White House Recognizes Alumna as an Entrepreneurial Mentor and "Champion of Change"

The White House honored Susan Amat, B.L.A. ’01, M.B.A. ’04, Ph.D. ’08, a management and marketing lecturer at the School of Business Administration, as one of eleven "Champions of Change" for outstanding leadership in entrepreneurial mentoring, counseling and training. The White House calls Amat and the other honorees exceptional leaders who support small business owners by helping them accelerate their path to growth.

”Entrepreneurial mentors help American business owners fulfill their dreams every day,” said U.S. Small Business Administration Deputy Administrator Marie Johns.

Briefly Noted

News and announcements from fellow University of Miami Alumni

Campus News

UM Scientist to Lead Arctic Expedition

Led by a University of Miami scientist, a multinational team of researchers will travel to the Arctic Ocean to conduct experiments that could lead to a better understanding of the effects of global climate change in the region.

Established by the U.S. GEOTRACES Science Steering Committee, the U.S. Arctic GEOTRACES initiative will use multiple icebreakers—anticipated to be provided initially by the United States and Germany—and will include scientists from several nations who will conduct sampling of the Arctic Ocean. Initial cruises are tentatively planned for 2015.

School of Education and Human Development’s New Name Reflects Academic Mission

In a move to more accurately reflect its academic programs and mission, the School of Education has changed its name to the School of Education and Human Development—a switch, according to Dean Isaac Prilleltensky, that will also give a boost to student recruitment and marketing.

"For the longest time we’ve felt that research and training in teaching and education was only one of the many things that we do, and that we needed a name that would encompass all of our programs and research activities," Prilleltensky said.

Career Corner

Advice and Resources for Alumni
UMAA is pleased to introduce new career resources for the alumni community! The UMAA’s career website is a repository of helpful information for alumni in job transition or considering a career change. From alumni spotlights, webinars and career coaches, UM alumni will find a wealth of resources to support their professional career.

Sports News

Miami's Duo Selected in the WNBA Draft

Miami seniors Shenise Johnson and Riquna Williams were selected by the San Antonio Silver Stars and the Tulsa Shock with the fifth and 17th picks, respectively, in the 2012 WNBA Draft.

Sidenotes

Stories of U Initiative Helps Alumni Share Their Success

The University of Miami Alumni Association has launched Stories of U, an initiative that allows alumni to share and celebrate their individual and collective experiences through pictures, videos, and audio recordings that are posted onto an interactive website.

Billy Joel Mixes Stories with Song During UM Appearance

From discussing songwriting in the shower and even in his sleep to revealing the inspiration for his weekend anthem “You May Be Right” (“Ex number one”), Rock and Roll Hall of Famer Billy Joel perfectly melded his talents as musician and storyteller during a marathon show that few of the nearly 1,800 UM students in attendance are likely to forget anytime soon.