Front and Center, Sire Diallo, MSIT '04
We're proud of our scores of alums who have pushed themselves farther than they had ever expected as they pursued both their degrees and their dreams. Sire Diallo is one such student. Currently, he is the Operations Coordinator for ForesTrade, Inc., an international corporation. How he got there is a remarkable story and one that will make you proud that Sire is a fellow-alum of the Grad Center.

He was born and raised in Mali, West Africa, where he did his primary education at well-respected schools. In 1997, he earned his high school degree from the Lycee Technique de Bamako, and enrolled at the newly established Université du Mali. After successfully completing his first year there, he decided to continue his studies in the United States, though he would lose one year of education, a sacrifice he was willing to make to reach his goals. Upon his arrival in the U.S., he studied English intensively to prepare for college. To help his transition into the American education system, he earned his A.A. at the Community College of Vermont and then transferred to prestigious Clark University.

"Bringing together a diverse pool of students has been instrumental to my learning. I mean there were people from all walks of life sharing different views."

After all this, rather than being able to enjoy all he had accomplished, Sire's life took an unforeseen downturn. Days after graduating from Clark he was involved in a near fatal car crash that kept him idle for months. That's when his "can-do" outlook really kicked in and Sire used the time contemplating his future.

Soon Sire picked up the pieces and then worked at the Brattleboro Food Co-Op and at Chittenden Bank (The Operations Center).

Still pursuing his dream, Sire also enrolled at the Grad Center. "Working full-time and going to school was no easy responsibility. My dedication and perseverance were constantly tested. In the end I not only received a master's degree but also great personal satisfaction for being able to reach a goal under trying circumstances." Sire is quick to note that he wasn't alone as he took on these challenges. "The staff was very supportive and strived to create an encouraging but also challenging learning environment. The fact that I was doing it with many other people and being coached by good instructors helped a lot. The support was definitely there when I needed it."

Sire is also quick to credit his experiences at the Grad Center with preparing him for his career. "I not only learned about the subject matters I studied, I also found out a great deal about myself and world around me in general. Bringing together a diverse pool of students has been instrumental to my learning. I mean there were people from all walks of life sharing different views."

Governor at the GC

Art Scott and Kevin Bell recently welcomed Vermont Governor Jim Douglas to the Grad Center. The occasion was part of the Governor's hosting a series of Economic Security Forums across Vermont to meet with employers to discuss ways to further reduce barriers to job creation and ensure continued economic growth.

Of particular interest to the Grad Center at the open forum, the Governor said he hopes to see high-speed Internet service in 85 percent of Vermont by the end of this year and in 90 percent of it by 2007. The Governor is also using 2007 as a target date for statewide cellular phone service.

Class Notes

Brian Wade Bickford, ISM '99, wrote to us recently: "Wow, it's been almost six years since graduating. I look back on that experience with great fondness for the efforts of all involved. In addition to the atmosphere of the era created by the explosion of DOT COM, the Marlboro Graduate faculty seriously stepped up to blaze new teaching methods for this thing called the Internet; David Rose's unique management perspectives, Mark Francillon's pacing enthusiasm and Jason Mark's "be different" design methods were world-class experiences and prepared me to talk "technology" with the best of them. That experience has since led the way to many new opportunities.
Events like building one of the world's largest streaming media companies (1998-2001), with American Bandstand's Dick Clark as partner, and surviving the DOT COM crash, were quite a ride. After the crash of BroadcastAmerica, with all the other major DOT COMs, I took a little time off to raise my son and clear a few acres of land on our property in Portland, Maine. After a few "re-group" months, I started an interactive/marketing firm and am the President/CEO of Strategic Productions (www.StrategicProductions.com), which has since evolved into a traditional full-service marketing firm. Since 2001, we have worked with Clear Channel communications to create over 40 web-based auction systems for placement on major metro radio station web sites, created a television pilot called City Psychic for FOX-TV (www.CityPsychic.com), have done numerous branding, product rollouts and business development campaigns, as well as established an outsourcing office in India and Hong Kong. One of the most recent events that I am proud of is the rollout of Groove Gear International, LLC. We have led every aspect of this company's image campaign, interactive and traditional, including store front layout, web, product, ecommerce, CRM, managing all channel marketing, all the MIS and supply chain management infrastructure. While we have only been at it for 10 months, I am extremely proud of the amount and demand of my team's output (www.GrooveGear.com).
Of course the biggest event in Tatiana's and my life has been the birth of our son Maxim ("Max") Bickford in 2001. Now 3 1/2 years old, he is already mouse clicking through NOGGIN.com like a pro.
I am also putting my MS-ISM and MBA degrees to work as a graduate professor for the Masters of Business Administration program at Southern New Hampshire University, teaching MIS and E-commerce related courses as part of the core curriculum. This is an incredibly rewarding experience, which I must thank my many mentors at Marlboro ISM, faculty and peers, in giving me great examples to draw on. Feel free to drop me a 'hello' at brian@strategicproductions.com."

We also heard from Barbara Hall, ISM '01: "Hello all, especially to Classmates from '01. Section 3 still rules, right? I've got a T-shirt somewhere that says so. I taught Internet Marketing at Keene State College and worked on freelance projects, some with Jen Kramer'01. I have also taken a few of the workshops offered to alumni at the Grad Center. They are a truly valuable way to keep current in our ever-changing field. In January, I started a new job as Internet Editor for Yankee Magazine in Dublin, N.H. Fun! Best to all"

Ellen Pearce, ISM '98, checked in: "During the program, I became the CIO and Compliance Officer of a small hospital in Vermont. That's where I left off with my classmates. I worked there until the spring of 2002. I took that summer off, did some consulting work related to Internet Strategy, then went to Dartmouth and worked in their Clinical Information Systems department for a year. I am now working for a healthcare software company called Cerner. (www.cerner.com). Currently, I travel to client sites in New England helping them to move toward Computerized Provider Order Entry (CPOE). This has been deemed a national safety initiative by several quality type organizations.
That's it in a nutshell."

Paul Butler, MSIT '04 wrote: "Well, I'm a few months behind on my product development plan (for the software that my new company will market and support). The concept of having a life after grad school was just too appealing. However, I've got the interface rewritten in XHTML 1.0 to be standards compliant, and I've just converted the database from MS Access (boo!) to MySQL (yes!). Hope to have the whole thing ready for beta testing soon.

Meanwhile, I'm busy, busy, busy at my "day job" doing boring old mainframe-related stuff for Banknorth Wealth Management. Toronto Dominion Bank owns us now and is using us as the vehicle for their US expansion plans. They're pumping capital into Banknorth so that they can acquire lots of new US banks - hence lots of system conversion projects for me are in the pipeline! And larger and larger amounts of data to ride herd on, as well.

Instead of hanging out around the Grad Center handing out free copies of Watchtower magazine, soon I'll be hanging out around the Grad Center handing out free CDs of the Ubuntu Linux Desktop, so beware! I'll tell each of you the story of my conversion the next time I see you."
Take care!

Justin Repici, ISM '99 emailed us: "I am in the constant pursuit of education. Am working full time at Northeastern University managing a few web sites and coordinating various experiential education programs for the College of Arts and Sciences. At the same time I am taking part time MBA classes with expected graduation of Spring 2006. The graduation will be followed by my wedding as I became engaged this past Thanksgiving. The wedding will be held in Kyoto, Japan -- the home of my fiancé.
The newsletters have been great. It has been fun to get updates on fellow classmates.
Thanks, Justin

Organizers Collaborative - Grassroots Use of Technology Conference

Want to learn how to use the newest technologies to propel your group's activism into the 21st century while networking with others who share the same passion? Then SIGN UP NOW to attend the 6th Annual Grassroots Use of Technology conference Saturday, April 16, 2005 at the Tang Center, Kendall Square, MIT. Only $45 dollars for full day ($25 for low-income)! This is the 6th annual conference of Organizers' Collaborative. The Keynote Speaker will be Micah Sifry. The theme for this year's event is "Building Bridges", and the workshops/discussions will include:

• content management for nonprofit web sites
• mobilizing people at the local level
• w3c web accessibility donor database options
• online fundraising
• cyber campaigns: What has worked?
• geographic information systems
• what is Plone-Mumbo-Drupal?
• blogging for grassroots groups
• Online tools for coalitions
• Using RSS to share information among organizations

plus many more topics!
There will be plenty of time for discussion and networking. The low cost of attending makes it accessible for all types of community organizations. Last year's event was filled to capacity, and we expect this years conference (limited to 250) to be a complete sellout too -- So register early at www.organizerscollaborative.org/conference.html!

Real World Teaching Conference 2005

Leadership Teacher will host Real World Teaching Conference 2005, Friday, May 25, 2005, 7:30am to 4:45pm, NH Technical Institute (NHTI), Concord, NH. Join educators and businesses from around the region as they meet to discuss cutting edge technologies, current and future business and educational challenges, and critical skill sets that businesses value in their employees. For more information, visit Leadership Teacher's conference website at www.realworldteaching.org , which is being updated weekly, or contact Leadership Teacher directly at 603-715-5515 or by email at info@leadershipteacher.org. See you there!

Career Opportunities
Webmaster/Writer
The National American Indian Housing Council is seeking a webmaster to maintain, update, and upgrade its website, conduct research via the Web, and contribute to PR and copy writing. Qualified applicants should have 2-3 years experience in a similar position, preferably with a trade association or non-profit, and knowledge of web technology and web management. Solid research and writing skills are desired. The individual with the right skills will join a dynamic organization in its Washington, DC office near Union Station. Submit resume, cover letter, work samples, and references to Jean Hrebik by fax 202-789-1758 or email jhrebik@naihc.net. Salary $32-$40,000. Excellent benefits. EOE. Native Americans encouraged to apply. (www.naihc.net) Deadline to receive resumes: 4/08/05

Consultant Wanted
Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) is seeking a consultant to assist the President's Cabinet in developing the University's strategic plan. The anticipated role of the consultant is as follows:

1. Act as group facilitator charged with the objective of successfully articulating and translating the University's vision and values onto a well defined written strategic plan;
2. Assist the University with developing the plans and resources necessary to implement the University's strategic plan;
3. Assist the President's Cabinet with developing and communicating the plans of action necessary to achieve the goals outlined in the strategic plan;
4. Guide the University to be self-supporting in the on-going process of modifying, managing and implementing the strategic plan. The awarded consultant must have first hand experience in providing similar consulting services in the area of higher education.

The term of the contract resulting from this RFP will be for three (3) years, with the extension of two (2) additional one-year increments at the option of SCSU.

The RFP committee anticipates the resulting award of this RFP to be not later than July 1, 2005. The awarded consultant must be prepared to begin work immediately upon award of the agreement. The President and the President's Cabinet desire completion of the Strategic Plan for presentation to the campus by early March, 2006. An evaluation screening committee for this RFP will select the consultant that will best meet the needs of Southern Connecticut State University. http://www.southernct.edu/faculty/finadm/purchasing/bids/

Systems Analyst
World Learning is looking for a Systems Analyst who will be responsible for the administration, maintenance, and overall data integrity of the Human Resources Information System (HRIS). S/he will process employee information, develop recurring and special reports, and administer system interfaces with payroll and benefits vendors. The HRIS Analyst will assist in the training of new manager and employee HRIS users and provide day-to-day technical support to core HR/Finance administration users, managers accessing the manager self-service module, and employees accessing their personal information.

The successful candidate will have an A.A./A.S. in a computer-related field plus a minimum of two years of relevant experience (or a combination of education and experience that meets jobs responsibilities), two or more years of database software experience, and advanced PC skills (Excel). Strong analytical skills, attention to detail, ability to organize and prioritize tasks, and handle confidential material required.

For a complete job description with required qualifications, visit the employment page of our website: www.worldlearning.org. Send cover letter and resume to Human Resources, Job #647, World Learning, Box 676, Brattleboro, VT 05302-0676.

Project Manager/Analyst
Newsbank, inc. is seeking a project manager/analyst. This is a hands-on position responsible for managing one of our best selling digital products. This position works with a cross-functional team (marketing, technical, production and editorial staff) to achieve results. You will be responsible for developing operational plans for completing the project over a specified timeframe; ensuring that monthly releases are met on schedule and at required delivery quantities and quality; monitoring the product through the life of the project and ensuring that product changes and plans meet customer expectations; managing, problem solving and tracking open issues to completion. Requires prior experience managing projects; experience developing and tracking short- and long-term plans; strong technical background or ease of using technology; familiarity with databases and ability to effectively work with the detail of data specifications, data content and recognize different data structures; good interpersonal and communication skills with a broad range of employees; proven track record in developing new ideas and ability to manage and adjust to change; strong analytical and problem-solving skills; ability to effectively prioritize workload; and demonstrated initiative and attention to detail. Undergraduate degree with strong interest in history and experience with digitizing content preferred. Send cover letter and resume to NewsBank, inc., 397 Main Street, Chester, VT or email to hr@newsbank.com. Visit us at www.newsbank.com

Marketing Manager, Procurement Department
C & S wholesale Grocers, Inc. is currently accepting resumes for a Marketing Manager for our Keene, NH Corporate Headquarters

Duties and Responsibilities

• Primary focus on building and maintaining a consistent marketing campaign targeting all facets of C&S owned brands
• Development of marketing vehicles such as pamphlets, flyers, selling books, POP materials, C&S brands premiums, industry related literature/educational documents, and overall message of C&S owned brands.
• Developing, projecting, and managing budget items such as POS materials, marketing funds, coupon redemption, incremental spending, and educational literature.
• Developing and maintaining positive and consistent communications with retail customers and vendors

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience
• 2-3 years of marketing experience
• Previous experience in grocery wholesale distribution a plus

Visit: www.cswg.com.

Director of Master of Science in Management Program
School of Graduate and Professional Studies New England College Henniker, New Hampshire

The School of Graduate and Professional Studies offers six-degree programs, five graduate and one undergraduate, and enrolls approximately 500 students on over twenty corporate campus sites throughout New Hampshire. The Master of Science in Management program, the largest graduate program at NEC, enrolls 230 students, 165 of them in the healthcare administration program, located at fifteen hospitals and medical centers statewide, making it the largest graduate healthcare program in the state. Other concentrations include organizational leadership, project management, and non-profit leadership. Classes are delivered via a blended brick and mortar/online format, using the Blackboard course management system.
The Director, working closely with the Dean of the School of Graduate and Professional Studies, is responsible for all academic aspects of the degree, to include curriculum development, faculty recruitment, training, and assessment. The Director is expected to implement best practices in online learning and faculty training throughout the program, in all concentrations. The Director is also expected to develop a comprehensive faculty assessment tool, and use that tool to assure consistency in pedagogy in all faculty and all courses, yet still allow for innovation and dynamic teaching, the hallmarks of the program. The Director will develop and revise course outcomes, and insure adherence to those outcomes. The Director will also teach two sections annually.
Ph.D. in Management or a related discipline (DBA or Healthcare Administration) preferred, with extensive experience in both teaching and administration in a graduate management, business administration, project management or healthcare administration degree program required. Experience in online teaching, course development, and pedagogy strongly preferred. Interested individuals should furnish letter of interest, resume/vitae, all graduate transcripts, and three references, at least one of which must be academic and one professional, to rkeating@nec.edu.
Application review begins 21 March 2005 with appointment 1 May 2005, with duties to commence 1 July 2005.

Freelance Designers Wanted
We develop interactive media for museum projects (see my website below for more info) and are looking to connect with freelance graphic designers/illustrators on a project-by-project basis.

Most of our work is Flash and Director based -- for an example, you can check out our project with Smithsonian's National Zoo (which I'm pleased to say was named "Best Museum Website" and won a Parent's Choice Gold Award in the Website category):

http://nationalzoo.si.edu/Education/ConservationCentral/

I'm especially looking for designers who may create menus and the overall look and feel for an interface (font, colors, background images and illustrations, button states, etc) for family-friendly and playful museum projects. Probably more Photoshop and Fireworks oriented than Flash-oriented, though there is crossover.

Contact: Brad Larson Media, Inc., Learning, Museums, Exhibits, Webgames www.bradlarson.com, phone: 781-784-1602