Ed Powers and Milano alum Rachel Dawn Fudim-Davis
This spring, Ed Powers will complete his 32nd year, and last semester, on the Milano faculty. The Milano Management programs invite members of the university community to save the date of June 4th for an evening reception honoring Ed.
Ed has a distinguished career both inside and outside Milano and has provided extensive service to the Milano Management programs, university community, and his profession. A specialist in developing competency models, Ed has taught management, leadership, organizational change and development at Milano. Over the years, he helped shape the change management and leadership curriculum. He found time to serve two terms on The New School Faculty Senate. Most significantly, he has modeled the way for many students and teaching colleagues earning The New School’s first University Teaching Excellence Award in 1988 and, later, the initial Milano alumni’s Teaching Excellence Award.
Ed brings extensive experience as an executive in nonprofit organizations and as a management consultant to his teaching. His consulting practice focuses on helping individuals and organizations achieve their highest potential in service of human good. He has worked through the years to support and advance many social change initiatives. His writings and research are in the field of organizational and executive development as well as in religious practice.
We invite you to celebrate the remarkable career of Ed Powers and send him your best wishes.
Leave a Celebratory Message below and read what others are saying about Ed’s 32-year Milano career.
45 comments
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Hillary
May 1, 2013 at 3:19 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Congratulations, Ed! We are really going to miss you around here.
Faith
May 2, 2013 at 8:32 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed–Congrats! Milano, the OCM program especially, will not be the same without you. You were the first person, be it faculty or administration, that embraced me. You’ll always have a special place in my heart and I wish you all the best.
With love,
Faith
Erica Kohl-Arenas
May 6, 2013 at 12:43 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed-
Congratulations! I will miss you though
You are a truly inspiring, genuine, and deep human being. Thanks so much for welcoming me and even standing up for me on occasion! Your presence will be missed at Milano but hopefully we will stay in touch.
Best, erica
Anjali
May 6, 2013 at 12:52 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed – I’m so glad I was at Milano for your last two years of teaching here! Your impact on my experience was immeasurable. The Milano community and particularly the OCM program won’t be the same without you.
– Anjali
Scott Gassman
May 6, 2013 at 4:51 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Congratulations Ed for your gifts: your role model inspiration, your commitment to seeing the best in all and for being a tireless worker for change.
Aida Rodriguez
May 6, 2013 at 6:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed-
I will miss you. You have always been generous with your knowledge – helping both faculty and students as needed. Thanks for helping me with my courses many times. I still use the teaching tools you share with me years ago. You are a true expert in your field. We will find no one to replace you. Your willingness to stick with us all of these years is the sign of a committed, caring teacher and mentor. Milano is your family, please visit often.
Hasta pronto,Aida
Claudia Sampson
May 6, 2013 at 7:16 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed,
You’re a remarkable human being with the spirit of an eagle and the heart of a lamb. You’ve astonished me with your deep reservoir of memories, intellectual heft that I could hardly contain my amazement at hearing you rattle off all those terms in your Foundations class which was the first of many classes I took with you. I’ve learned so much from you and have tried to model your teachings and behavior. I like everyone whose life you’ve touched will miss your gleefulness and generosity. May you continue to bless others as you have blessed us with your wisdom and humanity.
Mary Watson
May 6, 2013 at 8:42 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed,
There are no words sufficient to say how much your colleagueship has meant to countless people at Milano, and me.
I have watched you over the years use your gentle, unassuming, and insightful grace to guide those around you to more positive and hopeful action. Many times I have been the fortunate recipient of your generosity; often I wasn’t even aware what was happening until long afterwards. This is the genius of your method.
I can’t imagine a Milano without you.
Mary
Bonnie McEwan
May 6, 2013 at 10:41 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed,
You have been a role model for me since I was a student, and you continue to set an example for me as a faculty member. I have very much enjoyed our occasional collaborations, as well as our more casual chats. Milano will not be the same without you.
All the best to you, always!
Jessica
May 8, 2013 at 10:23 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I feel fortunate that I had the opportunity to take a course from you in your last semester at Milano! Best wishes for all that lies ahead.
Tori L.
May 9, 2013 at 11:25 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed – All my best to you, as you having always given us YOUR best here at Milano.
Your warm presence, and genuine concern for our professional and personal development will truly be missed. Thanks for your service!
Robin
May 9, 2013 at 1:00 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Thank you for being such a great role model! We will miss you and your warm presence so much.
Kerry O.
May 9, 2013 at 11:52 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Congratulations, Ed! Thank you for being a terrific yet humble teacher, leader, and role model. You inspired me to enroll in the OD certificate program and I will always be grateful. May the universe give back to you all of the goodness you have contributed to it.
Kerry
Neil Grabois
May 10, 2013 at 9:56 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed,
Your wonderful comments at today’s faculty meeting brought home to me, once again, the extraordinary service you have given to Milano for the last 32 years. Although I have been the beneficiary of your wisdom for only 3 of these years, I have been grateful for every one of them. You have all my best wishes and hopes for a long and rewarding retirement.
Neil
Lisa Servon
May 10, 2013 at 11:47 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed- It has been so wonderful to work with you during the time we’ve both been at Milano. I so admire the work you do in and out of the classroom, your principles, your integrity. I will miss you a great deal, especially our “water cooler” chats on the 7th floor. I will be in Barcelona on June 4 so will miss your party, but know that I am there in spirit.
Be well-
Lisa
Bret Freedman
May 10, 2013 at 12:09 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed –
Working with you are some of my fondest memories of Milano – it will not be the same place without you – wishing you a happy, exciting and fun well deserved retirement.
– Bret
Sue Bostwick
May 10, 2013 at 12:19 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Since I’ve worked with Ed, he has had grandfathered status. In Ed’s case that goes way beyond a simple employment classification. When it comes to Ed, you get some sense of the meaning from the dictionary definition: the person who founded or originated something. Ed has done that time and time again in the relatively short time that I’ve known him. How can you thank someone who gives so much to this place and the people he touches? It seems pretty inadequate, but all I can say is: Thank you Ed.
Gennie Sanchez
May 10, 2013 at 2:01 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed,
Thank you for truly being an inspiration and mentor. Congratulations and all the best in your retirement. You are the heart of the OCM program!!!!
Thank you,
Gennie
Wayne Everbeck
May 11, 2013 at 12:10 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed,
You are a fantastic teacher and role model. Your passion is a breath of fresh air.
Love,
Wayne Everbeck
Janelle Farris
May 13, 2013 at 11:40 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Wow! My first paper as a consultant will be based on what I learned and then applied from theories I learned as a student in your class. I am blessed to have caught you before you retired! Thank you for laying the foundation of my practice, and your support of my work toward achieving my personal career goals. I will remember you and am grateful.
Debbie Douglas
May 14, 2013 at 11:06 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed You were one of my favorite professers at The New School. I really enjoyed the classes I took with you. Not only were you very relatable and could pose the content in a relatable and “real world” way; you were a pleasure to learn from. Thank you! Best of luck with everything.
Carol Sage-Silverstein
May 14, 2013 at 11:10 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
My dear Ed,
It has been too long. I wish I could be there to celebrate you in person so will drink a glass of champagne in your honor. My very best to you. ,Please keep in touch. I miss you.
With Love,
carol
Patrick J. Clark
May 14, 2013 at 11:15 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Dr. Powers,
As a student in your Human Resources graduating class of 1981, I wanted to congratulate you on your stellar career, all of the awards bestowed upon you and thank you for being part of my professional life. I will not be able to attend your farewell function on June 4th, and wanted to wish you all the happiness and health in your retirement.
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Clark, MHR class of “81”
Patrick J. Clark
May 14, 2013 at 11:20 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Dr. Powers,
I will not be able to attend your farewell function on June 4, 2013 and wanted to take the opportunity to congratulate you on your stellar career, all of the awards bestowed upon you and wish you excellent health and happiness in your retirement. While I only had one class with you, back in the day, your program has left a lasting impression with me all through my professional career. Thank you!
Sincerely,
Patrick J. Clark, MHR class of “81”
Phyllis Riddle
May 14, 2013 at 11:16 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed, you are the one teacher who has a special place in my memory of the NEW SCHOOL experience. Thanks so much for your love of teaching. It was wonderful to be in your classes.
Wendy Latman
May 15, 2013 at 10:45 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed,
It has been many years since we last communicated, but I always think of you. You were not only my teacher and my mentor, but you were also my friend and I will never forget that. You have had an amazing influence on so many lives, and I am fortunate to have been one of them. I wish I could be there on June 4th, but know that you will be in my thoughts. I am confident you are going to live your retirement years as richly as you lived your professional years. I rejoice for you.
All the best,
Wendy Latman
May 15, 2013 at 10:55 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Congratulations Ed! It certainly won’t be the same here without you. Thank you for being so welcoming and kind. I hope for all the best for you.
Sincerely,
Andrea kelsey
Sarah Lawrence
May 15, 2013 at 11:20 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed, congratulations on the completion of this epic chapter, and how exciting that a new one is about to begin! I’m personally celebrating by starting a new job that week, which I think is fitting, considering all I learned from you. So I’m going to try to attend your celebration on June 4, but should the new job prevent me, please know that I still send my very best, and thank you!
Lisa Locke
May 20, 2013 at 9:39 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed,
You’ve been a wonderfully supportive mentor both during and after my time at Milano, and a shining example of how to bring out the best in others. (I want to be just like you when I grow up!) I’m disappointed to miss the June 4th event and the chance to thank you in person. I cannot imagine Milano without you. Enjoy this next chapter!
Warmly, Lisa
Sakiko Fukuda-Parr
May 20, 2013 at 2:35 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed, It is sad that you will be leaving us. I appreciated so much the warm welcome you showed me as a colleague when I joined Milano as Associate Dean. Very best wishes for the future.
Sakiko
David Howell
May 20, 2013 at 3:14 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed, it’s hard to believe that you’re retiring – was sure you’d outlast me!!! You’ve been a fantastically important member of Milano’s faculty, and not just for your teaching and advising. You were an important voice in the early years of the faculty senate and I really appreciate all the work you’ve done on governance, both at the university level and for Milano. I will be in Uzbekistan (believe it or not) on June 4th, but I’m sure I’ll see you around. Stay in touch! All the best, David
Arpan Munier
May 20, 2013 at 9:05 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Professor Powers,
I regret that I will not be able to attend and thank you in person for your enormous contribution to the New School.
You are a quiet force and a generous teacher – it was a privilege to have been guided by your deep knowledge and passion for OCM.
You are super cool and I wish you all the very best as the journey continues!
Arpan from Beijing
Antonin Wagner
May 21, 2013 at 5:31 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed:
I am still in my sabbatical in distant Switzerland and so will not be able to attend the June 4th event organized in your honor. So, once more, I have to use electronic means to express to the the appreciation I have for you as a colleague, a pedagogue, and — above all — as a role model in caring for your students. I will miss you upon returning from my sabbatical and reassuming teaching in the fall.
Antonin Wagner
David Hughes
May 28, 2013 at 2:02 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed.
I wish you all the very best going forward. You will be greatly missed by everyone here at Milano, even as everything you have taught continues to influence what happens. And that is a very good thing.
David Hughes
Dale HIsiger
May 28, 2013 at 2:24 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed.
So sorry not to be able to bestow my best wishes to you in person. As the saying goes, “…you had me at hello…” From the moment I audited your class, to the papers on Color Theory and Lewin’s Frames, the passion and integrity with which you teach ignited my own interest in Change Management and Organizational Development. Thank you for the level of effort you put into teaching. You are a steward of the profession as well as the consummate gentleman.(Can’t find many of those these days!)
Enjoy the next chapter. I know you’ll always be an agent for Change no matter where life takes you.
Keep in touch with me on LinkedIn.
With warmth and appreciation,
Dale Hisiger (2009-2011)
Sheila Webb-Halpern
May 28, 2013 at 8:14 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed, Milano won’t the same without you. You are an incredible advisor, professor, and leader. Thank you for giving so much to me and so many others – your devotion, knowledge, wisdom, stories, humor, and extraordinary support and guidance. I won’t forget all I learned about leadership from you. It was a privilege studying with you. I will always remember you with fondness and appreciation. Best wishes for your next chapter! With love, Sheila
Toula Ousouljoglou
May 28, 2013 at 8:55 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed,
Congratulations on your retirement! I am in awe of all you have done to shape the OCM Program and support those who have been a part of it. Managing the Client-Consultant Relationship is just one example of your wonderful work — thank you for the opportunity to teach this important class and to learn from you. Milano will forever feel your presence, and, at the same time, won’t be the same without you. I won’t be able to join you on the 4th, but am sending you my warmest regards and best wishes! Cheers! Toula
Eleanor Cicerchi
May 29, 2013 at 10:17 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed, I regret that I need to be at home in Corning when your send-off party is occurring. I shall certainly miss you, especially those recent Monday night chats in your office, when it seemed that we were back in the 80s — you the teacher, I the apt student. I have used many of the lessons you taught at work and in my own classes. And every Martin Luther King Day I recall fondly your showing your own video of Dr. King giving his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech, then discussing his persona, the world as it was then, and the impact he had on all of us. You taught us much more than management — and have been a strong, steady rudder through so many changes at Milano.
Eleanor Cicerchi
May 29, 2013 at 10:27 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed, I regret that I need to be at home in Corning on June 4. I will miss seeing you at faculty meetings and around the campus. You have been a steady presence at Milano through countless changes — and a reassuring presence for me since the 80s. I will especially miss those recent Monday evening chats, when we briefly had the whole floor at 72 Fifth to ourselves and the world to discuss. I will always remember your showing your own video of Martin Luther King delivering his iconic “I had a Dream” speech and then leading us through a discussion of Dr. King’s personna, the world he lived in, and his impact on all of us. As many have said here, you have taught us so much more than management.
Eleanor Cicerchi
May 29, 2013 at 10:32 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
I am sorry that I need to be at home in Corning on June 4 and will miss your send-off. I will miss you a great deal, espcially those recent Monday night chats, when it seemed we briefly had the top floor of 72 Fifth to ourselves and the world to discuss. I will always remember your showing your own video of Martin Luther King delivering his iconic “I Have a Dream” speech and then leading us through a discussion of Dr. King’s personna, the world he lived in and his effect on all of us. As many of us had said here, you taught us so much more than management!
Kate Brown
May 30, 2013 at 10:24 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed,
I really can’t imagine a Milano without you. You are an incredible teacher and role model. Thank you for all that you taught me and how you challenged me to think differently. It was an absolute privilege to be in your classes.
I just had my second child and can’t be there on June 4, but will be thinking of you. Enjoy!
Best of luck with the next chapter.
Kate
Nidhi Srinivas
June 2, 2013 at 1:30 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Dear Ed
As you know, I am unable to attend your farewell reception, to my great regret. I am traveling through Spain at the moment, and will be in a small Basque town on the day of your reception. The Basques are a people with a long history: they cherish their traditions but are open to learning and change; they take care of their own but seem to welcome outsiders; they enjoy life and yet look towards the long duration of matters. These qualities I just mentioned are of course qualities I also associate in you, an ability to savor life and yet to consider the implications of what we do now, for our shared futures; a sensitivity to community, and also to differences; and always a gentle humility that can be quite disarming, but is based in a sense of certitude.
There are so many aspects of your presence in our life in Milano that we will miss; I read through the letters just now from my colleagues and from students. One aspect that strikes me keenly is your sense of perspective, of how you are able to bring forth layers of history when speaking of a matter, and of how sincere is your commitment to matters of justice and equality. You remain a reminder of the importance of courtesy, experience and decency in collegial life. Thank you for all that you have offered us.
nidhi
Robert Shupe
June 4, 2013 at 5:59 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Ed,
Congratulations on your retirement. You made a difference in my life, as well as many others. Thanks for being an amazing teacher and an inspiration. You have left a legacy of change agents. You will be missed!
Robert
Unza Postell
June 5, 2013 at 11:17 am (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Congratulations Ed! You will surely be missed. You were extremely instrumental in shaping my love for HR. I learned a great deal from you and you were always willing to share your feedback, experiences and challenge and expand my mind. I am forever grateful to have been a student of yours. I wish you continued success in the next chapter of your life.
Regards,
Unza (Shipman) Postell
Class of 2005
Mary Fasulo
June 21, 2013 at 2:55 pm (UTC -4) Link to this comment
Congratulations on your retirement Dr. Powers. You were my professor for 2 courses in 1999 and I learned so much. I truly hope that you have a wonderful future in your beyond teaching years ! All the very best to you.
Mary (Ryan-Williamson) Fasulo
Class of 2000