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January 16, 2006 |
DeVry blazing trails in knowledge
economy BY MICHAEL KRAUSS |
Can you break into knowledge economy
job opportunities without going to
Harvard Business School? Daniel
Hamburger is a 1990 Harvard MBA who
wants to assure everyone has the
opportunity to benefit from the
knowledge economy. He also wants to keep
our educational institutions responsive
to market forces. As president of
Chicago-based DeVry Inc., Hamburger
leads one of the largest publicly held
higher education companies, and he's
blazing a path of
innovation.
"We're combining the best practices of
the business world to the world of
education," says Hamburger, who runs a
$781 million holding company comprising
DeVry University, Ross University,
Deaconess College of Nursing and Becker
Professional Review. DeVry has 53,000
students at 78 learning locations.
Hamburger is proud of his new game and
simulation programming degree offered at
11 DeVry campuses. "At $7 billion
annually, video games are larger than
the film industry," says Hamburger.
"Technologies like simulations used by
the military are a booming area."
Hamburger aims to carve new access to an
industry where apprenticeship was the
only means of entry.
Cyber crime forensics
Other DeVry innovations include programs
in computer forensics, information
systems security and Web development.
"One of the hot areas right now is
tracking down cyber crime and cyber
terrorism," says Hamburger. With the
population aging, Hamburger has launched
programs in biomedical informatics,
biomedical engineering and health
information management.
"The employment market is improving," he
notes. In the last year, the percentage
of Hamburger's grads finding employment
in their chosen field was "in the high
80 percent range," and he's willing to
pit his job placement capabilities
against all competitors.
Hamburger's most innovative program is
the DeVry Advantage Academy, a
partnership with the Chicago Public
Schools. By attending school year-round,
Chicago high school juniors and seniors
can earn an associates degree at DeVry
while completing high school. There is
no cost to the student.
"They come out with an associate's
degree in network systems
administration," he says. "The world of
networks and computers is booming, so
they are very employable."
The exposure to DeVry is expanding
horizons. Because of the program, some
of the students are considering studies
in engineering, medicine and law.
"It's an example of a partnership
between the public sector and the
private sector that could be a model,"
he says.
Hamburger knows Harvard isn't for
everyone, and neither is DeVry. He says,
"Our students are career-focused. They
are looking for hands-on education.
That's always been DeVry's focus."
Squash anyone?
How do CEOs stay on top in today's
competitive environment?
"I've been playing squash for more than
30 years," says Mike Greenough, CEO of
SSA Global, Chicago's largest software
company. The globe-trotting Greenough
will be home this week to host the SSA
Global 2006 Windy City Open Squash
Championships.
Don't scoff at squash. There's big money
to be won. Like technology, the game is
fast and furious. The tourney celebrates
its 25th year this week at the
University Club.
Thanks to the efforts of Greenough and
SSA Global Executive Vice President
Graeme Cooksley, the Windy City has
become one of the top 10 destinations on
the pro squash tour. More than 60 of the
world's top-ranked squash professionals
will vie for a prize purse totaling
$100,000. Play begins
today, and more than 2,000 spectators
are expected for the final match on Jan.
24.
"If you want to move forward faster in
business, get on the court," says
Greenough.
Homeland security
Gov. Blagojevich announced $325,000 in
Innovative Product Grants to support
creation of 40 jobs in two emerging
Illinois- based homeland security
technology companies. West Chicago-based
RiverGlass Inc. and Naperville-based SSS
Research Inc. received $150,000 and
$175,000
respectively.
RiverGlass develops software that allows
law enforcement agencies to share
up-to-the-minute intelligence
information. SSS Research develops
technology that helps intelligence
analysts visualize and evaluate
information.
Michael Krauss is a Chicago area tech
writer and consultant.
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