As an MBA student, I participated in the yearly Eller MBA Faculty Auction. Sponsored by the MBA Student Association, MBA faculty members put together events (i.e. steak and cigars, pre-season baseball games) for groups of students to bid on with proceeds given to charity. In all there were 10 different options offered that each raised hundreds of dollars.  The event was hosted by our MBA Student Association Director of Professional Development who was once a cruise ship director. It took place in a popular local bar with complimentary pizza, billiards, and special drinks that sent 50% of all revenue towards Casa De Los Niños, a local children’s shelter.  Over 50 Eller MBA students from the full-time and part-time programs were present to enjoy the evening and to support the charitable event.

While the night certainly had a spirit of benevolence, students were very interested in winning their selected auction choices.  My interests were in the night of salsa dancing hosted by Professor Sue Brown and an evening of poker with professor Price Fishback.  While competition was stiff, I was part of both winning bids, spending maybe more than I had planned (but hey…it is for charity!).

I am excited to salsa dance and play poker with great friends and faculty members.  Though, what is more important, is being part of a program that has staff who are willing to give their time, energy, and money to benefit charity and foster relationships with students.  In the end the event raised approximately $4,000, the highest of any previous MBA faculty auction at Eller. I can’t thank my fellow MBA classmates enough! It was an amazing evening and I am proud of my colleagues for spending so much money for such a good cause! bids, spending maybe more than I had planned (but hey…it is for charity!).   

Overview of the Faculty Bids

The MBA faculty created many great events intended to draw out the giving spirit of the MBA cohorts.  The largest event involved a bidding war for 16 spots in a poker tournament with Dr. Price Fishback.   Nannon Roosa, the consulting project director, put together an event to fly in an F-16 simulator at the local air force base.  For those that like to be active, there were two golf events with Drs. Ken Smith and Aleks Ellis.
Among the many other events auctioned off were go-carts and mini golf, salsa dancing and dinner, and a major league spring training game with box seats.

Not to be outdone, the MBA and Eller College Deans put together their own respective fine foods experience.  MBA Dean Dan Bens will host tequila tasting while the Eller Dean, Len Jessup with Drs. Barry Goldman and Paul Melendez, put together a dinner of steak & cigars, including a limousine for the night.  In all, there were opportunities for many different activities and certainly something of interest to almost any bidder.  Well done, faculty!