Dean Riesen '79

Dean Riesen '79 was back on campus October 8 in professor A'amer Farooqi's ECB 223 International Economics course where he presented about economic development in Africa, particularly concerning his charitable with in Tanzania. He also attended an informal meeting with students involved in the Cornell Financial Group and the Business Interest Group, where he stressed the importance of internships to future employers.

Riesen, who grew up in Nevada, Iowa, used his Cornell degree in economics and politics to propel an international career in hotels, restaurants and real estate investment. He is now a managing partner of Rimrock Capital Partners in Phoenix, Ariz., serves on numerous boards including Meridian Bank, N.A., Famous Dave’s of America, Goldwater Institute and the Arizona Chamber of Commerce. He is deeply involved in charitable work in Tanzania as chairman of the Tanzania Water Fund. He has continued his involvement with Cornell by serving as the vice-chairman of the Board of Trustees and by initiating the Cornell Fellows program and the Presidential Fellows program.