Hal and Nina Fetner

A generous gift from ���ϲ����� Trustee Harold (Hal) Fetner ’83 and his wife, Nina, will help establish the creation of an experiential learning collaboration in New York City between the and the .

The two schools will each receive an equivalent amount to establish a joint summer experiential learning initiative in NYC, launching in May 2019, which combines all aspects of modern development: real estate, architecture, finance, accounting, and entrepreneurship and emerging enterprises.

Classes for this synergistic new program will be held at the University’s , one of the University’s two educational facilities in Manhattan. Architecture students will take courses in business and real estate practices, while Whitman students will learn sustainability and design. All students will complete an internship at an architecture, finance or real estate firm, and work together in teams on a summer-long project to produce a comprehensive real estate business plan and design concept based on real sites in the city.

Both the Whitman School and the School of Architecture have successfully established programming in NYC that harnesses the University’s vast and powerful alumni network and corporate partnerships, including career exploration trips; week-long courses during winter and summer breaks for Whitman students; and ���ϲ����� Architecture in NYC, a semester-long program open to School of Architecture students.

According to both deans, the new collaborative real estate and architecture program supported by the Fetner family gift will leverage the strengths of each program with the abundance of available and invaluable assets and opportunities in NYC for ���ϲ����� students.

“Thanks to the financial and personal support of Hal and Nina Fetner, our two great schools will be able to create a variety of collaborative, experiential learning opportunities for our students studying in New York City: from internships in architecture and real estate development firms to team-based design and development projects and everything in-between,” says School of Architecture Dean Michael Speaks. “We are also planning a series of short courses, workshops, lectures and symposia that will engage the larger ���ϲ����� architecture and real estate community and provide our students, alum and supporters a platform to meet, exchange ideas and expand their academic and professional networks. Ultimately, this new collaborative initiative will show what can be accomplished when great supporters, great schools and a great university all work together.”

“With the generous support of the Fetner family, the collaborative efforts of the Whitman School and the School of Architecture, and the utilization of ���ϲ�����’s close ties in NYC, this new initiative will not only enhance classroom learning but expose students to a wide variety of new opportunities that will make them better prepared for their careers and help to expand their professional network,” says Whitman School Dean Gene Anderson.

This gift was inspired by the Fetner family’s commitment to supporting transformative learning experiences for students, a commitment also shared by both Dean Anderson and Dean Speaks.

“Nina and I are passionate about providing opportunities. When we make decisions about where and how to give our support, that is the basis for our decisions—will it provide a valuable opportunity that helps someone achieve success?” says Hal Fetner, CEO of Fetner Properties. “We believe that partnering with these two exemplary schools to bring students to NYC for a collaborative experience in real estate and architecture, where they will learn from accomplished professors and professionals who are the top of their field, will truly be transformative. It is our pleasure to help bring this opportunity to fruition.”

The Fetner family has a long-standing history of support of ���ϲ�����. The family created the Fetner Program fund, a scholarship focusing on sustainable studies at the Whitman School, from which Hal Fetner graduated. The family also established the Fetner Sustainability Series at ���ϲ�����, which brings industry leaders and other guest speakers to campus, as well as the Fetner Prize in Sustainable Enterprise, a monetary prize awarded to the finalist of the Whitman School’s Panasci Business Plan Competition.

Beyond philanthropic efforts, Hal Fetner also gives his time and expertise to the University by sharing his vast professional experience in classes, which he recently did during an entrepreneurial deal-making course offered by the Whitman School in NYC. In addition to his recent appointment to the University’s Board of Trustees, he serves on the Whitman Advisory Council and the Whitman Real Estate Advisory Board.

Park—whose talent, dedication and teaching practices landed him a nomination—was widely supported by his peers and students, past and present.

“Professor Park demonstrated extraordinary effectiveness to teach by inspiring and guiding our creativity,” said a student. “Within each teaching module, his message was consistent: we can accomplish our goals by thinking critically and never quitting.”

At the Whitman School, Park teaches Introduction to Entrepreneurship: How to Launch a Startup, where he uses his entrepreneurial experiences and research to make the subject relatable and easier to learn.

“I specifically enrolled in the Whitman School of Management in large part for its reputation and the prestige of the professors,” said another student. “Throughout my first year, I had plenty of different experiences with my professors. And while most were favorable, Professor Park’s teaching style and course, Introduction to Entrepreneurship, was what I came to Whitman for. Through group building and actual real-life scenarios, my classmates and I were able to achieve experience that will no doubt be useful in a job atmosphere.”

This is the second year a professor from the Whitman School was selected for the Poets and Quants for Undergrads list. , professor and chair of the management department, was honored in 2017.

Among those responsible for the Falcone Center’s award are, from left: Lindsay Wickham, events and communications manager; Susan Oot, administrative specialist; Terry Brown, executive director of the Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship; Gabriela Mejia, entrepreneur-in-residence; and Alex McKelvie, chair, department of entrepreneurship & emerging enterprises and associate professor of entrepreneurship.

The in the recently received the 2016 award from the , an organization that brings together entrepreneurship centers to advance excellence in entrepreneurship. This award is given to centers that have made outstanding contributions to improving areas of entrepreneurship, such as outreach to emerging ventures, and is the highest honor that can be bestowed upon a university-level entrepreneurship center.

“This achievement reflects not only the hard work of our staff, faculty and partners, but also our commitment to supporting the dreams and successes of our students,” says , vice chancellor and acting dean of the Whitman School. “At ���ϲ����� we strive to nurture our students and to provide a special place for entrepreneurs across campus to learn, plan and grow.”

Aimed at developing the entrepreneur within, the serves as the cornerstone of Whitman’s top-ranked program, helping to facilitate entrepreneurial activity on campus, as well as across local and regional communities. The center provides valuable entrepreneurial resources, such as new venture business planning, through a variety of initiatives and program including the (Women Igniting the Spirit of Entrepreneurship) Business Center, the and veterans’ entrepreneurship training, such as the Barnes Family Entrepreneurship Bootcamp for Veterans with Disabilities (EBV) program.

The business incubator within the center houses more than 130 student businesses. Hatchery occupants have collectively raised more than $3.4 million in external capital. Many Hatchery alumni have gone on to become successful business owners.

“This recognition is very meaningful to the Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises program,” says , department chair of the Entrepreneurship & Emerging Enterprises program. “This award is among the most prolific globally and our Falcone Center receiving this is a reflection of the entire EEE team’s efforts over numerous years, and across our research, teaching and outreach missions. We are very proud and honored by this award. We are happy to join such a prestigious group of winners.”

Whitman’s Falcone Center for Entrepreneurship received the NASDAQ Center of Entrepreneurial Excellence award previously in 2004, along with Stanford University’s Stanford Technology Ventures Program and the University of Portland’s Center for Entrepreneurship. Previous winners also include MIT, USC, Babson, Indiana and Cornell.

The Global Entrepreneurship Consortium ranking methodology for its NASDAQ Center of Entrepreneurial Excellence award includes prestige through national rankings or other recognition, entrepreneurship curriculum development, contributions to entrepreneurship research and more.

“This is a major international award that recognizes programs that make remarkable advancements in entrepreneurship, including for research, curriculum, community collaborations and overall prestige,” says McKelvie.

Will Geoghegan

of the , fondly remembers his years celebrating St. Patrick’s Day at his home in County Tipperary, Ireland. He recalls children with little pins, adults adorned with shamrocks, attending morning Mass with his family and the excitement of the town parade. Now a long way from home, he offers insight on Irish traditions and how to make the most of your St. Patrick’s Day.

1. Remember

While using variations of Patrick is acceptable when referring to St. Patrick, the patron saint after which the holiday is named, Geoghegan cautions celebrators to be aware of which diminutives they select.

“The most common thing you’ll hear people say is happy St. Patty’s Day,” explains Geoghegan. “You have to say it with a strong D, as in Paddy, or don’t mess around at all and say happy St. Patrick’s Day.”

Paddy stems from Pádraig, derived from the Latin Patricius, meaning “of the patrician class.” Other acceptable alternative ways to refer to St. Patrick according to Irish culture include Pat, Pád, Pod, Packie and Podge.

This St. Patrick’s Day Geoghegan challenges everyone to keep track how many St. Patty’s they hear. The number may be shocking.

2. Get in Touch with Your Sense of Community

“There is so much community around Irish ways of life,” says Geoghegan. “St. Patrick’s Day encapsulates that sense of community with little mini parades around town rather than a big parade like in Dublin or New York City.”

Try staying local for a change this St. Patrick’s Day. Surround yourself with friends and family and enjoy a parade or celebration in your area. You may be surprised by the kinship you feel as you look around at familiar faces.

3. Learn About Your Irish Heritage and History

Whether you are Irish or just Irish-at-heart, Ireland’s rich history offers something for everyone. Ireland has had a significant influence on other cultures, largely in the fields of sports, music, language and literature. On St. Patrick’s Day consider researching how Irish history has affected your present. Geoghegan also encourages those with Irish heritage to explore their ancestry.

“It is relatively easy to catch up on your heritage,” said Geoghegan. “Irish parish records are pretty well kept. There are many websites that offer free access to records during the month of March.”

4. Try Authentic Irish Food

On St. Patrick’s Day, countless celebrators partake in “traditional” corned beef and cabbage. However, corned beef and cabbage is not considered a staple meal in Ireland but was supposedly adopted when Irish immigrants came to America in the late 19th century. Instead, Geoghegan recommends trying more authentic Irish meals, such as Irish breakfast.

A typical Irish breakfast consists of pork sausages, bacon rashers, fried eggs, white or black pudding, fried tomato and toast, but may vary depending on the location.

5. Enjoy Gaelic Sports

To Geoghegan, no St. Patrick’s Day is complete without watching Gaelic sports. In Ireland, Gaelic football and hurling are the most popular sports. Traditionally, the All-Ireland Senior Club Football Championship and All-Ireland Senior Club Hurling Championship are held on Saint Patrick’s Day in Croke Park in Dublin. Several online services offer streaming of Gaelic sports.

6. Visit Ireland

If you are one of the thousands of people who flock to Ireland each year to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, you may still be missing out on having a real taste of Irish traditions, depending on where you visit. While Dublin is a popular place for celebrators and may offer a good time, Geoghegan advocates for visiting less touristy Irish locations.

“There is so much to do in Ireland that it’s tough to whittle down what to go see,” says Geoghegan. “What I’ve experienced is that most people perceive they are having an authentic Irish holiday by staying in Dublin. But to visit somewhere like Cork, Galway or Kerry is far more fun.”

Historical landmarks Geoghegan recommends visiting include The Rock of Cashel, Glendalough, the monastery of Clonmacnoise and Croke Park.

To learn more about Geoghegan check out Poets and Quants’ .

��