Executive had ear of president, prof's advice

J>eremy Blachman,B.S. '86, has it all worked out. Opportunities, whether in business or education, shouldn't fall by the wayside. He followed this vision throughout his years as a UB student and, later, in a successful career in finance.

Today, Blachman, who also holds an M.B.A. from Columbia University, is vice president of integrated business services for Houston-based Enron Corp., which operates one of the largest natural gas transmission systems in the world. He resides in Houston with his wife, Lauren, and daughter, Abigail.

After receiving his UB degree in finance and management information systems, Blachman went on to a management training program at Bankers Trust Co. on Wall Street, where he was named head of trade financing. In 1988, his work took him to Hong Kong to sell cash management products for the firm.

According to Blachman, his career was sparked by his experiences as a campus leader in the early to mid-1980s. Looking for a challenge, he took on the position of director of academic affairs for the Undergraduate Student Association. This role brought him in regular contact with Claude E. Welch, UB distinguished service professor of political science, then and now chair of the Faculty Senate.

Welch had a clear perception of students' needs, said Blachman, and how UB's leadership could better meet those needs. With Welch's assistance, Blachman produced Student Course and Teacher Evaluation (S.C.A.T.E.), a class registration guide for students. "Welch's help and intellect were an important driving force and influence throughout my undergraduate education," Blachman said.

An active member and eventually president of Alpha Delta Phi, Blachman became involved in early plans to form a "fraternity row" at the North Campus, which at the time did not have a Student Union.

Blachman also had the opportunity to work with Steven B. Sample, former UB president, now president of the University of Southern California. "I believe Dr. Sample had a distinct vision for what was needed to bring UB to a level competitive with other large universities," said Blachman. "He also showed great concern for students and their activities."