The Viewbook
Orfalea College of Business
Business Administration
J. Michael (Mike) Geringer Field: International Business and Strategy Reason for entering teaching field: I just love helping people to learn and better understand the world in which they live. There is nothing as satisfying as seeing the proverbial light bulb go on above a student's head as she or he finally "gets it" and is able to finally see the world through a new set of eyes. Reason for entering the field: I love international business - I am never bored in this field, because the world has so much diversity of people, plants, animals, cultures, geography, political and economic systems, history, and so forth. It is exciting to meet new people and visit new places, to constantly see different ways of thinking about problems, different ways of living life and doing business, different ways to learn and to enjoy life. I don't know how I could NOT love international business! Favorite Quote: "Doing is honest philosophy - talk is cheap." Maybe that's why I like Cal Poly's learning-by-doing philosophy? Continued inspiration: I don't want to sound corny, but I really do get my inspiration from my students. It is their excitement to learn and to better understand the world around them, their passion for helping to effect change in this world and to help improve the human condition that is so refreshing and invigorating. We will not achieve relevant change by trying the same approaches that caused problems in the first place, so the new ideas of my students have the potential to generate creative, valuable new approaches. I just hope that I can have a bit of a positive impact on their efforts in this regard. Last reason to explode in laughter: I love animals, and watching one of my cats trying to hang upside down by her back legs from a tree limb this morning while trying to catch a bird that was teasing her ... well, they are a constant source of bemusement! They also remind me that we all need to be humble and be able to laugh at ourselves and our actions - it is a critical survival skill if one wants to travel internationally. Biggest challenge: My biggest challenge is trying to keep the content of my courses sufficiently interesting so that my students will be motivated to come to class fully prepared and wanting to participate and explore the issues. Description by students: You'd have to ask them ... Favorite part of the day: I love the transition times of the day - dawn and dusk, moving between lightness and darkness, the time when some animals awaken and others prepare for sleep. It can be a very magical and spiritual time of the day, and it reminds me to take a bit of time from a busy day and enjoy these transitions that are occurring around me. Reason for coming to Cal Poly: I came to Cal Poly because I wanted to live in a beautiful place, with a full-time "college town" environment, and work with students who are bright, fun, willing to work hard (especially if it is not just busy work), and who have a positive and friendly attitude toward life, mixed in with just a bit of idealism. I haven't been disappointed on any of these dimensions! Favorite weekend activity: Being outdoors on the Central Coast, doing just about anything - especially with my wife and our various critters. Favorite part of the central coast: It's all paradise! Avila Beach and the pier, Montana de Oro, Big Sur, Pozo, the wineries, the hills and woods, Live Oak Music Festival ... I love it all!
Economics
Sanjiv Jaggia Field: Economics and Finance Reason for entering teaching: I just love it Reason for entering the field: quantitative, logical, practical Favorite quote: I do not have a single favorite quote Continued inspiration: my dad Last reason to explode in laughter: too silly to explain Biggest challenge: writing a 1000 page book on Business Statistics Description by students: enthusiastic about teaching Favorite part of the day: dusk Perfect day: lazy cup of morning tea, walk/hike, cook, eat, work, listen to music, have a glass of wine, be with close friends, late night walk and chat Reason for coming to Cal Poly: great weather, expansive landscape, reminded me of my hometown in India Favorite weekend activity: cooking, listening to music, hiking Favorite part of the central coast: Montana De Oro
Industrial Technology
Eric Olsen Field:Operations Management Reason for entering teaching: I enjoyed facilitating manufacturing training classes at Hewlett Packard and wished to make teach a larger part of my vocation. Reason for entering the field: I had extensive experience in engineering and engineering management. As I moved forward in my career, I became increasingly interested in the interface between engineering product development and manufacturing. Understanding the team dynamic and human element in all types of operations is an on going passion. Favorite quote: "If you can't grow corn, I don't want to hear your philosophy." - Grandfather of Winona LaDuke, Native American activist. Continued inspiration: People working together. Last reason to explode in laughter: Biggest challenge: Building community. Description by students: Taking Professor Olsen's class I learned that a 4-hour evening class really is 4 hours. Favorite part of the day: Morning just before dawn. You know you have a jump on the day. Perfect day: Finishing a project that takes all day. Reason for coming to Cal Poly: Cal Poly's reputation and the quality of life in Central California. Favorite weekend activity: Wine tasting with friends and family. Favorite part of the central coast: Madonna Mountain.