bw - illinois state...tips and tricks for creating and maintaining your profile. “leadership in an...

i l l i n o i s s t a t e . e d u / b u s i n e s s w e e k 1

BWBWM A R C H 2 4 – 2 7 , 2 0 1 4

I L L I N O I S S T A T E U N I V E R S I T Y

week2 0 1 4business

I l l i n o i s S t a t e . e d u / B u s i n e s s W e e k


about business week

Business Week offers engaging and authentic professional

opportunities that enable students to interact closely with

alumni, employers, and industry thought leaders as they develop

the essential soft skills and understandings required for success.

Leadership, corporate social responsibility, business etiquette,

effective networking, goal setting, communication, and career

management are among the topics addressed through the

weeklong series of interactive events.

2014 business week corporate partners

platinum partners

State Farm InsuranceInternational Game Technology

lead partner

COUNTRY Financial

supporting partner

Heritage Enterprises Inc.

contributing partners

Afni Inc.

Commerce Bank

Dick’s Floor Covering Inc.

Andrew Drendel

Farnsworth Group Inc.

GROWMARK

Kensington Realty Advisors Inc.

MultiAd

PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP

Standard Bank & Trust Co.

Travelers Companies Foundation

Widmer Interiors

Zayos Global Ventures LLC

2 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4

m o n day, m a r c h 2 4

professional development dinner 5:15 p.m. check-in

Brown Ballroom, Bone Student Center business professional attire is recommended

Prior to the dinner, we invite you to attend an hourlong networking session with

students, faculty, and industry representatives. This interaction will provide guests

the opportunity to develop their professional and social skills. Refreshments will

be provided.

While interviewing or conducting business over a meal, knowing proper etiquette

is essential. This also holds true for email communications, online interactions, and

social outings. At the Professional Development Dinner, College of Business faculty

with etiquette expertise will provide coaching advice to guide students in their

future business endeavors. These tips provide invaluable insights that could turn

a potentially stressful encounter into an enjoyable and powerful professional

opportunity. Join us for this engaging event with industry representatives while

enjoying a free three-course meal and great conversation.

The event will also feature keynote speaker Michael Lee Stallard

’81. Stallard is an expert on the relationship aspects of leadership

and organizational culture. He is the president and co-founder of

the leadership training, coaching and consulting firm, E Pluribus

Partners, and the primary author of Fired Up or Burned Out.

Register at IllinoisState.edu/BusinessWeek. Preregistration and student IDs are

required to attend. Students must attend the entire duration of the event in order

to receive extra credit.


t u e s day, m a r c h 2 5

transition seminars 6:30–7:10 p.m. session 1 | 7:20–8 p.m.

session 2 | 8–8:30 p.m. networking reception

Various rooms, State Farm Hall of Businessall session i seminars are repeated during session 2

business casual attire is recommended

The transition from college to corporate life can be daunting, but with a little guidance

students can do it successfully. To help ease that transition, distinguished College

of Business alumni will return to campus to share their experiences and insights at

Business Week’s Transition Seminars. These graduates come from a broad range of

professions and career stages, providing unique and valuable perspectives.

Students are welcome to speak individually with these successful alumni at a

networking reception immediately following the seminars in the lower-level atrium.

Transition Seminars are free and open to the public, however, preregistration is

encouraged. Students must attend two sessions to receive extra credit. Register at

IllinoisState.edu/BusinessWeek.

“getting linkedin”The Ins and Outs of LinkedIn

148 State Farm Hall of Business

LinkedIn has become a key asset to building

and maintaining a strong professional network.

Having connections at your fingertips provides

the opportunity to advance in your career

like never before. Come learn the benefits

of joining this online community and some

tips and tricks for creating and maintaining

your profile.

“leadership in an entry-level position”Learning tactics for small-team leadership


Nobody graduates as a CEO. Working your way

to the top takes time. To become noticed by upper

management, developing leadership skills in

a team atmosphere is the first step in making

it big. Learn how to leverage your leadership

ability in the early stages of your career.

4 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4


“entrepreneurship”Working for yourself when you’re the boss


The risks associated with entrepreneurship

are great, but the rewards are greater. Hearing

the successes, failures, and vulnerabilities of

our speakers will give you the competitive

advantage in your startup venture.

“life of a marketing major”General marketing? Sales? IMC?


With all the different sequences available to a

marketing student in the College of Business,

choosing one can be tough. Learn the various

avenues in marketing from seasoned profes-

sionals and solidify the career path that is

right for you.

“becoming financially savvy”Making proper financial decisions after college


After finding your dream job, it’s time to use

your salary wisely. Planning for your 401(k),

paying back your student loans, and using a

credit card to your advantage are all ways to

become financially secure. Learn the tips and

tricks from professionals on the other side.

“account for your future”Public vs. private


The life of an accountant can be stressful, so

it is important to pursue a career path you’re

truly passionate about. Whether the company

is big or small, there are many routes to

consider. Hear from alumni working in the

industry and at the Big 4 firms to find out

what is right for you.

“step up to the tee”Out of the office etiquette


At any stage in your career, maintaining a

solid work-life balance is crucial. Whether it’s

hitting the links with a client or happy hour

with the other associates, it’s important to

understand the proper etiquette. Get the

inside scoop from alumni on how to present

yourself at events outside the office.

6 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4

w e d n e s day, m a r c h 2 6

corporate social responsibility day 5–8 p.m.

Prairie Room, Bone Student Centerbusiness casual attire is recommended

Corporate social responsibility is the aim to embrace responsibility for a company’s

actions and encourage a positive impact on the environment through activities

involving consumers, employees, communities, and stakeholders. Corporate

social responsibility goes beyond what is required by regulators and promotes

the betterment of business practices for sustained positive change.

At Business Week’s Corporate Social Responsibility Day, you will hear from a panel

of industry professionals whose companies are thriving in this area. You will also learn

about the newly introduced sustainability minor in the College of Business.

Throughout the event, there will be a fair where attendees will have the opportunity

to visit with community organizations and student groups that offer volunteer

opportunities. Find out all the different ways you can give back and be personally

socially responsible.

Corporate Social Responsibility Day is free and open to the public. Extra credit

will be offered.

t h u r s day, m a r c h 2 7

2013–2014 college of business hall of fame dayEach year highly successful Illinois State graduates are invited back to campus to

be inducted into the College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame. These distinguished

professionals range from senior-level executives at top corporations to highly ambitious

entrepreneurs. Their accomplishments and commitment to excellence not only

reflect their professional dedication and service to others, but also add value to

our programs and the Illinois State brand for all of our graduates.

read about the 2013-2014 inductees on Pages 11-13.

8 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4

keynote address: “moving to a new neighborhood”3:30–4:30 p.m.

Braden Auditorium, Bone Student Centerbusiness casual attire is recommended

patti s. hart ’78CEO, International Game Technology

As CEO of International Game Technology (IGT) since April

2009, Hart leads one of the most innovative and profitable gaming

companies in the world. With nearly 5,000 employees and offices

on six continents, IGT is a global leader in casino gaming entertainment and systems

technology. Hart has served on IGT’s board of directors since June 2006.

Prior to joining IGT, Hart was chairman and CEO of Pinnacle Systems Inc. from

2004–2005, and of Excite@Home Inc. from 2001–2002. Hart was previously chairman

and CEO of Telocity Inc. She held various executive positions at the Sprint Corporation

from 1986–1999, including president and chief operating officer of Sprint’s long

distance division, where she graced the inaugural Fortune list of “Most Powerful

Women” in 1998.

Outside the walls of IGT, Hart boasts an impressive community involvement

resume. Hart currently serves on the Board of Visitors at the Public Policy School

at Duke University. Her past service includes the Illinois Task Force for Literacy,

the Southern Methodist University Meadows School of the Arts board, and the

Steppenwolf Theatre board in Chicago. The latter boards reflect her love for the

arts and her dedication to furthering their missions.

In addition to her community involvement, Hart currently serves on the board of

directors of the American Gaming Association. She holds a bachelor’s degree in business

administration with an emphasis in marketing and economics from Illinois State and

was honored by the University in 2012 with induction into the College of Business

Hall of Fame. An Illinois native, Hart resides in Las Vegas.

The keynote address is free and open to the public. Students must attend the

entire duration of the event in order to receive extra credit.


college of business alumni networking reception4:30–5:30 p.m.

Old Main Room, Bone Student Centerbusiness casual attire is recommended

Students, faculty, and alumni are invited to a networking session following the

Business Week keynote address. Refreshments will be provided. The networking

reception is free and open to the public. All are welcome, with advance registration

appreciated. Go to Alumni.IllinoisState.edu/COBanBusinessWeek or call

(309)-438-2586.

1 0 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4

i l l i n o i s s t a t e . e d u / b u s i n e s s w e e k 1 1

alumni hall of fame inductees

Duane W. Bell ’74

A certified public

accountant, Bell began

his career with Peat,

Marwick, Mitchell & Co.

(now KPMG) in 1974

after receiving his B.S. in accounting from

Illinois State University. He spent 20 years with

KPMG, advising clients on various strategy

and business matters. While there he served

as chief financial officer for KPMG Consulting

for two years, during which the consulting

business was separated from the audit and

tax business in preparation of an initial public

offering of the consulting business.

Bell is currently president and CEO of Tectura

Corporation, a leading worldwide provider of

business consulting and implementation and

integration services relating to Microsoft

Dynamics enterprise resource planning (ERP)

and customer relationship management (CRM)

products. The company employs more than 1,300

people in 65 offices in 30 countries. Tectura is

the largest and only global Dynamics partner

focused solely on the Dynamics platform. The

firm provides services primarily to companies

in the manufacturing, retail, and health care/life

sciences industries.

Prior to joining Tectura, Bell served as

chief operating officer and/or chief financial

officer for several services organizations, two

of which successfully completed initial public

offerings of common stock during his tenure.

Throughout his career Bell has served on

the boards of directors of various civic, social,

and business organizations, and is currently a

member of the Illinois State College of Business

Advising Council.

Mike DeWalt ’80

DeWalt is a vice president

of Caterpillar Inc. with

responsibility for the

strategic services division.

In this position, he leads

a team responsible for strategic planning,

mergers and acquisitions, investor relations,

economics, business risk management, and

competitive analysis.

Prior to being named a vice president by the

Caterpillar board of directors, DeWalt was the

corporate controller. His responsibilities included

corporate accounting, business analysis, corporate

forecasting and planning, and investor relations.

DeWalt joined Caterpillar in 1981 as an

accountant. Over the next 15 years, he held a

series of positions with increasing responsibilities

in the accounting and budgeting and forecasting

functions. In 1996, DeWalt was named a senior

vice president of finance and planning for F.G.

Wilson, based in Northern Ireland. In 1998,

he became the finance director for the Perkins

Engines Company in Peterborough, United

Kingdom. In 2004, DeWalt was named director

2013–2014 college of business hall of fame

1 2 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4

of strategic investments, leading Caterpillar’s

corporate mergers and acquisitions group. In

2005, he was named director of investor relations

for Caterpillar and in 2012, was named corporate

controller.

DeWalt has completed the Caterpillar

advanced management program and the executive

program at the University of Michigan. He

obtained his bachelor’s degree in accounting

from Illinois State University in 1980. Mike has

remained involved with Illinois State, having

served many years as a member of the College

of Business Advisory Council.

Robert Lakin ’73,

M.B.A. ’77

Lakin is president of

Commerce Bank—

Bloomington. Commerce

Bank is a $700 million

bank offering a broad spectrum of banking

services and specializing in commercial and

institutional banking products. In addition,

Commerce Bank is an industry leader in

agribusiness and food processing banking

services throughout Illinois. Commerce Bank

has grown considerably during the past eight

years, nearly doubling its size.

Prior to Commerce Bank, Lakin established

his career working for Mercantile Bank in

St. Louis and Rockford.

Lakin earned his M.B.A. from Illinois State

University and a distinguished recognition

from the Graduate School of Banking in 1985.

As an active community leader, Lakin

serves on the Bloomington-Normal Economic

Development Council board (past chairman);

the Illinois State University Foundation board,

including the investment committee; the

United Way of McLean County board (and 2011

campaign chairman); and the McLean County

Chamber of Commerce board. Lakin has also

participated in or chaired numerous not-for-

profit fundraising campaigns.

Lakin was raised in Glenview and has two

sons residing in Toledo and New York City.

Lakin remains a strong supporter of

Redbird Athletics and the College of Business,

where he currently serves on the College of

Business Advisory Council.

Sandra Reese ’80

Reese is a senior vice

president of McKinsey

Recovery & Transformation

Services, based in Chicago.

She has more than 25 years

of experience advising global, middle market,

and distressed companies on performance

improvement, business growth, transformation,

and restructuring advisory and crisis manage-

ment. Her experience spans Europe, Asia, and

the Middle East, in addition to North America.

She has advised a major multinational

bank on its strategic options for a distressed

real estate investment trust with more than

80 shopping centers and $1.2 billion in U.S.

assets. Additionally, she developed a long-term

international joint venture plan for a worldwide

specialty paper manufacturer seeking to expand


into Asia while completing business planning,

research, fieldwork and diagnostics.

As interim chief financial officer for a publicly

held finance company, Reese completed an

operational turnaround including a significant

restatement of financials, and assisted regulators

with investigations.

While CFO of an underperforming national

media services company, Reese moved from

negative to positive Earnings Before Interest, Taxes,

Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) in

an expedited timeframe and re-engineered all

enterprise processes over two years.

As crisis manager for a $1 billion global

marketing communications company assessing

strategic and financial options, she secured new

equity and renegotiated senior and subordinated

lending arrangements.

Reese has also devised and executed all

aspects of the wind-down of a global Internet

consulting firm. Creditors were repaid 100

percent plus interest and a surplus of almost

$1 million was donated to charities. In addition,

she helped create a comprehensive business

process and technology strategy to support

growth and technology goals of an international

fashion retailer innovating into a multichannel

operating model.

Reese also served in leadership roles at Grant

Thornton LLP and co-founded a consulting

firm with offices in Chicago and Shanghai,

advising companies on turnaround and

transformation strategies. She is a certified

turnaround professional and certified public

accountant. She began her career at KPMG.

Stuart Schuette ’86

Schuette is chief operating

officer of US Foods,

overseeing the operational

and administrative

functions of more than

60 divisions. Schuette also plans and directs

all operational strategies, policies, objectives,

and initiatives to achieve the goals of US Foods

while positioning the company for future growth.

During his 20-year career at US Foods,

Schuette has held a variety of executive positions

including region president; zone president;

division president; division vice president,

finance; manager, financial operations; and

manager, planning.

Prior to joining US Foods, Schuette was

an executive at Martin Brower, a subsidiary of

Reyes Holdings LLC and the world’s largest

distributor of products to more than 8,400 Mc-

Donald’s restaurants. Schuette was also senior

financial analyst at Heller Financial and began

his career in the small

business division of Arthur Andersen in Chicago.

Schuette holds a B.S. in accounting and

business administration from Illinois State

University and currently serves on the College

of Business Advisory Council.

1 4 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4


mentor programThe Business Week Mentor Program helps younger students learn the necessary

professional skills to take full advantage of Business Week. Mentors serve as role

models who:

• Reinforce the importance of active participation in registered student organizations.

• Teach proper business professional attire, etiquette, interaction, and networking.

• Create dialogue about courses, internships, and career preparation essentials.

• Provide service-leadership opportunities.

Since its formation in 2011, the Mentor Program has increased in prestige

and design. Mentors are selected based on proven academic success and

extracurricular involvement, coupled with recommendations from College

of Business faculty. These mentors are dedicated to providing their assigned

mentee with the best possible Business Week experience.

Upon selection, mentor/mentee pairs attended a training session led by

State Farm Insurance employees Eric Hoss ’87, M.B.A.’90, and Tim Pantaleone

’07, followed by a formal induction ceremony. In addition, the pairs continued

getting to know each other by attending a series of pre-Business Week events

designed and implemented by the Mentor Program team. To conclude their

participation in the program, the pairs will attend Business Week together and

make use of the skills developed during their mentorship.

The following students were selected to be mentors for Business Week 2014

after an application and interview process:

Kimberly Boehm

Emily Burke

Jerrod Campbell

James Carbone

Jean Celestin

Hannah Charles

Angela Chinino

Ryan Curran

Michael Currie

Colleen Daley

Chris Dall

Khamille De Lara

Jared Eads

Natalie Edwards

Thomas Fitzgerald

Jackson Gardner

Andrew Gassman

Brianna Gatto

Renee Gerdisch

Michelle Godbey

Karoline Kniss

Jessica Landwehr

Alex Levi

Ava Lowry

Grace Masching

John Mijal

Troy Miroslaw

Alexis Ramiro

Jack Redden

Jordan Reiners

Stephanie Santucci

Chelsea Spitz

Jennifer Trowitch

Melissa Violetto

Andrea Whitton

1 6 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4

join the business week teamIf you’re serious about building real-world skills, making valuable contacts with

alumni and industry partners, and are ready to create amazing opportunities for

your peers, think Business Week!

Business Week Team students are an elite group selected by application and

interview in the spring. Members work in direct partnership with the College of

Business dean’s office. Members spend the following fall semester brainstorming and

organizing a powerful week of interactive events designed to help students build

essential soft skills and professional understandings. A small team also manages the

Business Week Mentor Program, where members promote individual and registered

student organization involvement, handle registration, run all Business Week events,

and analyze the outcomes.

Information about the available positions for the 2015 Business Week team can be

found at IllinoisState.edu/BusinessWeek or can be picked up in the dean’s office on

the fourth floor of the State Farm Hall of Business. From underclassmen to graduate

students, all business majors are welcome to apply for this premier leadership

opportunity.

Each student on the adjacent page was selected through a rigorous application

process to plan, promote, and implement the weeklong series of events that constitute

Business Week 2014. Thank you for your leadership and service to the College of

Business and your peers.

Members of the Business Week Team extend their appreciation to Steve Vandiver, Norris

Porter, Joyce Parmenter, Melissa Johnson, Deborah Lindberg, Dale Fitizgibbons, University

Marketing and Communications, among others.

business week 2014 team members

extra credit slips will be provided at the conclusion of

executive team

Seth Stalterpresident

Ryan Ritchievice president

Lindsay Hirschauerlogistics director

mentor program coordinators

Frank BuschAlexis Huchthausen

professional develop-ment coordinators

Lauren BohmNick Laskey

corporate social Responsibility coordinators

Alex HausmannAshley Torri

transition seminar coordinators

Jack KurcabMallory Remus

marketing coordinators

Elise CowanNicole Poggensee

assistant logistics coordinator

Luke Sokolowski

assistant mentor program coordinators

Katie GrouzardMatt ObergfellRea RuplingerNicole Simi

implementation team

Heather BlytheRyan FitzpatrickPaiton FloreySarah NewtonAlan Velasquez

advisor

Steve Vandiver

mentor coaches

Eric Hoss ’81, M.B.A. ’90director of enterprise services, State Farm

Tim Pantaleone ’07financial business analyst, State Farm

Professional Development Dinner

Transition seminars

Corporate Social Responsibility Day

Keynote address

1 8 b u s i n e s s w e e k 2 0 1 4

BWBWI f y o u w o u l d l i k e t o b e p a r t o f t h e 2 0 1 5

B u s i n e s s W e e k C o m m i t t e e , a p p l i c a t i o n s a r e a v a i l a b l e a t

I l l i n o i s S t a t e . e d u / B u s i n e s s W e e k

This document is available in alternative formats upon request by contacting Steve Vandiver at (309) 438-2646. An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity. University Marketing and CoMMUniCations • 14-0782 printed on recycled paper

/ B u s i n e s s I S U

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