Columbia University News for South Texas

April 1: Laugh it Up seminar on Executive Humor(for real!)

The MBA Council of Houston and The Houston Young Lawyers Association cordially invite you to attend our event on Executive humor:

LAUGH IT UP! Why CEOs must be funny in hard times…

• Too many CEOs still think that humor is an occasional joke or line written by someone else in a speech (i.e. insert humor here).  However, humor is a leadership skill.  It fosters team spirit; it improves morale and productivity, reduces stress, increases creativity and helps employee recruitment and retention.
• Everyone has heard of the outlandish quips and stunts pulled off by legendary Southwest CEO Herb Kelleher, but can the rest of us learn to be funny?  Merrie Spaeth says the answer is yes! 
• Please join us for an evening of comedy, cocktails, and a lively presentation on C-Level humor with renowned corporate communications expert Merrie Spaeth.

Event  Details:
When:  Wednesday, April 1, 2009
Cocktails and hors d’oeuvres start at 5:30 p.m.
Program at 6:00 p.m.; Improv Comedians at 6:45 p.m.

Where:  Improv Houston
7620 Katy Freeway, Space 431, Houston, TX 77024

Program Cost:  $25
Credit Card reservations online
*Sign up at: http://www.mbach.org/

About our Speaker:

Merrie Spaeth has a unique background in media, government, politics, and business. In 1987, she founded Spaeth Communications, Inc., a Dallas-based firm providing communication training and consulting for a wide range of companies and institutions. The firm specializes in teaching executives how to use communication as a strategic business tool.  She began her government experience as a White House Fellow, serving as Special Assistant to William Webster, Director of the F.B.I., and in 1984 she was appointed Special Assistant to President Ronald Reagan and Director of Media Relations at the White House where she pioneered the use of satellite communications and started the electronic White House News Service. As a noted speech writer, Merrie has written opinion articles and speeches for many business leaders including the late William S. Paley, the founder and chairman of CBS, Inc. A cum laude graduate of Smith College, she holds a masters degree from Columbia Business School and was awarded the school's Overall Achievement Award. She is an instructor for the Business Leadership Center in the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University. Honors include Glamour Magazine's 10 Outstanding Working Women of America, the National Council of Women's Citation of Accomplishment, as well as the Young Poet of New York and "Filmdom's Famous Five" which dates to the 1960s when Ms. Spaeth was an actress in television and film beginning with "The World of Henry Orient" with Peter Sellers and Angela Lansbury. Merrie is the founder and president of the Institute for Strategic Communications, a not-for-profit foundation devoted to studying and reporting on business communication issues. She is active in many local and national civic and charitable organizations, and her firm has been recognized for its extensive pro bono contributions to nonprofit institutions.

Innovation Seminar from MBA Council

The public is welcome to register for this event:

What exactly do we mean when we talk of innovation? How does it come about, and what can realistically be done to generate more of it? If being more innovative is our stated goal, how should we measure our progress to improve our results?

Event Date: Wednesday, November 19th, 2008 at 5:15pm

Please join the MBA Council of Houston and the MIT Enterprise Forum of Texas for a very special panel discussion concerning the management of innovation, moderated by Dr. John Lienhard.  (Yes, this is the same famous Dr. John Lienhard that we have listened to at 7:30am on the NPR radio station hosting the segment entitled The Engines of Our Ingenuity.) 

When:  Wednesday, November 19th, 2008
Networking and hors d’oeuvres at 5:15 p.m.
Program will commence at 6:00 p.m.

Where:  The Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas, Houston Branch
1801 Allen Parkway,  Houston, Texas 77019

Program Cost:  $50
Credit Card reservations online
Click here to buy tickets!!!

*Due to security requirements placed by the Federal Reserve Bank, all attendees must register by noon on November 19th

Featured Panelists:

Dr. John Lienhard (Moderator) – Author and voice of NPR's The Engines of Our Ingenuity, is M.D. Anderson Professor Emeritus of Mechanical Engineering and History at the University of Houston. He received BS and MS degrees from Oregon State College and the University of Washington, his PhD from UC / Berkeley, and he holds two honorary doctorates. He is known for his research in the thermal sciences as well as in cultural history. He is an Honorary Member of the American Society of Mechanical Engineers and a member of the National Academy of Engineering.

Dr. Steven P. Nichols - Serves as professor of Mechanical Engineering at UT-Austin. He directs the Clint W Murchison Sr. Chair of Free Enterprise, a role in which he develops programs focusing on product development, technology innovation, creativity and professional responsibility. He is also Director of the Advanced Manufacturing Center in UT's Cockrell School of Engineering.

Bill Rothwell - was appointed VP, Innovation and Chemicals Technology with Shell Global Solutions Inc. in 2007. Overseeing 500 scientists and engineers in Europe, Asia and the US, Bill has global responsibility for identifying and leveraging innovation and chemical technology across the Royal Dutch Shell Group.

Michele Brekke - is Director of Technology Transfer at NASA's Johnson Space Center. In this role Michele manages programs that encourage the transfer of technology from NASA into the private sector; develops partnerships with industry and businesses; and works with NASA, industry and academia to develop innovation partnerships for break-through technologies. She also works with NASA engineers and scientists at JSC to ensure successful patenting of their inventions.

Gary Reamey - is Senior Principal and Country Leader responsible for Edward Jones' Canadian Operations.  Joining Edward Jones upon graduation from Wabash College in 1977, Reamey led the firm's first significant expansion into a major metropolitan area (Chicago) in the early '80s - a radical departure from the firm's practice of establishing branches almost exclusively in rural areas. This experiment served as prototype for Edward Jones' expansion into many American and U.K. cities.  Reamey received an MBA from the University of Chicago in 1987. He is a trustee of Wabash College, a director for the Investment Industry Assoc. of Canada, and a past governor of the Toronto Stock Exchange.

On Nov. 13: Unequal America:Let's Leverage this Crisis to Create a Fairer Society

Did you know that a poor child born in Germany, France, or Canada has a better opportunity to join the middle class in adulthood than an American child born is similar circumstances?

The Columbia Club of South Texas, with the support of the South Texas College of Law, is proud to announce Houston's opportunity to learn...

How can we make sure that we come out of this financial crisis with a fairer society?

Join us at the Towne-Garrett Hall at South Texas College of Law, 1303 San Jacinto between Polk and Clay in downtown Houston, from 6 to 8 pm on November 13, 2008, where we'll get the facts and discuss where we should go in the future.

Our speaker and fellow Columbia U. alum, Sarah Burd-Sharps, is co-founder of the American Human Development Project. Its mission is to draw attention to human development issues in the U.S. and to empower people to hold elected officials accountable for progress on issues we all care about--health, education, and income. "The Measure of America: American Human Development Report 2008-2009,"  published by Columbia University Press, is modeled on the United Nations Development Programme’s global Human Development Report, which has ranked countries around the world for almost two decades. This new American report shows human development rankings for U.S. states, congressional districts, and ethnic groups. It reveals where America is today and sets a benchmark for monitoring progress tomorrow.

You can register now for this reception and presentation, followed by a discussion, which costs only $20, and is free for students with a valid ID.

Join us as we figure out how to measure the quality of life in the U.S. today, and what our new congress should put on their agenda for outcomes in the income opportunities, health, and education of all Americans.

Special thanks to our sponsor:

Recap of Food Lovers Celebration at Mockingbird Bistro

Teresa Byrne-Dodge was thrilled to receive a Mayor's Proclamation at our Food Lovers Celebration last September 9th. "I give one out every year at the MyTable gala, and I've always been secretly jealous of the recepients. Now I've got my own!" Here she is receiving it from Columbia Club of South Texas president George Marshall Worthington.

Over 50 people attended the reception and book signing in the wine room of Mockingbird Bistro. Owner and featured chef John Sheely (see page 264 of The Ultimate Food Lover's Guide to Houston) gave a brief guide to the food and the restaurant. His generous hospitality and delicious food helped us create a fabulous event. Sixteen people stayed for dinner. In fact, a few of us stayed until closing!

Of course, the main event was a book-signing. Here Hal Finnegan picks up his copy. Capitalizing on My Table's 14 years of covering everything food in Houston, this is not a traditional restaurant guidebook so much as -- as the title promises -- a food-lover's guide. The 5x8 book slips easily into a handbag or briefcase, and has more than 100 bakeries, ethnic markets, farmers' markets, butchers, gelato shops, fishmongers, chocolate shops, coffeehouses, tea rooms, and much more.

James Rubin: Options & Obstacles for Next President, Sept 26

World Affairs Council of Houston and Columbia University Club of South Texas present

America and the World: Options and Obstacles for the Next President

James P. Rubin
Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs, Adjunct Professor

Friday, September 26

Hyatt Regency Imperial Ballroom
1200 Louisiana

Registration: 11:30 a.m.
Program: 12:00 - 1:30 p.m.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (713) 522-7811

On November 5, 2008, the president-elect must turn his attention to a full range of domestic and foreign challenges. His choices will profoundly impact our citizens, people in other countries and future generations.

James P. Rubin will give his assessment of America’s international engagement and the problems we face today in key areas such as the Middle East, Russia, Central Asia, and Africa. From his vantage point at the highest levels of foreign policy, Rubin will discuss the next president’s options for overcoming future obstacles to U.S. actions.

James P. Rubin currently is a commentator and lecturer on U.S. foreign policy, an adjunct professor at Columbia University’s school of International and Public Affairs, and senior foreign policy advisor to Senator Joe Biden. He is Vice Chairman of the Atlantic Partnership and a member of the Council on Foreign Relations.

Mr. Rubin served under President Clinton as Assistant Secretary of State for Public Affairs and chief spokesman for the State Department. Previously, he worked as a top policy adviser to Secretary of State Madeleine K. Albright and served as a special negotiator during the Kosovo war to secure the demobilization of the Kosovo Liberation Army.

Mr. Rubin earned his undergraduate degree in political science and his masters in international affairs from Columbia University. He is recipient of Columbia University’s John Jay award for Professional Achievement. He received the State Department’s highest honor, the Distinguished Service Award.

Event Pricing
Member $35.00 per attendee
Non-member $45.00 per attendee
Register

Sept. 9, Celebrate Houston's Loved Food and Food Writer

You are invited to come celebrate with us the publication of
The Ultimate Food Lover's Guide to Houston

Edited by Columbia University alumna
Teresa Byrne-Dodge (M.S. Journalism, 1977)
and editor/publisher, My Table magazine, founder of Lazywood Press.

The reception hosted by the Columbia Club of South Texas at
Mockingbird Bistro, 1985 Welch in River Oaks on
Tuesday, is September 9, 2008 from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m.

Experience Houston's finest food and publishing for only
$12.50 for appetizers, wine, and the signing of your book.
Space is limited, so purchase your registration today by clicking the Pay Now button!

Order the book now or buy a copy at the event for $17.95.
Questions? Contact George Marshall Worthington, 713.256.8965

April 24: Reel Deal on Filmmaking in Houston

The Houston chapter of the Columbia Business School alumni club is a member of the MBA Council of Houston, and they are thrilled to extend this invitation to all our Columbia University friends. This event will be very enlightening!

The MBA Council, The Houston Angel Network and Creative Houston
with Joanne King Herring and Franci Crane

invite you to
THE REEL DEAL

April 24 at 6 pm

All that glitters . . . is not necessarily in Hollywood
The Business of Film:  What it means for you. What it means for Houston.

Everyone likes going to the movies. But how much do you know about the business of movies? Advances in affordable film making technology together with incentives, infrastructure and local talent can make Houston a growing center of independent film production, creating jobs and boosting local revenues. Whether you are an investor looking to finance a project, a film maker looking for funding or just curious about the industry, this event will be fascinating. Join these distinguished experts and learn how a more active film industry can benefit you and Houston:

• Bob Hudgins, Director, Texas Film Commission
• Rick Ferguson, Executive Director, Houston Film Commission, and President, Texas Association of Film Commissions
• Cynthia Neely, President, Women in Film and Television, Houston and SE Region Board Member, Texas Motion Picture Alliance
• Lawrence Waks, Entertainment Lawyer and Partner, Jackson Walker
• Ken Miller, Principal, Edge Group Interests
• Rob McKinnon, Writer, Director and Filmmaker

Downtown Houston
CenterPoint Energy Tower Auditorium
1111 Louisiana (between Lamar and Dallas; use Milam at Dallas entrance)  77002
Help save Houston's environment. Ride METRO to the Main Street Station and walk west to Louisiana and then one block south to Dallas.

THURSDAY, APRIL 24, 2008
6:00 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Registration and networking
6:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. Panel and discussion
7:30 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. Film festival showcasing heritage of film in Houston and Texas
8:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Reception with appetizing ideas, food and drink and networking

$25 per person (reception included)
Credit Card reservations online by Monday, April 21, 2008
Sign up at www.MBAch.org

On street meter parking is free after 6 pm. Be sure to double check, though, and read the parking signs!!
For a map of parking garages and lots, go to www.HoustonDowntown.com

For more information email [email protected] or contact
George Marshall Worthington, (713) 256-8965

May 18: "God in the White House" by Randall Balmer

The Columbia University Club of South Texas is pleased to welcome Professor Randall Balmer, the Ann Whitney Olin Professor of American Religion at Barnard College, as he provides insights on the role of religion in the White House. His most recent book, God in the White House: A History: How Faith Shaped the Presidency from John F. Kennedy to George W. Bush, explores the interplay between religion and politics in America, tracking the “religionization” of the Oval Office across the last half of the 20th century. He enlightens the American public by discussing how faith became such an important criterion for the presidency.

Sunday, May 18, 2008
5:00 p.m. Networking Reception with appetizers and cash bar
6:00 p.m. Program followed by Q&A and Book Signing
at
Live Oak Friends Meeting House
1318 West 26th Street
Houston, TX 77008

Please visit the following Web site to hear an interview with Professor Balmer:
www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=18429953.

Professor Balmer earned his Ph.D. from Princeton University. He has lectured at various institutions from the Chautauqua Institution to the Smithsonian Associates, reaching out to audiences all around the country. Dr. Balmer has been a visiting professor at Rutgers, Yale, Drew, Princeton, Northwestern University, and Union Theological Seminary, where he is also an adjunct professor. He has published widely in both academic and scholarly journals and in the popular press. His newspaper columns are distributed nationally by the New York Times Syndicate, and he earned an Emmy nomination for hosting the PBS adaptation of his second book, Mine Eyes Have Seen the Glory: A Journey into the Evangelical Subculture in America.

Reserve your seat now! RSVP required by May 14. The cost to attend is $20 per person in advance. Soon, you can RSVP by credit card at alumni.columbia.edu/register. Walk-ins will be admitted at $30 per person (cash only). Randall Balmer’s book, God in the White House, will be available for sale.

Questions? E-mail Brian Swain at [email protected].
Visit the Columbia University Club of South Texas Web site: alumni.columbia.edu/houston.
Need more information on this or any other alumni event? alumni.columbia.edu.

Entrepreneurial Landscape of Houston: Feb 8

MBA Council of Houston presents
Panel Discussion: “The Entrepreneurial Landscape in Houston”
Friday, February 8th 2008          7:30 am – 9:00 am
$15 per person (breakfast included)
Houston Technology Center
410 Pierce St. (btw Bagby & Brazos)
Houston, TX 77002
Street Parking Available

Credit Card reservations online by January 31, 2008
Sign up at: http://www.mbachtcevent.com

Panelists include Elliott Bouillion of the Houston Private Equity Association, Walter Ulrich of the Houston Technology Center, and Leo Womack of the Houston Angel Network.

Feb 5 Dean Hubbard's Reception

For the reception for Columbia Business School Dean Glenn Hubbard on February 5, we have about a dozen slots open to non-business school alumni.

If you are an alum of the Business School, don't miss this biannual trip by Dean Hubbard to Houston. As usual, this 6:30 pm reception will be held at the home of Charles Tate (Bus 72), 3637 Inwood. The Dean will give a brief presentation on the state of the health care industry, and we'll have a cocktail buffet.

Please RSVP as soon as possible to Kara McGillicuddy at (212) 851-4327 or [email protected]. Let her know if you are NOT an alum of the Business School.

Healthy, Wealthy & Wise: Five Steps to a Better Health Care System is the Dean's latest book. This short and focused book offers five suggestions to help lower our society's overall healthcare expenses, improve availability, while putting it on a more sound footing for controlling future cost growth. Discussing healthcare is a complicated issue and much of the public discussion is distorted by various kinds of self-interest, lack of knowledge about the technical aspects of the problem (both medical and economic), and different views of what the desirable outcomes would be. This one hundred-page book is a wonderful basic foundation so we can discuss the health care issues from a common ground. (from review by Craig Matteson on Amazon)