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   from the issue of June 12, 2008

     
 
  Raikes School will be created with Regents

J.D. Edwards name change proposed

 UNIVERSITY COMMUNICATIONS

The J.D. Edwards Honors Program in Computer Science and Management will soon have a new name if the NU Board of Regents approves the change at its June 13 meeting. Under a proposal submitted to the board, the program would become the Jeffrey S. Raikes School of Computer Science and Management, named in honor of a long-time key supporter of the program.

 
Raikes
 Raikes

Jeff Raikes, a Nebraska native, recently announced his retirement this fall as president of Microsoft Corp.'s Business Division after 27 years with the company. Raikes has served on the board of the J.D. Edwards program since its inception. He initially helped conceptualize the program to be responsive to the demands of the business community, and has mentored many of its students.

"The J.D. Edwards Honors Program is unique in that it is the premier program bringing together computer science and information technology with business. We need leaders who understand both of these domains in order to prepare for a global, information-based economy," Raikes said.

The J.D. Edwards Honors Program in Computer Science and Management, soon to become the Raikes School, has for seven years provided a world-class program to develop entrepreneurial leadership for the information technology industry by providing a unique blended curriculum of computer science and business management. In addition, through its innovative design studio, students provide information-technology consulting services to both local and national businesses as part of their program.

The program was initiated by Edward McVaney, who donated funding to make possible the construction of the Esther L. Kauffman Academic Residential Center, the structure that houses the program and its students, and to establish the educational program. The home of the Raikes School will continue to be named the Kauffman Center in honor of Kauffman, McVaney's mother-in-law. The Raikes Foundation will provide the lead gift in a campaign to raise $20 million to enhance the school and continue support for its students and programs. McVaney approved the name change.

"We feel very fortunate to have had the ongoing support of Jeff Raikes for our students as they explore the complex and rapidly changing world of leading-edge business possibilities," said David Keck, director of the J.D. Edwards program. "Many of the students who enroll here turn down offers from very prestigious national schools."

"Jeff and Tricia Raikes are great friends to this university and their generous support of the program has and will help keep it at the top of the national list of programs that attract the rising stars in the world of business and technology," said Chancellor Harvey Perlman. "Jeff continues to be an intellectual force in the program's development. He has been generous with his time in mentoring students and serving on the program's board in a leadership capacity to assure its success."

The program, which admits approximately 34 high-achieving students each year, is a recognized leader in interdisciplinary computer science and business management education. It provides an education balanced in technology and management while developing professional skills in leadership, communications and collaboration. Graduates, who are the most highly sought-after in the field, create innovative technologies for business, manage technical development, lead and manage technologists, manage with technology-based processes, understand technology market opportunities, understand the strategic uses of technology, and bridge the gap between technology and business perspectives. Many also have become successful entrepreneurs and started new Nebraska businesses.



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