News for alumni & friends
May 2020
Greetings from Ann Arbor -

As the reality of the Covid-19 pandemic struck, months of planning and preparation for the 2020 Tauber team projects were suddenly upended. But immediately our industry sponsors, Tauber staff, students and faculty were stepping up to the plate to ensure that each Tauber student has an opportunity for a productive and rewarding summer. 

A large number of our industry sponsors pivoted from plant/facility/location-based projects to projects that allow for virtual execution. At many companies, Tauber alumni are playing an important role, stepping forward to mentor Tauber project teams as they take on the challenge of executing summer projects remotely. Tauber alums, well versed in the demands of a Tauber project, can help ensure project success, regardless of the challenging circumstances.

It has been tremendously gratifying to see the Tauber ecosystem at its finest. New types of projects, new ways of working, new industry partnerships, and innovative approaches to problem-solving have all been introduced. It will be exciting to see how this unfolds through the summer, and we look forward to seeing the results this fall at Spotlight 2020!

Go Blue!
Industry Director
Tauber Institute for Global Operations

2020 Tauber team projects underway!
Following the safety protocols of our sponsoring companies, most 2020 Tauber team projects are proceeding virtually - but a few teams are working onsite. Katie Cameron (MBA '21) of Tauber Team PepsiCo reports, "I’m so grateful for the opportunity to be onsite; given the fact that many of my peers aren’t able to work in person, I’m even more motivated to make the most of my time and create a lasting impact."
If you are able, please make a donation to support team project student stipends for teams whose revised projects cannot support full student salaries. We are grateful for your ongoing support as we continue to adapt to the challenges of COVID-19.
"Self-understanding is the key to a fulfilling life. Once you understand yourself, do something outside your comfort zone, push yourself to your limit, and gain a new understanding of what you can do. Keep that cycle of personal growth going, always."

Tauber alumnus Ashley Merritt (MBA '06) is now the R&D Finance Manager for Terumo Medical Corporation. Ashley shares how the Tauber Institute shaped his career path, and offers some advice for current students.
New Tauber Online Community
Join fellow alumni by introducing yourself to the new online Tauber Institute Alumni Community ! Share operations insights and forge meaningful connections with Tauber alumni around the globe.
Welcome new IAB members
We are pleased to welcome two new Industry Advisory Board members: Tauber alumnus Jason Clark (MBA & MSE-IOE '05), Vice President and General Manager 777 Program Boeing Commercial Airplanes, and Christopher J. Lanker, Vice President and General Manager, Asia Pacific,  BorgWarner Emissions, Thermal and Turbo Systems.
"I have had the privilege of working at the intersection of disability and technology with a wide variety of people and a wide variety of expertise."

Tauber team project faculty advisor David Chesney joined Michigan Engineering after two decades in the automotive industry. He has won multiple awards for teaching excellence and for employing technological innovations to improve disability accommodations.
Daskin receives Professor of the Year award
Congratulations to Tauber team project faculty advisor Mark Daskin, named Alpha Pi Mu Professor of the Year. The award recognizes an instructor who exhibits excellence in the overall quality of an IOE course. Daskin said, "I feel honored and thrilled to have won this award. This would be true anytime, but particularly after this past term when I know so many of us worked very hard at teaching and research in the face of new social distancing rules and the threat of the virus."
Ross launches Business Consultant Corps
Following the lead of the Tauber Institute and other action-based learning programs, the Ross School of Business will require a high-impact summer experience for all full-time MBA students starting with the class of 2023. This summer, Ross launched the Business Consultant Corps to help match more students with opportunities.
Tauber Solutions: Reducing Distribution Center Pick Cycle Time
"Time management is crucial, so when we ran into a major roadblock we had to get creative. We were able to create a simulation through the help of a Tauber classmate on another project. It was a great display of how strong our Tauber cohort is.”

This Tauber team leveraged all their resources to provide two solutions for the price of one! When the 2019 Tauber Target project team of Mercedes Alvarez (MBA '20) , David Ginsberg (MBA '20) , and Rhea Kumar (MBA '20) were preparing to pilot new procedures they developed to reduce pick cycle time, they discovered a larger problem at their facility. Their solution to the unexpected issue could scale up to $3 million in savings across Target's network.
Thank you Tauber Victors!
Your contributions ensure our students continue to be the Leaders & Best in operations. Many thanks t o Robert & Cathy Culver, Dave & Susan Ostreicher, and Lawrence & Beverly Seiford for recent gifts, and to all our alumni and friends for your ongoing support.
Explore the Tauber alumni job board
Looking for a great new hire - or looking for your next career move? The Tauber alumni job board is the perfect place to post or peruse.
Some recent job posts:
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Show your Michigan spirit on your next video conference call

Be camera-ready in maize and blue!
University of Michigan COVID-19 resources
Lead and inspire your virtual team
Our colleagues at the Sanger Leadership Center host webinars and curate articles that can help you lead with confidence during the pandemic.
Empower the people in your organization
Bring out the best in your coworkers and take better care of yourself. Our colleagues at the Center for Positive Organizations present strategies to help you continue to thrive during trying times.