Austin360 blogs > Out & About > Archives > 2008 > August > 17 > Entry
Changing the world at Acton School of Business
One of the benefits of this job is meeting people who shape Austin. Only a few of them do so with sheer money or raw influence. Rather, they lubricate the social machinery that improves the region’s civic health, introducing the idea people to the practical types who can make good things happen.
Tiffany Allen, Kevin Cobourn
At times, one can almost glimpse the future of the city in the faces of leaders in the making. I often experience this shivery foresight at functions for the Austin Under 40 Awards or Leadership Austin, two groups that encourage the blending of social sentience with enlightened self-interest.
Shams Siddiqi, Sarah Siddiqi
That feeling overwhelmed me at the opening of Acton School of Business’ new campus on East Riverside Drive on Saturday. Framed by the hilltop scenery, traditionalist architecture and tech-savvy classrooms, former, current and future students of the innovative MBA program for entrepreneurs mingled, nibbled breaded shrimp and sipped freshly squeezed margaritas.
Joseph Koszusko, Laura Lee Kozusko
I talked to several dozen of them, as well as to instructors, staff and family members, all eager to cheer the program that encourages a “life of meaning” alongside highly honed business skills. (Also some respectful A&M and TCU grads.) They ogled the video equipment that would record and place online every arched eyebrow in every classroom discussion among the next 30 students at the school.
Rodrigo Rodas, Jeff Sandefer
(At least one expressed apprehension about the thoroughness of the documentation. “We can’t kid around too much,” he said.)
Suzi Sosa, Roy Sosa
Jeff Sandefer, the unconventional oilman behind the program, spoke ever so briefly. Mostly people wanted to meet the Actonians from around the world, who might be changing it soon.
Dave Chun, Sarah Stasney-Chun
We also spoke with Georgia Thomsen, the hyper-competent Acton executive director, who glided from one circle to another, looking as much like a star athlete or model as a top administrator.
David Gian, Dori Eversmann, Jeff Eversmann
We took an unusual number of pictures at this event, in part because the urge to document overcame any impulse to proceed to the evening’s next social commitment. After all, these images might tell the future.
Vince Lopresti, Danielle Lopresti, Georgia Thomsen
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By Mandy Odgers
September 7, 2008 8:36 PM | Link to this
In class was the first time I had heard about the Acton school and the idea intrigues me. Though I'd never be capable of putting my all of myself into any particular institution, it's nice that some can.