Dear Dean Hazeltine,

Congratulations and happy birthday!

It was almost 27 years ago when I came to Brown as a transfer student and you were assigned as my advisor. I remember my meeting with you clearly. It was my third day in the U.S. You asked me many questions about the courses that I had taken and gave me sufficient credit so that I can start as a junior. I was very clueless and if it were not for your guidance and patient coaching in choosing suitable courses and carving a life path, I may not be where I am today.

I always appreciated your willingness to listen and to be inviting and welcoming despite all of the things that were involved in. You certainly have made a contribution to my life and now with this new Center of Entrepreneurship at Brown. I hope to connect with you again and bring the spark of Silicon Valley back to Brown.

Naeem Zafar
Class of 1981
President & CEO
Pyxis Technology
Cupertino, CA