Engagement; Co-faculty Director, MCGL; Rammrath Chair in International Business Villanova School of Business
Tom Donnelly ’98 VSB Principal KPMG
Anne Flugstad-Clarke P ’22 Owner Jung Coaching LLC
Richard G. “Rich”
Heintzelman ’81 VSB
Vice President Sales North America Wallenius Wilhelmsen
Thomas “Tom” Henry ’81 VSB
Retired Partner, Credit and Incentives Network PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Michael “Mike” Januszeski, PhD, ’08 MBA Director, Global Commercial Strategy Janssen
William “Bill” Kelly ’72 VSB President Kelly Associates Consulting
Barbara Knauss ’06 VSB Partner PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP
Jeffrey “Jeff” Lehocky ’89 VSB C-Suite Leader Global Banking
James “Jim” Maguire ’84 VSB Chief Financial Officer Exeltis, USA
Michael “Mike” Manning ’92 VSB Managing Director, Chief Auditor Asia Pacific (APAC) Region JPMorgan Chase & Co.
Wen Mao, PhD Helen and William O’Toole Vice Dean; Associate Professor, Economics Villanova School of Business
Amy McAndrews ’93 VSB Vice President of Finance and Controller Semiconductor Test Division Teradyne, Inc.
John Muller ’87 VSB, P ’17, ’18, ’20 Chief Growth Officer Abaco Systems, Inc.
Danielle Nefouse ’05 VSB Director (Retired) Financial Institutions Group BlackRock
Manuel A. Nuñez ’03 MBA Associate Dean, Graduate Programs Villanova School of Business
Thomas Park ’79 VSB President
Kenmore, Craftsman & Diehard
Sean Peyer ’97 VSB Head of Transaction Advisory Group Switzerland Alvarez & Marsal
Ken Reilly ’95 VSB Executive Vice President and Head of Tokyo Office Sompo International
Maira Reimão, PhD
MCGL Global Research Fellow; The Michele and Christopher Iannaccone ’91 Assistant Professor, Economics Villanova School of Business
Pete Ruggiero ’90 VSB
Chief Operating Officer Crayola LLC
Craig Sanders ’90 VSB
Principal, Global Client Services EY
Ryan D. Virag, CFA, ’00 VSB
Managing Director
EMEA Business Development
ClearBridge Investments
ASSOCIATE MEMBERS
Erica Chuong ’17 VSB Cloud Customer Engineer Google
Brett R. Gora ’10 VSB Vice President, Cost Excellence Varsity Brands
Meghan Gora ’10 VSB Senior Manager, Global Employer Services Deloitte
Abby Hiza ’11 VSB HR Business Partner Meta
Kevin Leonard ’16 MBA Principal MissionOG
Allison Meade Jackson ’16 VSB Customer Strategy Consultant Deloitte
Keleigh Ramos ’16 VSB Manager PwC Switzerland
Frank Tchuisi ’09 VSB
Assistant Vice President, Customer Distribution United States Liability Insurance (USLI)
villanova.edu/MCGL | 23
Villanova School of Business Bartley Hall 2059 | 800 Lancaster Avenue | Villanova, PA 19085 (610) 519.3906 | MCGL@villanova.edu | villanova.edu/MCGL MORAN CENTER for GLOBAL LEADERSHIP Award-Winning Publication WINNER 2022 | 2021 HERMES CREATIVE PLATINUM AWARD 2023 | 2020 | 2019 2018 | 2017 | 2016 HERMES CREATIVE GOLD AWARD 2022 | 2019 | 2018 CUPPIE HONORABLE MENTION 2016 CUPPIE GOLD AWARD 2021 | 2018 | 2015 MARCOM GOLD AWARD 2022 | 2020 MARCOM PLATINUM AWARD