DEARBORN, Mich. - As an introduction to American history and culture, Global MBA students visited one of the finest landmarks in the area - The Henry Ford. The Henry Ford is a collection of museums which celebrate American history. On July 16, Class of 2008 students visited two of the attractions at the Henry Ford; Greenfield Village and the Ford Rouge Factory Tour.

Students began the day at Greenfield Village where they enjoyed a narrated walking tour with the opportunity to view artifacts and characters from America’s past. Tour guides led the students through a neighborhood of historically significant buildings that Henry Ford himself assembled as a vast outdoor museum of American history. Horse drawn carts, Model-A automobiles, and old fashioned bicycles were constantly in the background as students walked through the birth home of Henry Ford, the laboratories of Thomas Edison, the workshop of Wilbur and Orville Wright, and a courthouse where Abraham Lincoln practiced law. The morning completed with lunch at Eagle Tavern, a tavern typical of those in America in the late 1800’s. The menu included classic American entrees such as roasted pork with apples and baked chicken.

After lunch, the students toured the Ford Rouge Plant which was the site of the world’s first automotive assembly line. Today, the renovated modern manufacturing facility produces Ford F-150 trucks. Professor Brian Talbot who taught the Operations Management core for the group, lead the class through the facility as they searched and listened for answers to their homework assignment regarding operations at the plant. The factory tour provided the class with a first hand look at the plant and the assembly line in full operation. In addition, students viewed a film about the life and history of Henry Ford and the Ford Motor Company. A multimedia presentation of the making of a Ford truck followed, complete with lasers, smoke, sound effects and even rain! The tour also included a trip to the Observation Deck at the top of the facility which allowed the group to view the world’s largest living roof. From the Observation Deck, students were able to view the entire expanse of the Ford Rouge complex.

ANN ARBOR, Mich. - On July 21, 2007, Professor Brian Talbot and his wife hosted the class to a picnic at the Huron Valley Swim Club. The club is located in Ann Arbor and offers Olympic size pools, tennis courts, volleyball courts, trampolines, picnic tables and grills situated under tall leafy trees. Students and their families spent the afternoon swimming, playing volleyball and tennis, talking with Professor Talbot and his wife, and eating. Jin Chol Nam of Kyobo Securities Co. is pictured right with his son, Jiwon, in the toddler pool at the club.

The picnic offered students a unique glimpse of American culture outside of the school and office as they participated in club activities with all other swim club members.

Ross' goal of reconfiguring our environment to improve the functionality and aesthetics of our existing campus and expand program space so that we may continue to foster an interactive learning environment, is well underway.
 

Harumi Kikuchi of Matsushita Electric Industrial Co. (Global MBA Class of 2005) and her husband, Atsuo, recently shared good news of the birth of their first child. Their daughter, Juna, was born on June 7, 2007. They chose the name Juna based on the baby’s birth month which is June, and her birthstone, the pearl. Harumi, pictured left with Juna, reports that while the first month was challenging, she is enjoying motherhood. Harumi stated that Juna is growing quickly and laughs a lot revealing a pleasant personality. Congratulations to Harumi and Atsuo!

We also received news that Tae Eun Kim of Microsoft International (Global MBA Class of 2004) was married on July 7, 2007. Tae Eun and his new bride, Soyoung Shin, were married in Seoul as firm believers in love at first site. Several Global MBA alumni joined the celebration. Tae Eun and his wife are pictured right. We wish the newlyweds a lifetime of happiness!