Chapter News
IU President Michael A. McRobbie joined a 10-day trade mission to China and Japan
As part of his trip, he had an informal dinner with alumni. Read the article >>
Speaker enhances Indiana University alumni meetings in China and Thailand
Maneck S. Wadia, MA’55, PhD’57, and his wife, Harriet, recently visited two alumni groups in Shanghai, China, and Bangkok, Thailand, for dinners and brief lectures on the subject of leadership.
As president and CEO of Wadia Associates, Wadia serves as a management consultant and lecturer to various government, education, business, and armed forces organizations. In addition to receiving a Ford Foundation Fellowship and four IU research grants, Wadia has published and presented on topics such as holistic management, intercultural awareness, and the development and management of change in the workplace. He has traveled the world three times researching these topics.
In Shanghai, alumni entertained the Wadia with a 15-course banquet. Shanghai Chapter leader Bangwei (Sherry) Hu, MBA’03, made the major arrangements. Her sister, on vacation from her job in New York City, served as tour guide to Wadia and other visitors.
At the banquet Wadia gave a humorous informal presentation. Alumni enjoyed the presentation. Jason Rubin, BS’03, guided the visitors to and from the restaurant. Later, Rubin sent an e-mail stating that Dr. Wadia’s brief seminar had inspired him to further his education in management — illustrating what Wadia calls the "true reward of being a teacher."
Voralak Snidwongse, MSEd’78, planned the lecture and meeting with IU alumni in Bangkok. She met the alumni group at the pier in Laem Chanbang, and took them to lunch at Bangkok restaurant in a five-star hotel, which also provided overnight accommodations for the group.
That afternoon, a room festooned with a banner welcoming Dr. Wadia provided a classroom-style setting for the presentation. After a flowery introduction, the lecture lasted for about 40 minutes.
"The question and answer period was especially interesting with Mrs. Snidwongse’s bright daughter very involved in the topic," said Wadia. "After that, we spent time reminiscing about IU. What a joy that was!"
The Indiana University Alumni Association includes chapters in more than 30 countries. Each chapter hosts speakers, dinners, and other get-togethers for area alumni. For information about our international opportunities or to join the IUAA, visit http://alumni.indiana.edu/groups/international.