TMP 1998

Hello TMP Class of 1998! Before you hear about our latest alumni updates, I encourage you to remember that by signing up for email forwarding, you will get exciting notices of goings-on with our class and the Kellogg Alumni Club of Chicago! Establish your e-mail forwarding online. P.S. — Don't forget about our five-year Reunion coming up!

Jim Kvedaras (jim.kvedaras@cn.ca) writes, "Reality has a way of exerting its influence on us all, Kellogg graduates or not. I fell prey to the corporate purges of '02 with my long-term employer. Although I landed internally, it's a stretch to say that my current duties are in line with my experience, training and education. My ongoing quest for appropriate employment is being strongly shaped by my Kellogg training and ongoing involvement with the programs that are continually offered by Kellogg, such as networking events through the school, as well as the many evening events offered by Kellogg Alumni Club of Chicago (KACC). As I circulate through the crowds at the TGIFs (excellent turnouts, by the way), I try to chat with a handful of attendees at each one, to get a feel for what common concerns we have. In my informal sampling (less than 30, so I can't call it statistically significant), I was surprised to see that many of us are unemployed, either by circumstance or by choice, or underemployed and trying to do better. The latter demonstrates the true Kellogg spirit, which I will define as a recognition that we have a lot to offer to the business world, and an unwillingness to settle for positions that do not allow us to use our skills to their fullest. Many of us are in this same situation. It's a reality that I believe will exist even in strong economic times.

"While there is no golden pill we can offer to alumni to resolve this situation, there is a broader movement under way in which we can all participate that will address this. Many of you have already taken a huge step to start building a strong foundation for this through your unselfish willingness to be mentors through Kellogg's Mentorship program. For that we thank you. As you offer your wisdom and experience to students, you are laying the groundwork for strengthening Kellogg connections through the entire business world. Here's the challenge: KACC, along with all of the other alumni chapters around the world, is working to build a strong network that fellow alumni can use, whether it be for employment leads, professional advice or something as 'vital' as recommendations of good restaurants or current events to be aware of when traveling to an unfamiliar city! What we envision is a strong worldwide alumni network, so that any alumnus or alumna has an email or phone number of somebody to touch base with when necessary. We are aware that many of us are already listed in the alumni database, accessible through online, but what we are envisioning is much more of a cultural change, where it becomes common practice for alumni to interact among ourselves. Please share some of your thoughts with your local alumni club board members on how this initiative can be expedited in your own areas. Browse the Web site — clubs and officers are listed.

"In the meantime, for those of us who are playing the employment game right now, I feel for you and share your pain. The sun always comes out after the storm passes. Figure out what you think would help you right now and share it with us, so that we may benefit from your insights as we consider how best to boost our Kellogg network."

Brian Sterrett writes, "I recently ran into Rob McCammon TMP '99 at our local movie theater in Naperville — good to see a familiar face from Kellogg. For now, I'm busy running the technology licensing division of SPSS, a global software firm based in Chicago. We enable companies including J.D. Edwards to deliver powerful analytical applications to their customers in domains such as demand forecasting, customer segmentation and fraud detection."

Mark Vargo recently relocated to Boston.

Peggy Roberts writes, "My husband Steve EMP-53 and I are happy to announce the birth of our son, Luke Anthony, on Nov. 14."

Paul Bodine is teaching DePaul real estate programs that improve students' ability to understand and relate to their clients. He is also working as a managing partner of Argend Business Services LLC, an integrated marketing and e-commerce firm.

Todd Lumpkin is living in Vernon Hills, Ill. The Lumpkin family is happy to announce a new addition. Brandon Lumpkin, born March 29, 2002, joins his brother Justin, born Oct. 17, 1999, and proud parents Younghee and Todd Lumpkin. Todd recently joined Underwriters Laboratories Inc. in Northbrook, Ill., as a senior marketing analyst.