Session 1 - 2009
The Working Poor
October 6th, 7:00pm to 8:30pm
The first session of the Microfinance 101 provides an introduction to understanding who benefits from microfinance, how it works and why it is a viable economic alternative to simply giving aid or donations to those in need. Economist, Dr. Stephen Conroy, explains some of the statistical claims behind microfinance as well as provides an understanding of the demographic groups targeted as optimal participants in microfinance and entrepreneurship in the developing world. The presentation closes with an examination of the industry leading Grameen Bank and their organizational model.
Recommended Reading
1. Banker to the Poor, Muhammad Yunus, 1999
2. Creating a World Without Poverty, Muhammad Yunus, 2007
3. The Economics of Microfinance, Armendariz and Morduch, 2005
Supplemental Reading
2. Half the Sky: Turning Oppression into Opportunity for Women Worldwide, Kristof and WuDunn, 2009
Bio for Stephen Conroy, Ph.D.
- Stephen Conroy joined the faculty of the University of San Diego in the fall 2004 as an Associate Professor of Economics.
Awards:
Professor Conroy has received several research and teaching awards, including the
Preceptor of the Year Award (for “superior performance in teaching and advising”)
(2009), the Outstanding Undergraduate Business Educator Award (2007), Gamma Phi
Beta Sorority Professor of the Year Award (2007), Mortar Board Faculty Appreciation
Dinner (2009, 2007), Teaching Incentive Program (TIP) Award (2004), Excellence in
Undergraduate Teaching and Advising Award (2003) and the Dyson Faculty Award for
Excellence in Research and Scholarly Activity (2002 and 2004).
Degrees:
Professor Conroy earned a Ph.D. in Economics from the University of Southern
California (1998), where he also received an M.A. in Economics (1995) and completed
an NIA postdoctoral fellowship in 1999. Professor Conroy received his bachelor’s degree
in Economics from Creighton University, where he graduated with honors in 1987.
Courses Taught:
Professor Conroy enjoys teaching undergraduate and graduate courses primarily in
applied microeconomics. Among the courses he has taught are a course in Microfinance
and Wealth Creation as well as Managerial Economics and Decision Making,
International Business Practicum, Principles of Microeconomics, Principles of
Macroeconomics and Economic Development of Latin America.
Publications:
He has published in a variety of venues, including Journal of Real Estate Finance and
Economics, Economics of Education Review, Journal of Business Ethics, Social Science
Quarterly, Journal of Gerontology: Social Sciences, Contemporary Economic Policy,
Hispanic Journal of Behavioral Sciences, and the School Community Journal.
Consulting and Business Experience:
In addition to his academic scholarship, Professor Conroy has also participated in a
number of economic consulting projects for clients in the private and public sectors,
especially in the area of economic base analysis and, more recently, in valuation of
nonmarket assets. Professor Conroy has several years of business experience in the for-
profit and nonprofit sectors.
