The stuff that memories are made of!

as your courses were very much part of my fond Elmhurst memories!...PM

Elmhurst is losing a great advisor and professor!!...KH

Although, I do agree, Elmhurst is losing a fantastic advisor. I still think about the impact you had on my life, which was integral in shaping me into who I am today. Thank you for everything you've done, although I hope to see you sooner than later!...LM

I can tell from your email your update is one of mixed emotions. It must be incredibly difficult to take time away from Elmhurst after all you have invested. However, to your point, your work needs to fulfilling and come with a positive working environment. I'm so pleased to hear you will continue teaching, your impact on students (of all levels!) is immeasurable. Your new group will be lucky to have you! JB

Thanks for everything over these past four years, I am so grateful for all your help! ...EC

I hope you're having a great and relaxing break. I'm coming to some major questions about my education, internship, and future career. ... Iwas wondering if it would be possible to meet with you and ask your advise on some things when we are back in school. 

Thank you for all your hard work and patience with me over the last 4.5 years. It is greatly appreciated!...MQ

Reflecting on 2015...

1. Tried a new opportunity @IIT. Took a big risk.
2. Taught a new course- Operations Management. Challenged to teach both undergrad and grad students at the same time.
3. Guided AC on her Master’s thesis. Went back to OR roots; spent time mentoring her.
4. Guided Alvaro on his thesis. 
5. Visited Bolivia with AC. Lost phone in Cochabamba.
6. Took AC to a conference by Humans for Sight in Yale.
7. Took students on a trip to Ireland
8. Took former students to in Old Main to sign their names on the Wall.
9. Guided EW from Bamberg, Germany
10. Was quoted by Nerdwallet on the best places to start a business in Illinois
    http://www.nerdwallet.com/blog/small-business/best-places-to-start-business-in-illinois/
11. Was quoted by the Daily Herald Business Ledger on the topic of competitiveness and how Illinois is trying to attract and retain businesses
12. Moderated the discussion after a showing of the environmental issue film "Cowspiracy: The Sustainability Secret" by the Elmhurst Cool Cities Coalition and Elmhurst College.
13. Presented a paper at the IIBA conference in Las Vegas
14. Was a judge again at CAURS
15. Learnt a new ERP system

Germany gives green light to bicycle highways - The Economic Times

Germany gives green light to bicycle highways - The Economic Times: "As a glimpse of a greener urban transport future, Germany has just opened the first five-kilometre (three-mile) stretch of a bicycle highway that is set to span over 100 kilometres.

It will connect 10 western cities including Duisburg, Bochum and Hamm and four universities, running largely along disused railroad tracks in the crumbling Ruhr industrial region.

Almost two million people live within two kilometres of the route and will be able to use sections for their daily commutes, said Martin Toennes of regional development group RVR. "



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German business leaders fear nationalism, refugee crisis will destroy EU | Reuters

German business leaders fear nationalism, refugee crisis will destroy EU | Reuters: "German business leaders fear that deep divisions over how to handle the refugee crisis and growing nationalism among member states could break up the European Union, according to five of the country's biggest industry bodies.

The arrival of hundreds of thousands of people fleeing war and poverty in countries such as Syria and Iraq in Europe this year has frayed ties between European nations that were already strained by the euro zone financial crisis."



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America’s Middle-class Meltdown: Core shrinks to half of US homes - FT.com

America’s Middle-class Meltdown: Core shrinks to half of US homes - FT.com: "A
merica’s middle class has shrunk to just half the population for the first time in at least four decades as the forces of technological change and globalisation drive a wedge between the winners and losers in a splintering US society.
The ranks of the middle class are now narrowly outnumbered by those in lower and upper income strata combined for the first time since at least the early 1970s, according to the definitions by the Pew Research Center, a non-partisan think-tank in research shared with the Financial Times.
The findings come amid an intensifying debate leading up to next year’s presidential election over how to revive the fortunes of the US middle class."



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Starbucks offers another Swarovski crystal-encrusted gift card

Starbucks offers another Swarovski crystal-encrusted gift card: "When giving this gift, is it the thought or crystals that count?

Starbucks is offering a limited-edition, wallet-sized, deep blue gift card sparkling with Swarovski® Crystals. The over-the-top card, which costs $200, comes with $50 loaded on it. (Yes, that is $150 difference between card and coffee).

The card became available for purchase on December 14. It is part of the luxe Brilliant collection offered at Starbucks and Teavana."



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Overpopulation, overconsumption – in pictures | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian

Overpopulation, overconsumption – in pictures | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian: "‘What an irony it is that these living beings whose shade we sit in, whose fruit we eat, whose limbs we climb, whose roots we water, to whom most of us rarely give a second thought, are so poorly understood. We need to come, as soon as possible, to a profound understanding and appreciation for trees and forests and the vital role they play, for they are among our best allies in the uncertain future that is unfolding.’ Jim Robbins"



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Overpopulation, overconsumption – in pictures | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian

Overpopulation, overconsumption – in pictures | Global Development Professionals Network | The Guardian: "On Midway Atoll, far from the centres of world commerce, an albatross, dead from ingesting too much plastic, decays on the beach – it is a common sight on the remote island

‘Surely the fate of human beings is like that of the animals – the same fate awaits them both; as one dies, so dies the other. All have the same breath.’ Ecclesiastes 3:19"



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Study Shows Women’s Products Cost More Than Men’s « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth

Study Shows Women’s Products Cost More Than Men’s « CBS Dallas / Fort Worth: "NEW YORK (CBS11) – A new study released by the New York City Department of Consumer Affairs concluded that women on average are charged 7% more than men in numerous categories of consumer products.

The study, “From Cradle to Cane: The Cost of Being a Female Consumer,” broke down price differences in New York City between more than 800 personal care items, clothing, toys, and senior products for men and women. The study also concluded that women’s products were priced higher 42 percent of the time."



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US band Green Day branches out into compostable coffee bags - FT.com

US band Green Day branches out into compostable coffee bags - FT.com: "Two of US punk band Green Day’s leading lights are joining the competitive world of organic coffee sales, but with a twist — they say their new company will be the first to use mass produced compostable bags and pods.
Bass player Mike Dirnt and lead vocalist Billie Joe Armstrong, who are launching Oakland Coffee Works this week, and San Francisco Bay Coffee, a family-owned business, will both use the bags and pods for their products."



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Bloomberg Carbon Clock: Measuring Carbon Dioxide that Causes Global Warming

Bloomberg Carbon Clock: Measuring Carbon Dioxide that Causes Global Warming:



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Amazon Said to Mull Leasing Planes to Control Delivery Chain - Bloomberg Business

Amazon Said to Mull Leasing Planes to Control Delivery Chain - Bloomberg Business: "Amazon.com Inc. is considering leasing 20 Boeing Co. 767 freighter jets to help gain more control over its delivery methods and costs, according to a person familiar with the plans.
The tech-savvy retailer is interested in building up its cargo operations as consumers increasingly order online, especially during the holiday shopping season. Controlling its own planes and crew would help Amazon shave time and money getting goods to to customers’ doorsteps, and help keep its warehouses stocked with inventory. Amazon has run into delays when the shippers it depends on now, United Parcel Service Inc. and FedEx Corp., have struggled to keep up with the large and erratic orders around Christmas."



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