Robust Response as OWLIEs Go Virtual

by Kristine Imherr - April 28th, 2020 - Jindal News & Events, Student Life

Enthusiastic shout-outs and spontaneous bursts of support made the Naveen Jindal School of Management’s sixth annual OWLIE Awards a spirited virtual watch party that had the audience rooting for favorites and congratulating winners in real-time pop-up reactions as the prerecorded ceremony streamed on JSOM’s Instagram feed.

Perhaps the biggest winner this year was the April 22 awards ceremony itself, because, as Dr. Monica Powell, senior associate dean, said, “COVID-19 didn’t stop an important tradition.” That tradition centers on recognizing outstanding Jindal School students, faculty, staff and others in an event hosted by the JSOM Dean’s Council. Although coronavirus restrictions precluded an in-person gala, the retooled event offered dazzle and glamour “green-screened” into the video’s background and red-carpet special effects added through editing. The watch party attracted about 175 people. But as of April 28, the video, posted to JSOM’s YouTube channel immediately after the party, had registered more than 1,200 views. “I didn’t expect people to be so engaged,” Powell said. Her comment applied, she said, not only to audience interest but also to extraordinary efforts it took behind the scenes to produce the ceremony. Those efforts included a heart-tugging video invitation to the watch party created by Dean’s Council member Raul Gonzalez, an MS in Accounting and MBA double-degree seeker. Undergraduate Dean’s Council member Charles (Charlie) Hooper, a business administration senior, returned to the festivities to emcee for a third year. He was joined for a second time by Graduate Dean’s Council co-host Gautam Sharma, an MBA and MS in Business Analytics student. The pair played out their roles in a JSOM eLearning studio, social-distancing themselves as they recorded the show. Also chief editor on the project, Sharma later dropped in the glitzy backgrounds, added the special effects and inserted taped appearances from Powell, Jindal School Dean Hasan Pirkul and UT Dallas President Richard C. Benson. Benson congratulated OWLIE recipients and thanked them. “This University’s success depends on shared values, hard work and great commitment, and you epitomize that to the greatest extent,” he said. “I’m very grateful. Thanks for everything you’ve done for UT Dallas.” In his welcome, the dean congratulated all the nominees and offered an endorsement. “This ceremony symbolizes our school’s resilience and commitment to excellence,” he said. During the watch party, Pirkul frequently contributed enthusiastic dispatches. Afterward, he commented that he did not know what to expect from a virtual ceremony but found it exciting and full of anticipation, engagement and school support. “I never thought that a virtual ceremony could match the excitement you feel in an in-person event,” the dean said, “but the council delivered a terrific event exactly when the school needed to be uplifted and inspired.” “It was a well-produced show,” said Dr. B.P.S. Murthi, marketing professor and director of the Morris Hite Center for Product Development and Market Research. “Great job!” “What a fun and impressive production!” Dr. John (McClain) Watson, director of the Jindal School’s Business Communication Programs, commented in an email after the show. “Thanks for continuing to do this despite the circumstances. It’s good to keep rituals going!” OWLIE is an acronym for Outstanding Worthy Leader Involved Exceptionally, and the award symbolizes hard work and dedication. Most recipients are chosen through an internal JSOM nomination and voting process. All award winners receive a statuette depicting Wise, the 3-foot-half-inch mirrored stainless-steel owl by Dallas artist Brad Oldman that has informally served as the Jindal School’s mascot since it was installed in the school’s north courtyard in October 2014.

OWLIE 2020 WINNERS

Jindal Selfless Service

This award recognizes an undergraduate or graduate student or community leader in JSOM who has won hearts through selfless acts of service to others and/or the community. Winner:   Bella Ngo, junior, information technology and systems Not only is Ngo a prominent figure in the UT Dallas Office of Student Volunteerism, she also is committed to boosting the morale of other undergraduates in the Davidson Management Honors Program. She was a leader last year at orientation and at Comet Camp. She consistently gives back to the community through selfless acts of volunteerism, positive energy and constant willingness to inspire incoming JSOM students. She puts others before herself both at work and in her everyday life.

Jindal Student Mentor

This award recognizes an undergraduate and graduate student who have demonstrated excellence in mentoring by encouraging and promoting the educational, professional and personal development of JSOM students. Winners:   Undergraduate: Pratiksha Tonpe, senior, marketing Tonpe is the Living Learning Community JSOM peer advisor of Residence Hall West. Outgoing, charismatic and caring, she makes her peers feel welcome and part of the community. A member of the Davidson Management Honors Program and several clubs, she has a lot of insight into JSOM resources.   Graduate: Timothy Truong, MBA and MS in Accounting President of the UT Dallas Institute of Internal Auditors Student Chapter and a teaching assistant for the Internal Auditing Education Partnership program, Truong and his team host social events for students and employers every semester. Communicating actively with the IIA, Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and the North Texas Information Systems Audit and Control Association chapter, the team successfully hosted the annual UT Dallas Fraud Summit and IIA Super Conference under Truong’s leadership. He frequently has assisted his peers with interview preparation and networking advice to help them on the path to success.

JSOM Student Most Likely to Be a C-Suite Executive

This award recognizes an undergraduate and graduate student who demonstrates the qualities of a C-suite executive, including drive, determination, mindset and entrepreneurial spirit. Winners:   Undergraduate: Karianna Barreto, senior, marketing Barreto is a polished and driven student who leads with grace and positivity. When visiting at Barret’s first internship, a faculty member was surprised to learn that she was already leading a team of interns. A two-time Pro Sales Cup champion, she placed fourth overall in the International Collegiate Sales Competition. She also was named to the NTX Inno Under 25 — top entrepreneurs under the age of 25 — list. She serves as the president of the Center for ProfessionalSales Student Board of Directors and as the center’s student intern account manager. She also gives back to her community by teaching an etiquette class to youth in her community.   Graduate: Gottfreid Lutumba, MBA Lutumba has used his strategic thinking and connections with business to start his own financial technology business in his home country of Angola. He is one of the principal engagement leaders of the Consulting Leadership and Development Society (CLDS)at UT Dallas. Without his contribution, the society would not have been able to develop a pro-bono consulting division through which students can apply their skills and knowledge on real work problems. Lutumba has the drive, dedication and motivation to rise to the top of any organization.

Jindal Amazing Alum

This award is presented to a JSOM alumnus who has shown excellence in supporting JSOM students. Winner:   Lisa M. Ong, MS in Management and Administrative Science’14 Ong is the founder and president of Wishing Out Loud LLC. Despite her busy schedule, she makes time to mentor students to build team leadership. She coaches students on topics ranging from career planning to authentic leadership, networking, communication and confidence. A valued member of the MS in Accounting Advisory Board, she provides valuable insight on how to improve the program and help students grow professionally and personally. Her positive attitude and kindness truly shine a light to others and impact all who meet her.

Jindal Employer of the Year

Employers nominated for this award must have posted positions in the Jindal School, hired students for both internships and full-time positions, and helped to support the professional development of students. Winner:   Raytheon United Technologies Raytheon Company and the United Technologies Corporation recently merged to form Raytheon Technologies Corporation. The aerospace and defense systems provider is an ongoing strong supporter of the Career Management Center. Raytheon has extended 12 internships in the past academic year alone. It has hosted several events for supply chain management and MBA students. It also has hosted several events for UT Dallas student veterans, including a Veterans Day luncheon and a military “vetworking” gathering.

JSOM Student of the Year

This award is presented to undergraduate, graduate and PhD students considered outstanding examples of excellence in JSOM. They are exceptional students, confident leaders and actively engaged in the life of the school. Winners:   Undergraduate: Andrew Blodgett, senior, business administration and marketing Driven, dedicated and passionate about all his professional and academic goals, Blodgett is an excellent example of a JSOM student. He has frequently been seen as a Nova Ambassador or running to class to advertise his startup. On campus, he has been busy as the president of InterVarsity Christian Fellowship or selling baked goods for Smiles Bakery. In the summer, he has served as an orientation leader and a team leader for Student Transition Programs. A positive influence on his peers, he motivates others to do better and treats everyone with kindness. H exemplifies the JSOM spirit.   Graduate: Jessica Thompson, MBA Committed to her studies, classmates, community and country, Thompson served for over six years as a member of the United States Air Force in intelligence before matriculating into the Full-Time MBA and MS Supply Chain Management programs. She works to support and develop recruitment efforts to increase the size of the military community at UT Dallas. Additionally, she works every day to better the lives of student veterans by serving as president of the campus Student Veterans of America chapter. She has brought in multiple corporate speakers to discuss placement strategies with student veterans and has organized community volunteer events.   PhD: Mehdi Hosseinabadi Farahani, Management Science Farahani excels as a student, teacher and researcher. Eager to learn new methods and techniques, he demonstrates an impressive work ethic. He has earned high performance evaluations from the undergraduates he has taught. He conducts innovative and academically rigorous research, and his first paper was accepted for publication in a top academic journal. “Equally important,” one nominator said, “he is a good friend to his colleagues and a very helpful individual.”

JSOM Faculty of the Year

This award is presented to a faculty member for excellence in teaching, advising, mentoring and/or supporting students. Award winners contribute to the enhancement of the learning experience for students in JSOM. Winners:   Undergraduate: Debra Richardson, senior lecturer, Finance and Managerial Economics, and director, Risk Management and Insurance Concentration Richardson’s experience in the insurance industry make her standout, and her loving and selfless personality makes her all the more special. Her lectures are interesting and humorous because she makes the information easy to understand and relatable. The real-life examples she provides help students understand concepts, and she shares information on any risk management-related event or mixer from which students may benefit. She also shares employment and scholarship information from her connections and posts it on eLearning so all of her students have an equal chance at the opportunities.   Graduate: Carolyn Reichert, clinical associate professor, Finance and Managerial Economics, and program director, MS in Finance Reichert demonstrates the passion she has for finance, teaching and helping her students succeed. She is patient with questions from students on difficult subject matter and translates complex financial theories into simple, everyday examples. She helps her students understand the intricacies of finance and financial modeling that allow them to relate what they learn to real-world examples outside the classroom. Despite her busy schedule, Reichert is willing to give her time to students to assist with projects in other classes, case competitions and career advice.   PhD: Vijay Mookerjee, Charles and Nancy Davidson Chair in Information Systems, and coordinator, PhD in Management Systems, Information Systems Concentration A great scholar, caring educator and outstanding mentor, Mookerjee puts tremendous effort into coaching students and helping them achieve their best potential to develop into successful scholars. His continuous guidance, encouragement, patience and confidence in students plays an important role in their academic, as well as personal, success. Mookerjee goes out of his way to ensure students understand the material and encourages them to think critically. He is highly invested and dedicated to the academic success of PhD students and provides support and guidance throughout their academic career.

JSOM Outstanding Staff Member

The award is presented to a JSOM staff member for excellence in advising, assisting and supporting students. This staff member contributes to the enhancement of the overall experience for students in JSOM. Winner:   Corina Cantua, director, JSOM Academic Advising Office Cantua works tirelessly to keep JSOM moving toward greatness. She has a vast knowledge of both undergraduate and graduate policies and is able to maintain focus and keep a cool head when faced with difficult or stressful situations. She champions JSOM students, both graduate and undergraduate, and will do whatever she can to help them succeed. She is a mentor and cheerleader to her advising team, to faculty and to administration. During this time of COVID-19, she has been her staff’s biggest ally, ensuring that they are safe, healthy and have all the equipment needed to continue to assist students to the best of their abilities.

JSOM Super Owl

This award recognizes active members of the Jindal School Dean’s Council who provide leadership and support for all the activities of the council. Both undergraduate and graduate members are honored. This year, Senior Associate Dean Monica Powell presented the Super Owl Awards in her videotaped appearance. Winners:   Undergraduate:Charles (Charlie) Hooper, senior, business administration Noting that although Hooper was a ceremony co-host, he was unaware that he was getting the award, Powell then mentioned that he had served as emcee for three years. “He has provided incredible leadership to the undergraduate side of the [Dean’s] Council,“ Powell said, “and I want him to have [an OWLIE statuette] to sit on his desk for the rest of his life.”   Undergraduate: Amanda Richards, senior business administration Richardson, Powell said, “has done some amazing work for the undergraduate side of the Dean’s Council for several years. We’re going to miss her.”   Graduate, Todd Baty, MBA   Graduate: Lindsay Ren, MS in Accounting and MS in Information Technology and Management “What many people don’t know ,” Powell said in announcing the graduate student Super Owls, “is that the Dean’s Council has gone through a magical transformation in the last several years.” Baty and Ren, the two co-leaders of the Graduate Dean’s Council, were two key people in that transformation, she said. “They have taken on the challenge, recruited great students, provided remarkable leadership,… and we really want them to be recognized with a Super Owl as well.”   Graduate: Gautam Sharma, MBA and MS in Business Analytics “Gautam has provided so much to the council,” Powell said, “his video expertise, his humor, his energy, his desire to do and make an incredible contribution to our school.” JSOM Outstanding Leader: Student Organization This award is presented to undergraduate and graduate students who lead a JSOM student organization, have provided exemplary leadership to the members of that organization and have had a positive impact on them. Winners:   Undergraduate: Sarah Romanko, junior business administration An active member of the Entrepreneurship Club (E-Club) for over a year, Romanko became co-president in May 2019. Her leadership has transformed E-Club from a struggling organization to a very active, highly engaged group. Romanko and her leadership team developed a vision, executed a strategy and grew the club. She and the team have planned multiple events, taken tours at co-working and entrepreneurial venues in Dallas, participated in organizational fairs, partnered with other clubs for events and secured financial sponsorship from a startup. On top of all of that, they have done a tremendous job at social media and launched a podcast, The Up & Coming, to feature UT Dallas student startups.   Graduate: Rupal Mehta, MBA A smart and intelligent leader, Mehta has successfully supported women’s initiatives at UT Dallas. During her first semester, she overcame several obstacles to charter a chapter of the National Association of Women MBAs (NAWMBA) at UT Dallas. She worked diligently to organize the chapter, designate officers and hold their first information session in the first month. Mehta has effectively communicated with the chapter about upcoming events, including a volunteer project for the Girl Scouts promoting STEM — all while juggling her MBA curriculum and class schedule.

JSOM Student Organization of the Year

This award recognizes the JSOM student organization that has made a significant contribution to the school and student body through service, programs and activities. Winners:   Undergraduate: Nova Ambassador Program Nova is a group of undergraduate students who represent the Jindal School to the campus, community and alumni. This organization supports the efforts of the Undergraduate Recruitment Office to bring the next generation of undergraduates to JSOM. During the past academic year, Nova Ambassadors volunteered at 37 events, served a total of 716 hours and interacted with more than 1,700 prospective students. Nova Ambassadors are high-achieving, highly involved campus leaders. Ten Nova Ambassadors completed internships during the academic year while involved in the organization. Five graduating seniors had a job offer prior to graduation. Three ambassadors attended leadership conferences. One ambassador competed in the UT Dallas Big Idea Competition and another received awards for undergraduate research. One ambassador was crowned homecoming king in fall 2019. It is evident that the involvement and impact that Nova Ambassadors have on the Jindal community and UT Dallas help to elevate the JSOM brand with their success.   Graduate: Envision Envision focuses on the field of data visualization and the continuous career development of its members. During the past academic year, Envision elevated the JSOM brand within the UT Dallas community by hosting several events that served not only the Jindal School community but also reached out to students in the Erik Jonsson School of Engineering and Computer Science. The fall kickoff as well as a speed-mentoring event, an information session and a workshop brought in industry experts who provided career guidance and more. Visiting professionals also reviewed résumés, LinkedIn profiles and cover letters, and engaged in mock interviews. In the HackOverflow hackathon, industry guests and alumni offered participating teams feedback as well as a chance at $1,200 in prize money.