I knew Mr. Brad Bodenhausen in a meeting between E-MBA students and the local Chamber of Commence Sep, 2008. Then he came to our classroom to offer a lesson: The Difference and Same Between American and Chinese Culture for us in 2009.
Then, in May or June, My private tutor and friend Mr. Gong Xiaoou recommended me to Mr. Brad Bodenhausen, and Mr. Brad Bodenhausen took us to meet Ms. Leah Hamilton, the former Executive Director of Springfield Regional Art Council. Both of the Chamber of Commerce and the Art Council would like to be the sponsors of my first art exhibition with the title: in Creamery Art Center of Springfield, MO, USA, Sep 4 to Sep 26, 2009.
Then, before the art Exhibition was opened. It was Mr. Brad Bodenhausen and Mr. Gong Xiaoou took me to the National Art Store to discuss how to decorate my paintings; then also it was him, to pay the fee of the decoration in person.
Then, with his wife and son together, they attended the opening ceremony of the art exhibition.
Then, in May, 2010, during I had another art exhibition in Missouri State University, he attended the reception, connected a local magazine, and introduced me to know Mr. Joe Jenkins, and helped me to save 64 pieces of my paintings in Springfield before I went back China ahead my plan because of my health problem.
If saying, the study in Missouri State University offered me a good education and helped me enter a wider international world to develop myself as a business student, then, the first art exhibition and the first demonstration and teaching jobs in the local public schools and the art center, really made me realize the value of my cross-culture and comprehensive art learn, study and exploration. Found the road that I would like to go in my rest of life.
The first art exhibition and the related teaching jobs in Springfield Sep, 2009 was really the milestone of my life,
With so many appreciations to Mr. Bodenhausen and Chamber of Commence, I visited and interviewed Nov 5, 2013.
With many smiles, we talking for about 2 hours. Once more, with a wide international view and much knowledge, Mr. Bodenhausen answered my questions. What I most impression on the relationship between an American Chamber of Commerce and the local government and business. and why Springfield earned the name of “Missouri’s economic engine.”
As a senior manager who has rich experience in international business field, Mr. Bodenhausen now has changed his most of work into Missouri State University, his career plan for his future 30 years is to share his international working experience with more business local and international students.
I do hope Mr. . Bodenhausen, his wife and child will be happier, luckier and more successful.
If you have any questions, comments and suggestions, please write to
shirley@ebridge.cn . You are welcome to publish your opinions in
Message Board as well.
Shirley Yiping Zhang
Nov 11, 2013