I have contributed financially to the Graduate School of Management each year since my graduation in 2007, always driven by the idea that it is the right thing to do. During these years, I have also served on the GSM Alumni Association’s Student Fellowship Committee. Since 2003 the Alumni Association (GSMAA) has provided fellowships to deserving students in each of the School’s MBA programs—a tangible demonstration of alumni support for students who have a significant impact on the GSM and the broader community.

As a committee member, I have always been astounded by how talented our students are. But as this year’s committee chair, I got an closer look at how their efforts not only contribute greatly to our collective communities, but also to the value of a UC Davis MBA. Last Sunday, at Gallagher Hall, we honored this year’s fellowship recipients for their outstanding achievements, and we look forward to seeing what they’ll do next.

It is my honor to introduce our 2011–12 GSM Alumni Association Student Fellows:

Tarren Corbett is a second-year student in the Daytime MBA program. Tarren just completed her term as the co-president of the GSM’s Challenge for Charity chapter, and helped host a very successful Wine Tasting Benefit and Auction last winter. Tarren’s enthusiasm and drive stretch beyond the UC Davis campus. She has represented us well in Sacramento as a Mayoral Fellow for Mayor Kevin Johnson, shining alongside her counterparts from Harvard. Her drive has extended to her role as a GSM Ambassador, engaging and informing prospective students about the many benefits of the School.

Rob Schumann is a third-year student in the Sacramento Working Professional MBA program. He is a senior geologist and project manager for AECOM, a Fortune 500 multinational engineering firm. Rob led his four-person team to the semi-finals in last year’s Big Bang! Business Plan Competition; his ambition and creativity helped them earn top honors in Marc Lowe’s Business Development course as the most creative and “funded” opportunity. Rob started a monthly Working Professionals lunch group in Sacramento for the students to get to know each other better, network, ask questions and share information—all helping to strengthen the community.

David Thayer is a second-year student in the Bay Area Working Professional MBA program, and the first Working Professional student to receive a fellowship be named an Emerging Venture Analyst at the UC Davis Energy Efficiency Center. David has also, along with two classmates, started a software company that incorporates GSM faculty research into its products. David takes every opportunity to represent the GSM, including his attendance at last year’s Net Impact Conference in Portland, Ore., and his critical role in planning and executing the 2011 Bay Area Working Professional MBA new student orientation.

The GSMAA Student Fellowships are made possible through the GSM Annual Fund. Thank you for your contributions—your support truly makes a difference.

Finally, my sincere thanks to this year’s Student Fellowship Committee members: Meredith Abby ’10, Megan Bley ’08, Christine Chen ’09, Philip Farinella ’09, Brian Hoblit ’07, Tim Landolt ’10, Dania Stotts ’08 and John Toney ’07.

Warm regards,

Andrea Schafer Henderson ‘07
Chair, 2011–12 GSM Alumni Association Student Fellowship Committee