SOM alumnus discusses sponsorship of 2010 Distinguished Speakers Series
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Mason’s School of Management hosts a distinguished speaker sponsored by SOM Alumnus Jeff Johnson. The next event is scheduled for Nov. 8 with Former U.S. Comptroller General David Walker. (Screenshot SOM website)
Johnson & Strachan, Inc., in conjunction with the School of Management, is sponsoring the 2010 Distinguished Speakers Series. The lecture series aims to bring in speakers who can address the university community on current issues affecting the business and financial markets.
Company President and SOM alumnus, Jeff Johnson, shared his aspirations for the project.
“The reason we [Johnson & Strachan, Inc.] agreed to sponsor the series was a feeling that we wanted to give something back to the Mason community and the community at large,” Johnson said. “I hope what it offers is the opportunity to have speakers who can present current issue that deal with business and finance and the impact they have on our daily lives.”
On Monday afternoon, Sept. 27, from 12 p.m. – 1:30 p.m. at the Mason Inn, Pulitzer prize-winning columnist and Newsweek essayist George Will took the podium as the first speaker of the 2010 Johnson & Strachan Distinguished Speakers Series. The title of the lecture was “The Political Argument Today with George Will.”
School of Management Director of Development Rhett Wilson estimated about 130 students, faculty and community members attended the event.
“In his speech, George Will talked a lot about the ‘retreat of state,’ said Wilson. “He expressed his opinion of how limited government involvement in the days of Thatcher and Reagan has progressed to today, analyzing the current impact on creativity and entrepreneurship.”
According to Johnson, his experience as an SOM student at Mason has been instrumental in his success as a businessman. “I am proud to say I am an alum. My experience was very positive and it prepared me for whatever success I have experienced,” said Johnson.
The series will continue with a presentation by David Walker, former Comptroller General of the U.S., on Nov. 8. The time and location of the event is to be announced.
Past speakers in the Johnson & Strachan Distinguished Speakers Series have included: Knox Singleton (President & CEO, Inova Health System), John Koskinen (Chairman, Freddie Mac), John Allison (Chairman of the Board, BB&T), and Newt Gingrich (former Speaker of the House).
The School of Management's Alumni Celebration is scheduled for tonight, Thursday, Sept. 30, and will be held at the Mason Inn Conference Center.
The SOM Alumni chapter will be welcoming GEICO president and CEO, O.M. (Tony) Nicely, as the keynote speaker. Other honorary attendees include distinguished alumni John Niehoff who received his Bachelor of Science in Accounting while starring on the George Mason men’s basketball team in '84, and Eric Cevis, who received a marketing degree in '86 and founded Mason’s first black fraternity. Cevis is now VP of Verizon and will be accepting the Distinguished Alumni Award.
The event takes place at the start of a weekend of alumni activity at the university for Mason's Alumni Weekend. A full list of speakers, a link to purchase tickets, and additional information is available for the SOM event is listed on the celebration's website.
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