The first time I met her was when I was in the final lap of my MBA Degree, completing my thesis that the four basic principles of marketing applied in the private sector could (or could not) be universally applied to human services in non-profits.
As part of my thesis, I attended a series of lectures at LaSalle University, in the S.A.M.E.D. Program (can’t remember what that stood for). On the first day and as the morning program “bore on”, the only thing that kept me stimulated was planning my escape route, as the exit was situated at the front of the room and I was seated further in the back. While I contemplated a variety of excuses for having to leave, the next speaker appeared. She was slightly shorter than the previous women, possessed of vibrant red hair and had a killer smile.
She started speaking. I was riveted. Here was a powerhouse whose knowledge of non-profit marketing was impressive. Her specialty was healthcare-related marketing and volunteerism, but she understood not-for-profit marketing better than anyone I interviewed for my thesis. Here was a practitioner who actually studied the Master of Marketing, Philip Kotler’s work. Philip Kotler is to non-profit marketing what Heintz is to the pickle… the leading national expert.
His writings encompassed more than half of my thesis bibliography.
Here, speaking to us…to me… integrating theory with daily practices, was a marketer who could literally quote Kotler. And who did so fluently, interspersing his theories and ideas while sharing anecdotal experiences. Shirley Bonnem was the wow factor in every way. And she was local. I was ecstatic. S.A.M.E.D. suddenly came alive, and I knew that Shirley Bonnem, marketing genius, would be stuck with me. I never dreamed that would transcend into a deep and enduring friendship.
Following her lecture, we were invited to lunch. Here’s where New Yorkers who ride the subway daily would be proud of me. I managed to subtly push my way through the entire class to edge my way next to Shirley, and sit next to her at lunch. Through the years, until last week, that was always my place, unless I arrived too late to be seated next to her, or Andre was in town, so I sat opposite her.
Fast forward, nearly 30 years later, I completed my MBA thesis (& yes, the four principles of marketing in the private sector CAN be universally applied to non-profits). However, the most indelible and enduring experience of my MBA program was meeting Shirley, and subsequently having her eternal love, guidance, and mentoring. Further, our friendship blossomed and she made me feel like family, especially during the 10 years I struggled, alone, with my mother’s Alzheimers Disease and nurtured my own business. Shirley, her sister Audrey and Audrey’s son, Danny & her sweet-as-sugar grandson, Andre, brought love, warmth and caring when I needed it most in my life.
While I can’t remember what S.A.M.E.D. stood for, it is indelible for whom it brought to my life. Shirley Bonnem, a stylish, beautiful red-head whose joi de vivre is ever-present and one of her most endearing qualities, despite a variety of personal and health challenges that were daunting.
Shirley, you will never be forgotten.
On My Radar 