Bill's recent GSIs gather to reminisce

We spent the night talking, eating, reminiscing, crying, drinking and laughing. We knew Bill was with us. It was hard to believe that we had sat with Bill in that very room on Ashby not so long ago planning the Fall 2008 Leadership communication class for the incoming 2010 MBAs.

Bill inspired us and loved us, but most importantly he taught us how to live life to its fullest. We’ll try to live life a little harder, take time to pause in both speaking and reflecting occasions, and as Bill would always quote, be the change in the world we want to see.

We look forward to celebrating the life of Bill Sonnenschein.

Omar, Mira, Will, Carrie, Jenny, Adrian, Jenn, Rachel, Morgan, Samir, Pedro, and Adrian
GSIs for Leadership Communication, Haas School of Business, Fall 2008

Bill's Passion and Commitment

There is a lovely article on Bill in the Daily Cal:
www.dailycal.org/article/103963/haas_lecturer_remembered_for_his_passion_and_commi

Authenticity and Passion

It has been very difficult for me to think about Bill without getting emotional, which explains why it took me so long to write this. Reading all the wonderful tributes here made me miss Bill even more.

From the first moment that Bill stood on the stage during Communications Camp last August (2008), I have been his fan. Since then, I learned SO MUCH about being authentic and passionate in my communications. My only regret is not working with Bill more during the semester.

I still remember the last time I spoke with Bill, walking back to Haas from the Faculty Lunches. We spoke about my thoughts on his class and ways that he could improve it. He also told me that not only should our communications be filled with passion, we should also pursue things that we believe in, and not let excuses get in the way. In the end, he added that he was very sad not to be around Haas to hold special seminars and teach us throughout the Fall and Spring Semesters like he always had. After encouraging me to apply to be his GSI next fall, we parted ways.

Little did I expect that was the last time I would talk to Bill one-on-one. Little did I know that the inspiring advice he gave me was his last. And little did I know I would never be able to learn more from him by being his GSI.

Bill's passing is a great loss to his friends, family, and the Haas community. But even though he is no longer with us, his teachings and his life stories will live on in all of us and continue to motivate, inspire, and support all who have been lucky enough to have known him.

Bill, even though you're gone, I am heartened to know that you stayed true to who you are and what you believed in all the way to the end. That is what authenticity is all about.

I will truly miss you...

Feeding my body and my mind

Dear Bill, my teacher and mentor,

When I read of your passing I was so shocked, the world seemed muted. I felt like thick gauze was in my ears and covering my eyes - the same feeling I get when I leave a rock concert... and I know you know this feeling because you used to manage rock bands. Over time, the gauze feeling has gone, but I am still saddened. The world is a duller without you.

Because you are such a foodie, I wanted to thank you for the food you've given me over the past 2 years. I had my fair share of meals with you - pizza, burgers, breakfast, Ethiopian, Thai, and Indian - but the food I could never get enough of was for my mind. As your student, I will take the following Ghandhi quote with me forever - "Be the change you want to see in the world." As your GSI, I will never forget your stamina. We had that one five-hour meeting to tear your syllabus apart and build it back nearly the same as it was, and it seemed like your energy never flagged, even though by hour 3 I was already cross-eyed. And as your mentee, I will never forget your honesty. At 59, you lived your passions. It is sad, but I could not have imagined a more pure way for you to pass. Doing what you love. I hope got to see the Rosy Periwinkle. In fact, I hope I get to see it one day.

The world may be a bit duller, but your light will stay strong with me.

With much love,

Will

Making a difference

I was so sad to hear the news about Bill.

Bill not only inspired me during my time at Haas but was also an essential part in making my transition from working in banking to work in international development. He was someone who never lost his passion for life and the things he cared about. Bill taught me so much at Haas as a professor but also as a friend. Even now, I always think of him when writing a speech: "Never be a fake - you can only communicate something you truly feel passionate about". Bill knew how to "make a difference".

My partner and I will miss his drop-in visits in London and here in Ethiopia. We had hoped we could have met somewhere in Africa since we all were on the same continent. We will always remember Bill as someone who lived his life in full, achieved so much, and never compromised on doing the right thing. He lived a life to be proud of and we were lucky to be touched by him. We will miss him greatly.

The 3 main lessons I've learned from Bill that made me a better communicator...

On behalf of Jamie Cortes:
Be Authentic
Take Risks
Tell Stories

And these are the 3 main lessons that have helped make a difference in my life...

Everyday I strive to be real with myself and others, I take risks to get better, and daily connect with my customers and loved ones with nothing but stories because of Bill. His lessons have become a real part of my life. It's truly amazing how he made that much of an impact. Bill really was an extraordinary professor and person. He definitely made his mark in the world and let's always remember these lessons that were very important to him. Thank you Bill, from the bottom of my heart. I will always remember you. Rest in peace.

He treated everyone with respect

On behalf of Elliott Kim, Haas undergrad 2007:
If I may, I would like to share an experience I had with Professor Sonnenschein.

He was special to me for a couple of the biggest reasons. He was one of my favorite Haas professors. He embodied the life that I thought was exemplary of a model citizen. He was a fresh face of among pretentious, self-serving and insecure professors and students alike.

He was one of the first Haas/Berkeley professors I had gotten to know when I took my first Haas class in summer of 05. On the first day of class, he asked for a volunteer to become a class representative. I looked around for a split second, and noticing that no one was taking the responsibility, I raised my hand. Frankly, I didn't think much of it because I was the only one.

One of the first things he said was he won't change his grading scale. This was in response to what he knew was quite unpopular grading process. If I remember correctly, it was something about not being able to give everyone in your project group a 100%. You only had enough points to give out so that having it evenly distributed meant everyone got around 85%. As a class rep, I was the liaison between the class and the professor. One day, I asked for 10 minutes before a class to talk to the students. They expressed unanimous discontent over the grading policy and didn't think it was fair. I asked Professor Sonnenschein for 10 minutes after class for a meeting between him and me.

I went over some of the minute topics first, couple things about what couple students specifically wanted, more examples, less theoretical stuff, more engaging exercises, stuff like that. I then told him what he knew he wasn't going to change: the grading policy. That students felt it needed to be changed. He said he knows it's not the most popular thing and that he never changed it in all his years at Berkeley. I told him again that the opinion of the class was unanimous. He again said he thinks it's fair, and that students learn to cope with the policy one way or another. I again said I understand but this was the only thing that the entire class expressed discontent about and that's the only reason why I'm making it a big deal. He said he understands my sentiment but will not change his policy.

The discussion was never heated, even though it might sound like it got that way. It was a good one on one discussion, and neither one of us, I feel, felt that we were both being misunderstood. We actually walked out of the classroom together and spoke briefly about where we're from and parted our ways into the night.

On the ensuing class 2 days later, I again asked for 5 minutes before class, and told them that I talked to Professor Sonnenschein about the grading policy but that I couldn't change his mind. More than a few students exprsesed immense discontent about this. Professor Sonnenschein walked in 5 minutes later, asking me if I'm done and I took my chair. He opened the class by saying that he heard about the class's discontent over the grading policy and that he's thought a lot about it. I felt for sure that by that he meant he doesn't want anyone to even bring it up anymore and I was afraid the class would look at me and say what have you done to us. Instead, he said he'll change it. He continued by saying he's never done this before so we'll have to see how it works out. He'll change it so that we write up why a person in our project should receive a certain grade or not, with no limits on points to give, but we had to substantiate our opinions.

Much of the class later on said they appreciate whatever it is that I said to Professor Sonnenschein to change his mind. But you see, it really wasn't me. Even at his age of 56 in 2005, he wasn't the type of person that set a certain way of doing things just because it was proprietary. Instead, he was still analyzing his every move, looking through every option in every decision. He was challenging himself more so than he was challenging us. Few months later, I wrote him a simple email asking him to write a letter of recommendation for me. Here's what he wrote:

October 25, 2005
No problem, Elliot.

And of course I remember you!!!

What is the deadline? And please give me a few areas

you'd like me to emphasize.

Bill

And that's why I will fondly remember him. He was never too unwilling to reassess his stance and treat everyone with respect. I do wish I had gotten to know him better, but I feel fortunate enough for having had the chance to have any interaction with him, as I did as a naive class representative.

The importance of authenticity

On behalf of Amine Bouayad:
What a sad news.

I often think of Bill in my day-to-day professional life. One of the key learning in a course I took with Bill during my MBA was that Authenticity is the foundation of leadership. So limpid and true.

He will be missed dearly.

My sincere condolences to his family and friends.

A truly inspirational person

On behalf of Csaba Halasz, MBA 2007:
Bill was one of the best and most authentic professors at Haas.
English is not my first language so the Leadership Communications classes were always a big challenge for me. Nevertheless, Bill with his enthusiastic speeches and genuine teaching style helped me overcome these challenges and ultimately I became a reasonably good public speaker in English. Bill inspired me and hundreds of my classmates. Bill, I will never forget you and our Leadership Communications classes.

On working with Bill

On behalf of Holly Schroth, Senior Lecturer, Haas School of Business:
I was deeply saddened to hear of the unexpected death of my friend and colleague Bill. We were both appointed as lecturers and started teaching at Haas at around the same time sixteen years ago. Bill was a very unusual person, a man of passion for life and for teaching. He deeply cared about all of his students and always made time for them. We often worked together developing curriculum or in teaching business skills. Many years ago, I asked him about his success working with so many GSIs in a challenging skills-based course he was teaching. He replied that his GSIs were like an extended family and that he made sure to eat dinner with them together every week not just to discuss the class but to discuss life. This helped them to function as a cohesive teaching team. He not only was devoted to his students and GSIs but would willing help counsel some of my undergraduate students on their cover letters (one of his many areas of expertise). He was never afraid to volunteer to head a committee or lend his talent to support good causes. I enjoyed his enthusiasm and passion, especially when we had conflict over methods and ideas. We always came out for the better because of our intense discussions and could remain good friends. Bill was unique in his background and ability to bring his varied experiences to the classroom. I enjoyed hearing stories about his exciting life, especially his time being a roadie for Janis Joplin. He was a giving man who wanted to help and inspire others. Most of all he was a gracious man and will be missed by all who knew him.

An immense loss to our community

Bill Sonnenschein was such a vital presence at Haas that it’s hard to imagine our school without him. Bill’s passion excited and inspired students to think differently about themselves as leaders and as people. Students loved him and spoke of him with the greatest enthusiasm for his commitment both in and out of the classroom. Bill’s energy and interests were such that I was always happy to see him in the hall or at a school event. Conversation with Bill was sometimes surprising and always engaging. We all hope to have an impact on people’s lives and Bill surely did. This is an immense loss to the Haas community. I hope that our love and appreciation for Bill will be of some comfort to his family in their great loss of such a wonderful person. Our hearts are with them.

Bill's passion shines

On behalf of Jonathan Villet, EWMBA 2010:
As Bill’s student briefly last Spring, I remember how well his passion for excellent communication combined with the upcoming Madagascar project into much deserved personal excitement and pride in being able to bring his knowledge and wisdom to a new forum. He loved helping to shape the world. We had intended to share experiences of working in Africa. His enthusiasm, care for others, and professionalism live on with me and his other students.

Late for a meeting, but looking good

On behalf of Cliff Dank, MBA 2008:
Bill, I couldn't possibly express how shocked and saddened I am that you have left us. I am so glad you were doing things you loved and taking chances all the while. You were a teacher, a mentor and most importantly a friend who always had time. I will miss you dearly, as will our whole Berkeley community.

I smile as I remember the time you kept me waiting for 45 minutes at that Chinese place in Rockridge. You said you needed a haircut and it took longer than expected. Within 3 minutes I knew I couldn't stay annoyed with you for ditching me, both because your energy and light were so infectious and because, you were right, you looked a lot better with that haircut.

I will remember for the rest of my days the time I spent as your GSI. What a wonderful experience and what a wonderful leader you were.


Safe travels friend,
Cliff

He Always Made Time for his Students

To call Bill simply a teacher would do him a disservice. Bill's consideration and concern for his students went far beyond the few hours a week that I was in his class. Anytime I passed him in the hallway and said hello, he'd always stop to talk and ask how I was I was doing in classes and recruiting, or simply listening to whatever was on my mind on that given day. And when my case team needed some advice for our final presentation at a case competition, Bill came all the way down to the depths of the Long Library and watched us give our presentation multiple times, giving us valuable feedback with each run-through. In class, he constantly stressed the importance of authenticity in communicating with others. And I could tell in his interactions with all of his students that he always practiced exactly what he taught.


At a school that prides itself on its faculty, Bill will always be remembered as one of the best to ever teach at Haas. And I only wish I could thank him just one more time for the skills he taught me and the generosity of spirit that he constantly demonstrated. My condolences to Bill's family and friends. He will truly be missed...

With gratitude

On behalf of Sheena Sharma, Haas undergrad 2008:
As an undergraduate at UC Berkeley I felt extremely fortunate to take Bill's communication for leaders class. I learned so much from Bill; his course taught me much more than how to speak in front of a group. His focus on authenticity and diversity really affected me and continues to guide me in my professional career. He was a truly inspirational person and he was my favorite professor. He was always very accessible to his students, and I thought I would be e-mailling and calling him for advice for years. I was shocked and saddened to hear the news of his passing. My condolences and thoughts go out to his family and friends.

Thank you Bill

On behalf of Amaris White, Haas undergrad 2009:
My thoughts go to Bill's family.

In my four years at Cal, Bill was by far my favorite teacher. I remember taking his Business Communication class the summer I entered Haas, and within moments I decided it was just my luck to be placed in a class with someone so overtly liberal. I assumed I would find the class pointless and frustrating with his political comments, but instead found myself learning so much I enrolled in Bill's Communication for Leaders course a year later.

I openly challenged Bill in class, which he greatly encouraged. Although I doubt we agreed on anything politically, I always enjoyed our political conversations in class and during office hours. I hold such great respect for him. I've spent the past year in China and now regret not exchanging more emails with him. He wrote about his work in Madagascar with such ambition and motivation; I knew he was going to do great things and make real changes. I honestly cannot think of anyone who cared more about each and every student. He ended each course letting us know he was always available for advice -- and because of the value he placed on authenticity in speaking, I knew he meant every word.

He was truly an inspiration, and his memory will live through the many people he touched in his life and career.

Thankful to be Bill's former GSI

On behalf of Toshi Ogura, MBA 1994:
I would like to offer my condolences to Bill’s family.

I used to be one of his GSIs for the Interpersonal Communication class at Haas.
Back in 1993, Bill was so passionate to train us to be a good teaching assistant.
We shared a lot of excitement and fun. He not only taught me about communication but also how to teach to students.

I am very shocked and sad to hear about his news because lately I have been thinking about contacting him.
Last summer I have left the corporate world and joined a PhD program at the University of Texas.
I wanted to tell with him that I am currently pursuing a teaching career, especially because I experienced my first teaching experience as his GSI.
This fall I experienced another teaching assistant assignment for the first time in fifteen years. It often reminded me of our GSI days with Bill at Haas.
I am really pleased to hear that he was passionate and involved in a sustainable development program at his late career.

I really appreciate that I had a chance to get to know Bill and all the training he provided us.

It Came from Bill

On behalf of Francis Chow, EWMBA 2007:
I still remember the class when we were supposed to do impromptu
speeches. I got a topic which I had little idea about, and started making
things up to finish the speech. Bill yelled at me, "you have to tell
the truth. You can't make things up in a speech. Speak with integrity."
I thought that was an over reaction, but it was an important
lesson. I was not a good speaker but Bill's teaching jump-started
my journey of public speaking. I am lucky enough to win some
speech contests since, and I have to attribute the non-lucky part
to Bill. It came from him. He is a good man. We will miss him dearly.

Bill's teaching excellence

On behalf of Sanjay Krishnan, EWMBA 2010:
I was a student of Bill Sonnenschein, and saddened to hear the news. He was committed, an excellent teacher, and true to his own teaching - authentic. He even taught our class with the same intensity and enthusiasm, less than a week after his father's passing. It was a brief but very valuable 2 weeks that the part-time MBA students spent on leadership communications.
Condolences to Ericka and the rest of the family.

Remembering Bill

I was lying on the couch late at night just before New Years when I got the email about Bill. I realized I was one of the first to hear about this tragedy, and after absorbing what felt like a full body blow, I took the unenviable iniative I felt I must to communicate the news to the Haas community, and especially to Bill's GSIs. I heard back from many people within hours, even though most are scattered across the globe far from internet access. Nobody could have prepared themselves for this.

Since I emailed the GSIs, I've been included on their "Reply All" communication, and I have to say I am blown away. As big of an impact that he made on so many of us as his students, the bond, support, and love that he bestowed on them is truly remarkable. It only leaves me wanting to know more about him, and longing to feel that way about a mentor and a group of friends.

I also went back and re-read the Haas announcement about Bill's trip to Madegascar. What a loss for them as well. Bill undetook such an incredible project, truly in the spirit of changing the world. I hope that in the many ways we remember Bill, we can ensure that his mission there lives on. If it was important enough to Bill, it should be important enough for the rest of us.

Finally, Bill gave us all a gift, which for most of us, consisted only of five short hours of inspiration. After we pause to remember what Bill gave us, I hope that we will find a way to carry on his teachings at Haas. I think collectively, we have the will and the means to continue the class. Although we'll never do him justice, he'd be proud of us for trying to reach the mountaintop. 

Remembering Bill

In my last conversation with Bill before he left for Madagascar, we were chatting about life. At the end of what I thought was a normal conversation, he went on to describe how our talk exemplified a communication strategy. Ever the teacher.

Bill's strengths in communication and leadership development show a rare type of brilliance. To understand the human condition, how people work, how to engage
them - this is not the creation of new algorithms. Bill's work relates to all aspects of life and this is what makes it invaluable.

I wish this blog did not have reason to exist. However, let us come together to heartily celebrate Bill’s life... Our prayers are with his family, in whom Bill’s grace is very much alive.