Rhonda Velazquez Selected As Johnsonite Of The Year
Benjamin Jobes '01
Issue date: 5/14/01 Section: Johnson News
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Cornell Business conducted interviews with a few of the community members who had worked closely with Velazquez. Every one of the contributors praised her with a degree of passion that truly conveys the extent to which she has touched their lives. “Rhonda handles it all,” “I can’t say enough good about her,” “Rhonda takes great pride in everything she does,” are just a few of the comments that capture the strong feelings that students, staff, and faculty have for her.
In some ways the consistent admiration should be no surprise, given the extent to which Velazquez continues to make an impact on our lives. “She benefits every member of the community,” notes Cathy S. Dove, Associate Dean of MBA Programs and Operations, and Velazquez’ line manager. Still, many students have not had the opportunity to work with Velazquez and are unaware of the critical role that she plays in such events as the Consulting Symposium, Destination Johnson, Reunion Weekend, and the recent Graduate Business Conference. “Rhonda is one of the Johnson School’s unsung heroes,” remarks second-year Joe Dillon, who worked closely with her on several projects.
Outstanding organizational skills, foresight, tenacity, and the incredible ability to work with anyone are some of her defining characteristics. “Highly organized to the nth degree” is how William Huling, Director of Corporate Programs, describes Velazquez’ incredible ability to juggle multiple tasks. “I can’t imagine how she survived April,” notes Dove, referring to a jam-packed schedule this past month that included such major events as the Graduate Business Conference, the Community Impact Charity Auction, and Destination Johnson.
Second-year Susie Welgos, who chaired the Graduate Business Conference, said “Rhonda repeatedly went above and beyond the call of duty, “ and that she “did more for the GBC that I had ever expected.” At the same time that she was working with the GBC committee on various final details and event follow-up, she managed to play a key role in planning Destination Johnson with the Admissions Office and the Johnson Admissions Group. Steve Bjornson and Malinda Gentry, Destination Johnson Co-chairs for JAG, were both amazed at the attention to detail that she exhibited for their event. “She took care of all of the room assignments, name plates and tags, information sheets, signs, catered events, etc.,” remarked Bjornson. Gentry added “I am amazed at how many balls she can keep in the air at the same time! All Johnson School students could learn something by just working with her.”