Kellogg JD-MBA Caps Commencement with US$50K Win: MBA News

By Tim Dhoul Updated Oct 29, 2014

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‘Leaders come and go’ says Kellogg School of Management commencement speaker

Kellogg JD-MBA Caps Commencement with US$50K Win: MBA News main image

Moments after attending the Kellogg School of Management’s commencement ceremony on June 20, one fresh graduate of the school’s JD-MBA program received word of his victory in an investment innovation competition.

The Origami Idea Challenge has been running since the start of the year, using a divisional format that encompassed leading schools in the US as well as a smattering of top representatives from the UK and India.

Kellogg School of Management’s Mike Denklau not only receives the first prize of US$50,000, but also the chance to develop his asset liquidation concept with Origami Capital Partners.

The JD-MBA graduate’s idea focused on investment strategy execution and returns, drawing on Denklau’s history in investment banking and knowledge developed by taking part in an asset management program at the Kellogg School of Management.

According to the school’s website, he chose to enroll in the JD-MBA program because of an interest in “the intersection of finance and law”.

‘Leaders come and go’ says Kellogg School of Management commencement speaker

Members of the JD-MBA program joined a throng of over 1,000 graduating students at June 20’s commencement ceremony at the Kellogg School of Management.

Robert Eckert, Kellogg alumnus and chairman emeritus of the board at toy manufacturing company, Mattel, Inc. gave the keynote address. In passing on the benefits of his experience he reminded graduates that, “In most groups and organizations, leaders come and go. But the people that do the work remain.”

In discussing the concept of leadership at commencement, Kellogg’s dean Sally Blount emphasized her belief that the school’s alumni are those who feel compelled to reach their potential. “They don't wait to be asked. They act,” she said.

Earlier in the day, associate dean Elizabeth Ziegler posted five ‘life mottos’ for those departing to reflect on – including finding time to ensure that you are living a full and happy life, reasoning that “It is so easy to get caught up in the routine, put your head down and work, and define yourself by your professional accomplishments. Figure out what is important to you over time.”

You can watch excerpts from commencement at the Kellogg School of Management in the video below:

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Tim Dhoul

Tim is a writer with a background in consumer journalism and charity communications. He trained as a journalist in the UK and holds degrees in history (BA) and Latin American studies (MA).