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Economics Alumni Class Notes

Graduate Alumni

2000's

Bekkali, Mukhtar

PhD Economics, 2006

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Chung, Pin

PhD Economics, 2003

 

Dr. Pin Chung is the Chief Financial Officer and Chief Investment Officer in R+V International Business Services, Ltd., Dublin, Ireland.  His responsibilities include: supervise set up of the hedge modelling unit; supervise development of possible hedging strategies for the guarantees in R+V’s Variable Annuity business; supervise reviewing and controlling of external investment partners; deliver effective financial and management control infrastructure; provide leadership to IT and administration teams.

 

Prior to R+V International, Pin was a vice president with Allianz Investment Management in the firm’s Minneapolis, Minnesota office.  Pin was the leader of the Asset-Liability Management and Strategic Asset Allocation team, which provides ALM/SAA services for the North American Life and P&C insurance subsidiaries of Allianz, SE.  Pin has more than 10 years of experience in a variety of areas including: hedging, asset liability management, financial modelling and investment management for a variety of life and annuity products.

 

Pin is an Associate of the Society of Actuaries (ASA) and a member of American Academy of Actuaries (MAAA).  He is also certified as a financial risk manager (FRM) by the Global Association of Risk Managers (GARP).  Pin earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Mathematics from Tung-Hai University in Taichung, Taiwan, and a master’s degree in Mathematics and a second master’s degree in Actuarial Science and Statistics, both from the University of Iowa.  He obtained his Doctor of Philosophy in Economics from Iowa State University.

Gedikoglu, Haluk

MS Economics, 2003

It is great to hear from ISU graduates. I am currently working as an assistant professor at the Cooperative Research Programs at Lincoln University and I am enjoying it very much. I missed my days at ISU :)

Hate, Sonal

MS Economics, 2005

Since graduating in Aug 2005, I have been with the Federal Reserve Bank of Kansas City. I am a Research Associate in the Economic Research Department and enjoying it.

Sun, Junjie

PhD Economics, 2006

I am currently working as a Financial Economist at the Office of the Comptroller of the Currency (OCC), U.S. Treasury Department, in Washington D.C.

Zhang, Yan

PhD Economics, 2002

So glad to hear from Iowa State. After graduating in May 2002, I went to work for Capital One in Richmond, VA. And have been with the company since. Currently I am a statistical analysis manager for its Small Business Department. My daughter Selina was born in Richmond and she is two and half now.

1990's

Fung, Joseph

MS Economics, 1999

Joseph Fung (BA - Econ and MIS, MS - Econ) is the Senior Market Analyst for The Mosaic Company in Plymouth, MN. Mosaic (MOS), formed by the combination of Cargill Crop Nutrition and IMC Global in October 2004, is a leading producer of phosphate and potash crop nutrients. He is also the Chairman (2009-2011) of the Economics Council of The Fertilizer Institute.

Sun, Fangqiu

MS Econ, 1997

I left Iowa State more than 10 years. I received the Department Newletter for the first time with Dr. Moschini's picture on the front page. I was so so excited! This is the first time I have the urge to write something to my former school.

I came to ISU from China more than 15 years ago with the assistantship and fellowship from Dept. of Econ. I got my double Ms. (Stat with Econ) and landed a good job right after graduate. With the good reputation of the school,  I have worked several prestigious companies including Freddie Mac, American Express and Citigroup. With the knowledge and leadership I learned shortly in ISU, I have been grown from a junior analyst to a SVP in Risk Management. I appreciate the generosity of the school, who supported me to come to this country and establish my career in this competitive country. 

Dr. Moschini didn't change at all, still as young as 15 years ago. Dr. Schroeter, my then academic advisor, shows more smiles than before, however with the same sporty and lean figure.

So keep in touch.Hope to continue receiving the update...

1980's

Fullerton, Tom

MS Economics, 1984

Tom Fullerton has been named to the Trade in the Americas Endowed Chair at the Department of Economics & Finance at the University of Texas at El Paso.  At UTEP, Fullerton coordinates the MS Economics program and directs the Border Region Modeling Project.  He formerly held the JPMorgan Chase and Wells Fargo Endowed Professorships at UTEP.  Last Spring, he helped coach the 5th Grade basketball team of his son Brett to the SWCAA championship in El Paso.  Last summer, he followed that up by coaching the 12U baseball team of his son Brett to the SWBL championship in El Paso.  At Iowa State, Fullerton’s thesis advisor was Wally Huffman.

Greig, Jeffrey

MS Economics, 1987

I live in Overland Park, Kansas with my wife and two girls (Justine, 10 and Jessica, 8). I am a Vice President and General Manager of the Business & Technology Services Division of Burns and McDonnell. This is the consulting arm of the engineering-construction-environmental firm headquartered in Kansas City. Just finished 20 years in energy consulting this year following my graduation from ISU in 1987.

Lowenberg-DeBoer, Jess

PhD Ag Economics, 1985

Jess Lowenberg-DeBoer (PhD, 1985) was appointed Associate Dean and Director of International Programs in Agriculture (IPIA) at Purdue University starting Oct. 2006. In his first year in IPIA projects were funded by USAID, the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the Globe Foundation.

Lundberg, Grant

MS Agricultural Economics, 1987

I graduated in 1987 with an MS in Agricultural Economics. At graduation I went to work for my family's rice milling and marketing company. We sell organic and natural rice and rice products in the natural food industry. I am married and have two teenage kids. I live in Chico, CA.

Rahm, Mike

PhD Agricultural Economics, 1980

Mike Rahm (MS 1978 and PhD 1980) is Vice President, Market Analysis and Strategic Planning for The Mosaic Company in Plymouth, MN. Mosaic (MOS), formed by the combination of Cargill Crop Nutrition and IMC Global in October 2004, is a leading producer of phosphate and potash crop nutrients.

Siwar, Chamhuri

MS Agric Economics, 1984

After graduating with MS In agric economics from Iowa State,  Chamhuri joined as lecturer at the Department of Agc Economics Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (National University of Malaysia). He was appointed Associate Professor in 1988, and full Professor in 1994. He has researched and published widely in the areas of agricultural/rural development and policy, food policy, poverty, trade and environment, environmental degradation, sustainable development, indicators and livelihood and also integrated disaster risk reduction. He has also presentated his research findings in various national and international seminars and conferences. He has supervised more than 20 PhD and 15 Masters graduates and also served as external examiners to  numerous masters and PhD candidates both at national and international levels. In 2009 he was honoured as Emeritus Professor at the National University of Malaysia.

At the national level he has served as consultants to numerous government agencies such as Malaysian Economic Planning Unit, Ministry of Rural and Regional Development, Ministry of Agriculture and Agro Industries, Farmers Association, etc. He has served in variuos planning committees such as the Technical Working Group, Inter Agency Planning Group for various Malaysian Five Year Development Plans. At the international level he has served as consultants to ADB, UNEP, UNDP, etc. He presently is a member of Science Committee, Integrated Research on Disaster Reduction (IRDR) based in Beijing China.

Regarding ISU, he honours and remembers very well Prof L.B Fletcher as acedemic advisor, and the cold winters and cyclones/tornadoes of Iowa. Best regards. Chamhuri.

Verdonk, Ron

MS Ag Economics, 1980

I finished my M.S. in December 1986 and immediately began work for USDA's Foreign Agricultural Service (FAS). I have been with the agency since and have had the opportunity to advance U.S. agricultural interests abroad with assignments in Cairo, Dubai and Sao Paulo. I am currently working at USDA headquarters in Washington as the Area Director for FAS offices in Africa and the Middle East and look forward to my next tour abroad. If any ISU undergraduate or graduate students have questions about our Summer Intern, International Intern or Career Intern Programs, they are invited to contact me, as I am currently Chair of our agency's Recruitment Committee.

Verdonk, Ron

MS Economics, 1986

Hi.  I am wrapping up 21 months as the head of the USDA presence in Iraq.  We had as many as 40 personnel spread across this country working on Provincial Reconstruction Teams and serving as Ministerial Advisors in my office in Baghdad.  It has been a challenging experience, certainly the most demanding of my career with FAS, but we are make contributions in moving Iraqi agriculture forward.

1970's

Gibson, James

PhD Resource Economics, 1976

I was a teaching and research assistant in the economics department for five years. Dr. John Timmons was my major professor and Dr. Neil Harl was on my PhD committee. I am very proud of my fine education from ISU, and it has served me well in my career as a management consultant for the past 35 years. I really learned how to perform objective quantitative analyses and how to solve complex multidisciplined applied problems. I believe us proud alumni really miss your newsletters. Please carry on in the finest tradition of the department and always remember your heritage. There is a lot to try to live up to! PS -- right now I am on my way to Des Moines, Iowa to attend a hot air balloon convention as a pilot.

Graber, Eric

PhD Economics, 1978

Eric Graber (PhD 1978) lives in Waltham MA, where he recently completed a 10 month engagement at the Crown Center for Middle East Studies, Brandeis University. He teaches in an online distance education program for the University of Maryland. Eric and Ana Maria ("Charo") dote upon four grandchildren. They have fond memories of ! friends and teachers and happenings in Ames--warmest regards to all.

Hulett, Joe

PhD Economics, 1970

In July 2011, I retired from my position as CEO of Crites Seed, Inc., a pea, garden bean, and sweet corn seed company based in Moscow, Idaho.

Karg, Georg

PhD Economics, 1971

I got my Ph.D.-degree in Economics and Statistics from ISU in 1971 under George W. Ladd. Since 1984 I have been full professor for Consumer Economics at the Technische Universität München. My main research objectives were and are the positive and normative analysis of consumer behaviour (e.g. nutrition, mobility, investment and financing). On January 1, 2008 I will retire. My successor is different in gender, but similar in her educational background. She got her Ph.D. from ISU (in Economics and Statistics)

Lundeen Roberts, Ardelle

PhD Economics, 1976

I retired in 1996 and then spent a year teaching in Romania. Since then I have been busy with community service and community board work. I do,however, find time to play a lot of bridge. 

Schneidermann, George

MS Agricultural Economics, 1970

Since graduating in 1970, I worked for Brenton Banks until 1977 when I moved to Rock Rapids, Iowa and started working for the then Rock Rapids State Bank as president. I'm still the president (and CEO) of Frontier Bank, the successor to Rock Rapids State Bank. My wife Doris and I have 3 children and 6 grandchildren.


1960's

Buntrock, Kermit

MS Economics, 1967

My name is Kermit Buntrock: I graduated with a B.S. in Econ and Chemistry (double major) in 1965; I received my M.S. in Economics from ISU in 1967 (Dennis Starleaf was a graduate assistant teacher then; of course he was excellent!). I have been working in industry ever since. I went back to school (William and Mary) and received an executive MBA degree in 1994. I am now the owner and CEO of Buntrock Industries, Inc., a company I started in Chicago in 1975; we moved to Virginia in 1988. Our company sells ceramic materials, chemicals and equipment to the precision investment casting industry (web site: www.buntrockindustries.com). Most of our business is in North America, but we also have sales in Europe, South Africa, Australia, and Asia. We own a number of patents relating to binders and ceramic shell technology. I am now 64 but have no near term plans to retire, as I enjoy running the business.


Duewer, Larry

PhD Ag Economics, 1965

My name is Lawrence A. Duewer and I received my PhD from Iowa State in 1965 in Agr. Econ . I worked for ERS, USDA for 35 years in livestock and meat marketing. I retired Dec.31, 1999 to become a "gentleman farmer" in TN. We currently raise sheep, Great Pyrenees dogs, chickens, and geese (all on a small scale). Elaine and I have 3 children and so far 1 grandchild.

Krik, Robert

PhD Economics, 1969

Robert Kirk, PhD 1969, Professor Emeritus, Indiana University-Purdue University at Indianapolis, currently adjunct at Butler University, Indianapolis.

Warrack, Allan A

PhD Economics, 1967

 

PERSONAL

Born at Calgary, Alberta, Canada

E-Mail: Allan.Warrack@ualberta.ca; warrack@shaw.ca

Website: www.business.ualberta.ca/awarrack

CAREER

Professor, Faculty of Business, University of Alberta, 1992 – Emeritus (2002)

Vice-President (Administration), University of Alberta, 1986 - 1991

Associate Dean, Master of Public Management (MPM) Program, Faculty of Business,  University of Alberta, 1981 - 1985

Professor, Faculty of Business, University of Alberta, 1981 - 1985

Associate Professor, Rural Economy (Faculty of Agriculture and Forestry), and

 Economics (Faculty of Arts), University of Alberta, 1967 - 1971; 1979 - 1981

Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA), Government of Alberta, 1971-79

Minister of Utilities and Telephones, Government of Alberta, 1975 - 1979

Minister of Lands and Forests, Government of Alberta, 1971 - 1975

ACADEMIC EXPERTISE

Business-Government Relations

Business Economics

Public Utilities Policy

Public Sector Policy Management

Megaproject Analysis

INTERESTS

National Research Council, and Finance Committee, Government of Canada, Ottawa

MacEwan University, Business Advisory Council; Chair, Academic Advisory Board

GYRO Club of Edmonton, Past President

Canadian Club of Edmonton, President (2010-11)

Sports: Golf, Squash

Edmonton Oilers/Eskimos/Capitals

Mustang Convertibles '65 & '89

AWARDS

Delta Upsilon Fraternity Distinguished Alumnus Medal (2005)

Outstanding Albertan Centennial Medal (2005)

University of Alberta Alumni Honour Award (2009)

1950's

Brown, David

PhD Agricultural Economics, 1956

Dave Brown (Ph.D. 1956 under Earl Heady; with the Iowa-Peru project and visiting professor at Ames, 1963-68) has been in Newport RI since 1993, following a career with universities and development programs in Tennessee, Texas, Singapore, Peru, Rome (FAO), Indonesia and Pakistan. In Rhode Island he is active in programs related to local/area planning, urban forestry, environmental cleanup, and resource conservation. He and his wife Jeanne (whom he met in East Hall) observed their 50th anniversary in 2006. They have two children and two grandchildren. Jeanne is a reference librarian and is on boards concerned with youth/family violence, substance abuse prevention, justice reform and child literacy. Her sister is in Ames, so they enjoy seeing friends there from time to time.

Jansma, J. Dean

MS Ag Economics, 1958

Retired after 34 years at Penn State in 1989. Currently Professor Emeritus of Ag Econ and Retired Associate Dean, C Ag Sc. Blended family of 6 children and 6 grand children. Hobbies include genealogy, model trains and amateur radio...State College remains our primary residence with winters in Clearwater Beach, FL.

Undergraduate Alumni

2010's

Hoffman, Clay

BS Economics, 2010

Since graduating in May of 2010, I have been working as a Demand Forecast Analyst at Best Buy’s corporate headquarters in Richfield, Minnesota. My job is to accurately forecast sales for all of Best Buy's domestic stores and their website. In addition, my business partners and I plan promotions, build and maintain relationships with vendors, analyze market dynamics and sales, and transition products to keep up with the latest and greatest trends and consumer desires. It's an extremely fast-paced and dynamic job for a great company that allows me to use my Economics degree on a daily basis.

2000's

(Heller) Chenevert, Becky

BS Economics/Math, 2005

Since graduating from ISU, I attended graduate school at the University of Texas at Austin and earned my PhD specializing in Labor Economics in 2010.  I am currently living in the DC Metro Area with my husband and daughter while working as an economist at the Census Bureau.

Anderson, Christopher

BS Economics, 2006

After graduating in 2006, I have been living in Poland, Ukraine and Russia. Right now I am in the second year of a Masters degree in Russian studies at Jagiellonian University in Krakow, Poland. I am planning on a applying for PhD programs in the US next year in the area of Economics/Pol Science

Burkhardt, Katie

BS Agricultural Business, 2007

My name is Katie Burkhardt and I graduated Spring 2007. I am employed with the Farm Credit Administration in Bloomington, MN. We are responsible for regulating the banks in the Farm Credit System and ensuring a safe and sound source of credit for America's agricultural producers. I am enjoying life as an alum and look forward to staying connected with ISU.

Gould, Sarah

BS Ag Business, 2008

  

Kapoor, Sheetal

BS Economics, 2002

I am pursuing a Ph.D. in development economics at Brown University and I live in Providence,Rhode Island. I am at the dissertation writing stage of my degree. Currently, my active areas of research are groundwater management for irrigation and high skilled labor markets in developing countries. My field work and data collection pursuits are based in India. I have much to thank prof. Hallam and my other teachers at Iowa State for. They initiated me into the wonderful and intriguing world of economic research.

Lin, Tsu-ting

BS Economics, 2003

This is Tsu-ting Tim Lin. I graduated from ISU in Spring 2003. I have been working on my Ph.D. in Economics from Northwestern University since graduation. My research interest is in macro and labor search models. I expect to graduate in 2009.

Madden (O'Rourke), Klaire

BS Ag Business, 2008

Recently married Brent Madden, 2005 ISU graduate of Ag Engineering and we just moved to West Fargo, ND.

Marriott, Luke

BA Economics / Political Science, 2005

After four a memorable years at ISU, I was inclined to chant the popular political rally cry, "four more years, four more years," but I had to move on and decided a graduate degree in financial economics from Marquette was a compelling choice. The content of the program was well aligned to my interests in applied econometrics, derivatives, and financial markets. Between my fall and spring semesters I was able to land an internship with Miller Brewing Co. in commodity risk management. Sure enough, the beer culture along with the unique challenges presented by commodities inspired me to take on a full-time position with them upon completing my Master’s degree. This is proven to be a prudent choice with all the excitement and opportunity that were brought along with the joint venture of Miller and Coors. As MillerCoors’ Energy Risk Manager, I have been fortunate enough to gain valuable experience in managing a $200 million energy portfolio which culminated  in expertise that I have parlayed into my own financial risk management consulting firm, Colter Consulting LLC. Despite these responsibilities, I take the time to enjoy the great Milwaukee beer culture, lakefront living, travel, and a myriad of outdoor recreational opportunities.

1990's

Blanchfield, Molly

BS Ag Business, 1994

Married to Travis Blanchfield (Ag Studies '94) Two children: Allyssa 10 and Tyson 5. Live on farm near Lohrville, IA. Since graduation have worked for West Central Cooperative (Ralston, IA), Land O'Lakes (Fort Dodge, IA), and Farmers Cooperative Co.(Farnhamville, IA www.fccoop.com) Recently promoted to Feed Customer Service Manager at Farmers Cooperative Co. in January 2007.

Clark, Craig

BS Economics, 1996

Since I graduated from ISU in 1996 I have received a JD and I am currently working on a PHD in business. I received my JD from St. Thomas University, Miami, Florida. I am currently attending Cappella University working on a PHD in General Business.

Grevson, Willard

BS Economics, 1991

Willard Grevson, Class of 1991, currently living and working in Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico New Business Development Consultant for various International companies in Latin America. Have been married to my wife Eugenia (originally from Guadalajara) for 11 years (Nov) and have 2 girls, Samantha 4 and Regina 2. Since graduation in 1991, I graduated with a Masters Degree in International Business from Thunderbird (1993), worked 10 years with Lindsay International as Manager for Latin America, then 3 years with Rain Bird as Manager of Operations in Mexico. In 2006 I started my current consulting business.

Musselman, Matthew

BS Dairy Sci & Ag Bus, 1990

At Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, I lead a large team of sales and marketing professionals selling vaccines and pharmaceuticals to companion animal veterinarians across the U.S.

My wife Lynne and I have four children and live in Kansas City, MO.

Richardson, Reggie

BA Economics, 1991

I am Reggie Richardson, Spring 1991 Econ Graduate. I actually live here in Ames due to my marriage to a local lady that convinced me to stay here; we have two kids. I work for an insurance company in Des Moines where I have been a commercial underwriter for over 16 years. Also, I continue to serve in the US Army Reserves into my 22nd year. Last year, I returned from a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan.

1980's

Dublinske, Bret

BS Economics, 1988

Bret A. Dublinske (BS 88, BA 88) is putting his Econ degree to work as an attorney doing communications, utilities and computer law at Dickinson Mackaman Tyler & Hagen in Des Moines, Iowa; he lives in Urbandale with his wife and stepdaughter.

Halfpap, Jan

BS Ag. - Business, 1983

I was recently promoted from Senior Bank Examiner to Principal Bank Examiner.  I have almost 20 years with the former Banking Department of the State of New York

Kruse , Todd

BS Economics, 1989

Beyond his market research consulting Kruse has been an Adjunct Instructor at -  North Hennepin Community College,  Normandale College,  Hamline University,  Augsburg College, and St. Mary's University.  

Underwood, Roger

BS Agricultural Business, 1980

Roger Underwood. Ames, Iowa. Co-Founder of Becker Underwood, a specialty producer of chemicals and specialties for Agriculture and the seed industry. Married to Connie Prohaska Underwood (ISU 1984), and two kids, one at ISU and one in High School. Chair of Campaign ISU, and member of the Foundation Board of Governors.

Winegarden, Daniel Pitts

BA Economics & Political Science, 1981

Daniel Pitts Winegarden, BA Economics & Political Science (1981), JD (U of I 1981), is president of Iowa Agricultural Finance Corporation an investor in value-added agriculture and biotechnology ventures with business growth opportunities in Iowa. Mr. Winegarden is also a mentor and advisor for National Science Foundation SBIR / STTR technology grants.

1970's

Fitch, David

BS Economics, 1971

BS '71. MS-Industrial Relations '76-ISU; JD-William Mitchell College of Law '86; MDiv-Bethel Seminary '96. Teaching faculty at Marantha College, Brooklyn Park, MN.; Elder Law Attorney; admitted to MN & FL Bars; Wife of 36 years-Mary (Killeen) Fitch; Daughter-Emily. Author & Platform speaker.

Huisman, Terry

BS Economics, 1979

Terry Huisman class of 1979 - Economics - is Director of Underwriting at Aviva USA in Des Moines, Iowa. Spouse Sandy Huisman (also class of 1979 Food and Nutrition) is Manager of Clinical Dietetics at Iowa Health System in Des Moines. Both children Daniel (Jr.) and Emily (Fr.) are enrolled at ISU.

Lawa, Jim

BS Economics, 1972

I graduated in 1972 with a BS in Economic. Went to work for a small bank in Clear Lake and later hired by General Electric Credit. Enrolled at Hamline University School of Law, St. Paul MN, in 1979 and awarded JD in 1981. Solo practice of law since then in Minneapolis, MN.

Lea, Michael

BS Economics, 1971

After graduating from ISU in 1971 I went on to earn a Ph.D. in economics at the University of North Carolina -- Chapel Hill (1978). I taught at Cornell University (Dept. of Consumer Economics and Housing), receiving tenure in 1983. But the lure of "real world" was too great. I left Cornell to become the Chief Economist at Freddie Mac and in 1987 moved to San Diego to head manage the portfolio of a $13 billion saving and loan institution. After that experiment failed I turned to consulting and have been able to create a practice specialized in the analysis of international mortgage markets. Along the way I have taught at the University of California -- San Diego, San Diego State University and in the International Housing Finance Program at the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. All owing to the good start in economics from ISU!

1960's

Gale, Jim

BS Ag Business, 1964

Currently semi-retired, but busy with parttime teaching, board volunteering for the Upper Peninsula State Fair and the Michigan Tech credit union, grandparenting and watching ag developments in Iowa.

1950's

Falcon, Walter

BS Agricultural Business, 1958

Walter Falcon (B.S. '58, Agricultural Business) has just retired from the Stanford economics faculty where for 35 years he has been the Farnsworth Professor of International Agricultural Policy. Although emeritus, he continues to be active in Stanford's Food Security and the Environment Program, working on issues of climate change, genetic resources, and biofuels. The Falcons live directly on the Stanford campus and also spend considerable time in Iowa at their Linn County farm.

1940's

Scott, Duane C.

BS Economics, 1942

My name is Duane C. Scott, I graduated from ISC in 1942 with a degree in economics. Some of my friends of that era have been gathering every homecoming in years ending in "0" or "5." We are optimistic in looking forward to 2010. So far the ones attending 2005 are still alive and active.