After the last two weeks and my continuous efforts throughout the semester, I am proud to announce that the project has been completed. This semester has been a roller coaster, and it truly in an amazing feeling to achieve this goal. Putting forth strenuous effort into a achieving a goal and being able to visualize tangible success is incredibly rewarding. As of my previous post roughly two weeks ago, 22 countries remained.  Since then, I was able to connect with alumnae from 23 different countries in that time span. Below is the latest and final update.

Sierra Leone: Alicia Fitzpatrick: 2012 Graduate (major unspecified), Education Consortium Coordinator at International Rescue Committee

Dominica: Marwan Azzam: B.S. in Biology, Medical Student at Ross University School of Medicine

Switzerland: Dimitris Brilis: Masters, Electrical Engineering,Strategic Planning Director at Novartis

Uzbekistan: Jurabek Ganiev: Master of Business Administration (M.B.A.), Oil & Energy

Venezuela: Francisco Quevedo: Isenberg School of Management, Presidente en QPP & Asociados, S.A.

Ethiopia: Steadman Harrison III: BA, Psychology and Philosophy, General Director, Africa and Middle East – Leadership Beyond Boundaries at Center for Creative Leadership

Estonia: Meelis Kitsing: PhD, Lecturer, Deparment of Economics and Finance at Estonian Business School

Vietnam: Binh Le: Isenberg School of Management, Founder | CEO

Guatemala: Quinn Sandor Kepes: B.S. in Political Science, Program Director at Verité

Turkmenistan: Julie Bosredon: MSc, Hotel, Travel & Restaurant Administration, Executive Manager

Paraguay: Manuel Ferreira Brusquetti: MA, Economics, Partner, MCS Consulting Group

Hungary: Laurie Dondarski: BA, Currently Looking

Portugal: Ruben de Freitas Cabral: Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Education, Founder – Managing Director at Connexions – Consultancy, Ltd

Mongolia: Buuveibaatar Bayarbaatar: MS, Wildlife Conservation, Lead for Conservation Science

Italy: Tom Shaker, Doctor of Education (Ed.D.), Education, Edu-Tainer, Song and Dance COW

Norway: Ashish Sahu: PhD, Environmental Engineering, Sr. Environmental Process Engineer at Aquateam-COWI AS

Poland: Magdelena Garncarz: BA, Psychology, Graduate Student at Jagiellonian University

Jordan: Nathir Rawashdeh: MS, Electrical & Computer Engineering, Assistant Professor of Mechatronics Engineering at German Jordanian University

Philippines: Kevin Okiah: BS, Electrical Engineering, Product/Test Engineering Rotational Program at Texas Instruments

Morocco: Clara McLinden: Bachelors, French, Anthropology, Arabic, Program Assistant at Institute for Development, Environment and Energy (IDE-E)

Mozambique: Christopher Landry: Master of Public Health, Environmental Health, Deputy Chief of Party at Abt Associates

Uruguay: Mariana Montaldo: Masters, Bilingual/ESL/multicultural education, Jefe de Contenidos- Plan Ceibal

Kuwait: Kevin Connor: BA, Economics, History, Coach at Hoop Mountain Kuwait

Throughout the past 12 days, I was able to develop 19 new connections via Linkedin. I was able to cross the final U.S. State off of the list, Alabama, which was was a great feeling of fulfillment. It is awesome to see real results that can be told as an interesting story. Now that my United States goal has been achieved, only my global goal remains. After the 18 newest worldwide connections, 22 countries remain with only a couple weeks left in the semester. Below are the most recent connections.

U.S. States

Alabama: Matt Potter: BA, History, Analyst at Wyle CAS Group

Countries

Finland: Benjamin Tuiskula, BA, History, Associate at White & Case

Ghana: Michael Lartey, Ph.D., Organic/Polymer Chemistry, Lecturer at UNIVERSITY OF ENERGY AND NATURAL RESOURCES

Liberia: Bleejay Innis, Bachelor of Science (BS), International Business, Director of Corporate Development

El Salvador: Jose Luis Frances, BA, Economics, Vice President Agriveter

Nicaragua: Phil Alexander, BSPH: BS Public Health Administration, Vice President Sales & Marketing at Milagro del Mar Beach & Golf Resort

Papua New Guinea: Billy Manoka: Ph.D., Resource and Environmental Economics, Commissioner / CEO at Independent Consumer and Competition Commission

Singapore: Chris Martensen: BBA, Finance and Economics, Area Finance Controller – SE Asia and China at Tidewater Marine

New Zealand: Peter Pfitzinger: Master of Science, Exercise Physiology, General Manager Capacity & Expertise at High Performance Sport New Zealand

Cyprus: Harry Panayiotou: Bachelor of Science, Electrical and Electronic Engineering, Manager at CYTA

Myanmar: Richard A. Nuccio: Ph.D., Political Science, Chief of Party, senior resident director, National Democratic Institute (NDI)

Croatia: Stephanie Tomasic: BS, Biochemistry and Molecular Biology, Chemistry, Student at University of Zagreb Medical School

Peru: Antonio Ortiz: MSc, Applied Mathematics, Gerente Adjunto Analytics PYME at Banco de Crédito BCP

Dominican Republic: Thomas Wahl: Isenberg School of Management, Highly accomplished Food and Beverages and Club Administrative Director 30 years’ Experience | seeking New Challenges

Austria: Tina Wakolbinger: Ph.D. in Business Administration; Concentration in Management Science, Professor bei Vienna University of Economics and Business

Azerbaijan: Saida Nabiyeva: MEd, International Education, Educational Policy, Program Director at SOS Children’s Villages

Honduras: Juan Jose Rishmawy: Bachelor of Science (BS), Industrial Engineering, Gerente Comercial at Equipos Industriales S.A. de C.V.

Domocratic Republic of the Congo: Julian Saramago: BBA: Political Science and Portuguese Literature, Strategist at Sivesa International, LLC

Tunisia: Lawalley Cole: Masters/Doctorate, Curriculum Studies/Education Planning, Coordonnateur chez Association pour le Développement de l’Education en Afrique

It has been an incredible journey thus far, and the homestretch is approaching. One more deadline still remains, and my sights remain set on the goal. 22 countries separate me from the ultimate goal. I can taste the finish line. This is what I’ve been working for all semester. See you all in two weeks for the final update.

 Earth to Evan

Throughout the last two weeks, I have had the pleasure of connecting with alumnae from eleven out of the twelve remaining U.S. states as well as eighteen new countries. Many of the connections continue to reply to my individual messages with good luck wishes and messages of inspiration. It is the little things like that that encourage me to keep moving forward throughout this mission and that truly make it all worth it. Below are the newest connections.

U.S. States

Idaho: Jane Gordon: BA, Political Science, International Relations, Translation, Attorney (Civil Litigation) Capitol Law Group, PLLC

Louisiana: Jason Pugh: Master of Science, Sports Management, Assistant Sports Information Director at Northwestern State University

Montana: Jim Driscoll: Healthcare Marketing, Western Montana Marketing at New West Health Services

New Jersey: Justinn Delaney: Bachelors of Humanities and Fine Arts, Afro- American Studies, Auto Tec-Analyst

North Carolina: Mike Fulkerson: Environmental Studies, Project Manager at Antea Group

North Dakota: Nicole Ellis: Master of Science, Sports Management, Public Relations Specialist at Swanson Health Products

Oregon: Joshua Gordon(not the football player): BA, Psychology, Sociology, Criminal Justice, Dispute Resolution, Founder of Sports Conflict Institute (SCI) & Sports Management Instructor at University of Oregon

South Carolina: Steven Hodlin: B.S., Industrial Engineering and Operations Research, Director of Operational Excellence at Blackbaud Inc.

South Dakota: Evren Celik Wiltse: PhD, Political Science & International Relations, Assistant Professor at South Dakota State University

Utah: Max Byck: Marketing, Aspiring Entrepreneur and newest cohort at Draper University

Washington: Adam Nadeau: Isenberg School of Management, Category Merchant Manager, CA Electronics at Amazon

Wyoming: Scott Gondzar: Master of Public Health, Microbiologist /Insurance Billing Manager/ Laboratory Outreach Coordinator for the Wyoming Department of Health

  ????

Countries

Kenya: Dina Farfel, Isenberg School of Management, Managing Director at Nova Scotia Capital Global Markets

Egypt: Mohamed Younis: Politcal Economy, Vice President at CI Capital Investment Banking

South Africa: Rochelle Josiah: BA, Political Science, CEO Talis Press (Pty) Ltd & CE: Education – Cloudseed (Pty) Ltd

Costa Rica: Annette Abreu: BA, Communications, Guest Services

Sultanate of Oman: Malika Napoli, Isenberg School of Management, Associate at Al Busaidy Mansoor Jamal & Co

Armenia: Tigran Toumasyan: Master in Education Policy, DRR Program Officer at UNICEF Armenia

Qatar: Angelos Angelidahis: Civil Engineering, Project Manager, PROGRAM MANAGER DOHA EXPRESSWAY PROGRAM at KBR International

Chile: Mariana Diaz: MS & PhD in Food Science, Nutrition at Nestle R&D Santiago (Biscuits)

Panama: Jennifer Mossack: BS in Biology, Socia Fundadora – Abogada at Mossach Darlington & Acociados

Pakistan: Nazim Mahmood: Isenberg School of Management, Head of Consumer Banking at Barclays

Gambia: Jessica (Di Yi) He: BS in Public Health, Health Volunteer at Peace Corps

Romania: George Tsitsas, BS and MS in Civil Engineering, Managing Director at GT Ground Engineering & Construction Services

Bangladesh: Imran Khan: BS in Chemical Engineering, Petroleum Engineer at Chevron

Mauritius: Monha Baichoo: Isenberg School of Management, Hospitality Professional

Saint Kitts and Nevis: Daniel Arthurton: BS in Agricultural Economics, Adviser GIO at ECCB

Argentina: Laura Paonessa: Public Policies, Public Entrepreneur

Saint Vincent and the Grenadines: Bianca Porter, Hospitality & Tourism Management, General Manager at Young Island Resort

Lebanon: Abdul Dada: Isenberg School of Management, Property Consultant at HMG Real Estate

This project has been nothing short of extraordinary thus far and visually experiencing the results is awesome. Linkedin is an incredible tool that has enabled me to touch base and network with individuals from all over the world. The expedition has undoubtably been a success up to this point, and my sights remain set on the final target. Only 1 U.S. state remains (Alabama), and there are 40 countries remaining to cross off the list. That will be a challenge approaching the homestretch of the semester, but it is absolutely attainable. Updates to come soon.

Goodbye for now,

Earth to Evan

Over the course of the past twelve days, I have continued on in right direction towards the ultimate goal. Within that time span 15 new states and 18 countries have been crossed off the list. I sent all of the folks I was able to connect with a message thanking them for their help along this ride and I am receiving a significant amount of positive feedback. It is truly awe-inspiring to see where all of these alums’ careers have taken them and be able to connect with them from across the globe. Many of the alumni responded to me telling me to let them know if I need any more assistance from them along this journey, and their kind-hearted attitudes have been incredible to say the least. Here are the newest connections.

U.S. States

Arkansas: Mark Zaiger: Isenberg School of Mangement, Sales Manager at Northwest Arkansas Naturals

Florida: Rachel Krasnow: Isenberg School of Management, Marketing Associate, Business Development, PGA TOUR

Georgia: Jonathan Mercier: Isenberg School of Management, Director of Marketing & Promotions at Savannah Sand Gnats

Hawaii: Kelsey Okuda: B.A. in Political Science, Research Analyst at Hawaiian Electric Company

Iowa: David Snowball: Ph.D. in Communication Studies, Publisher at Mutual Fund Observer

Kansas: Dwanna Robertson: M.S. Sociology, Assistant Professor at Kansas State University

Kentucky: Terry Samuel: B.S. in Electrical Engineering, VP, WW Managed Print Services Operations at Lexmark International

Mississippi: Greg Hinton: Isenberg School of Management, President and General Manager, Harlow’s Casino Resort & Spa at Churchill Downs

New Hampshire: Mark Follett: B.A. in Economics, Fund Accounting Analyst III at Fidelity Investments

New Mexico: Andrew Boal: Ph.D. in Organic Chemistry, Senior Scientist at MIOX Corporation

Ohio: Wei Zhao: Ph.D. in Polymer Science and Engineering, Scientist

Oklahoma: James Ma: Ph.D. in Finance, Associate Pofessor of Finance at Oklahoma City University

Pennsylvania: Eric Luftig: B.S. in Chemical Engineering, Vice President, Marketing

Vermont: Peter Christopher: Associates of Science in Animal Agriculture, QA Manager at Maple Grove Farms of Vermont (B & G Foods)

Washington: Adam Nadeau: Isenberg School of Management, Category Merchant Manager, CA Electronics at Amazon

Countries

Israel: Ori Yankelev: Isenberg Scool of Management, Sales and Marketing Leader for B2B Technology Companies, Start-up Enthusiast, Advisor, Investor

Trinidad & Tobago: Kairon Serrette: Isenberg School of Management, Senior Manager – Business Development at The Sport Company of Trinidad & Tobago (SPORTT)

Kazakhstan: Aliya Kaziyera: Isenberg School of Management, Finance Manager at Nazarbayev University

Japan: Matthew Savas: Isenberg School of Management, MBA Candidate Isenberg School of Management – Expert in Japanese Language and Culture

Thailand: Michael Leonard: Ph.D. in Polymer Science & Engineering, Senior R&D Director, Asia-Pacific Region at PepsiCo

Sweden: Thomas Gleason: B.A. in Exercise Science, Senior Marketing Manager, Cement, EMEA, Biomet Europe

Mexico: Efren Ramirez Lagos: Isenberg School of Management, MBA / MS Sports Management Candidate Sports Marketing

Ecuador: Darnell Dunn: B.A. in Economics, Managing Partner at Abundant Living Ecuador

East Timor: Fidelis Megalhaes: Social and Economic Thought, Chefe da Casa Civil da Presidencia da Republica

Malawi: Chokocha Selemani-Mbewe: Master of Education in International education specialising in Testing Measurement and Evaluation, Education, Geography and Linguistics, Phd Student in Assessment and Quality Assurance at University of Pretoria

Fiji: Freddy Frymerman: B.A. in Film/Cinema/Video Studies, CEO at Primus International Enterprises LTD

Georgia: Nelson Petreosyan: MPPA, Economics, Public Policy, Public Finance, Director/Partner of Grant Thornton Georgia

Netherlands: Martijn de Vries: Isenberg School of Management, Head of Business Development at Piramide Finance

Indonesia: Elias Tona Moning: Doctor of Education (Ed. D.) in Education, Owner, Outreach International Bioenergy

Denmark: Lars Hammar: B.A. in Administration, Controller Manager at Orkla Foods Danmark A/S

Bahamas: Jamie Wilkinson-Watson: Paralegal Studies, Student at Harvard University

Cambodia: Sophy Pich: B.A. in Sociology, New Business Lead at 17 Triggers

It’s jaw-dropping to see the vast diversity of the workforce among the alumni. Earth to Evan has been much more successful than I originally could have imagined. I will continue to constantly seek alumni from all over the world as the semester progresses until the goal is achieved. 12 states and 58 countries remain. See you all in two weeks.

Until Next Time,

Earth to Evan

Over the course of the past two weeks, I have been able to connect with University of Massachusetts Amherst alumni from 23 different U.S. States and 24 additional countries throughout in the world. I have had a significant amount of success with this challenge thus far, and have been thrilled with the results. LinkedIn has been an amazing resource throughout this process, and has allowed me to connect with former UMass students across the globe and unveil their professions, which would otherwise be virtually impossible. Below are the 47 new connections:

U.S. States

Alaska: Michelle Steward- Isenberg School of Management, currently an Account Manager at Cenergy, International Services

Arizona: Josh Targe- Isenberg School of Management, currently a Business Consultant, OPEN Top Client Acquisition at American Express

California: Jenna Helstowski- Isenberg School of Management, currently a Merchandise Buying Assistant at TJX | Fashion Design

Colorado: Daryl Wolfenden- Economics B.A., currently a Retirement Account Associate | Jocelyn Pension Consulting, LLC

CONNECTicut: Cathie Cannon: Isenberg School of Management, Director of Operations at Strategic Sales & Marketing, Inc

Delaware: Rich Claire- Political Science B.A., Chief Operating Officer at Trinity Logistics

Illinois: Stefan Vehr- Isenberg School of Management, Financial Planning & Analysis at CDW

Indiana: Anthony Hosking- Computer Science phD., Associate Professor at Purdue University

Maine: Alina Bahlavouni- B.S., Public Health & Kinesiology Double Major, last employed at Get Moving UMass Campus Outreach Coordinator at University of Massachusetts Amherst

Maryland: Sara Schroeder- Isenberg School of Management, Marketing Manager at Cigna-HealthSpring

Massachusetts: A good friend of mine that graduated last year, Alexander Hamboyan- Isenberg School of Management, Account Set-Up Specialist at Brown Brothers Harriman

Michigan: Bob White- BS, HRTA, Executive Banker at Quicken Loans

Minnesota: Jocelyn Blase- B.S. Environmental Science/Geology, currently Seeking Employment Opportunities

Missouri: Justin Shaw- Isenberg School of Management, Director at Client Engagement at VM

Nebraska: Brian Ethridge- B.A., Journalism, Editor, Writer and Columnist

Nevada: Joseph Swain- Isenberg School of Management, Associate Financial Consultant at Charles Schwab

New York: Lonny Sweet- Isenberg School of Management, President & CEO of The Connect Group

Rhode Island: Andrew Brousell- Isenberg School of Management, Senior Compensation Analyst at FM Global

Tennessee: Jon Zagami- Isenberg School of Management, Finance Professional With Caterpillar Financial & former Soldier in the U.S. Army

Texas: Frank Ginac- Isenberg School of Management, CTO | Innovative Software Developer & Business Leader | Entrepreneur

Virginia: Stephanie Rocha- Isenberg School of Management, Analyst at Global Atlantic Financial Group Limited

West Virginia: Gabrielle Baker- Journalism, Web Designer at Gabby Designs

Wisconsin: Renee Sinden, Isenberh School of Management, Finance Leader, Large Capital Program, Project Portfolio Management, Lifecycle Reporting, Project Controls

Cross them off the list..(These aren’t the actual states eliminated, found this online)

Countries

Brazil: Rodrigo Francozi- Isenberg School of Management, CED Market Development Specialist

Belgium: Guy Van Leemput- Masters in Computer Science, Independent Intranet and Digital Workplace Consultant

Turkey: Mahmut Varli-Isenberg School of Management, Financial Services Professional

Canada: Paul Nursey- Isenberg School of Management, President & CEO at Tourism Victoria

Luxembourg: Juan Andres Godoy Liere- Isenberg School of Management, Business and Financial Analyst Latin America en Millicom International Cellular

Czech Republic: Fabian Schramm- Isenberg School of Management, Account Manager – Inside Sales

China: Kyle Smith- Isenberg School of Management, Senior Content Manager at Alibaba

Australia: Kanho Uno- Isenberg School of Management, Senior Account Manager at Vision Critical

Taiwan: Ken Lin- B.A., Psychology and Chinese Linguistics, Consultant at Michael Page

Tanzani: Benjamin N. Oganga- Master in Education, Research, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer

United Kingdom: Patrick Gwyther- Isenberg School of Management, Investment Banking at AGC Partners

United Arab Emirates: Yousaf Nishat-Botero- Isenberg School of Management, Business Development

Russian Federation: Anna Ivanova- Master in Public Policy and Administration, Technology Policy Analyst / Government Relations Manager

Ivory Coast: Rene Attoumbre- Isenberg School of Management, Principal at Nova Capital Global Markets

Puerto Rico: Ayton E. Amadeo- Isenberg School of Management, Business Development / Marketing Manager – AIG

Korea: Danny Jun-Young Lee- Isenberg School of Management, Admin and Finance Manager at Seoul Music High School

Congo: Abraham Balima- Isenberg School of Management, Country CFO at Newrest

India: Sunintha Ramaswamy- Isenberg School of Management, Associate at Aavishkaar

Germany: Marisela Aguilar- Isenberg School of Management, Employer Branding Services – Career Events UK at E.ON Business Services

Ireland: Brian Ruhlmann- Isenberg School of Management, Business Development Representative at HubSpot

Saudi Arabia: Khalid Alassaf- Master in Chemistry, Director, KSA Regional Analytical at SABIC

Spain: Eduarda Orri- B.S. in Industrial Engineering, EMEA Operational Team Lead SC Operations at Hewlett-Packard

Hong Kong: Alwin Lam- Isenberg School of Management, Risk Management

Macao: Jose Alves- Isenberg School of Management, Catalyzing Social and Business Entrepreneurship

Digging deeper and learning more about this vastly diverse group of alumni sheds light on the extraordinary university that I am fortunate enough to attend. It’s almost as if I’m vicariously living through these alums via LinkedIn. Gaining a glympse of their successes and discovering the levels in which this prestigious school has helped them elevate to truly hits home. 27 states and 76 countries to remain. Updates to come soon.

Earth to Evan

So I originally started up this project for my Marketing 301 Honors course. Meeting with my professor Bruce Weinberg one on one, he explained to me that my responsibilty was to come up with something interesting and intruiging to work on throughout the semester, something in which he could tell a story when it is all is said and done. Professor Weinberg, being the incredibly creative intellectual that he is, thus triggered the creative side within me. What we eventually came up with is the semester-long goal to connect with a UMass Alumni in all 50 U.S. states and one from 100 or more different countries in the world. Now we were talking about something special, something that could undoubtably be told as an interesting story.  When he mentioned the potential of becoming the most connected University of Massachusetts Amherst student, that truly resonated with me. I realized how cool this project is going to be. I am excited and honored to take on a challenge of this significance, and I plan to achieve the goal by the end of the semester. In the beginning, as a Isenberg student myself, I ideally wanted all of individuals to be Isenberg Alumni, but due to the extremely high volume of candidates needed, I decided to branch it out to any alumni that graduated from the university. I will however, with my best efforts, attempt to connect with as many Isenberg School of Management Alumni from the various states and countries as possible. I plan do do most of the efforts via linkedin, where I can connect with alums and uncover their career paths. It will be interesting to see the diversity of the workforce of those that attended UMass. You just never know where your career will take you. The hope is to exploit just how great this university is and exhibit some of the many successes that alumni have had in the real world. I will be giving updates of my progress every other week from here on out up until the end of the semester. The groundwork has been laid out, now its time to get to work and go get it! Here is my linkedin profile for reference: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eandreat

Until next time,

Earth to Evan