March 19 , 2008 Christine Hammond '77, speaker Senior Project Coordinator, Dubai UAE Michigan State Former Complex Director Michigan State "I learned a lot from Christine Hammond during her presentation.  She was very open about her ideas and what she has seen.  She gave good insights and points about everything she has encountered in her life.  She told me that her father passed away a little over a year ago and she said that she could proudly tell him that she has accomplished everything on her list she wanted to.  That is something I want to be able to do with my parents because they want to see me succeed and reach my full potential." ~ Thomas Butera "Lessons Learned: 1.  It is very important to seize opportunities.  Christine is leader of very special projects that she might not have had the privilege to coordinate if it was not for her education and ambition. 2.  Christine urged the audience to pursue a terminal degree.  She made it clear that for many occupations it is a necessity in order to get desired recognition and opportunities. 3.  Understand the culture that surrounds your business.  Christine and Michigan State did a lot of research to choose what majors and courses would be offered at the Dubai Campus.  Some of the majors offered in the United States would not be sensible for the Dubai Campus." ~ Joseph Kramer "I asked, 'Have you ever had an opportunity that you didn't take that later you wished you had?'  She responded by saying the only time this was a situation was when she was offered the chance to be a Research Assistant, but turned it down for financial reasons.  She wishes she had more of a published name and she was sure that the assistantship would have given her that opportunity." ~ Kassandra Gomez "Christine Hammond's family was originally from Poland and she was the first person in her family to actually finish college.  Christine is currently working on helping Michigan State University establish a school in Dubai.  Christine got her Master's degree from Bowling Green University, then worked as an Associate Dean in Wisconsin.  Mrs. Hammond's current project of establishing a study abroad program in Dubai was fascinating." ~ Kenneth Dorman   "I sat between Christine Hammond and Professor Miller at dinner.  I was able to establish a connection with Christine because we both graduated from Jefferson Area High School.  This was neat, because she knew a lot of the people that I had as teachers and from the area.  We were able to have various conversations regarding that.  I enjoyed hearing about Christine's life while at Thiel and after Thiel in a more non formal setting." ~ Sarah Johns