Record 555 Faculty spread Maharishi’s The magic of Come as a student, students graduate knowledge worldwide restful alertness graduate as a CEO
MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017 -2018 MESSAGE FROM OUR FOUNDER
he potential of every human brain is unbounded, infinite. Everyone is MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT equipped with the physical machinery in his brain physiology to experience “Tthat level of intelligence which is the ocean of all knowledge, the ocean of all energy, intelligence, and bliss. UNIVERSITY REPORT “Fragmented, intellect-predominant education in universities today does not utilize the 2017 - 2018 total creative potential of the brain. Utilizing only a small part of the brain, such education over time disables other parts of the brain from functioning. “Through Consciousness-Based education, Maharishi University of Management will take away the inadequacies of education by offering total knowledge to unfold the total CAMPUS NEWS FEATURES brain potential of everyone so that man may use the full creative potential with which he is really born to live perfection in life.” – Maharishi Mahesh Yogi 4 | New solar array to provide a 10 | Record 555 students graduate third of campus power Former government official Scott Gould gives 6 | ChangeMakers: Conference commencement address MESSAGE FROM OUR PRESIDENT inaugurates new MUM theme 6 | Online degree offerings contin- 12 | Faculty spread Maharishi’s s we look back on calendar year • We have just launched a Capital Cam- ue to expand 2018, we see so many reasons paign to substantially upgrade all fac- knowledge worldwide Ato be grateful! We have wit- ets of campus life. And three major 7 | MUM and Iowa receive national India, Brazil, Bali, Rwanda, South Africa nessed such inspiring achievements… projects have already been fully fund- recognitions and such unprecedented growth. We ed: a brand new residential Visitors 8 | New master’s programs launch 18 | The magic of experiencing are grateful for our amazingly dedicat- Center; a complete renovation of our restful alertness ed faculty and staff, for our enthusiastic HighRise residence halls; and a new 8 | Olson Family Amphitheater students—and to all of you who have “ –Global Leadership Changemakers completed Research shows Transcendental Meditation is supported Maharishi’s precious, histor- Center,” building careers centered very different from other meditation techniques ic University over all these years. And around service to others – including 9 | 50 more townhomes and con- today, as we enter 2019, we see: advanced professional training for er brilliant MUM faculty and funded dos planned for North Campus 22 | Come as a student, graduate as TM teachers and for the graduates of by a $2.4 million grant from the U.S. Village • The largest mid-year student intake in our burgeoning Maharishi AyurVe- Department of Defense. This study a CEO MUM's 50-year history, with nearly daSM & Integrative Medicine program. has opened the gates to the broad uti- 9 | Trees to slow traffic, daffodils to 300 new students having just arrived lization and funding of TM for vet- beautify Management students create businesses while for this spring semester. • A new strategic succession plan, erans and active duty servicemen and still a student 9 | USDA rural development grant known as Vision 2025, has helped women. SM • Our Computer Professionals promote talented younger adminis- ACHIEVEMENTS 26 | “Meditate and Create!” SM (Compro ) department expanding trative staff and faculty to director- • Widespread faculty and staff pay The David Lynch key to writing for film and tele- its marketing reach to many new ship positions in many departments. raises have been achieved through 32 | Faculty achievements vision countries, bringing a record February The University’s academic and admin- generous donor support (thank you!) enrollment – despite the prevailing istrative vitality is stronger than ever. and through our expanding operat- 36 | Student achievements visa headwinds we have faced. ing budget. 30 | President Hagelin Elevates Role 42 | Maharishi School • We have assumed a national leader- of Young Administrators • We have new academic initiatives ship role in campus sustainability with All these inspiring achievements achievements sprouting up all across the world, our new 1.1-megawatt Solar Meg’Ar- would not be possible without your “These very dedicated, talented and accomplished including exciting new partnerships ray – one of the most advanced solar generous support over all these years. INSTITUTIONAL young leaders are building the bright future of our with top universities in China, India, power plants on earth. This is a giant I thank you for your generosity and vi- ADVANCEMENT University." South Africa, and Ethiopia. leap towards the fulfillment of our sion. Presidents' Climate Commitment to With my best wishes for your suc- 46 | Our supporters • We have strengthened our undergrad- achieving a carbon neutral campus. cess, health, and happiness, 62 | Development news uate programs and added enticing new ones, including online offerings that • The prestigious medical journalThe have become a major growth engine as Lancet–Psychiatry recently published well as practical internships that lead groundbreaking research on PTSD, to immediately viable career paths. led by Dr. Sandy Nidich and our oth- John Hagelin, President
2 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 3 CAMPUS NEWS SOLAR ARRAY to provide a third of campus power
ork began during the summer The project, which cost over $2 million Overall, 43% of the University’s electricity will of 2018 on a 1.1-megawatt solar and is owned by an independent company, come from sustainable sources, due also to Warray that’s expected to provide was funded by private investment and by a smaller solar installations on campus, a wind approximately one-third of the electricity used loan from MUM that was made possible by turbine, and the fact that Alliant Energy gets on campus. The five-acre array is on MUM land donations, including a $100,000 grant from the 15% of its electricity from wind farms. that borders the west side of campus and is Wege Foundation. In addition, the graduating The array was installed by Ideal Energy, connected by an underground cable to the class of 2017 made a donation to the pre- co-founded by MUM alumni Amy and Troy University's substation. Excess energy is stored development costs for the project. Van Beek. Their highly successful company in a state-of-the-art battery bank for use during The array, which is one of Iowa’s largest, was featured this past year in a 12-minute the night and during times of peak energy is expected to save the University hundreds segment on Iowa Public TV. See the video at needs. of thousands of dollars over its 25-year life. goo.gl/xPFZkW. Troy and Amy Van Beek, MUM alumni
4 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 5 CAMPUS NEWS ChangeMakers conference MUM and Iowa inaugurates new MUM theme receive national recognitions
Many of those attracted to MUM expected to draw national attention to U.S. News & World Report ranks Iowa as Online MBA in sustainability rated #5 in want to change the world. And in MUM. top state in U.S. nation keeping with that spirit, a new series of Student Government took a lead- Iowa came out on top in The websiteMBA Cen- “changemaker” events was inaugurated ing role in helping event producer Mi- the Best States rankings tral ranked MUM's online in the spring of 2018 with a conference chael Sternfeld make the event more released by U.S. News & MBA in Sustainability that drew over 600 participants. student-centered. They also launched World Report. Iowa's rank- among the top 10 in the Titled “ChangeMakers: Disruptors ChangeMaking Month – a series of ing was based on scores in country, placing it as #5. Transforming the World for Good,” workshops, art displays, films, and an a broad range of categories, Criteria included afford- the conference featured influential open mic. The month included a four- including #1 rankings in in- ability, support for stu- changemakers such as filmmaker Da- part workshop by Dylene Cymraes, a frastructure and broadband dents who need to study vid Lynch; visionary Fr. Gabriel Mejia, student who is an experienced facilita- access. Other categories online, average class size, Father Gabriel Mejia and Bob Roth who has rescued 100,000 street chil- tor. where Iowa made the top and percentage of faculty dren in Medellin, Colombia; Laura In addition, student Corine Alex- local farms, hands-on experience on 10 include health care (#3), with the highest degrees Dawn, a founding member of Move- andra Brooks, who was intrigued by the MUM Regenerative Organic Agri- opportunity (#4), education in their field. The writeup onMBA Central included de- On.org; and changemaking leaders speaker Barry “Ra” Frye and his reha- culture Farm, a discussion about pre- (#5), and quality of life (#9). tails about MUM, Consciousness-BasedSM education, and from the David Lynch Foundation's bilitation program for gang members venting violence, and a performance at To see the full ranking, in- accreditation, as well as extensive detail specifically about inner-city programs in Chicago. in Chicago, subsequently organized a Dalby Hall. cluding category scores, go to www.usnews.com/news/best- MUM's MBA in sustainability. See goo.gl/vZRNgX for The series, which is a partnership weeklong retreat on campus for Mr. Videos from the ChangeMakers states/rankings. more information. between the David Lynch Foundation, Frye’s youth group, Pride ROC Chi- conference can be viewed at www. In addition, the website Online MBA Today included MUM, and Student Government, is cago. The retreat included visits to mum.edu/changemakers-event-2018. U.S. News & World Report features MUM/ MUM’s MBA in Sustainability in their Top 20 Online Fairfield as a “healthiest community” MBA in Environmental Sustainability Programs, with In a series of articles on MUM being ranked #14. The ranking is based on tuition Healthiest Communities, cost, accreditation, early career salary data, and prestige. See U.S. News & World Report bit.ly/2LDXhfG. Online degree offerings published a feature about MUM data science program named best in continue to expand MUM and Fairfield, high- lighting the community’s Iowa Enrollment continues to surge in to be health consultants emphasis on health and The data science track in MUM’s online offerings, with over and educators and will in- quality of life, the entre- the MS in Computer Sci- 100 students enrolled just in the MS clude two, 2-week clinical preneurial spirit, and the ence was named the best in Maharishi AyurVedaSM and Integra- residencies, in which the increasing unity in the master's program of its tive Medicine and new degree offerings students come to the Fair- midst of diversity. The ar- kind in Iowa by the web- being launched. field campus for intensive ticle can be accessed at bit.ly/2MbyOe7. site DataScienceGraduate- Plans for the 2018/19 academic training at the campus In- Programs.com. The judges Vaidya Manohar Palakurthi, a leading Maharishi MUM listed in Princeton guide to green year include a BA in Ayurveda Well- tegrative Wellness Center. AyurVeda expert, instructs student in pulse diagnosis. looked for courses such as ness and a BA in Liberal Arts. Both are For more information, see colleges inferential and descriptive “degree-completion programs” for stu- www.mum.edu/online-ba-in-ayurve- education, including personal health, MUM was among the 375 statistics, linear and logis- dents who have already done extensive da-wellness. clarity of purpose, and a variety of schools listed in Prince- tic regression, time series coursework at another university. In addition, adults who have earned skills essential to professional success, ton Review's Guide to 375 and forecasting, and proba- The Ayurveda Wellness program college credits but haven't finished a such as critical thinking, personal com- Green Colleges, 2017. bility theory, as well as cod- will offer the core of the curriculum degree will now be able to complete munication, and integrative thinking. They reviewed over 2,000 ing courses in Python and Java. They also considered data that's already being offered on cam- their education online by enrolling in For more information, visit mum. colleges and selected the analysis techniques such as data mining, machine learning, pus. Students will gain proficiency in the new degree in liberal arts. edu/online. 375 most environmental- and advanced visualization, as well as the credentials of the the practical applications of Maharishi Students will be able to transfer Other online degree programs in- ly responsible schools. MUM received a score of 92 out of professors and placement of graduates. Other schools re- AyurVeda in their own lives and in the up to 90 credits of the 128 needed to clude the MBA, the low-residency MS 99. For more information see www.princetonreview.com/ ceiving the award included Stanford, Carnegie Mellon, and lives of others. graduate. The goal is to help students in screenwriting, and the MA in Ma- green-guide. Brown University. See bit.ly/2NOrI06. The program will prepare students achieve the outcomes of a liberal arts harishi Vedic ScienceSM.
6 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 7 CAMPUS NEWS New master’s programs launch North Campus Village Trees MA in reading the Vedic literature and MA in art 50 more townhomes and condos planned slow traffic Two new master’s programs launched research of Tony Nader, Daffodils beautify this past academic year: an MA in MD, PhD, on the hu- reading the Vedic literature and an man physiology as the An additional 76 trees were planted MA in art. expression of the Vedic on campus during the academic year, Students in the MA in reading the literature. in this case with the express purpose Vedic literature attend class on Sat- See www.mum.edu/ of slowing traffic on Highway 1, which urday afternoons and spend an hour ma-in-reading-the-ve- goes through campus. Research sug- a day reading designated sections of dic-literature. gests that drivers coming into town the Vedic literature. They also keep a In addition, an MA from the north will be more inclined journal about their experiences based in art began spring se- to slow down if they sense they’re en- on their reading. mester 2018 with the tering a residential area. Experts have The students read for the "sound goal of preparing stu- found that properly spaced trees of a value" of the passages. The goal is to dents for an MFA program in art at and feedback by visiting guest artists. After selling all 56 townhomes in the units, plans include more townhomes particular height will create this effect. accelerate the growth of higher states another university. The two-semes- The program also serves those who current phase 5 development in North similar in size to those currently being The trees were planted along both sides of consciousness and enliven the qual- ter MA helps students develop their simply want to have a year-long oppor- Campus Village, Vastu Partners is built, but starting at the lower price of of the highway where it enters campus. ities of consciousness embodied by se- work, assemble a portfolio, create an tunity to develop their art. In addition, now planning a new phase of afford- $99,500. These homes will have 1,150 In addition, volunteers planted lected branches of the Vedic literature. artist's statement, and more. The stu- secondary education teachers may en- able housing with a wider range of square feet, two bedrooms, and 1.5 2,000 daffodil bulbs in the fall of 2017 The courses include videotaped talks dio-based curriculum includes semi- roll to upgrade their academic creden- options, from condominiums starting bathrooms. The lower cost is a result of that were donated by alumna Marga- by Maharishi and learning about the nars, supportive critiques from faculty, tials. at $74,500 to townhomes with three there being five townhomes per build- ret (Margo) Hensel, who has been a bedrooms and a basement starting at ing rather than three in the current de- landscape designer for over 30 years. $179,000. velopment. In the spring, crowds of golden daf- Construction of phase 6, which lies Single-story townhomes are also fodils bloomed near the new amphi- west of the current North Campus planned, with three units per building. theater, in the Crow Creek area, and Olson Family Amphitheater Village, began the summer of 2018. The price will start at $122,500 for on old campus. The larger townhomes will be two bedrooms and one bath. The volunteers on these projects 1,500–2,200 square feet, with base- The homes are actually being sold included AmeriCorps members who ment, three bedrooms, and 1.5–3 below cost, thanks to state and lo- are being hosted on campus. This dy- baths. Condominiums of 650–700 cal incentives available for affordable namic group also installed 434 LED square feet will start at $74,500, with housing. light bulbs in HighRise 144 dormitory eight units per building. Each condo- All of the units are built according during renovations. They also won an minium will have a bedroom, bath- to Maharishi Vastu® design, which is award from the AmeriCorps organiza- room, kitchen, and dining room. But said to enhance health and well-being. tion for their partnership with MUM in keeping with a new trend in the U.S. Phase 6 is expected to take three years in creating a Leadership in Sustain- and other countries, there will also be to complete. See vastupartners.com for ability certificate. Green Iowa Ameri- a communal kitchen and dining room. information. Email info@vastupart- Corps is committed to environmental In addition to the smaller and larger ners.com. stewardship through residential ener- gy efficiency service, environmental ed- ucation, and community engagement. MUM's School of Business received a USDA ru- USDA Rural ral business development grant for $46,500 to pro- Funded by Marty and Peggy Olson of California, the Olson Family development grant vide free seminars and workshops for businesses in Amphitheater has now become a part of campus life. It includes a stage, Jefferson County. seating for over 100 people, landscaping, and hookups for sound, cable TV, This program is designed to offer technical assistance, training, education, and and Internet. The amphitheater is part of Younger Park, which lies east of the mentoring to help develop or expand small and emerging private businesses in rural areas. The grant funded 15 free one-hour seminars and 20 free four-hour Argiro Student Center and is named for long-time MUM donor Gil Younger. More workshops taught by MUM faculty members and invited guests. developments are being planned for the park. According to David Goodman, the grant administrator, the grant served to aid economic development and help create and retain jobs in Jefferson County.
8 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 9 FEATURES
finished his active duty commitment as a naval officer, he saw an ad for a man- agement position with a truck-leasing RECORD 555 company. He called the CEO, who seemed impressed with his qualifica- tions. But then the CEO asked, “So, do you like trucks?” STUDENTS At that point, Dr. Gould realized his heart wouldn’t really be in it. “I knew immediately that I didn’t like trucks near as much as this guy and that it wouldn’t be a fit. Make sure your heart’s GRADUATE in it no matter where it leads.” Pick something you’re Former government official Scott Gould good at Dr. Gould receives honory doctorate degree He also emphasized that it’s import- He encouraged graduates to serve in agement. gives commencement address ant to choose a path that matches one’s areas such as the military, nonprofit or- You know how to access the most skill set. “Find the thing you are suit- ganizations, education, business, medi- settled state of your own awareness ed to do by temperament and skill,” cine, and science. and engage in the world, confident that Commencement 2018 set an all-time record: 555 students from 49 coun- he said, whether that entails building Find opportunities the balance of the two will naturally tries received their diplomas. A highlight was speaker Scott Gould, a dis- things, leading people, advising others, yield the best results over time. tinguished former government official who shared his wisdom about how performing service, working as an indi- Finally, he told graduates to watch for Trust that process. Maintain your to proceed in the next phase of their lives. vidual, or working as part of a team. opportunities and then jump at them. practice. Know that everything chang- Those receiving degrees included 112 undergraduates, 62 of whom Serve others “If you see something you want, have es. Long after a particular job is done, studied on the Fairfield campus and 50 located at Maharishi Invinci- the courage to go after it.” your capacity to meet the next chal- bility Institute in South Africa. Of the 434 graduate students receiving Beyond that, he told the graduates, “It’s He shared an experience about read- lenge will rely on your faith, health, diplomas, 387 earned a master’s degree in computer science. Five students not just about you,” and encouraged ing a news story that the Massachu- family and your evolving ability to were awarded a PhD. them to serve others in order to make setts legislature had dissolved the gov- choose the right direction in a chang- The graduates hailed from 49 different countries, including 99 from the the world a better place. He quoted ernment of Chelsea, a town of 40,000 ing world. U.S., 92 from Nepal, 56 from Ethiopia, 42 from Bangladesh, 37 from Chi- an old maxim: “Service is the rent that people near Boston, due to its financial It will give you an edge. Some per- na, and 5 from India. each of us pays for living.” problems. spective. A bit more equanimity. A Focus on getting the big things right Dr. Gould himself is an example Dr. Gould, who holds an MBA and steadier pulse in a fight. of service, having spent 26 years as a an EdD and who had experience that Tactics for success Dr. Gould began by quoting the advice his father gave him captain in the U.S. Navy and Naval taught him how to operate at the in- at his own graduation from college: “Remember, Scott, Reserves. He also served as chief finan- terface between the public and private He concluded by giving the graduates happiness in life is not about getting a lot of little things cial officer and assistant secretary for sector, knew he was just the right per- practical advice on how to succeed. He right; it’s about getting the few big things right.” administration at the U.S. Department son to step in. urged them to put others in front of And for Dr. Gould, those big things are: one’s of Commerce. He was deputy assistant He called Governor Weld and said, themselves, express thanks and appre- place in a faith tradition, a moral compass, a secretary for finance and management “I want to help.” Four weeks later he ciation, choose their boss wisely, seek commitment to maintaining one’s health, at the U.S. Department of Treasury. was appointed by the governor to be out gaps in the work environment that love for family and friends, and having a And he was deputy secretary of the part of the receivership team. They they can fill with their unique skill set, vocation. U.S. Department of Veterans Admin- changed the way the city operated and and continue learning. Follow your heart istration. This entailed being chief within 10 months had submitted a bal- “Class of 2018, you have arrived, in operating officer for the largest direct anced budget. my view, just in time to solve the prob- His advice was detailed regarding health care system in the U.S. with The value of lems that a generation ago you could choosing a vocation. First, he said 314,000 members serving 8.5 million Transcendental Meditation not,” Dr. Gould said. “Engaged in the it’s important to find some- veterans. right vocation and armed with your thing you like. In addition, he’s a long-time teach- Dr. Gould also emphasized the ex- MUM education, you have a chance to He told about how, at er of the Transcendental Meditation® traordinary advantage had by gradu- change the world and live a life worth the age of 28 when he had technique. ates of Maharishi University of Man- living.”
10 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 11 FEATURES FACULTY SPREAD MAHARISHI’S KNOWLEDGE WORLDWIDE Dr. Herriott gives plenary addresses at Dr. Schneider is presented with a plaque by the vice chancellor of D.Y. Patil Univer- India, Brazil, Bali, Rwanda, South Africa the Second National Teachers Congress. sity, Dr. P.N. Razdan.
n Bali, Fred Travis was the featured speaker at a conference hosted by the minister university system with over 65,000 practice of yoga and Transcendental In October of 2018, Dr. Herriott students: MIT World Peace Universi- Meditation in promoting the culture of returned to MIT World Peace Uni- of education. In India, Bill Goldstein gave a presentation that was invited by the ty in Pune. The university first learned peace in the world.” versity for a large celebration inaugu- chief minister of Andhra Pradesh, addressing an audience of 3,000. In India Scott about MUM after two earlier brief vis- Giving a plenary address rating their World Peace Library in I its by faculty on recruiting tours in the the presence of the president of India Herriott taught Transcendental Meditation to the head of a university system of along with the Dalai Lama 65,000 students and formalized a collaboration. In Brazil faculty researchers spoke East, and invited further contact and and the Dalai Lama. Dr. Herriott gave about Transcendental Meditation and Maharishi AyurVeda at a conference focused on collaboration. MIT World Peace University was a plenary talk titled “A Universal Val- That set the stage for professor Scott again the venue in January of 2018, ues-Based Education Must Be Con- incorporating integrative medicine into the healthcare system. Herriott’s amazingly successful visit with two faculty being invited to give sciousness-Based Education.” He also in September of 2017. He spent 17 plenary addresses to some 2,000 col- taught the Transcendental Meditation The world is increasingly embrac- days there, giving talks, meeting with lege professors at the Second National technique to more faculty and students ing Maharishi’s knowledge, with the the founder, and teaching the Tran- Teachers Congress – with the Dalai to prepare for faculty exchange with 2017/18 academic year being a banner scendental Meditation technique. He Lama himself being among the other MUM and for MUM to be more in- year for the faculty. They brought out taught the founder and scores of facul- invited speakers. volved in teaching their world peace Maharishi’s knowledge at the invita- ty and students to meditate, and many Dr. Herriott did double duty. He curriculum. tion of government officials, shared more signed up to learn. gave a plenary address about the expe- Dr. Schneider meets with the stage with luminaries such as Bill “The founder was so impressed with rience of the fourth state of conscious- India health minister Gates and the Dalai Lama, addressed the idea of Consciousness-Based edu- ness, and how every student can come large audiences, and taught the Tran- cation that he arranged for me to give a to think and act spontaneously in har- Perhaps the faculty member who has scendental Meditation technique. lecture to all the faculty at the location mony with the laws of nature, citing re- done the most to bring Maharishi’s in Pune,” Dr. Herriott said. search on the Maharishi Effect. In ad- knowledge to India has been Dr. Robert And the university was so impressed dition, he and professor Vicki Herriott Schneider, MD, FACC, often being in- India with Dr. Herriott that they present- also taught Transcendental Medita- vited to give keynote addresses at med- MIT World Peace University in Pune, India. Professor Scott Herriott (center) is Professor Herriott wins ed him with a “Dedicated Lifetime tion, with over 100 students and facul- ical conferences. He was at it again in presented with a “Dedicated Lifetime Achievement Award” in recognition of Achievement Award” in recognition ty having learned by the time they left. late 2017, giving a keynote presentation over MIT World Peace his vision, dedication, and devotion toward “innovative practices in the field of of his vision, dedication, and devotion Professor Anil Maheshwari’s plena- at an international Ayurveda conference University education and research." toward “innovative practices in the ry address discussed the ultimate goal in Pune, meeting with a government India, of course, has been the country have lost touch with their Vedic tradi- en it, they can also put it in a scientific field of education and research, with of education: to help students prepare health minister, discussing an MUM most eager to learn about Maharishi’s tion. MUM faculty are embraced be- context. complete faith in the teachings of the to live a blissful life by developing the collaboration with the vice chancellor knowledge. In an effort to become a cause they not only embody the Vedic One of the newest developments has great saints, seers, and scientists of the students’ consciousness through tran- of a leading medical university – and, science-based, developed nation, many knowledge and are helping to re-enliv- been the embrace by a large, private world, while championing the noble scendence. like Dr. Herriott, receiving recognition.
12 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 13 FEATURES
“Bali has great respect for the Vedic tradition ... they embrace the transcendent and are very open to the knowledge that Maharishi brought out.” —Dr. Travis
Bali’s minister of education is now strongly supporting bringing the Transcenden- Faculty members Bill Goldstein (left), A.Thimmaiah, and Scott Herriott (third and John Fagan addresses Brazil’s First Na- tal Meditation technique to schools there. He hosted a conference on education fourth from left) and Michael Busch (far right), met with the chief minister of tional Congress on Complementary and for peace attended by 185 high school principals and teachers – with Fred Travis Andhra Pradesh when he visited Iowa. Integrative Medicine in Public Health. as the main speaker.
His presentation to the congress, held While in India he had a long meet- erative organic agriculture and pro- “Bali has great respect for the Vedic thousands of students are already at D.Y. Patil University, explained how ing with Shripad Naik, India’s minis- fessor John Fagan’s Health Research tradition,” Dr. Travis says. “Even the practicing Transcendental Meditation, Brazil Maharishi AyurVeda is much broader ter for traditional systems of health Institute. ornamentation on the houses uses all there are 37 schools in which faculty than the herbal medicine practice com- (AYUSH). Mr. Naik pledged his sup- the details from Sthapatya Veda. They have learned, with plans to teach the Helping Brazil on their path mon in India and around the world. It port for MUM’s program of Maharishi embrace the transcendent and are very students in the coming months. to adopting integrative medicine also considers the ultimate cause of dis- AyurVeda research and clinical prac- Bali open to the knowledge that Maharishi Workshop on organic ease and aging, which is the loss of con- tice. brought out.” Brazil has also been very welcoming to Minister of education farming nection to the body’s inner intelligence. In 2015 MUM formalized a part- Maharishi’s knowledge, with MUM Bill Goldstein addresses an strongly supports “I received very positive feedback on nership with Warmadewa University, Bali’s minister of education is also in- faculty making a significant contribu- audience of 3,000 Transcendental Meditation my presentation,” said Dr. Schneider, and while in Bali Dr. Travis set up an terested in organic farming, and invited tion to the country’s new plan to intro- dean of MUM’s College of Integrative Professor A. Thimmaiah met with the Bali’s minister of education visited EEG brain center at Warmadewa and Professor A. Thimmaiah to present a duce integrative medicine. Medicine. “Participants felt they gained chief minister of the state of Andhra campus in 2015 as part of a delegation, trained 15 personnel how to use it. The two-week workshop to create a curric- In the spring of 2018 six faculty an expanded and holistic perspective on Pradesh when he visited Iowa, and and is now strongly supporting bring- dean of the medical school there is ea- ulum that combines principles of mod- participated in Brazil’s First National Ayurveda, and were inspired. There’s was subsequently invited to address a ing the Transcendental Meditation ger to expand the practice of the Tran- ern regenerative organic farming with Congress on Complementary and Inte- now a higher level of appreciation of the conference on agriculture. But when technique to schools there. So it’s no scendental Meditation technique and the traditional Balinese knowledge of grative Medicine in Public Health, held contributions of Maharishi AyurVeda the time came, he was unable to at- surprise that he hosted a conference on to track the progress of his students food and agriculture. Dr. Thimmaiah in Rio de Janeiro. Robert Schneider, in India and worldwide than ever be- tend, and Bill Goldstein, MUM dean education for peace attended by 185 using EEG. also led field workshops that taught Sandy Nidich, and John Fagan spoke fore.” of global development who had also high school principals and teachers – The EEG lab will also be used for the simple, low-cost methods of organic at the event, as did emeritus professor The vice chancellor of D.Y. Patil met the chief minister, agreed to take with Fred Travis as the main speaker. newly inaugurated Peaceful Brain Proj- farming to 35 teachers from five voca- David Orme-Johnson. John Hagelin University, Dr. P.N. Razdan, present- his place since he was already traveling The spring 2018 conference was ect to follow the progress of students at tional schools and high schools. and Fred Travis sent presentations. ed Dr. Schneider with a plaque on be- internationally. held in the auditorium of the governor the 14 schools and universities in Bali Dr. Thimmaiah explained the impor- “This initiative by the federal gov- half of the chancellor, and expressed Speaking to an audience of over of this Indonesian island, and now an where Transcendental Meditation has tance of the Transcendental Meditation ernment of Brazil is real,” Dr. Schnei- their university’s interest in a strong 3,000 immediately following a talk additional 81,000 students in Bali may already been introduced and the many technique in helping farmers to connect der said. “This is a major step of gov- academic association with MUM, in- by Microsoft founder Bill Gates, Mr. be learning the Transcendental Medi- additional schools that will be starting to the earth, soil, and plants. All of the ernment implementation that will cluding student exchanges in multiple Goldstein gave a 20-minute presenta- tation and TM-Sidhi® programs as a the program. students at these schools will be learn- entail bringing Maharishi AyurVeda, departments. tion about MUM’s program in regen- result of Dr. Travis’s presentation. In addition to the 14 schools where ing Transcendental Meditation. Transcendental Meditation, and oth-
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The world is increasingly embracing Maharishi’s knowledge, with the 2017/18 academic year being a banner year for the faculty. They brought out Maharishi’s knowledge at the invitation of government officials, shared the stage with luminaries such as Bill Gates and the Dalai Lama, addressed large audiences, and taught the Transcendental Meditation technique. Professor Leslee Goldstein, teaching the Transcendental Meditation technique to 50 women in a rural village in partnership with African Healing Exchange, an organization devoted to restoring resiliency to Rwandan women impacted by poverty and by the tragic genocide in the 1990s. er prevention-oriented, natural health Addressing the nature of meditation. Speaking to an audience improved after learning the Transcen- in partnership with African Healing tain level of mind-brain development approaches to the people of the coun- consciousness of 350, he described research showing dental Meditation technique. Exchange – an organization devot- underlies excellence in all fields. And try through their national health care that different meditation techniques In her presentation she shared her ed to restoring resiliency to Rwandan he presented his research that backs system.” MUM faculty are appreciated interna- have different effects on the brain. And findings on decreased stress, increased women impacted by poverty and by the that assertion: three studies on top-lev- Because of his international prom- tionally not only for their insight into he presented his finding on the unique self-efficacy, and improved mental and tragic genocide in the 1990s through el managers, professional athletes, and inence, Dr. Schneider was invited to the personal and social benefits of the EEG signatures associated with Tran- physical health. She also presented a teaching them the Transcendental professional classical musicians that give a keynote address on the opening Transcendental Meditation technique, scendental Consciousness. two-hour workshop that covered 40 Meditation technique. found that they all have higher levels of day of the conference. He spoke about but also their deep insights into, and studies on how Transcendental Med- brain integration. how stress in modern society acceler- research on, consciousness. itation helps in areas such as blood He explained that the Transcen- ates the aging process and how man- In the fall of 2017 Fred Travis was Rwanda pressure, drug addiction, PTSD, and South Africa dental Meditation technique develops aging our minds can slow the aging invited to present his perspective at two anxiety. greater brain integration. process, citing research on the Tran- conferences on consciousness in Brazil Improving the lives of “I received a great response to my Peak performance and The institute promoted Dr. Travis’s scendental Meditation program, heart hosted at top universities in Rio de Ja- impoverished single presentations,” Dr. Goldstein said. brain integration presentation to all their members, and health, and telomeres. neiro and São Paulo. The conference in mothers “They were attended by professors, Bali, Brazil, South Africa – Fred Tra- then later posted videos on their You- The other researchers offered pre- Rio took a multidisciplinary approach Faculty are also sometimes on the front students, and professionals in the vis’s globe-hopping continues to take Tube channel: part 1 (tinyurl.com/ sentations on Transcendental Medi- to the topic – physics, epistemology, lines, bringing the Transcendental field of psychology from Eastern Af- him to distant corners of the planet. y7k7jpgd) and part 2 (tinyurl.com/ tation technique and post-traumatic spirituality, neuroscience, and philoso- Meditation directly to those most in rica, as well as Westerners involved in “It’s very fulfilling personally, and also y9nay3ch). Dr. Travis also gave a talk stress disorder, DNA expression, uni- phy – with Dr. Travis speaking about need. That’s been the role of research non-governmental organizations and professionally, to bring this knowledge to 70 members in the sports science fied field-based medicine, changes in Maharishi’s understanding of con- professor Leslee Goldstein, who has foundations. I made a lot of contacts, to the world,” he says. “I almost feel like department at the University of Johan- the brain, and the effect on society. sciousness as primary, underlying all of both researched the benefits for single some of whom expressed interest in it’s my responsibility.” nesburg. Dr. Schneider said Maharishi existence, as well as speaking about his impoverished mothers in Africa and partnering with me on Transcendental In South Africa in May 2018 he Faculty at Maharishi University AyurVeda and Transcendental Med- EEG research on the Transcendental also taught Transcendental Meditation Meditation projects and learning the spoke to about 150 leading CEOs, of Management have for many years itation were prominent at the confer- Meditation technique. there. technique themselves.” psychiatrists, and scientists in manage- brought Maharishi’s knowledge to ence among the range of modalities In São Paulo, the focus of the con- She traveled to Rwanda in Novem- While in Rwanda most recently Ms. ment at the Gordon Institute of Busi- other countries, but as this past year that will be introduced into Brazil’s ference was specifically the science of ber of 2017 to speak about her disser- Goldstein was also involved in teaching ness Science – a top business school. shows, the world is waking up as never healthcare system. consciousness, with Dr. Travis invited tation research on 81 women in Ugan- the Transcendental Meditation tech- He talked about transcending and peak before – and the faculty are playing an to give a presentation on research on da whose quality of life significantly nique to 50 women in a rural village performance and explained that a cer- important role in this awakening.
16 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 17 FEATURES THE MAGIC OF EXPERIENCING
A new study using functional magnetic resonance imaging The fMRI study found that activity in the frontal cortex in- RESTFUL (fMRI) allowed researchers to see deep into the brain during creased (highlighted in red), indicating alertness, and that the practice of Transcendental Meditation, offering clear sup- activity in the pons and cerebellum decreased (highlighted port for the assertion that it produces a state of restful alert- in blue), indicating rest. ALERTNESS ness. California School of Professional Psy- that are involved in mental focus and Together the decrease in activity in chology, sought to find out. physiological arousal? Indeed they did the pons and cerebellum during Tran- ”Maharishi said that restful alertness is the key to Transcendental Meditation. It’s They used functional magnetic reso- – in contrast to other approaches to scendental Meditation suggests an a very different kind of rest than sleep. It’s rejuvenating and healing, as evidenced nance imaging (fMRI) to get their an- meditation. overall reduction of the active, thinking swer. This powerful magnetic chamber The researchers found there was de- mind. It’s as if the brain is at a balance by a wide range of clinical studies, while at the same time it allows the person can look inside the brain and body by creased blood flow to a structure deep point: it’s resting and quiet and ready to experience deeper mental states – with profound implications, such as an sensing blood flow. This would reveal in the brain called the pons. This area to act when needed. ongoing experience of transcendence.” —Professor Fred Travis which parts of the brain had great- of the brainstem modulates a person’s It’s in this quiescent state that our er blood flow during practice of the overall state of arousal and governs true nature begins to filter into aware- Transcendental Meditation technique breath and heart rates. The decrease ness. Maharishi said that Transcen- Research shows to be different from that seen during that not only lies within us but under- – thereby indicating which parts of the in activity in this brain area indicates a dental Meditation gives the experience Transcendental Meditation other meditation practices. lies all of existence. brain were more active. Would they see quiet mind and a resting body. of restful alertness, and our awareness is very different from other That study, published this past year, The mind must be alert to have this a pattern of activity that correlates with The researchers also found a de- expands as we have experiences of the meditation techniques revealed a unique state of restful alert- experience of transcendence, of pure restful alertness? crease in blood flow to the cerebellum. underlying field of pure consciousness. ness. awareness. Sleep is a restful state, but Indeed they did. First of all, they This region in the back of the brain Convincing scientists that About 10 years ago, 16 women braved The key to Transcendental it’s characterized by an absence of found evidence that the mind remains modulates the speed and variability Transcendental Meditation a powerful magnetic chamber to be Meditation awareness. Someone who’s concentrat- alert. Alertness is a function of the of information processing. Whether is effortless subjects in a study to find out what ing is alert, but is so focused that there’s front part of the brain called the pre- you’re focusing on solving a problem or happens deep in their brains when they ”Maharishi said that restful alertness is no sense of that underlying, unbound- frontal cortex. If a person is sleeping, talking with a friend or playing tennis, For those who practice Transcenden- practice the Transcendental Medita- the key to Transcendental Meditation,” ed field of pure consciousness. Instead, there’s reduced activity in this region. the cerebellum is playing a key role in tal Meditation, these findings are no tion technique. Each person in turn lay said professor Fred Travis, a coauthor Transcendental Meditation enables a If one is attentive and alert, then this managing the flow of information. surprise. It’s what we experience when down on a platform to be rolled inside of the study. “It’s a very different kind relaxing of mind and body, a settling region is active. The fMRI apparatus The decrease in activity in the cere- we meditate. But for those who don’t a large cylinder. of rest than sleep. It’s rejuvenating and down of awareness, while at the same showed increased blood flow in the bellum suggests that the body reverts practice, there has been a reluctance, Once inside, the apparatus was healing, as evidenced by a wide range time the mind remains alert. prefrontal cortex. This is also seen in to a more automatic mode without the especially among scientists, to accept turned on, and the person meditated of clinical studies, while at the same Increased activity in the other types of meditation. need of cognitive effort to exert control. that this simple practice of effortlessly for 10 minutes. The 110-decibel vi- time it allows the person to experience frontal cortex indicates Decreased activity in Other meditations don’t show de- repeating a mantra can trigger a shift brating of the metal coils, the claus- deeper mental states – with profound alertness the pons and cerebellum creases in these areas, because they into a sort of automatic mode that en- trophobic enclosure, and the supine implications, such as an ongoing expe- indicates rest typically involve concentration or con- tails alertness and rest at the same time. position weren’t ideal for the practice. rience of transcendence.” So what would this state of restful tinuous monitoring of one’s subjective Some researchers have insisted to Yet the results were clear. Their minds In Transcendental Meditation, we alertness look like in the brain? That But what about the regions of the brain or physiological state. The brain is alert Dr. Travis that Transcendental Medi- settled down, despite the circumstanc- open ourselves to that infinite, un- was what Dr. Travis and Michelle Ma- having to do with resting? Would they but, unlike in Transcendental Medita- tation must involve some kind of focus, es, and their brain activity was shown bounded field of pure consciousness hone, then a doctoral student at the see a reduction in blood flow to areas tion, mind and body are both active. some kind of intention and discrimina-
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The fMRI study found that activity in the frontal cortex increased, indicating alertness, and that activity in the pons and cerebellum decreased, indicating rest. Other meditations don’t show decreases in these areas, because they typically involve concentration or continuous monitoring of one’s subjective or physiological state. The brain is alert but, unlike in Transcendental Meditation, mind and body are both active. tion. But neurophysiological evidence per that looked at dozens of EEG associated with increased blood flow in continues to mount that it is, just as studies conducted on many different the frontal area of the brain. This is just Maharishi said, a state of restful alert- types of meditation. He showed that what was seen in the fMRI research ness. open-monitoring meditations were above – indicating alertness. This fMRI study is just one of three typically associated with theta brain What’s actually creating the alpha1 areas of research by Dr. Travis that waves and that focused-attention ap- brain waves? It’s the firing of neurons show what’s happening during the proaches were associated with gamma in the core of the brain to the surface in Transcendental Meditation technique waves. However, Transcendental Med- a feedback loop. is a state of restful alertness that’s dif- itation, unlike other meditations, is as- Think of your brain as a group of Alpha1 brain waves, seen in Transcendental Meditation, are The areas highlighted in blue show high levels of connectiv- ferent from other approaches to medi- sociated with alpha1 brain waves. people, some standing on the ground, the result of core-to-surface feedback loops and are the ba- ity when the brain’s default mode network is activated. Tran- tation. The other indicators are alpha1 His review of meditation studies some at higher levels on platforms sis of wakefulness and alertness. scendental Meditation has been shown to activate the default brain waves and the activation of the shows that there are actually three cat- above them, and some on the platform mode network. brain’s “default mode network.” egories of meditation: open monitor- at the top. Someone at the bottom says, Switching on a natural “Some researchers just won’t accept ing, focused attention, and automatic “I’m here.” Then, in turn at each level of this background activity has come to be to deactivate it. In short, other med- inward-directed state of that Transcendental Meditation is ef- self-transcending, with Transcen- the platforms above, someone says, “I’m called the default mode network. itations typically entail training one’s the brain fortless, but the evidence keeps mount- dental Meditation being the primary here,” until someone at the top says, It’s a mode that the brain automat- brain, but Transcendental Meditation ing up,” Dr. Travis said. technique in the latter category. That “I’m here.” It’s a feedback loop, indicat- Yet one more area of research by Dr. ically switches into when one is day- rests the brain. Unique brain wave patterns review is now Dr. Travis’s most-cit- ing that we’re all here and we’re awake Travis has also shown neurophysio- dreaming and not focused on anything Unique experience of ed paper, with around 350 citations. and ready to act. logical evidence for this unique state of in particular – a natural inward-direct- restful alertness Most of Dr. Travis’s brain research Research reviews published in recent Like that, the brain has a feedback restful alertness: Transcendental Med- ed state of the brain. Researchers call has involved electroencephalography years have tended to adopt Dr. Travis’s loop from the core of the brain to the itation has been found to activate the it “undirected mentation.” This style of This restful alertness is the hallmark of (EEG), and he has also used these approach of using three categories and surface. These loops take 1/10 of a brain’s “default mode network.” brain functioning is linked to higher the Transcendental Meditation tech- EEG findings to show other medita- often will explain that although the second, and therefore generate a brain For years researchers were curious levels of creativity and higher levels of nique, which is easy and natural and ef- tion researchers that Transcendental Transcendental Meditation technique wave that’s 10 cycles per second: al- to see what areas of the brain were general intelligence. In a sense, given fortless. It naturally lets the brain settle Meditation is different. uses a mantra, it doesn’t involve con- pha1. associated with using one’s brain in a the opportunity, the brain just sort of down to a quieter state, while remain- For years, researchers classified med- centration or focus. This feedback loop is how the brain particular way. They used EEG, fMRI, does its own thing. This default net- ing alert. And in this state of restful itation techniques as one of two types: The significance of alpha1 maintains wakefulness or alertness. Of positron emission tomography (PET), work becomes active within a fraction alertness, one increasingly opens one’s open monitoring or focused attention. brain waves course the brain is usually doing much and other imaging technologies. For of a second after a person finishes a awareness to what Maharishi called Open monitoring is the general catego- more than just being awake. If one is example, when subjects memorize a task. “pure awareness”: one is aware, but ry that includes mindfulness medita- What’s the significance of the alpha1 focused on reading a book, for example, list of words and repeat them, the re- The significance of the default mode without an object of thought. This is tion, which typically entails monitoring brain waves observed during Transcen- faster beta and gamma brain waves are searchers see beta brain waves in the network isn’t yet completely under- transcendence. one’s breath, bodily sensations, feelings, dental Meditation? also seen – waves that are associated frontal cortex. stood, but increasingly researchers are Over time that transcendence, that or thoughts in a non-judgmental way. In general, alpha brain waves (8–12 with processing input from the senses But between times, when subjects hypothesizing that it has an import- pure awareness, begins to be experi- Focused attention is the category for cycles per second) are associated with a and performing a task. weren’t focused on an actual task, the ant role. And individuals with various enced outside of meditation, leading meditations that involve concentration state of relaxation. And nearly 50 years But in Transcendental Meditation brain would show a sort of a lower-key pathologies, such as Alzheimer’s and to experience of cosmic consciousness, or contemplation or focus. ago the first studies on Transcendental as the mantra becomes refined, beta background activity. For years re- autism, show abnormal activity in the when that experience of pure aware- Researchers would often classify Meditation showed that the practice and gamma waves subside leaving the searchers ignored this, intent on study- default mode network. ness is always present during waking, Transcendental Meditation in the fo- was associated with alpha waves. alpha1 wakefulness circuits to support ing specific aspects of content. Then In 2010 Dr. Travis published a ran- sleeping, and dreaming. cused-attention category because of But in recent years neuroscientists the experience of inner wakefulness. one researcher, Marcus Raichle, real- domized controlled trial that found It’s all based on the unique experi- the use of a mantra. They often de- have discovered an important distinc- One is alert but one’s awareness is com- ized that this background activity was that the Transcendental Meditation ence of restful alertness, an experience scribed Transcendental Meditation as tion: there are two different types of pletely inward. itself associated with a specific pattern technique tends to activate this natu- that is now scientifically understood focusing or concentrating on a mantra. alpha waves. The waves at 8–10 cycles In other words, a state of restful of activity and that it may have an im- ral inward-directed state of the brain. thanks to the research of Dr. Travis In 2010 Dr. Travis published a pa- per second, referred to as alpha1, are alertness. portant function. In the past 15 years, Every other meditation has been found and his colleagues.
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Cliff Rose worked to start up the Creative Entrepreneur Program. It would take the students far beyond classroom learning, such that COME AS A STUDENT they would, while a student, create businesses from the ground up. GRADUATE Aditi Gentsch credits the Creative Entrepreneur AS A CEO Program for playing a major role in her new business. “It allowed me to refine who Management students I am as an entrepreneur. It gave me a lot of clarity create businesses why it’s important to me to bring out wholeness, while still a student consciousness, and liveliness Professor Cliff Rose through these products.” Professor Cliff Rose knew exactly what to do when a chain of 26 elder-care facilities hired him to increase occupancy from the current 62%. He got together a focus group of adult children who were at an age when they may be helping their parents choose a facility. And he asked them, What famous person would you find to be the most credible? Aditi designing her new website AditiBotanicals
The clear winner was Shirley Jones, commentator, and actor). He’s pro- It began as a single course three horses. Soon family and friends be- would dig up echinacea root to make a that’s why they’re called “essential.” the mother in the hit TV series “The duced thousands of radio commercials, years ago and is now a semester-long gan making requests for various oint- medicinal tonic.” But by fragmenting a plant, by dis- Partridge Family.” Cliff contacted her hundreds of TV commercials, and sequence of courses in MUM’s block ments. Aditi Botanicals was born, and After 15 years of selling products tilling it down, important qualities are agent, worked on branding, created over a hundred websites. system, with three groups of students for the past 20 years she’s been selling (and also becoming a pilot), Aditi en- lost. Yes, lavender has specific mole- an ecommerce campaign that includ- After decades in the business, having taken the sequence. The stu- a range of products, such as cleansers, rolled at MUM, intent on taking her cules that scientists now know affect ed 26 websites, hired Ms. Jones as the friends said to him, “Cliff, you’re good dents come up with a concept, devel- hydrators & toners, moisturizers & se- business to a new level. the olfactory area of the brain, thereby spokesperson – and boosted occupan- at this. You should teach your skills to op a business plan, write an executive rums, eye cream, lip balm, body care, While in the Creative Entrepreneur creating a feeling of relaxation. But it cy to 105% (meaning that they had a the younger generation. You’ve been summary, put together a marketing and perfume. (See www.aditibotani- sequence she realized that she had the also has molecules that have an enliv- waiting list). based in Fairfield over 15 years. Why plan, and develop a financial plan. They cals.com.) knowledge to create a new product ening effect. The synergy is important. Cliff is an expert at brand devel- not teach at the college there?” also write TV and radio spots as well “The first time I inhaled the deli- that could be very marketable: an aro- Aditi had realized a number of years opment and advertising, and over 30 The Creative Entrepreneur as print ads. And they prepare a Pow- cious aroma of calendula flowers in- matherapy line that would be like no ago that it would be better to create years he’s worked with companies Program is born erPoint presentation in which, just like fusing their healing properties into other. aromatherapy that maintained the in- such as Walt Disney, Ralston Purina, the TV program “Shark Tank,” they warm olive oil, I knew this was my She’d spent years studying herbolo- tegrity of the whole plant. And as a fun Carnival Cruise Line, Air France, and Cliff liked the idea and worked with pitch their idea. passion,” she writes on her website. gy, the Charaka Samhita, the primary experiment, she created a fragrance Kroger. And he’s hired promoters such Vicki and Scott Herriott, heads of the Aditi Gentsch’s unique “In the spring, I coaxed the delicious ancient Vedic text related to promot- that she shared with some friends. as singer Olivia Newton-John, Mari- management and business department, aromatherapy oils perfumes from lilac blossoms, honey- ing health, and Maharishi AyurVeda They loved it. ette Hartley (known for the TV series to start up the Creative Entrepreneur suckle, violets, and rose petals. During and had realized that all essential oils What was the catch? It cost $350 “The Rockford Files”), Valerie Harper Program. It would take the students Student Aditi Gentsch was already summer, I’d pick dandelion, plantain, currently on the market were missing per ounce to make. (“Rhoda” TV series), Jim McKay (host far beyond classroom learning, such an entrepreneur. She grew up on her red clover, and comfrey, then set them one ingredient: wholeness. Typically Yet the idea stayed with her, and of “Wild World of Sports”), and Dick that they would, while a student, create parents’ farm near Fairfield and began, beneath the brilliant Midwestern sun- these fragrances are created by extract- during her recent semester in the Cre- Butkus (pro football player, sports businesses from the ground up. at the age of 12, creating salves for the shine to dry. When fall was in the air, I ing particular chemicals from a plant: ative Entrepreneur Program, she had
22 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 23 FEATURES
“I feel like most universities Cliff's ultimate goal, and offer some book definitions and the goal of the Creative monotonous classroom work, Entrepreneur Program, is to but MUM’s program is different. create a prosperous student I really enjoyed my experience community with good jobs in the classroom. Cliff was the for everyone – and successful best support – one of the best alumni who are eager to give teachers I’ve had. He’s been back to the University. around it all and is willing to share anything and everything – the pleasant and the not- so-pleasant. He was beyond helpful." —Nic Pace Nic Pace - Creative Entrepreneur Program student Cliff mentoring student Megan Shay. the opportunity to work out the de- She said the program also gave her one he really wanted to do – and that see the bigger picture. Previously I’d during his courses, and will now be have themselves shepherded startups tails. She created a company with the confidence that she can be successful would have a definite market. wondered how it could be monetized.” paired individually with a mentor. to great success are now working with French name Voulu Effet, which trans- in this market. “It’s been a challenge to His interests include both fashion Nic has now contacted suppliers of He credits Cliff with creating a sup- the students. lates as “desired effect.” maintain the integrity of my products and sustainability. In recent years com- fabrics made from upcycled yarn and portive and helpful environment. “Cliff Cliff says the curriculum is now set On the market in the coming over the years, given the temptation to panies have figured out how to take old found that they’re open to working was the best support – one of the best and professors David Weisman and months use distilled and fragmented essences, clothing and break it down to the con- with startups. He’s currently working teachers I’ve had. He’s been around it Sabita Sawhney are integral parts of but now I see this as my competitive stituent fibers, and then to use those on a minimum viable product that all and is willing to share anything and the program. And, with mentors in She’s now developed 10 formulas and advantage.” fibers to make cloth. Nic liked the idea he will show to suppliers as well as to everything – the pleasant and the not- place, and students rich with ideas, hopes to have her new products on the Branding is an important focus, giv- of having a product that would upcycle companies whom he’d contract with to so-pleasant. He was beyond helpful.” the big need is seed capital to test the market in the coming months. She is en the unique nature of her formulas. something that would otherwise go in manufacture his pants. He’s doing the The experience of Almar Meijles ideas. His goal is to raise a pool of currently having friends test them, with “I’m finding that I have to come up a landfill. design of the first pants himself, but was similar to Nic's. “My previous $100,000–$200,00 per year. “I’m con- very positive feedback so far. with a new way of talking about these And he liked the idea of designing will ultimately also work with other business studies seriously lacked prac- fident we’ll see this come together,” he In addition to respect for the whole- products so that I can clearly commu- yoga pants. He practices yoga and designers once he has established his tical work and experience. I finally got says. ness of the plants, her marketing angle nicate how they differ from the essen- hadn’t been able to find the sort of line of yoga pants. the practical training and experience I Helping Fairfield – and MUM also includes the fact that science now tial oil products currently on the mar- pants that he’d really want to wear. He “I feel like most universities offer wanted – it helped me to conceptual- – prosper understands much more clearly how ket.” realized, given the huge surge in popu- some book definitions and monot- ize and start my business.” aromatherapy products work. She says that the program teaches larity of yoga, that others may be look- onous classroom work, but MUM’s Nearly 20 experienced Ultimately his goal, and the goal of the “In the past five years, researchers students in a way that she’s never seen ing for the same thing. Plus, he says, program is different. I really enjoyed entrepreneurs help mentor Creative Entrepreneur Program, is to have been discovering how specific mol- before, including connecting the stu- someone who is into yoga is typically my experience in the classroom.” He students create a prosperous student communi- ecules interact with the olfactory areas dents with mentors who have years of also the sort of person who is eager to says that the students work on their ty with good jobs for everyone – and of the brain,” Aditi said. “What was long experience as entrepreneurs. save the environment. own to come up with some ideas, but Cliff is himself amazed at how well the successful alumni who are eager to give known anecdotally by herbologists and Nic Pace – yoga pants made But where to start? In particular, Nic then much of the class time is discus- program has gone, and in part credits back to the University. traditions such as Ayurveda is now be- from recycled fibers had no idea how much it would cost sion-based, brainstorming and work- the willingness of experienced entre- Aditi plans to manufacture her aro- ing supported by scientific research.” to create and launch such a product. ing through the details. preneurs to work with the students. matherapy formulas locally. “One of Hence the name of her company and For Nic Pace, the program helped The Creative Entrepreneur Program Support from fellow “Finding mentors is a daunting chal- my goals is to add value to Fairfield,” the tagline, “The effects are known.” him to see exactly what it would take helped him fill in all those details. students, faculty, and lenge for universities that teach entre- she says. “I love Fairfield and want to She credits the Creative Entrepre- to bring his product to market: yoga Financial plan was key mentors preneurship. Most universities aren’t support the local economy and the neur Program for playing a major role pants made from recycled fibers. able to offer what we do because they people who like to live here.” in her new business. “It allowed me to He had a number of possible prod- “Doing a financial plan and going Perhaps most important, he says, simply don’t have entrepreneurs so For more information about the refine who I am as an entrepreneur. It ucts that he was interested in launch- through the numbers helped me to see is the support of his fellow students, readily available to serve as mentors.” Creative Entrepreneur Program and to gave me a lot of clarity why it’s import- ing, but during the program’s “creative that it’s plausible,” he said. “I’m really teachers Cliff Rose and David Good- He points out that entrepreneurs are see the impressive background of some ant to me to bring out wholeness, con- boardroom” sessions, when all the stu- comfortable with the idea now that man, and mentors who are them- typically very busy and don’t have time of the highly experienced mentors, see sciousness, and liveliness through these dents in class focus on a specific busi- I know the specifics. The numbers selves experienced entrepreneurs. He to help students. But Fairfield is differ- www.mum.edu/ba-in-creative-entre- products.” ness idea, he realized that this was the helped to quantify the venture and to met with a number of entrepreneurs ent, and nearly 20 entrepreneurs who preneurship.
24 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 25 FEATURES The David Lynch key to It’s often said that creativity can’t be writing for film and television: taught. But what if it were possible to encourage a process that allows artists “MEDITATE to explore creative ideas that already exist deep within? AND CREATE ” “Transcendental Meditation “This program breaks away from A process that leads takes me deep, but it also relieves the competitive, monotonous, and ! anxiety. I think with anxiety I’m outdated nature of many other to profound insights The world’s only Consciousness-Based more apt to dismiss ideas, whereas schools, classes, and workshops.” and expansive with the meditation, I just allow —Craig Draheim, student from them in. I don’t second-guess Ann Arbor, Michigan MFA in screenwriting imagination? myself.” —Tracy Flannigan
That’s exactly what the Master's of “Our MFA in Screenwriting offers tion if I don’t get it right away. I have f filmmaking were Fine Arts in Screenwriting at the Da- something no other program in the more ideas than I could possibly even vid Lynch Graduate School of Cine- world can,” says Professor Dorothy work with at this point.” intellectual, you matic Arts at Maharishi University of Rompalske, the program’s creator and Filmmaker David Lynch, the school’s could learn to make Management aims to do. It teaches the director, and a screenwriter herself. founder, has said, “If filmmaking were nuts and bolts of screenwriting, along “Through the practice of Transcenden- intellectual, you could learn to make a “I with the Transcendental Meditation tal Meditation, we create a connection film from a book. There is something a film from a book. There is technique, which helps students devel- of consciousness with the creative writ- else going on. And that something else something else going on. And op the ability to create visionary art. ing process. When you do that, amaz- going on is fed by diving within.” that something else going on “I wouldn’t have pursued a screen- ing things can happen.” “Transcendental Meditation takes writing program outside of this one,” First and only me deep, but it also relieves anxiety,” is fed by diving within.” says student Michael K. Jackson, who Consciousness-Based says Tracy Flannigan, a writer who works in magazine production in Los screenwriting program supports herself in part by renting part Angeles. “It’s one thing to know how of her home to vacationers. “I think —David Lynch, to write something. It’s another to have Within the all-encompassing contain- with anxiety I’m more apt to dismiss something to write about. This pro- er of MUM’s Consciousness-Based ideas, whereas with the meditation, I founder of The David Lynch gram respects creativity. It’s honored education, screenwriting students ac- just allow them in. I don’t second-guess Graduate School of Cinematic and nurtured.” cess the vast ocean of creativity within myself.” Now in its second year, MUM’s MFA – pure consciousness – through their The MFA program is structured in a Arts at Maharishi University of in Screenwriting is one of the fastest daily practice of the Transcendental two-year, low-residency format, which growing programs at the University, Meditation technique. means students aren’t asked to uproot Management with a full class of first-year students “That’s the biggest difference,” says their lives, relocate, or change jobs along with a full, returning second-year Marcia Buhler, a student who worked or lifestyles. The only travel required class. While many small-universi- in TV production and taught script- takes place at the start of each semes- ty MFA screenwriting programs are writing in Wisconsin over a 25-year ter with an immersive 10-day residency struggling to attract students, this one corporate career. “I have more ideas. at MUM. While on campus, students has its pick of applicants. The flow runs deep. I don’t feel frustra- experience lectures, panel discussions,
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“I wouldn’t have pursued a screenwriting “I have more ideas. The flow runs deep. I program outside of this one,” says student don’t feel frustration if I don’t get it right Michael K. Jackson, who works in magazine away. I have more ideas than I could production in Los Angeles. “It’s one thing to possibly even work with at this point.” know how to write something. It’s another —Marcia Buhler, a student who worked in to have something to write about. This TV production and taught scriptwriting in program respects creativity. It’s honored and Wisconsin over a 25-year corporate career. nurtured.”
master classes, staged readings, and Draheim, a student from Ann Arbor, Student work often explores trans- dustry,” brings to campus industry “Deep bonds are formed,” says Pro- Program namesake David Lynch workshops. They learn the Transcen- Michigan. formational themes rife with personal pros for training in best practices for fessor Rompalske. “Our students thrive has long advocated that the depth of dental Meditation technique in their Adds Michael Jackson, the student and existential meaning, but they are pitching, publicizing, and selling film in an atmosphere of love and support consciousness cultivated by the Tran- first residency and expand their con- from Los Angeles, about his prior free to write about any subject that and television projects. In lectures and they haven’t necessarily found in other scendental Meditation technique – by nection to their Transcendental Med- classroom experiences: “It was always holds power or interest for them. small groups, students hone their skills. programs. And through the practice of transcending the temporal or everyday itation practice each time they return. about, ‘Get this on this page,’ or ‘Do Guest speakers are an important part The MFA program culminates in a Transcendental Meditation, they find world – supercharges the creative pro- Personal journey while this.’ It was never, ‘Where does creativ- of the curriculum and have included final residency, in Los Angeles, when their unique voices and grow as artists.” cess, imbuing it with depth and untold working with film industry ity come from? How can you nurture Hollywood luminaries such as E. Max students meet with industry profes- “I know something unique and re- potential. “You can stay in the shallow mentors it?’ This MFA isn’t just about screen- Frye, the Academy Award-nominated sionals. “They gain valuable insights markable about every one of my class- water,” he is known for saying, “but if writing; it’s also about inner growth. screenwriter of Foxcatcher; Peter Far- from agents, producers, and studio ex- mates,” says Tom Miller, the student you want to catch the big fish, you’ve At home, students engage in distance For me, it’s very much been a personal relly, writer/director of the hits Dumb ecutives,” says Professor Rompalske. from Gainesville. “The diversity in age, got to go deeper.” learning under the mentorship of an journey, which is what I was seeking.” and Dumber, There’s Something About “Catching the Big Fish” in a socioeconomic status, gender, orien- The director perhaps best captured experienced film-industry professional. Creative oasis: Immersive Mary, and Shallow Hal; author Dara like-minded community tation, color, class, creed of my fellow the heart of the MFA program with As they draft scripts for film and tele- residencies with Hollywood Marks, a script doctor who’s highly in students is so refreshing, and the bonds the rallying cry that has become the vision, they benefit from guided exer- luminaries demand; and Glenn Gers, writer of During both the distance learning we’ve formed will no doubt be for life. motto of the school bearing his name: cises, analyses of published screenplays, such Hollywood hits as Fracture and and on-campus segments, the aspiring The talent these grad students bring to “Meditate and create!” screenings, and group discussions. During the residencies, students bene- Mad Money, and writer/director of the screenwriters make close connections the table honors the program and Ma- “The instruction is top-notch, with fit by being free of the distractions of independent filmsDisfigured and Like. with like-minded peers who share a harishi, and will help change the world every instructor bringing professional home. At MUM, they immerse them- Share. Follow. passion for inner development and cre- for the better. I’ve never felt such energy credentials and experience to our class- selves in the restful alertness of their As with all MUM curricula, the ative expression. and excitement at any other school.” es,” says Marcia Buhler, adding that Transcendental Meditation practice, “Science and Technology of Con- it’s “the perfect mix of hands-on and even as they do their creative work and sciousness” is the core course that al- remote learning. I have no doubt I’ll attend workshops under the guidance lows students to delve into the study of Professor Rompalske: “Our students thrive be well prepared to write professional and care of staff and instructors. consciousness as the unifying basis of screenplays at the conclusion of this Many students find inspiration in all branches of knowledge. in an atmosphere of love and support program.” Fairfield. “There’s a vibe I’ve never felt Learning the biz from the they haven’t necessarily found in other Many students have come to the in any other place,” says Jackson. “A pros program after experiencing frustration warmth, an acceptance. There’s some- with more traditional teaching meth- thing happening below the surface. It’s In the MFA’s final semester, attention programs. And through the practice ods. very special.” turns toward the business of screen- of Transcendental Meditation, they “This program breaks away from “I leave Fairfield feeling illuminated writing, when students learn how to the competitive, monotonous, and out- and eager to begin every moment to market their work – and themselves. find their unique voices and grow dated nature of many other schools, follow,” says Tom Miller, a first-year A key course, “Advanced Business and classes, and workshops,” says Craig student from Gainesville, Florida. Marketing for the Entertainment In- as artists.”
28 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 29 FEATURES PRESIDENT HAGELIN ELEVATES ROLE OF YOUNG ADMINISTRATORS “These very dedicated, talented and accomplished young leaders are building the bright future of our University,” Dr. Hagelin said. “They constantly demonstrate their brilliance and their vision for moving MUM forward. In collaboration with our longstanding Young cabinet members. Front row left to right: Tiago Passosi, director of development; Leslie Doyle, director of Student Sup- port Services, student satisfaction and retention specialist; Patrik Siljestam, comptroller. Rear row left to right: Taniya Hallman, cabinet members, they are continually upgrading and expanding registrar; Gwen Stowe, director of admissions; Eric Liu, director of MUM Online and Continuing Education; Aster Hesse, asso- ciate dean of admissions; Maryam Naraghi, principal designated school official. Not shown in photo: Selin Ozbudak, associate the University’s operations and successes.” director of Enrollment and Student Affairs; and Carolina Passos, director of human resources.
When John Hagelin became president demonstrate their brilliance and their ol know her to be extremely capable “Patrik was a great asset in my of- two years ago, he found it “strengthen- vision for moving MUM forward. In and efficient, fair, compassionate, an fice,” said David Todt, who has played ing and reassuring” to be working with collaboration with our longstanding excellent communicator and mediator, a major role in MUM’s strategic plan- highly experienced, lifelong adminis- cabinet members, they are continually always ready to lend a helping hand ning efforts. “He could do anything trators who serve as his cabinet. But at upgrading and expanding the Univer- and provide kind assistance to all who with a spreadsheet. He was very capa- the same time, he was also somewhat sity’s operations and successes.” ask.” ble.” concerned: many among this group of Carolina Passos, director of human Patrik Siljestam, comptroller, is an- When MUM’s comptroller left in long-serving veterans were nearing re- resources at MUM, is playing a prom- other example of a young administra- 2017 for another position, Patrik, at tirement age. What could be done to inent role in the young cabinet. After tor who’s stepped up, and who is now age 30, was appointed to this import- ensure MUM’s long-term sustainabil- earning an MA from MUM in 2006, on the president’s cabinet. He learned ant role in the University’s accounting ity? she returned with her husband in the Transcendental Meditation tech- office. Dr. Hagelin’s solution has been 2015 and joined the human resources nique as a young child living in Ideal “I feel immensely fortunate that to elevate younger administrators to team. She quickly showed her leader- Village in Sweden. He came to MUM our ‘young cabinet’ has been willing to leading positions, and to add 10 of ship skills and headed a number of im- in 2009 as an undergraduate student take on such significant responsibili- Carolina Passos Patrik Siljestam them to his cabinet. This new group portant areas, including training and and graduated in 2011 as valedictori- ties at our University so early in their is sometimes referred to as the “young development, performance evaluation, experience as an HR manager and HR as director when Stan began working an. careers,” Dr. Hagelin said. “They are cabinet.” and implementing a new database of consultant working with large compa- with Maharishi Foundation. In his He then became an MBA student in already strengthening MUM at every “These very dedicated, talented and all faculty and staff. nies in Brazil such as Petrobas, Brazil’s email to MUM staff and faculty an- the evening/weekend program, work- level – and will continue to do so. They accomplished young leaders are build- A native of Brazil with two chil- leading energy company. nouncing the change, he praised Ms. ing days in MUM’s office of strategic will ensure a vital continuity of experi- ing the bright future of our Universi- dren in Maharishi School, she came She worked closely with then-direc- Passos, saying, “Those of you who have planning, synthesizing and analyzing ence and knowledge as the University ty,” Dr. Hagelin said. “They constantly to MUM with more than 12 years of tor Stan Lamothe, and then took over had the pleasure of working with Car- data for MUM’s 5-year strategic plan. expands and moves into the future.”
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Presentations Books and Journals
Faculty publish paper on mining techniques and platforms. His book Big Data Made Dr. Thimmaiah Dinesh Gyawali improving internet performance Accessible covers big data tools such as MapReduce, Spark Streaming, Hadoop, and NoSql. Both have been top sellers teaches agriculture to refugees on ayurvedic herbs Professors Renu- on Amazon. Professor A. Thimmaiah offered a Dinesh Gyawali traveled to a number ka Mohanraj and workshop in Fargo, North Dakota, to of conferences during the 2017/18 Steve Nolle pub- Sculpture Magazine features Bhutanese refugees, helping them to academic year to present the results lished a paper in professor Jim Shrosbree learn to grow their native foods while of his dissertation – a meta-analysis the International also learning to heal themselves and of research on the effectiveness of Journal of Wire- Faculty artist Jim Shrosbree was featured in the May 2018 the planet. Sponsored by Lutheran Ayurvedic herbs for cardiovascular less Communica- issue of Sculpture Magazine, an inter- Social Services, the workshop was the risk factors. He gave a poster presen- tions, Networking national monthly magazine dedicated first of five meetings with Dr. Thim- tation at a conference on integrative and Mobile Com- to all forms of contemporary sculp- maiah in which the refugees had the medicine in Baltimore sponsored by puting that presents a new control mechanism to fix net- ture. The article is related to profes- opportunity to learn about, and begin practicing, regener- the National Institutes of Health and other leading institu- work congestion. They offered an algorithm that analyzes sor Shrosbree's exhibit at Paul Kotula ative organic agriculture. The event was an emotional expe- tions. In Dallas he spoke at a conference sponsored by the data packet traffic and identifies the optimal communication Projects in Detroit and describes his rience for the refugees, Dr. Thimmaiah said. He was able to National Ayurvedic Medical Association, and at George- path for reducing data collisions, thereby increasing the ratio sculptures as non-representational, speak to them in Hindi, and because of the years he spent town University in Washington, DC, he gave an invited, of packets successfully transmitted – and ultimately improv- yet familiar, and being made of mate- in Bhutan introducing organic agriculture, he was familiar all-expenses-paid presentation on the scientific evidence for ing performance. rials such as clay, fabric, and even auto with the villages they were forced from in the early 1990s the effectiveness of ayurvedic herbs. body putty. In the extended interview, professor Shrosbree due to their having ancestry in Nepal. Professor Shad coauthors paper discusses the sources of inspiration for his work and how his on location data pieces resonate with the viewers. speaks in Denver Professor Shrosbree was also featured in issue 5 of Maake Dr. Maheshwari Professor Shafqat Ali Shad coau- Magazine. (See www.maakemagazine.com/jim-shrosbree.) Dr. Thimmaiah was invited by the Uberoi Foundation to presents on data analytics in thored a paper in the journal Applied In addition, he was awarded a competitive grant from the present at a conference that was focused on addressing issues Artificial Intelligence that showed how Pollock-Krasner Foundation, which provides financial assis- related to the environment, climate change, and sustainabili- South Korea to improve location data such as that tance to individual visual artists of established ability. ty from the perspective of the four dharmic traditions: Hin- Anil Maheshwari was invited to South Korea to present at used in mobile devices. The authors duism, Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism. Dr. Thimmaiah, the International Conference of Information Systems on proposed a method for predicting Faculty poems published in anthology a native of India, spoke from the perspective of Hinduism “Teaching data analytics from natural law.” He explained movement and building trajectories and the need to transcend from sustainable agriculture to the that teaching the multidisciplinary field of data analytics of the location of the mobile device. Faculty members Nynke Passi and Suzanne Vesely (retired) deeper level of regenerative organic agriculture. He explained requires an overarching framework that transcends and These trajectories then fill in the missing data. They suggest- are represented that inner sustainability is as important as outer sustainabil- subsumes all the referenced fields. He said that natural law ed converting geo-coordinates into semantic tags and also in a new anthol- ity and that people must change from within in order to provides an unchanging framework and a stress-free and using a clustering methodology to recover missing values. ogy that also in- change the world. Craig Pearson, MUM vice-president of ac- sustainable path to continued learning. He presented seven cludes nationally ademic affairs, was also invited to participate and was asked key natural law principles, along with examples of their ap- Anil Maheshwari’s books on big data renowned poets, to summarize the conference and make concluding remarks. plications in teaching data analytics. now published in Chinese with the proceeds benefiting those Two books by Anil Ma- in the world im- heshwari on big data pacted by terror- and data analytics that ist attacks and political oppression. were originally published Titled Carrying the Branch: Poets in Search of Peace, the by McGraw-Hill have book has been published by Glass Lyre Press of Glenview, now been published in Illinois. Other MUM poets represented include staff mem- Chinese editions by a bers Bill Graeser, Paul Stokstad, Rustin Larson, and Ken top tech publisher in Taiwan. His book titled Data Analyt- Chawkin. The anthology can be purchased on the publish- ics Made Accessible gives a concise and accessible overview er's website (goo.gl/cpb2dH) and on Amazon. of data analytics and provides a toolset of the major data
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Research Research
Increased blood flow to heart in Unique EEG patterns during Journal of Math and Consciousness cardiovascular patients transcending publishes second and third issues The Transcendental Meditation A study of EEG patterns during Two addi- underlying the modern-day concept of mathematical infini- technique was shown to increase the Transcendental Meditation tional issues ty is not sufficiently developed. Based on the wisdom of the blood flow in the hearts of subjects technique found evidence that the of the In- ancient sages and quantum field theory, he suggests that an recovering from a heart attack, ac- mind shifts between being lost in ternational underlying field gives rise to this sequence of numbers. And cording to a study led by Robert thought and experiencing transcen- Journal of he proposes a new axiom, called the Wholeness Axiom. Schneider, MD, FACC. Decreased dence. Coauthored by Fred Travis, Mathematics In his second paper, Dr. Corazza offers a mathematical blood flow to the heart is the main the study identified known “micro- and Con- model of pure consciousness. He shows that in a natural ex- problem in a heart attack, so re- states” in brain functioning – specif- sciousness pansion of the universe of mathematics by ideal elements, habilitation focuses on increasing ic EEG patterns in the brain, each have now there is a unique set Ω whose only element is itself, and that flow. The study was conducted in collaboration with one lasting 50-100 thousandths of a second – and compared been published. An issue published in the fall of 2017 fea- which is equal to the set of all possible transformations from physicians at Columbia Presbyterian Hospital in New York. the pattern of microstates during the experience of tran- tured a 200-page paper titled “The Magical Origin of Nat- itself to itself. All “real” mathematical objects can be seen to Dr. Schneider presented the results at the annual meeting scending to the pattern when the mind was off on thoughts ural Numbers” by Paul Corazza, and an issue published the arise from the internal dynamics of Ω. of the American Heart Association in Anaheim, California. during Transcendental Meditation practice. The study was summer of 2018 featured a paper by Cathy Gorini titled Dr. Gorini’s paper explores how topics such as symmetry, published in Human Brain Mapping. “Geometry for the Artist” and one by Dr. Corazza titled perspective, fractals, non-Euclidean geometries, and topolo- “Mathematics of Pure Consciousness.” gy are connected to art and how the understanding of con- Help for alcohol addiction Relief from post-traumatic stress In his first paper Dr. Corazza writes that the largest sciousness developed by Maharishi helps one to see connec- mathematical infinities, called large cardinals, are not well tions between art and geometry. A study coauthored by Sandy Nid- Veterans of the wars in Vietnam, understood in modern mathematics because the intuition The articles are available for free at ijmac.com/papers. ich and published in the Journal of Persian Gulf, Somalia, Iraq, and Af- Substance Abuse Treatment found ghanistan suffering from post-trau- that practice of the Transcenden- matic stress disorder (PTSD) Increased self-efficacy in Ugandan mothers tal Meditation® technique was able found significant relief from their A single-blind, controlled study led their children. Standardized measures found improvements to help those with an addiction to symptoms as a result of practicing by research professor Leslee Gold- in self-efficacy, perceived stress, and mental and physical alcohol. Subjects in the research the Transcendental Meditation stein showed that the Transcenden- quality of life. included 60 people who had been technique, according to a study led tal Meditation technique was able Further questionnaires after 8 and 36 months suggested admitted to a treatment facility, half by alumnus Robert Herron and to help 81 single, disadvantaged, that the women enjoyed improved health, better relation- of whom learned the Transcendental Meditation technique. published in Military Medicine. The 41 veterans and 5 ac- illiterate mothers in Uganda deal ships with others, and increased employment rates. Pub- The study found that those in the Transcendental Medita- tive-duty soldiers in the study had been diagnosed with with high levels of stress while im- lished in Health Care for Women International, the study was tion group were less likely to have returned to heavy drink- clinical levels of PTSD, as measured by the PTSD Check- proving their health, well-being, and coauthored by Sandy Nidich, Rachel Goodman, and David ing three months later. None of those who closely adhered list-Civilian (PCL-5). After one month, 87% had a clinically ability to support themselves and Goodman. to the recommended routine of meditating twice daily had significant decrease of more than 10 points. The reduction gone back to drinking heavily compared to 42% in the con- was so great that 37 participants (80%) had their symptoms trol group who had relapsed. reduced to below the clinical level for PTSD. The research was supported by funding from the Wege Foundation of Recognition Grand Rapids, Michigan, and the Maharishi Foundation.
Medical association recommends meditation for heart disease President Hagelin receives Doshi Bridgebuilder Award After a broad review of the scientific research, a September factors to cardiovascular disease, not just blood pressure. President John Hagelin received the Doshi Family Bridge- and disciplines. Dr. Hagelin was recognized for connecting 2017 scientific statement by the American Heart Associa- Compared to other meditations, the Transcendental Medi- builder Award as the culminating event at an Ayurveda con- modern science and spirituality. Mr. Doshi is an engineer, tion recommended meditation be considered to help prevent tation research was the most diverse and deepest, including, ference at Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles. attorney, and investor who has long been a leading propo- and treat heart disease as an adjunct to conventional care. for example, studies on improved atherosclerosis, decreased Named for its benefactors, Navin and Pratima Doshi, the nent of the Vedic heritage of India and its role in the modern Titled “Meditation and Cardiovascular Risk Reduction,” the insulin resistance, and reductions in the rate of heart attack, annual award honors an individual or organization dedi- world. His goal is to build bridges between East and West. statement surveyed research on all six of the contributing stroke, and death. See https://goo.gl/uwFNy5. cated to fostering understanding between cultures, peoples,
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Cinematic Arts Student Activities, Media and Communications Film screened, wins award Student-organized adventure quests at world’s top fantasy film festival highlight past year The thesis film by Agnes (Baginska) Peel- McGregor, a 2016 graduate of the David Lynch Graduate School of Cinematic Arts, premiered at the world’s top festival for fantasy in 2017. It was one of 23 short films out of over 2,000 submissions to make it into the Official Fantastic Selection of the Sitges International Fantastic Film Festival in Spain. Titled Last Tree Standing, the film also won six Awards of Excellence at the 2018 Iowa Motion Picture Association’s annual awards ceremony. It received the top award for di- rector (short-form), editing (short-form), original score, screenplay, soundtrack audio mix, and visual effects. In addi- tion, it was nominated for the 2017 Australian Screen Mu- sic Awards. The 30-minute film is the futuristic story of Treeman, a Magic, dance, art, puzzles, mysteries, food, music – two The quest began with an 8-minute video that introduced half-tree, half-man character in the year 2071, when all trees wildly popular adventure quests dreamed up by student Ha- the fictional adventure, including President John Hagelin are gone in a dystopian world except for the remnants em- ley Spitzfaden and alumnus Chris Grace were a highlight of reading from a diary in Gaelic. The video can be viewed at bodied by Treeman. Taken for a freak, he’s captured. But the year, offering fun and fostering camaraderie and a team goo.gl/eenhtt. A two-minute video with scenes from the then Lexie, played by Maharishi School’s Sage Jarmosco, spirit among the ethnically diverse student body. event is available at goo.gl/N5xdEe. embarks on a dangerous mission to free him. Modeled after Harry Potter’s Triwizard Tournament, the A quest in May involved over 150 students and included A two-minute trailer can be viewed at goo.gl/Mexpw7. Agnes Peel-McGregor at Sitges, ZPM Film two-hour MUM Quest in September plunged 80 students 1930s dress, live jazz, Italian cuisine, and then magic and a into a magical realm for two hours, during which the teams puzzle journey as teams raced each other to be the first to worked together to save Fairfield. Six teams trekked across catch a secret thief present on each team. Based on the plot campus to engage in challenges in four different locations, from the fall Quest, faerie mischief was very much afoot due with teams earning points based on the quality of their to a portal the students accidentally opened. A three-minute Students screen TV series, teamwork, enthusiasm, and achievement of goals. video is available at youtu.be/mFe_GIkQSIg. get jobs in Hollywood
A highly professional student-pro- dents had edited and produced their loved woodshop teacher, Edward Price, Students in the BFA in lishes poetry, fiction, and cre- duced TV series was screened at the series. A number of Hollywood veter- is killed in an isolated car accident.” Creative Writing program ative nonfiction. This first issue Orpheum Theater in Fairfield, and ans helped teach the program, includ- On the day of the funeral, storms Students published the first issue of also featured photos of sculp- soon after graduation several of the ing Bill Borden, who has produced and tornado warnings force the resi- publish literary Metafore, an online literary tures by artist Nicole Winning. seven graduates were already work- dozens of movies. dents to take shelter, with the various magazine magazine that featured an One of the goals is to include ing in Hollywood. The TV track in Titled The Next Town Over, the se- episodes revolving around the interac- accomplished group of in- diverse literary voices – includ- MUM’s David Lynch Graduate School ries is set in a small town in Iowa, and tions of those sheltering in locations ternational writers, including the American transcendental- ing the marginalized – and use of Cinematic Arts began in January begins with the town being “thrown such as the local church, a bar, and the ist poet Erik Pankey of George Mason University. It can be literature as a tool for humaniz- 2016, and by graduation 2017 the stu- into confusion and grief when the be- high school. viewed at www.metaforemagazine.com. The magazine pub- ing different communities.
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Business Management Sustainable Living
MBA team earns top score in global simulation Students build charging station for electric cars
A team of MBA accounting students fin- Eleven students in a course on energy and ished in the 99th percentile in an online sustainability built a charging station for integrated decision-making simulation electric cars. The station is attached to the that involved 1,271 master’s-degree-level Sustainable Living Center grid and uses ex- teams worldwide. Members included Ram cess energy from the wind turbine and solar Neupane (Nepal), Merveille Tiani (Camer- panels that power the building. The 40-amp oon), and Pondpat Tohsanguanpun (Thai- station is now the second one available in land). This is the 14th consecutive time over front of the Sustainable Living Center. Both the past seven years that at least one group of are free for anyone to use. The students MBA students has finished in the top tenth learned about volts, amps, joules, watts, percentile. Others in the top 10th percentile and ohms – and the mathematics needed included DePaul University, Indiana Univer- to compute usage requirements, enabling sity, Kansas State University, Pennsylvania them to calculate the energy requirements State University, and the University of Mas- of a solar installation. sachusetts. The simulation entails managing short-term and long-term metrics across eight rounds of decision-making, with each round representing one year.
Jagruti Solanki Receives Student earns prestigious Farm sells veggies via National CPA Award SAP certification membership program MUM alumna Jagruti Solanki MBA student Khoa Nguyen Students studying regenerative organic agriculture launched received the 2018 Innovative passed an extremely challeng- a membership program that delivered a weekly box of fresh Practitioner Award from the ing certification exam related to vegetables to subscribers. Referred to as community-sup- American Institute of Certified business process integration of- ported agriculture (CSA), the program entailed pre-pur- Public Accountants (AICPA) fered by SAP, the world’s leading chasing a share of the produce that the farm grew the 2018 and CPA.com for her role as a maker of software for managing season. A $320 membership provided members with $400 pioneer in blockchain account- business operations and cus- worth of produce during the 16-week growing season, in- ing at the CPA-led business ad- tomer relations. Professionals cluding lettuce, spinach, seasonal salad mixes, tomatoes, visory firm Aprio. skilled in applying SAP software peppers, cucumbers, zucchini, squash, broccoli, peas, culi- “Since Aprio began working with its first blockchain cli- in large corporations are highly sought worldwide. Specifical- nary herbs, and even flowers. Produce was also sold at the ent over five years ago, Jagruti stepped up and dove deep ly, Mr. Nguyen, who is from Vietnam, passed the SAP TS410 farmers market. The aim of the program is to provide sci- into the accounting nuances, developing best practices for exam, which is typically taken by SAP consultants and project entific knowledge and hands-on experience in regenerative our blockchain clients,” said Mitchell Kopelman, partner-in- managers. This exam verifies that the candidate has the core organic agriculture. charge of the Technology & Blockchain Practice at Aprio. knowledge about business processes and their integration using In recognition of her leadership, Jagruti was promoted to the SAP S/4HANA 1610 software. The management depart- partner on January 1, 2019. ment offers an MBA with a specialization in SAP in which the Jagruti is proud of receiving the AICPA award as a students learn about these powerful reporting and data analysis non-native woman in a male-dominant industry. She is also tools for decision-making, including the use of SAP Business- eager to support fellow MUM alumni and has helped place Objects enterprise software. The courses prepare students for an MBA student at Aprio. SAP certification exams and for professional positions.
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Sports Alumni News Alumni News
Aikido club members David Navarrete Janga Kowo named to Yodit Denekew progress toward black belt teaches Iowa architects top government post crowned Miss Ethiopia USA After passing the fifth level of testing Alumnus David Navarre- Janga Kowo, a 2010 gradu- at a seminar in Missouri, MUM Aiki- te (’92, ’93), who is direc- ate of the MBA in account- do Club president Megann Kammer- tor of research initiatives ing, was named Comptroller man and master’s student Mahmood and content development and Accountant General of Ali are making significant progress at Fairfield-based Sky Fac- the Republic of Liberia. Af- toward achieving a black belt. They tory (skyfactory.com), has ter graduation Mr. Kowo passed the 2nd Kyu test under the become an expert in using returned to Liberia and scrutiny of nationally acclaimed in- photo-realistic images of na- worked in a number of dif- structor John Chiarolanzio, bringing ture to alter people’s percep- ferent sectors, while also Megann Kammerman them within just one more level be- tion and experience of inte- becoming active in Con- fore beginning training for a black belt. Ms. Kammerman has been rior space. Sky Factory manufactures and sells ceiling gress for Democratic Change, the main opposition practicing aikido for two and a half years and Mr. Ali for four. Ai- and wall panels that give the illusion of viewing the political party. He was named the party’s National kido is a defensive martial art based on blending and harmonizing sky or nature scenes through a skylight or window. Secretary General. In December of 2017, his politi- with one’s practice partner. The MUM Aikido Club offers three He has presented at conferences, published in schol- cal party won the presidential elections, and the new training sessions a week for students, staff, and faculty. arly journals, and most recently presented a continu- president, George M. Weah, nominated Mr. Kowo ing education course at the Iowa Convention of the for the position of Comptroller and Accountant American Institute of Architects. General. The Liberian Senate then confirmed him Running club coach for the position. sets 5K record MUM running club Nathaniel Campbell Samantha Thomas coach Peter Manni- receives praise for his novel heads “Love Summit” si set an Iowa record with a time of 22:36 Nathaniel Campbell (2008) business conference in the 70+ age cate- is enjoying success with his Samantha Thomas (2011) gory in the 5K race debut novel, published in has created The Love Sum- Alumna Yodit Denekew (MBA 2015) was crowned at the Drake Relays. July 2017. It was number mit, an international busi- Miss Ethiopia at the 2017 Miss Ethiopia USA The previous record, one on the Chicago Tribune’s ness conference that brings Pageant in Washington, DC. The mission of Miss set in 2014, was “The ultimate summer together business, govern- Ethiopia USA is to recognize women who are 25:07. He not only reading list.” Titled ment, and thought leaders Found involved in promoting the Ethiopian culture and bested the 7 runners Audio and published by from around the world to in his age group, but Two Dollar Radio, it was discuss how love is a via- supporting humanitarian causes. As Miss Ethiopia also the 14 in the 65– reviewed twice by Publish- ble factor for improving USA, Ms. Denekew used her title as a platform 69 group and the 16 er’s Weekly, which called the triple bottom line of to empower young women to pursue higher competitors in the 60–64 group. He was the 45th overall finisher it a “bona fide literary page-turner” and included it business – people, planet, education. She implemented her plans under in the race among all age groups, comprising 721 runners. in their list of “Writers to Watch Fall 2017.” Kirkus and profit. Ms. Thomas is the aegis of the United Nations Entity for Gender Mr. Mannisi has been an important inspiration for the club, and Reviews described it as “A dizzying epistolary novel the executive director of DreamChange, a nonprofit Equality and the Empowerment of Women through members have enjoyed success competing in a number of 5K and about dreams, perception, and the human psyche.” organization founded in 1987 by bestselling author fundraising events and traveling to Ethiopia to 10K races. Students winning first-place medals in various races in- The book is a cerebral thriller that takes readers on a John Perkins to help raise humanity’s consciousness spread her message. She is currently working cluded Virginia Lagunas (in the 13–18 age group), Zara Colazio journey around the globe in search of the legendary and inspire more sustainable ways of living. See as an auditor at a public accounting firm in the (13–18 group), Tara De Santis (19–29 group), Sara Narantsetseg city of dreams, based on a series of mysterious audio dreamchange.org. Washington, DC area. See missethiopiausapageant. (20–34 group), and Nguyen Mau Khoa (20–34 group). recordings by an adventure journalist. com.
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Maharishi School Shristi Sharma Daniel Zhu Pranav Chhalliyil Wins science fair awards Named National Merit Finalist Selected to be science ambassador
Ninth-grader Shristi Sharma Senior Daniel Zhu was named Maharishi School 11th grader Pranav Chhalliyil was select- won first place in the Com- a National Merit Scholarship ed by the Biotechnology Institute in Washington, DC, to puter Science category at the finalist. He earned this distinc- be one of their ambassadors, which entails his promoting State Science and Technology tion by first being among the science education to kindergarten through 8th grade teach- Fair of Iowa with a project ti- top 16,000 of the 1.6 million ers and students. He was selected as a result of winning the tled “Phishing: Don’t Take the students nationwide who took Biotechnology Institute’s GenePool competition last year, Bait, Protect Your Sensitive a qualifying test – thereby be- his strong communication skills, and his volunteer work Information.” She also won an ing named a semifinalist. And teaching students in underdeveloped countries. Intel Excellence in Computer then, based on his meeting high Ambassadors in the BioGENEius Champions program Science and a $200 cash award. academic standards and other create videos that help teachers and their students under- Plus, she was invited to attend requirements, he was named a stand and apply the scientific method to a hypothesis. Each the Intel International Science finalist. video shows how a hypothesis can be scientifically investi- and Engineering Fair in Pittsburgh, PA. Finalists competed for more than 7,500 National Mer- gated. Teachers can then have their students replicate the Her research entailed sending fraudulent emails to em- it Scholarships worth $32 million offered by the National experiment. The videos become part of the BioGENEius ployees at five companies to see whether those companies Merit Scholarship Program, corporations and businesses, Champions web series and will be available online via the that had offered training to employees would be less vul- and the colleges that the students will be attending. Daniel institute’s YouTube channel. nerable. She found that the companies that had previously had already received a full scholarship from Grinnell Col- The Biotechnology Institute sent filming equipment to trained their employees were 4.5 times less likely to fall for lege, and was awarded an additional $8,000 scholarship due Pranav, and he recorded himself doing an experiment that the attacks. to his being named a National Merit Scholar. entailed extracting DNA from fruits like strawberries and explaining the scientific principles behind the experiment. “I’m honored to be a part of this He also took footage of various aspects of his life for a doc- wonderful program and promote umentary-style introduction about him. After recording, he Maharishi School named Iowa’s #1 private school sent the files to professional editors arranged by the institute. science education to K–8 school The focus of the program is to underscore the need to ap- students across the nation,” Pranav Niche.com has ranked Maharishi ply the scientific method to the natural curiosity of children. said. “And I enjoyed shooting a School #1 out of 35 best private “I’m honored to be a part of this wonderful program and video about everything I do, as well promote science education to K–8 school students across the high schools in Iowa and #1 nation,” Pranav said. “And I enjoyed shooting a video about as my community. I talked about out of 22 best private K–12 everything I do, as well as my community. I talked about my my project, meditation, school, schools. The rankings are based project, meditation, school, community service, my business, community service, my business, image consulting, cooking, painting, etc. It was a lot of fun, on an analysis of academic and image consulting, cooking, painting, and I’m grateful for the wonderful community here.” etc. It was a lot of fun, and I’m grateful student life information from the U.S. Department of Education, as well as test scores, In the video he also encouraged students to apply for for the wonderful community here.” college data, and ratings of users of the website. the Summer Bridge bioSTEM Champions Challenge, a vir- tual competition with focus on applying the scientific meth- —Pranav Chhalliyil The website gave Maharishi School an A+ in academics, college preparation, and od. Pranav also participated in the Iowa Regional Junior Sci- diversity, and an A in clubs and activities. They also ranked Maharishi School as #1 out ence and Humanities Symposium (JSHS) and won third the 56th National JSHS Symposium in Huntsville, Mary- of the 54 most diverse high schools in Iowa. place. Participants presented the results of original research land, where he earned fourth place. He presented a poster See www.niche.com/k12/maharishi-school-fairfield-ia. before a panel of judges and an audience of their peers. He that combined his findings from the past three years of re- received $1,000 and as well as an all expenses-paid trip to search on the oral microbiome.
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Maharishi School School students compete School tennis team in national rocketry event earns second at state competition
Team America Rocketry Competition in Washington, DC, recognized team coach Continuing a tradition of being one of the best teams in the state, the boys tennis Rick Rudloff with an Outstanding Advisor plaque. This year six teams from Iowa team made it to the state championship match. It was the team’s 14th appearance qualified for the national competition, with three being from Maharishi School. in the final – a state record.
The challenge in the Washington, DC, competition was to have their rocket fly to an altitude of 800 feet and return to earth in 41–43 seconds. Their rockets were required to carry two eggs. If the eggs broke during the flight, they were disqualified. The NASA competition involved sending a rocket one mile in the air while carrying a science experiment. Unfortunately, a crucial part broke during the flight, resulting in Mahari- shi School’s rocket’s staying aloft much longer than the target time. However, the team did receive sec- ond place for their educational en- gagement throughout the year. They educated the younger students about rocketry and built displays to show their accomplishments during farmers’ markets and during Fairfield First Fri- days. The student teams competing in Washington, DC, included eighth- Three teams of Maharishi School stu- an exact distance and stay aloft a specif- grade girls Elan Jenkins, Adel Cynolter, dents qualified for a national rocketry ic period of time – and descend gently and Drishikaa Thimmaiah; senior boys competition held in Washington, DC, enough to preserve the integrity of a Daniel Zhu, Kai Vessey, Karthik Ve- with two of the teams finishing in the fragile payload. mpati, and Li Wang; and Orion Riley, Continuing a tradition of being one of the best teams in the close match in the final. Daniel Zhu, the #3 player on the top 10 out of over 100 competitors, Due to the success of such a small Bella Unger, Bhavani Allison, and Hela state, the boys tennis team made it to the state champion- team, won the district competition and competed in singles earning 7th and 10th place. In addition, school competing nationally, the Team Holbert. ship match, losing to their perennial rival from Dubuque. It at state, losing in the second round to a seeded player, and last year’s 4th-place team was invited America Rocketry Competition in The NASA team included the four was the team’s 14th appearance in the final – a state record. then winning two matches in the consolation round to earn by NASA to compete in the 2018 Stu- Washington, DC, recognized team senior boys as well as Lulu Miller, Yenet The team also had a second-place finish in the separate state seventh. dent Launch held at NASA’s Marshall coach Rick Rudloff with an Outstand- Deribe, Deepika Vempati, and Shristi doubles competition, and a seventh-place finish in state sin- The other players on the team were David Zhang, Bha- Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Al- ing Advisor plaque. This year six teams Sharma. Miles Falk was also involved. gles. vani Allison, and Karthik Vempati. Ms. Allison played on abama. from Iowa qualified for the national An Alliant Energy Foundation grant The doubles team of Kai Vessey and Devan Burke qual- the boys team due to there not being enough players to field The competitions entail designing competition, with three being from of $1,250 helped support the students’ ified for state by winning the district championship, and a girls team this year. and building a rocket that will rise to Maharishi School. involvement in the competitions. then winning three matches at state before losing a very
44 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 45 DEVELOPMENT NEWS DEVELOPMENT NEWS News from the Development Office Wege Foundation grant of $524,000 Legacy Campaign Receives $7 ups total to over $1.4 million in gifts Million in Pledges Support from the Wege Foundation continues to flow to A new campaign that invites MUM supporters to give be- Maharishi University of Management, with a 2018 grant quests had reached $7 million in pledges by the spring of of $524,000 that brought the total to over $1.4 million in 2018. gifts. ”We’re very grateful for the response we’ve received,” said Inspired by MUM Trustee Laura Wege and Chris Wege, Brad Mylett, vice president of development. ”These precious the funds have been used for everything from fixing up the gifts as they continue to grow will help ensure a foundation Argiro Student Center to purchasing locally grown Maha- of stability that will keep MUM strong and viable for gen- rishi Vedic Organic produce for the dining hall. erations.” The Wege Foundation was established by the late Pe- Donors are making gifts to MUM via wills, charitable ter Wege, son of Peter M. Wege, who in 1912 founded trusts, life insurance, annuities, real estate, and other means. Metal Office Furniture, the company that became today’s MUM Trustee Laura Wege and Chris Wege According to the Legacy Giving website, these gifts can of- Steelcase, the world’s largest producer of office furniture. fer financial benefits, such as avoiding capital gains taxes on Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, the Wege Foundation donations of stocks, bonds, and real estate. Gifts can range has as its mission “Planting seeds that develop leaders in from a coin collection to a vacation cottage or land. economicology, health, education, and arts, and enhance the Those interested in planning a gift can now take advan- lives of people in West Michigan and around the world.” tage of MUM’s professional advisory committee composed ”This is the fourth consecutive year we have received of trust officers, attorneys, accountants, financial planners, grant support from the Wege Foundation, and we are so real estate brokers, and others who specialize in estate plan- grateful for these thoughtful, high-impact gifts,” said Craig ning. Pearson, vice president of academic affairs. Extensive information is available at mum.giftlegacy.com, pointment by calling (641) 472-1180 or emailing planned- ”We’re especially grateful to Trustee Laura Wege and Dr. including videos and calculators. In addition, those wishing [email protected]. Chris Wege for inspiring and helping facilitate these grants to speak with an expert financial advisor can set up an ap- from the Wege Foundation. The foundation has helped support and improve the University across the board – en- dowment, academics, facilities, energy, communication, and Annual Fund meets target of $2.25 MUM now accepting cryptocurrency more.” Of the current grant, about $200,000 is going toward million donations fixing up the Argiro Student Center and repairing Henn A few of the projects the Wege Foundation grant have sup- MUM and the University’s generous supporters achieved Cryptocurrencies such as bitcoin have become popular – Mansion. Another $100,000 is going toward the new solar ported. Clockwise - Argiro Student Center, solar array, locally the ambitious Annual Fund target of $2.25 million for the and are generating wealth for those who invested early or array that will help power campus. Improving education is a grown Maharishi organic produce, Henn Mansion 2017–2018 fiscal year. participated in mining them. major focus, with $100,000 earmarked for faculty and staff The Annual Fund is crucially important, supporting all In keeping with the times, MUM is now accepting do- development, such as attending professional conferences, size knowledge and develop critical thinking skills. aspects of the University’s operations and expansion — nations in the form of cryptocurrency.In 2009, one bitcoin conducting research, and bringing in outside experts to Past support has included donations toward the endow- from student scholarships to faculty salaries; from market- could be purchased for 6¢. In December of 2017, the price speak in classes. ment fund, construction of the Sustainable Living Center, a ing and admissions to designing and launching exciting new for one bitcoin was close to $20,000. Some feel that the Also, $25,600 is designated for purchasing locally grown 42,000 kilowatt solar array, training in interpersonal com- academic programs. price could go as high as $1 million by 2020. While no one Maharishi Vedic Organic vegetables. The funding includes munication and leadership, and roof repair for the women’s Thanks to your support this past year, we enrolled a to- knows what will happen, those who are bullish on crypto- $45,000 for improvements to faculty on-campus housing dome. In addition, in 2004 the late Peter Wege personally tal of 1,800 new and continuing degree-seeking students; currency – and are eager to endow MUM with a stake in the and $36,000 for Maharishi School to support program and donated $50,000 to help fund the installation of geother- our spring semester saw a 70% increase in standard under- cryptocurrency future – can now donate bitcoin and other instructional development. In addition, $17,500 will go to- mal heating and cooling systems for several small dormi- graduate and graduate students compared with the previous cryptocurrencies. ward helping create interdisciplinary learning communities tories. spring. For more information and a step-by-step guide, see giv- – a new approach to education that helps students synthe- For more information, see wegefoundation.com. ing.mum.edu/how-to-give-digital-currency.
62 | MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT UNIVERSITY REPORT 2017-2018 | 63 MAHARISHI UNIVERSITY OF MANAGEMENT 1000 NORTH FOURTH STREET FAIRFIELD, IA 52557
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