Visitors

We've had a number of guest speakers visit the SMBA V (class of 2010) classroom over the past weeks. Many thanks to all of them for taking the time to come out!


Kari Logan of the Competitor Group came to talk to us about the Rock 'n' Roll Marathon, in San Diego for the 11th year this weekend. Competitor group runs 16 road races annually, and it all started with the marathon in San Diego, which set a record as the largest first-time marathon in 1998. The race teams with Team in Training to raise money for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Kari talked to us about what goes in to putting on the race, and solicited volunteers for this weekend's event. A couple of our classmates have been working with the marathon for quite a while now, and several more are volunteering on race day.

Alex Kotler, founder Football Partnerships came to speak about his organization. Alex, a relatively recent MBA, founded Football Partnerships, a soccer networking and information site, in 2008 to promote knowledge sharing and relationship building among soccer professionals. The site, run by Alex, provides original soccer content, as well as a premium networking events and a members-only directory. Alex also works as a consultant for soccer-related projects. Alex spoke about his experience in and since his MBA, and what he is doing to set up his own business, following his passion.


Sandi Hill, Executive Director of the Cal State Games came to talk to us at volunteer opportunities with the games in July. Cal State games are part of a US Olympic Committee grass-roots campaign to encourage athletic participation and competition in the Olympic spirit. The Games take place in the summer, and in the winter. The summer games are considerably bigger, with 10,000 athletes. The winter games host 1300 athletes, some of whom come from surrounding states. Sandi talked to us about ways in which our class can get involved in the games, from serving as site supervisors for various events to working logistics with the games. Many of us will be out there the weekend of July 16th -- should be a good time!

Finally, thanks to our Leadership instructor, Steve Gera, we were visited by Duncan Hunter, Congressional Representative for California's 52nd district. Hunter is the second youngest member of congress and, as a former Marine, the only combat veteran currently serving as a representative. Hunter spoke with us about his leadership experience and advice, as well as his current experience in congress. Many, many thanks to Rep. Hunter for taking the time to come speak to us, and to Steve Gera for setting it up!

Megan Moyer, SMBA 2010