Page 47 - Salesianum - Distinguished Gentleman - Summer 2020

When asked what he is most excited about, Anderson says: “I’d have to say it’s the merging of traditional STEM programs with entrepreneurship and empathy. Students are creating human-centric products using design thinking. They’re tackling ill-defined problems, the type that adults in today’s world are constantly presented with at the workplace, and using divergent
thinking to creatively solve them.”
Anderson has reached out to various industry and academic leaders regarding STEM-related programs to help keep Salesianum’s curriculum cutting-edge. As a result, he has developed relationships with faculty members from Arizona State University, Stanford University, the University of Delaware and JP Morgan Chase’s leadership team.
These relationships have brought tangible value to his classroom. Recently, students were trained in AGILE methodology by volunteers from JP Morgan Chase’s Innovation Center. AGILE methodology places a focus on continuous collaboration and interaction with individuals involved with a product. It can encompass a wide range of people, from designers to a product’s customers. Project management work is often done
in short “blasts” so that revisions and new iterations
are easier to produce. The concept’s foundation is
that constant interaction, open communications and efficient processes are the best way to meet stakeholders’ needs, resulting in products that customers really want.
Anderson also brings in regular speakers, such as patent lawyers and CEOs from various companies, for interactive class discussions, so that students can hear from top leaders on trends, demands and the challenges facing their industries.
“It’s an honor to interact with such amazing students at Salesianum. They are the ones creating and doing the heavy lifting,” Anderson says. “I’m a guide-on-the- side and it’s amazing to see their ideas become reality. I’m thankful to be Salesianum’s Arts & Innovation Department chair, a position where I can empower teachers in addition to students.”
JP Morgan Chase volunteer product reviewers. Left to right: Mike Carr P ’19, ’21 Executive Director, Wealth Management Technology; Nick Chantler ’96 Executive Director, CIB Technology; Diane Rogerson P’17 P’19, Global Head — Security & Technology.
SALESIANUM. WHERE MODERN MEN BEGIN. 45