Collaboration

Continuing emphasis on partnerships with alumni, companies, and academic colleagues enhances instruction and research as well as student internship and employment opportunities.

The college’s Speakers Series gives students multiple opportunities to meet role models, potential mentors, and – in some cases – future employers. In addition, visiting executives, entrepreneurs, and scholars allow students and faculty members to learn about trends, issues, and practices in the business world.

Jimmy Bereolos, a finance major, says that his participation in an Executive Luncheon helped him secure a place in a competitive summer internship program. Bereolos sat by Jean Baird, a VP of operations at State Farm Insurance Companies. She told him about her career, her employer’s great work culture and the potential for advancement, and even about the hobbies they shared, like running. In summer 2006, Bereolos interned at State Farm in fire underwriting, which included opportunities to learn about other positions in the company.

The number of speakers and Executive Luncheons grows each year. Last year, the college hosted more than 150 speakers. Many of them are invited as a part of established annual programs, such as the Vaughan Executive-in-Residence Program, Scott CEO Forum, Schram Lecture in International Business, Distinguished Alumni Lecture, and Professors-for-a-Day. The wisdom, guidance, exposure, and inspiration that the speakers bring to the students are exceedingly valuable.

Collaboration also occurs in other ways within the college. For example, students from different disciplines team up to work on course projects, faculty contribute to multidisciplinary programs and projects across campus, and MBA classes carry out consulting projects to help businesses solve problems and seize opportunities.

The college has made tremendous strides in the area of collaboration. The task force believes the college, especially the educational experience for students, will be strengthened
by renewing this priority and staying focused on collaboration.

Last Edited: 7/13/2007