Wharton Journal

Issue date: 4/20/09 Section: Insider

Last month, we all had the opportunity to learn about a very special man. One year ago, the Wharton community lost a dear member. On that day, less than a year after receiving his MBA from Wharton, Dr. Joel Portnoy, WG'07, passed away unexpectedly from pneumonia. He left behind a wife, two children, and at the time, his third unborn child.

During his time at Wharton, Joel had a far-reaching impact on the lives of students, faculty members, friends, and the community at large. Joel possessed an uncanny ability to make things seem effortless, considering his various commitments and obligations.

While balancing the family obligations of a father with two young children at home, he was deeply involved in Wharton activities. He was an incredibly ambitious and driven person, and above all extremely selfless. He was a true inspiration to those around him.

In commemoration of Joel's life and contributions to The Wharton School's MBA Program, his classmates have established the Dr. Joel Portnoy Scholarship Award with the aim of continuing his legacy by passing the torch to a first year student who contributes dearly to our Wharton community and who possess similar traits.

While reading his story, I could not think of a more appropriate candidate to continue Mr. Portnoy's legacy than Mr. Gilad Shany, WG'10. Gilad came to Wharton with his wife and three year old twins after a long career at the Israeli Air Force, where he led the Aerial Defense Section and was F-16 Jet Pilot. From the first day at Wharton, Gilad took every possible initiative to contribute to the Wharton community in many ways and to as many students as possible whenever he was asked for help.

During the last eight months, Gilad coordinated the Winter Welcome Weekend and contributed dearly to the admission committee by offering breakthrough ideas to improve the admission application process. His recommendations are now in the process of implementation. Next year, Gilad will continue his contribution to the admission committee as a Graduate Assistant, and will lead the class of 2011 as a Leadership Fellow. Moreover, he is playing a central role in the Investment Management Club as the VP of Career Management, and represented Wharton in various national competitions. All of these activities while balancing with his family commitments.

Gilad and I were very close throughout the first year. Our recruiting efforts were focused on the same industry, while even our kids go together every day to the same preschool program. I had the opportunity to witness his dedication and contribution in many instances. As a selfless individual, he set aside time from his extremely tight schedule to help struggling classmates meet both academic and recruiting objectives, while working diligently to secure handful of internship opportunities (despite not having any experience in the investment management field), and earning the Director's List distinction in the first semester at school.

Gilad's rare combination of community involvement, accomplishments, and selflessness portray that Dr. Portnoy's torch is definitely in good hands.

Thank you my friend, from ALL of us, the class of 2010.

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