Decade: 1990-99
Nik Deogun
Rumors had been circulating for months leading up to the fall semester of 1991 among employees of the University of Missouri that the then-vice chancellor had engaged in inappropriate behaviors, abuse of power and sexual harassment. Nearly every female employee in his office had filed complaints. Yet, the actions of this official remained an “open … Continued
Valon L. Beasley, BJ ’98
Valon L. Beasley, BJ ’98, is the author of “Drama” (You Need to Succeed, 2014). The book covers a multitude of issues covered in mainstream media such as domestic violence, transgender complexities and homophobia.
Dan Pierce
In Detroit, Dan Pierce leads Fleishman-Hillard’s General Motors account as senior vice president. Photo courtesy of Dan Pierce.
Brent Toellner
After years of working in the advertising industry at agencies like Bernstein-Rein and Barkley, Brent Toellner, BJ ’95, did not expect his life to deviate from the ad business. That detour first began when a newfound passion for dogs prompted him to begin a side career in animal advocacy. “It was never on the radar … Continued
Mireille Zieseniss
Clack clack clack clack: As a child, Mireille Zieseniss, BJ ’93, loved listening to the sound of her mother’s fingers clacking quickly against her Smith Corona typewriter keys as she typed lesson plans for her class. The buttons, the sound of the letters striking the page and the words that appeared magically mesmerized Zieseniss. Soon, … Continued
Karen Frankola
What do you do? I consult organizations in internal communications and change management. I’ve helped companies like Cisco, MetLife and Advance Auto Parts as well as nonprofit organizations. I also blog about career issues on the Huffington Post. I started out as a journalist, writing and producing for CNN and MSNBC, and also serving as … Continued
Rene Ramirez, BJ ’98
Rene Ramirez, BJ ’98, is a graphic designer at Coldwell Banker Residential Brokerage in Beverly Hills, California. Ramirez says the best professional lesson learned at the School is to be professional and honest at all times.
Jim Spencer, MA ’91
Jim Spencer, MA ’91, president and founder of Newsy, was awarded the Governor’s Entrepreneur of the Year Award at Missouri’s 2014 Governor’s Conference on Economic Development on Sept. 5. Newsy is a national video news network based in Columbia, Missouri. The E.W. Scripps Company (NYSE: SSP) acquired the digital startup in January 2014. Newsy produces … Continued
Amy Keller Laird, BJ ’97
Amy Keller Laird, BJ ’97, has been promoted to editor in chief of Women’s Health magazine. Previously, she served as executive editor.
Todd Natenberg, BJ ’91
Todd Natenberg, BJ ’91, is an account manager with School Specialty, which provides school supplies, furniture, and curriculum solutions to K-12 districts in western Missouri. Natenberg also writes a freelance fatherhood column for Lifestyle Publications in Kansas City and freelanced a first-person column to the Jerusalem Post on the shootings at the Jewish Community Center … Continued