Fall 2012 - From our Readers

Share your thoughts! Letters from readers play an essential role in Notre Dame Business, and contributors for the next issue will have a chance to win a signed copy of "The Chapels of Notre Dame." Recent letters express gratitude for inspiring stories about relationships and experiences with notable figures, observations on the complexities of U.S. manufacturing, and the impact of experiential learning in nonprofit education. Readers are encouraged to submit their comments to continue the conversation.

Published: November 15, 2012

Write to us!

We consider your letters to be a vital part of Notre Dame Business. Each person who contributes a letter for publication in the next edition will be entered into a drawing to win a copy of The Chapels of Notre Dame signed by emeritus theology professor and author Lawrence S. Cunningham and ND Senior Photographer Matt Cashore. This beautiful large-format collection of more than 200 full-color photographs brings to life the 57 chapels located throughout Notre Dame's beloved campus.

To enter, send your letter sharing your comments about articles and features appearing in Notre Dame Business to mendozabusiness@nd.edu or Notre Dame Business Magazine, 204 Mendoza College of Business, University of Notre Dame, Notre Dame, IN 46556-5646.

My business partner and friend, Hank Aaron

Thank you for sharing (Frank Belatti's) life journey and experiences with Hank Aaron with us. It is a very inspirational story and reminds me that the real richness in life comes from relationships and helping others accomplish their dreams.
A. Tim Johnson | EMBA '97
New Carlisle, Ind.

The article by Frank Belatti reminds me of one I read awhile back. It was written by a guy who, as a kid, pestered Roger Maris to throw him a ball. Finally, after a couple of years of ignoring him, Maris threw him a warm-up ball. They became friends and, as I recall from the article, when Maris died, this man was the only non-related person to attend Maris's funeral.
Jack Revord | BBA '58
Glenview, Ill.

Remaking ‘Made in America'

This article is very helpful at describing the complexities of U.S manufacturing past, present and future. Another component of the discussion that I have witnessed is a result of consolidation, particularly where highly successful lean manufacturing—often with family origins—becomes strategic bait for larger, less-efficient competitors. However, the company gradually loses its once-attractive edge as it conforms, for a variety of reasons, to the mean of the larger conglomerate. This process eventually may lead to job loss locally, though not to the extent seen where consolidation simply results in the demise of smaller, less efficient businesses. This process, while creating wealth, often results in both loss of efficiencies and loss of jobs.
Dale Weaver | EMBA '02
Edwardsburg, Mich.

Field Project of Dreams

I am currently in a Ph.D. program at the University of San Diego and am conducting a study on experiential learning in nonprofit master's degree programs. The purpose of the study is to gain perspectives from faculty members about the successes and challenges of conducting experiential learning projects in their courses. I read about the field project course in Notre Dame Business and was amazed by the impact of the projects. I am impressed by the amount of work it appears Dr. Ricke-Kiely has done to make sure the projects benefit the students and the community.
Holly Gilbertson Hoffman | BBA, MIS '05
San Diego, Calif.

Dodd-Frank follow-up (published in Spring 2011)

We are now at the two-year mark for Dodd-Frank and, following on the last article in the magazine, I wanted to suggest that you do another. As we see more of the law in action, it may be a good time to go back to the original group of contributors to elicit their current opinions. I characterized the first article as "Oraclesque" and felt it was a wonderful example of Washington's "hide-and-seek" approach to legislation. Being a business owner, I'm seeing the fallout every day. I would be interested to see what your group has to say on the second anniversary.
Robert C. Johnson | BBA '65
Bonsall, Calif.

Editor's Letter

I appreciated the Editor's Letter in the spring issue of Notre Dame Business. I felt a lot of compassion for (the editor's) dad and family. You have known for a long time what families are going through now.

I am old enough to remember the solid economy of my little hometown, Dwight, Ill., (pop. 3,500)—large by your standards, but very Mayberry-esque for me. In my youth, the little town had everything: car dealerships, a butcher, a bakery, barber shops, clothing stores, jewelers, a five-and-dime store, a bus and train station, a movie theater and more. Even poor people seemed to have houses. Now, although the population is about the same, there are few jobs and there's not much sense of community compared to the pre-Internet era. Thanks for sharing your experience. Great content in the magazine, as usual.
Mark Battrell | Battrell Photography
Wilmette, Ill.

A word of thanks

Thanks for sending the Spring 2012 online magazine to me as a Mendoza parent. My daughter, Katherine Callahan, is a 2010 alumna. I loved the news and am proud to be even remotely part of such a great place—both Mendoza and Notre Dame as a whole. Best wishes for a great year.
James M. Callahan, M.D., FAAP, FACEP
The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia
Philadelphia, Pa.