Tag: Bauer Hall

How do you provide focus to a 100-year-old company?  Diane Sullivan set out to answer that question in 2011 when she was named CEO of Caleres, a global footwear company with a diverse portfolio of brands.

Diane Sullivan, CEO, President, and Chairman, Caleres

Having been named President in 2004 and COO in 2006, Sullivan was already a seasoned executive within the footwear industry. With this experience, she successfully led Caleres (formerly Brown Shoe) through a name – and identity – change that was symbolic of the company’s shift under her leadership.

We were honored to have Diane Sullivan share her leadership experience with the Defining Moments class.

As a kid, Diane grew up “earning it every day,” a mentality that still serves her well.  As CEO, this manifests itself in a leader who does not shy away from hard work and who also has a willingness to ask questions and to listen.

Diane’s curiosity has been vital to Caleres’ sustained success in the fast-paced shoe industry. With the explosive growth of e-commerce, especially mobile purchasing, a dynamic leader who understands how to deliver the product in light of shifting consumer behavior is of paramount importance.

In order to achieve success in this industry, Diane also recognizes the importance of collaboration with all stakeholders. Firmly believing that, it is perhaps not surprising that such a collaborative approach has coincided with Caleres reporting very strong performance across several metrics during her tenure as CEO.

The biggest takeaways I have learned from Diane is valuing teamwork, having curiosity, and growing through adversity can help you be successful.

Guest Blogger: Danny Henry, MBA’17

Olin Alumni Board president Jim Gidcumb, EMBA’93, asks KaLeena Weaver Thomas, PMBA’12, why she donates time and treasure to their alma mater. Bottom line? “It’s an investment that’s going to pay back valuable dividends,” she says. (more…)

Shiny new espresso machines and the Starbucks sign are visible in Olin’s new Bauer Hall Cafe and amping up anticipation for the opening of the first Starbucks on the Wash U campus. The full-service cafe will be managed by Aramark and offer hot dishes as well as a salad bar, drinks, and snacks. New staff began training today.

Coffee is expected to be flowing in time for the first day of classes Aug. 25. Meanwhile, enjoy this video of the construction that’s been underway this summer to complete the Cafe and two more classrooms in Bauer Hall. Thanks to Diane Grimsley, senior project engineer at Tarlton for the behind the scenes tour.

“The Mews” is a new passage way between McMillan and Knight and Bauer Halls. With the Missouri red granite walls rising along both sides, the Mews divides and links one of the oldest buildings on campus with the newest.

Steps lead from Mudd Field down to Throop Drive with beautiful landscaping, wooden benches, and a courtyard along a gentle descent. Easy access to the green roof of the new McMillan addition from the Mews will tempt you stay, lounge on the grass, and read a book.

Dunworth News, Notting Hill, London, Wikimedia Commons

In 14th century England, “mews” referred to a building where falconry birds were kept. Later it was used to describe a row of stables and carriage houses, and has evolved in usage to mean a narrow passage. Washington University’s new Mews is a delightful garden to discover, pause and enjoy!

Thanks to Frank Freeman for giving us an informative tour of the Mews for the video above.
Videographer and editor: Marc Neimeyer, A&S’14

May 2 marked the official dedication of Knight Hall and Bauer Hall as the newest additions to the Washington University Danforth Campus. Members of the Knight and Bauer families, the Chancellor, WUSTL Chairman of the Board Stephen F. Brauer, Emerson CEO David Farr, and other dignitaries were present for the ribbon cutting on the red carpet on Boles Plaza.

More than 1,000 alumni, students, faculty, staff, and friends of Olin attended the formal Dedication Ceremony under a giant tent on Mudd Field.

George Bauer told the assembled guests that on a recent visit he stood outside the new building that bears his name to hear what students were saying about the $90 million facilities. “Awesome, dynamite,  and it blows me away,” were the three most frequent comments he heard—and he said he was in complete agreement with that assessment.

Overcast skies resulted in chilly afternoon temperatures, but just before the ribbon was cut and guests were invited to a reception in the new buildings, the clouds cleared and bright sunshine flooded the Atrium.

It was the first time for many of the guests to view the buildings that were constructed in less than two years and nearly double the footprint of Olin on the Danforth Campus. Guests were treated to appetizer buffets on every level of the buildings. A photo booth printed instant souvenirs for attendees with customized frames to mark the occasion.

Three student a cappella groups—the Greenleafs, the Stereotypes, and the Pikers—performed and the Tommy Halloran Guerilla Swing Band provided music for the gala that united professors and former students, classmates, and friends from across many of the business school’s programs and generations.

If you couldn’t join us for Dedication, the video is available online.

To watch the Dedication ceremony, click here.