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Posted November 4, 2007

COLUMN: Open door leads to career in China

School honors alumnus for his accomplishments

WISCONSIN RAPIDS -- Patrick Siewert was named Assumption High School alumnus of the year and honored at a benefactor's dinner Sept. 22 at the school.

Siewert, a son of John and Ida Lee Siewert of Wisconsin Rapids, is a 1973 graduate of Assumption.

He recalls graduating as the Vietnam War was coming to an end.

"We were a lucky class. Older brothers and cousins had been plunged into the stark reality of manhood that came with the war. We were just a bit too young for that reality," he said.

"Then President (Richard) Nixon opened the door to China. That is the biggest door our generation will know," he said.

Siewert followed Nixon through that door and has been living and working in Asia since 1988. He and his wife, Debra, live in Hong Kong. In the 1980s, he worked in London.

In the mid-90s, Siewert engaged former National Security Adviser and Secretary of State Henry Kissinger in a project that he was leading in China to establish a large business there.

"He (Kissinger) was highly regarded because of the role he played in laying the groundwork for President Nixon's historic visit," Siewert said.

"During a moment that we had for some social engagement, I asked Ambassador Kissinger if President Nixon really understood the profound and lasting change that would be brought about from that one visit. Henry, in his normal 'humble' way responded, 'I did.'"

Since April, Siewert has worked as a senior director of the Carlyle Group, focused on investments in consumer-related businesses in Asia. Prior to that, he held various positions with the Coca-Cola Co., including group president and president and chief operating officer from 2001-2007. His early career experiences were with the Eastman Kodak Co.

When starting out (in Asia), Siewert recalled, "I had to bridge a culture divide that I didn't fully understand. But, I had the belief that declaring victory at the start was the best way to create lasting change. It worked."

As the keynote speaker, Siewert recalled memories at Assumption including playing basketball, being involved in the music program, sitting in the bleachers for student assembly and doing a slow dance with a girlfriend at homecoming.

His passion was photography, and he still enjoys it as a hobby. He was an intern at the Daily Tribune for a year.

"He complained once that he didn't get paid for his work, and I told him he should be paying them for allowing him to do the work and learn," said his mother.

"Patrick's personality was shaped by many people," Ida Lee Siewert said.

In addition to his photography, a teacher at Howe Elementary School sparked an interest in astronomy, and he worked summers at his uncle's clothing store in Kenosha where he learned about business.

After high school, Siewert enrolled in the Rochester Institute of Technology in New York. He interrupted his education when Eastman Kodak wanted him for a job in Chicago. While there, he earned his degree from Elmhurst College in Elmhurst, Ill. He earned a master's degree from Rochester Institute of Technology.

Siewert, 52, is the third of five children of the Siewerts.

"He is a very humble person," his mother said.

"Patrick has opened many doors for us also," she added. "We have been to China five times and are going again in April. We have had many fascinating people come to our home from Asia."

Siewert is a recipient of several diversity awards and a United Nations IPC Lifetime Achievement Award.

"The benefactor's dinner gives Assumption an opportunity to show our appreciation to all of our benefactors, including parishes, businesses and the many individuals that support the mission of Assumption High School through their financial contributions," said Brian Ruesch, director of development for Wisconsin Rapids Area Catholic Schools. "It also allows us to showcase alumni and other supporters of Assumption High School for their many accomplishments."

Recipients of other awards at the banquet include: John and Chris Kinzel, Steve Lewallen and Brent Lewallen, the Bishop Listecki honorary alumni award; Larry and Naomi Nash and Pam Ross, class of 1981, the community leadership award; Dave and Tammy Salewski, John and Jill Moran and Mike and Sue Straub, the Royal service award.

The alumnus of the year award has been in existence since 1999. Connie Millazo was the first recipient.

Nancy Quick is a correspondent for Gannett Wisconsin Newspapers and former lifestyle editor for the Daily Tribune.