STUDENT SPOTLIGHTS
One of the main things that make the Kelley MBA program special is its student body. You’d be hard pressed to find a more diverse, friendly, intelligent and multi-talented group of students anywhere else.

Something for the kiddies: Justin Chafe, MBA ‘08
Justin Chafe was attracted to Kelley by its excellent MBA program in marketing. During his second year, Justin used what he’d learned in the classroom to realize a lifelong dream: writing, publishing and marketing a children’s book.

“In the back of my head I’d always had the idea of writing a children’s book,” said Justin. “My sister has two young boys and I thought it would be a great opportunity to write a story for my nephews.”

The story—about a curious and adventurous bunny rabbit named Little Mookie who creates a bunny sculpture on the moon—took a year to write and illustrate (Justin is also a talented painter). Given the difficulties of getting published as an unknown writer, Justin decided to establish his own publishing company—Baboosic Enterprises--and distribute the book on his own. Titled Bunny Rabbit on the Moon, the book came out in 2007 and has received favorable reviews on Amazon.com.

Although Justin enjoys the creative process and loves giving readings at libraries and schools, writing and illustration are mainly hobbies.

“It’s a really fun thing to do part time,” said Justin, who plans to pursue a career in marketing. “The training I got at Kelley really helped me market the book and put it out there for kids to enjoy.”
Check out Justin’s book at www.bunnyrabbitonthemoon.com

Making sweet music at Kelley: Martin Levine, MBA ‘08
Martin William Levine is a man of many talents. He’s majoring in Operations at Kelley and hopes to get a job overseeing the supply chain process for an industrial or consumer products company. But he’s also an accomplished music producer. The production team Martin has worked with since college has put out four albums of instrumental soundtrack music that have been used in films, TV and on dozens of rap albums.

 
“I used to think it would be crazy to make money off the music my team made but then it started happening and it didn’t seem so crazy anymore,” Martin said.

Coming from creative background, Martin wasn’t sure how he’d be accepted at Kelley. From day one, he was pleasantly surprised. “I have been impressed by the School’s openness to a diverse set of backgrounds among the students,” he said. “Initially I felt that not having a traditional business background was going to set me back, but I’ve felt welcomed from the very minute I began the application process.”

Thinking Big: Camilo Sandoval, MBA ‘08
Camilo Sandoval had big dreams growing up.

“I wanted to start my own commercial airline company,” he said. “But when I realized how much it would cost, I enlisted in the Air Force instead."

The Air Force took Camilo to Japan, where, by his own estimate, he may have been the world’s only Colombian-born, southern-raised bilingual working in military intelligence. After five years in Japan, Camilo decided to revive his business aspirations by getting an MBA at Kelley.

Majoring in Investment Banking, Camilo values Kelley for “the energy and passion I get from my classmates.” He’s also been inspired to pursue his dreams. Asked what he’d do if he had $10 million, Camilo replied: “Start a commercial airline.”

Family Feeling: Keka Sircar, MBA ‘08
Keka Sircar has seen the legendary rock band KISS in concert at least four times—with and without makeup.
But being a member in good standing of the KISS army, however cool, is second in importance to her membership in the Kelley family.

“Even as an applicant, Kelley welcomed me with open arms,” said Keka, who’s majoring in Strategy and has been a member of two winning case competition teams. “The school has people you can trust to have your best interests at heart.”

After getting her MBA, Keka plans on a career in business development and strategic planning with a focus on social responsibility and global citizenship. Wherever her career leads, Keka will always have the Kelley family on her side.

“The cohesiveness of the students, faculty, staff and alums fosters connections for life. I’ll take with me a network of people that I can always call on for guidance and support.”

 

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