EMP-70

In memory of Michael Youtsey: There is a sadness in seeing someone leave you, especially someone as young and as good as Michael. We take comfort and find peace in knowing that we had the chance to meet and become good friends during our two years together at Kellogg.

Though words are never enough, it is in times like these that words and memories are all we have left. These are the words that we, Michael’s classmates of EMP-70, have used to describe Michael: compassionate, humble, kind, caring, genuine, gracious, noble, ever-smiling and a kind-hearted gentleman.

These words, their meanings and our memories of Michael will live on. The entire class of EMP-70 extends our deepest sympathies to his wife, Christy, and their children, Alex, Lauren and Andrew. You remain in our thoughts and prayers.

Manar Alazma moved to Toronto in October to be vice president of product management at Redline Communication, a Toronto-based wireless broadband solutions vendor with a strong brand in North America and the Middle East. In January, Manar’s role was expanded to vice president of product management and customer operations, which includes technical support, network engineering, system validation and training.

Mamatha Suravajjala was elected to serve on the board of the nonprofit Michigan Council of Women in Technology. She is also learning to speak German.

Stephanie Shum and Joe Foley were married in September at the Drake Hotel in Chicago, where many Chinese, Irish and American traditions were celebrated. Kellogg alums Shuk Ng, Stephanie Wang, Eric Tolman and Jamie Lu all helped celebrate the occasion. Eric’s twin daughters (5) served as flower girls.

Sharon Ritchey said that despite an incredibly hectic work schedule, Sharon has found the time to move forward with her plans to build her dream home in North Carolina.

Kevin Galvin completed Men’s Health magazine’s Urbanathalon, a 12-mile obstacle course through the streets of Chicago. Kevin came in first place among 51-year-old, 6’3" bald men from St. Louis with four children and a Kellogg MBA.