Board Member Profiles

Alumni Board of Governors members represent the diverse interests, talents, and contributions of the University’s alumni community. Read on to see how current members are working for you.

Vice-President
Thomas C. Berg (Tom)
AB 1972
JD 1975 (DePaul University)

“The College was rigorous and developed skills that were critical throughout my life. The volunteer activities have been fun, interesting, and, at times, challenging.”

Home:
Chicago, IL

Employment:
Vice President, General Counsel, and Secretary, Amsted Industries

University involvement:

• President of UC2MC, 2000–03
• Reunion Gift and Planning Chair
• Interview Metcalf student interns
• Various other things including high-school send-off and recruitment, fundraising as Class Agent, paying tuition for a son who graduated from the U of C, and attending Compton Lectures

Personal Interests:

• Chair of Employee Owned S-Corporations of America
• Travel, reading, and trying to keep up with three sons

Vice-President
Mitchell Glass
AB 1973, MD 1977

“My college years (’69 – ’73) were transformational for the country, the school, and me. To this day, I have no doubt that we attended the best multidisciplinary serious university in the country. I also had a very good time. Medical school was a more “mainstream” experience at first (comparable to medical school elsewhere, based on friends’ reports). As I progressed into the clinical years, the medical school became “Chicago.” By the end of this year, ABG will have become an integral part of my UC experience. Certainly, I have gained a rare, more nearly “insider’s” view of UC. I will be curious to learn how the U. will continue to engage me and to utilize my experience and skills.”

Employment:
CEO Aqumen Biopharmaceuticals NA, Inc.; CEO Sleeptrials Inc.; Consultant Pharmaceutical R+D; CMO OrphageniX, Inc.

Home:
Wilmington, DE

University involvement:

• Alumni Schools Committee (Philadelphia)
• 25th Class Reunion Committee
• 30th Class Reunion Committee Co-Chair (gift)

Personal interests:

• Retired occasional antiques dealer (4-8 shows/year)
• Executive committee of my synagogue
• Fresh water fishing (fly and spinning)
• Stone wall building (learning)

Vice-President
Gregory Gunn
AB 1991

“My U of C experience was intense, exhilarating, occasionally depressing, always interesting. Taught me how to be resourceful and how to color outside the lines…On the Alumni Board I most enjoy working with great people who are thinking creatively about how to serve the University and the alumni — and having the responsibility to actually do something rather than just throwing my opinions around.”

Employment:
Chief Scientist and Co-Founder of Wireless Generation (educational software company)

Home:
New York, NY

University involvement:

• Teaching physics in the U of C Medical School’s Summer MCAT program
• Participating in undergraduate admissions events in NYC
• Participating in the Alumni Careers Network and related events

Personal interests:

• SCUBA diving
• Mathematical modeling of cognitive and biological systems
• Board member of MOUSE, a nonprofit that helps high school students become technology leaders

Vice-President
Leslie Maitland
AB 1971
MA 1973 (Harvard Divinity School)

“My Chicago education provided the broad and solid grounding that has enabled me to understand how virtually any topic can be fascinating. The intellectual curiosity nurtured by Chicago is essential to how I go through life and view the world. I continue to be charged by the excitement that comes from learning. My Chicago training served as extraordinary preparation for my work as a longtime reporter for The New York Times, covering a variety of issues and pursuing investigations, as well for the research and writing I am doing now. I am honored to help promote the U of C and the educational values that distinguish it. I appreciate the opportunity to work toward important common goals with talented people who share my dedication to the University. It’s exciting to see the growth and change on campus and in the city as a whole and to contemplate Chicago’s future.”

Home:
Bethesda, MD

Employment:
Writer

University involvement:

• College Visiting Committee 1981-87
• Major Gifts Committee for Washington, D.C., 1993-98
• 25th, 30th, and 35th Reunion Committees
• Chicago Initiative Campaign Committee

Personal interests:

• Vice President of the board of the Washington Hebrew Congregation, one of the nation’s largest Reform congregations. I organize and run its Scholar Series, an annual program of 12-to-16 public lectures by prominent scholars, political analysts, authors, and theologians.
• I participate in panel discussions of selected literary works on The Diane Rehm Show on National Public Radio.

David Casner
AB 2002

“The years I spent at the University changed my life. I was exposed to a broad range of challenging courses on which to build my education and my career. Chicago’s first-rate faculty assisted me in the process of learning how to think analytically and how to constantly develop my intellect. The diverse set of friends I made at the U of C provided, and continues to provide, an exceptionally interesting dialogue. I am excited to have been given the opportunity to serve on the Alumni Board of Governors. I look forward to learning from and working with everyone on the Board to contribute to strengthening the alumni community and improving the way we interact with the University. Having just finished an exciting 5th Year Reunion campaign, I know how many young alumni are interested in becoming more involved with the University and I hope we can build on this momentum.”

Home:
New York, NY

Employment:
Vice President, Goldman Sachs

University involvement:

• Class of 2002 5th Year Reunion Gift Chair
• Member of New York Executive Leadership Council
• Various other volunteer activities

Personal interests:

• Traveling
• Hiking
• Cooking
• Investing
• Football

Julio Franco Corzo
MPP 2001
(BA Universidad Iberoamericana)

“My U of C experience made me a better human being. It gave me the confidence to disagree within a government culture where everyone agrees. Chicago prepared me with powerful analytical frameworks to go beyond ‘good ideas’ and to disarm the ‘I feel it can work’ approach. I will have the opportunity to form the U of C Club of Mexico to build a strong network of leaders that can make a difference in my country and to support talented Mexicans interested in studying at Chicago.”

Home:
Puebla, Mexico

Employment:
CEO of BPA Asesores

University involvement:

• Implemented two Harris School’s Custom Professional Learning in Mexico
• Recruiting events for the Harris School of Public Policy in Mexico (´04 and´05)

Personal interests:

• Tae Kwon Do
• Politics
• Funding of finance courses to poor women

Atreyee Rupa Datta
AB 1990, PhD 2001
MS 1992 (University of Michigan)

“As a student and a volunteer, I have found that my U of C connection fuels my energy to try to maintain high standards and work hard for what I believe in and what the institution represents. I’ve enjoyed watching as the University has invested in its ‘human’ side in connecting students and alumni with one another and with the school. As a member of the Alumni Board, I’m looking forward to contributing to that enhancement of our intellectual core. Plus, I’m eager for regular chances to visit campus from 2,000 miles away!”

Home:
Oakland, CA

Employment:
Vice President and Senior Survey Director, Education and Child Development Studies, National Opinion Research Center (NORC), The University of Chicago

University involvement:

• Young Alumni Task Force in Chicago
• Co-Chair 10th Class Reunion
• Visiting Committee to the College, 1994–2003
• Alumni Schools Committee, 1990–1992, 2002–present
• Bay Area Leadership Council member, 2004-present

Personal interests:

• Cooking, eating, reading books
• Modern dance (was a board member in Chicago, looking for a volunteer opportunity in CA)
• Volunteer for a domestic violence shelter for South Asian women

Brooks Dexter
AB 1979, MBA 1984

“The University’s rigorous academics prepared me well for my adult life and career. Socially challenged campus life nonetheless resulted in many lifelong friends. It’s an honor to serve this great institution in any way that I can. I especially enjoy helping College students as they become Young Alumni and generally enhancing the connection between the University and its alumni. Alumni support is critical to the future of the University. The connection between the University and its Alumni begins the moment a student sets foot on campus, and lasts a lifetime.”

Home:
Los Angeles, CA

Employment:
Managing Director-Investment Banking, Duff & Phelps Securities, LLC

University involvement:

• Former member of College Visiting Committee (1998-2004)
• Gift Chair of Class 25th Reunion (2004)
• Supporter of Metcalf Student Intern Program and ABG Extern Program (I encourage anyone who can to get involved in these wonderful programs for U of C students!)

Personal interests:

• Golf
• Running

Laura Donovan
AB 1993

“I consider myself privileged to have had a Chicago education. I am quite certain that opportunities were open to me as a result of Chicago’s reputation for academic excellence and rigor. On a personal level, I formed lasting, wonderful friendships through my classmates and in my work-study jobs. I hope to continue to give back to the U of C and look forward to working with people throughout the university community. The board is this wonderful microcosm of the University representing different schools, interests, personalities and experiences. I learned a great deal from my ABG colleagues last year and look forward to engaging even more.”

Home:
Alexandria, VA

Employment:
Assistant Vice President for Federal Affairs, Hartford Financial Services Group, Inc.

University involvement:

• Club Volunteer, 2006-present
• President, Washington, D.C. Club 2004-2006
• Alumni Schools Volunteer

Personal interests:

• Vice President, Illinois State Society
• Volunteer, Mid-Atlantic German Shorthair Rescue
• Pursuing M.S. in Management, Boston University. (Degree Expected 2008.
• Gardening, grilling, traveling and wine tasting.

Leon Ellin
AB 1965
MBA 1967 (Warton Graduate Division, University of Pennsylvania)

“The U of C provided a chance to set my own intellectual horizons with support from established scholars available for the asking. To me, it was like being in a candy store. I’ve enjoyed my years on the ABG, both because of the chance to meet and work with the other Board members and also because of the chance to form a deeper connection with the University. It’s been a great experience.”

Employment:
Consultant for a private equity group

Home:
Sarasota, FL

University involvement:

• 30th Reunion Committee
• 35th Reunion Committee (co-chair)
• 40th Reunion Committee

Personal interests:

• Music, including playing the recorder
• Reading and technology
• Bicycling and hiking

Michael E.S. Frankel
AB 1990, AM 1990, MBA 1995, JD 1995

“My time at Chicago played a huge part in the way I think, play, work and live my life. For me, Chicago was the perfect balance of a life of the mind and a life of the spirit. My time at Chicago was both fun and wild, yet challenging and complex. I made lifelong friends and developed the way I think and reason. I left Chicago with the tools to be successful in work but more importantly in life. Like the old adage about teaching a man to fish, not just feeding him, Chicago is a school that goes beyond teaching facts or data. Through the Common Core you were shown how to analyze, reason, and think. As a new Board member, and uncle of a member of the class of 2010, I hope to have a real impact on the way the school grows and develops. I want to help Chicago create the same bond with other alumni that it has maintained with me, and continue to be the kind of place where my niece can have the life-changing positive experience I had.”

Home:
Chicago, IL

Employment:
Senior VP, Corporate Development & Strategy, Information Resources Inc.

University involvement:

• Reunions: Gift Chair – 15th Reunion (College), Committee Member – 10th Reunion (College)
• Alumni Schools Committee Interviewer – various years
• Campus Speaker (College, Law School) – various years

Personal interests:

• Travel, live music and cooking
• Writing books
• Corporate Dealmaker Magazine (member of the advisory board)
• Chicago Private Equity Network (committee member)

Rolf Friedli
MBA 1996

“I chose the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business because I liked the notion of quantitative subject matter and the academic reputation of the school. I had a phenomenal experience with terrific professors and great students from diverse backgrounds. The University of Chicago is truly world class—that’s why I’m a big supporter of the University in various forms for many years now. I am proud to be part of the Alumni Board of Governors and hope to be able to contribute, especially from the international (European) perspective.”

Home:
Zurich, Switzerland

Employment:
Partner, Capvis Equity Partners AG

University involvement:

• Formation and build-up of the University of Chicago Alumni Club of Switzerland
• Representation of the University of Chicago Graduate School of Business in associations such as the Swiss Association of MBAs or in Advisory Boards

Personal interests:

• Ice hockey, windsurfing, sports in general
• Reading, music
  
  

Vincent Hillery
AB 1981, JD 1984

“I cannot imagine a better educational experience, both in the College and in the Law School. The faculty was outstanding —knowledgeable, challenging, and accessible. The environment was stimulating and highly enjoyable. The opportunities, whether academic or extracurricular, formal or informal, were exceptional. On the Alumni Board, I most enjoy interacting with the other Board members. Each member brings to the table exceptional talents, experiences, and interests. Although I know that we exist as a group to help the University community (and I derive tremendous satisfaction from the Board’s accomplishments and the knowledge I gain about the University), I leave each meeting energized by my interactions with fellow Board members.”

Home:
Chicago, IL

Employment:
Special Counsel, Mayer Brown LLP

University involvement:

• Reunions: Campaign Chair – 20th Reunion (College) and Campaign Committee - 25th Reunion (College)
• Fundraising: College and Law School – various years
• Miscellaneous Volunteer Activities - various years

Personal interests:

• Travel, world affairs, history, fine dining, spending time with my family
• Various professional organizations

Antigoni Lefteris Ladd
AB 1965

“The University of Chicago gave me the confidence to investigate a variety of career paths and try new directions—all of which turned out to be rewarding. After 30 years as a trade association executive in the Washington DC area, I took early retirement to run a leadership-based-on-history training company with my husband. We have found a way to combine our love of history, travel, and teaching adults—and moved our company to Gettysburg, PA three years ago to be near the sites of many of our programs.”

Home:
Gettysburg, PA

Employment:
Academic Director, Tigrett Corporation

University involvement:

• Alumni Schools Committee for Washington, DC, 1970-82
• Alumni Cabinet, 1973-78
• President, University of Chicago Club of Washington, DC, 1975
• Chair, Awards Committee for Washington, DC, 1982-92
• Reunion volunteer for the Class of 1965, 1990
• Reunion program chair for the Class of 1965, 2000 and 2005

Personal interests:

• My business—leadership lessons from history—is my retirement hobby, as my husband and I travel to historical sites; research famous people; visit museums, hotels, and restaurants; and meet historic interpreters, writers, reenactors, museum directors, and tour guides—all to develop a case study and assembly a teaching team to make leadership education fun.

Mennette Masser Larkin
AM 1983, ABD 1987
AB 1981 (Claremont McKenna College)

“My college years emphasized practicality. In contrast, my nearly seven years at the U of C taught me to love learning and to appreciate being surrounded by very bright people from a variety of disciplines. I made some terrific friends and learned to think critically (in a good way!). I met my husband at a San Francisco Alumni Club event in 1994 and married him in 1995!”

Home:
Kensington, CA

Employment:
Mom, House Manager, School Volunteer

University involvement:

• San Francisco Bay Area Alumni Club Board, member 1990-1999, president 1997-1999
• Attended several leadership conferences in Chicago for Alumni Club Board members
• Hosted two send-off parties for incoming College students
• Member of San Francisco book club for eight years

Personal interests:

• Active volunteer at our daughter’s school, including five years as member of Marketing Committee
• Reading, travel, dining out and enjoying good wine, spending time with family and friends

Stephanie Larsen
AM 1966

“I have a forty-year history with the U of C, from my enrollment in the School of Social Service Administration in 1964 and more immediately by our daughter's enrollment in the College. I was enthusiastic from the first day of class when we had a two hour discussion of The Other America by Michael Harrington. I continued to be excited listening to Hannah Gray in Houston talking about excellence. At the U of C we learned from giants, Helen Harris Perlman, Margaret Rosenheim, Milton Freidman; and we also learned from one another. We had the resources of a great university and great thinkers. What an addition to one's life, and what a pleasure for that to be a continuing force.

The ABG Board has expanded my interest in the University and its commitment to excellence in education. I’ve enjoyed being part of the challenge of attracting our most gifted young people and in making it possible for them to attend our great institution. I’ve delighted in sharing experiences and a common interest with alumni. And, I’m glad to give back to the University that enriched my life considerably.”

Home:
Houston, TX

Employment:
Psychoanalyst in private practice

University involvement:

• Alumni Service Citation 1996
• Officer for the University of Chicago Alumni Club of Houston
• Served on major gift committee for Centennial Campaign
• Arranged for student Motet Choir to come to Houston twice
• Active in hosting events for new U of C students from the Houston area
• Thirty-fifth Reunion Committee for the School of Social Service Administration
• Hosted reception for faculty speaker Kimerly Rorshach.
• Worked on Chicago Initiative for Houston area
• Co-host for Student Send-Off Party
• Liaison for development of first Shared Interest Group, the Chicago Women’s Alliance
• Active with Houston Alumni Board in planning and attending events

Personal interests:

• Avid tennis player, golfer, sailor
• Active in supporting the arts in Houston

Eva Lichtenberg
AB 1952, AM 1955, PhD 1960

“The Hutchins College effectively prepared me for life. I enjoyed it then and I continue to enjoy its rewards now. It was and is invaluable; transformative then, it remains enriching. In short, I loved it. Moreover, the Liberal Arts program at that time enabled me to complete my formal education at a relatively young age. I enjoy interacting with other Alumni Board members, all of whom are bright, interesting, and stimulating. Also, having received an award from the U of C two years ago, I now especially enjoy being at the other end of the process, namely, selecting the awardees and participating in the June Alumni Convocation.”

Home:
Chicago, IL

Employment:
Clinical Psychologist in Private Practice

University involvement:

• Served on every reunion committee, sometimes as co-chair or gift chair (for 50th Reunion)
• Member of the Visiting Committees to the College and Department of Music
• Was member of Alumni Fund Board
• Public Service Citation, 2001
• Class agent (several years)
• Current Emeriti Gift Chair
• Chair of Hutchins Legacy Fund Drive
  

Personal interests:

• Cultural: music, art, drama, literature
• Travel, especially abroad
• Board member or Board officer of several non-profit organizations both locally and nationally
• Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chicago Institute for Psychoanalysis

Stanley Pierre-Louis
JD 1995
AB 1992 (Clark University)

“I cherish my years at the Law School because of the faculty’s passion for teaching, the rigor of my fellow students and because of the intellectual life engendered at the University as a whole. I enjoy working in engaging, dynamic environments. This Board seems like a perfect fit, and I look forward to working with like-minded fans of the University in helping shape its future.”

Home:
New York, NY

Employment:
Vice President and Associate General Counsel, Intellectual Property and Content Protection, Viacom Inc.

University involvement:

• Visiting Committee, The Law School (2001-2004)
• Visiting Committee, Department of Music (2003-2006)

Personal interests:

• Music (of all varieties)

Marie Trzupek Lynch
MPP 1996

“My experience at the Harris School of Public Policy was magical. I enjoyed every minute of my experience in and out of the classroom. It was intellectually stimulating to study public policy subject matter, socialize at lunch with fellow students about the latest in politics, and spend my afternoon applying what I’d learned at my internships. I met lifelong personal and professional friends and learned to love the neighborhoods of this wonderful city.”

Home:
Chicago, IL

Employment:
Executive VP, Strategic Planning, New Ventures and Children’s Services, YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago

University involvement:

• Mentor of the Harris School of Public Policy Mentor Program (2004 – present)
• Co-chaired 10-year Harris School Reunion (2006)
• Served on numerous panels for the university

Personal interests:

• Playing with my kids, socializing in our neighborhood park, running races, and participating at our local YMCA
• Various professional organizations

Daniel P. Mass M.D.
AB 1971, MD 1975

“The Collage experience of intellectual challenge (the desire to learn and answer questions) is what made me stay in academics. Medical school was differently challenging, directing me to learn how to diagnose and treat unusual problems. The desire to answer the questions of how to treat these difficult problems led to the research that I have performed. I live in Hyde Park and work on campus. The campus has changed tremendously particularly on the west side of campus.”

Home:
Chicago, IL

Employment:
Professor of Surgery, Department of Surgery, Section of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation Medicine, University of Chicago

University involvement:

• Residency in Orthopaedic Surgery July 1976-Dec 1979
• Assistant Professor 1980
• Associate Professor 1985
• Professor 1990 to present
• Vice Chair of the Section of Orthopaedic Surgery and Rehabilitation
• Director of the Hand and Upper Extremity Fellowship
• University of Chicago Hospital Medical Staff Secretary 2001-2005
• 33 Basic Science Papers on Hand Biomechanics and Tendon Healing
• University of Chicago Medical and Biological Science Alumni Association Executive Advisory Committee 1989 to 2006
• Culver Society Chair 1996-2000
• Vice-President 1997-1999
• President 1999-2002
• Winner of the First Ceithaml Award for Volunteer Leadership from the Medical and Biological Sciences Alumni Association 2004
• Winner of the Best Teacher Award by the Orthopaedic Residents 2006

Personal interests:

• Travel
• Volunteer medical teaching overseas
• Skiing

Michael Peters
AB 1990

“I have a respectful appreciation for the long-term opportunities my UofC experience has afforded me, academically, professionally, and socially (yes, seriously, socially). This drives my ongoing involvement to contribute however I can to ensure current and future students have the best experience possible. While I have a much better understanding today of how that time on the Quads affected me, I'll probably never really know the full extent of it.”

Home:
London, UK

Employment:
Managing Director, Eastdil Secured, LLC Director, Wells Fargo Securities Ltd.

Walter Renwick
MBA 1999

Home:
Los Angeles, CA

Employment:
Investment Analysis, the Yucaipa Companies

University involvement:

• Young Alumni Club of Los Angeles, President
• GSB Alumni Club of Los Angeles,
  Vice President

A few words on what my U of C experience meant to me:

Sajal Sahay
AB 1990
(MBA 1994, IESE Business School, Barcelona, Spain)

“My time at the University of Chicago was a life-changing experience.  The knowledge and analytical ability I gained during my four years there grew me from a small-town Midwestern boy to someone who understood how much larger the world is and how much there is to be learned and experienced during lifetime.  I have remained intensely loyal to the University ever since and look forward to the day that both my children experience the same.”

Home:
Issaquah, WA

Employment:
Product Marketing Director, T-Mobile USA, Inc.

Judith E. Stein
AB 1962, AM 1964

“A great faculty and their consistently excellent teaching provided me exceptional models for my professional life. I cannot imagine having become the person and the professional I am without this University. Growing up in Chicago, my friends and I would flee our ordinary community that had two bowling alleys but no bookstore and head to Hyde Park to browse in the many bookstores, haunt the arty shops that once abounded, wander the gothic confines of the University, and attend folk music concerts. Even after all these years as a Hyde Park resident, I feel transported when I walk around the campus. I particularly love the energy and excitement that permeate the neighborhood and campus at the start of each school year. Maybe that’s why I can’t seem to move out of Hyde Park. As a long-time volunteer, I am very excited about having the opportunity to expand my work with staff and alumni. Volunteers usually see their connection to the University through the prism of their particular activities; as a member of the Board of Governors, I look forward to developing a broader awareness of the needs and strengths of the University.”

Home:
Chicago, IL

Employment:
Visiting Lecturer, UIC English Education; Secondary Education Consultant; Kenwood Academy English Chair, retired

Kay Torshen
PhD 1969
AB 1963 (University of Michigan), MD 1964 (Harvard University)

“The University of Chicago is one of the greatest educational institutions in the world. It has been a real privilege to be a student and a volunteer.”

Home:
Chicago, IL

University involvement:

• Chairman of the Graduate Fund, 3 years
• Treasurer, International House
• Visiting Committee, Social Sciences Division, 1994–present
• Visiting Committee, Visual Arts, 2007-present”
• Advisory Committee for Financial Mathematics, Vice Chairman
• Women's Board Steering Committee

Personal interests:

• Collecting art and antiques
• Aerobics and weight training
• Committees and boards of various educational and social service groups

Dorothy Baker Windhorst
AB 1948, MD 1954

“There were 36 in my Oklahoma small town High School graduating class. A work-study scholarship to the U of C simply changed my life! Everything about being there, working downtown, studying on campus (during the Hutchins era, to boot!), and meeting people from all over the world was an immense and wonderful education (supplemented by bridge and drinking lessons) enabling me for the rest of my life.

As a member of the Board of Governors, I am very pleased to have learned more about the new and increasing opportunities for all alumni to know, use, enjoy, and participate in University activities. In particular, as a participant in the ‘Students to Alumni’ committee, I enjoy helping efforts to assist current students, see what their views/activities are, and contribute to their success at the University.”

Home:
Mantoloking, NJ

Employment:
Retired from the pharmaceutical industry (Roche and Pfizer) managing clinical research, clinical data processing/analysis, written and verbal reports to FDA