Editor's note: This story is part of a series of profiles of notable spring 2022 graduates.
Global management undergraduate Frederick Rauner holds many passions; being a part of the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University and improving society are two major ones.
“The thing I love most about being a T-bird is being part of something bigger than myself,” said Rauner. “Thunderbird is not just a school. It is a community of people working together to make the world a better place through humanitarian action and commerce.”
Rauner earned a Bachelor of Global Management from Thunderbird and is continuing his education in a 4+1 program and plans to earn his Master of Applied Leadership and Management, with a concentration in global and public affairs.
“As part of the 4+1 program, I attended in-person sessions in the new F. Francis and Dionne Najafi Thunderbird Global Headquarters,” said Rauner. “The sessions helped create a bigger connection for me to Thunderbird and a better understanding of its history. One of my undergraduate career highlights is meeting one of my peers, Pat Kamara nee Sondai, a diplomat for Sierra Leone, during one of the in-person sessions. To me, two people from completely different worlds working together and creating a friendship is what Thunderbird is about.”
As for words of wisdom, Frederick offers the following advice: “T-birds are unique, diverse and adventurous. Be open to them and their experiences.”
Question: If someone gave you $40 million to solve one problem on our planet, what would you tackle?
Answer: With $40 million dollars, I would begin to work on the world’s energy crisis. Boosting renewable energy globally will increase energy independence and the ability of developing nations to grow sustainably.
Q: Which professor taught you the most important lesson while at Thunderbird?
A: Dr. Roy Nelson has been an amazing guide and mentor to me in this program. The most important lesson I learned from him is fully valuing myself and my experience.
Q: What advice would you give to a student just starting a program at Thunderbird?
Answer: I have two pieces of advice:
- Take brief calculus ASAP.
- Embrace the experience.
Q: For what in your life do you feel most grateful?
A: I am most grateful for my family. I could not have made it through this program without their support and understanding.
More Science and technology
Research expenditures ranking underscores ASU’s dramatic growth in high-impact science
Arizona State University has surpassed $1 billion in annual research funding for the first time, placing the university among the…
Programming to predict the unpredictable
As the natural world rapidly changes, humanity relies on having reliable, accurate predictions of its behavior to minimize…
Findings on adenoviruses in baby gelada monkeys provide a window into our own cold and flu season
If you have young kids or spend time around day care centers, you know the drill: Someone gets a cold, and soon the whole group…