PBC Updates

• The Twelfth Annual Award Dinner on October 3 was a record night for the President's Business Council and the University.  The dinner raised $1.6 million for the Presidential Scholarship Endowment Fund.  In celebration of John & Jackie Dionne and the University’s 125th Anniversary, 575 guests participated in this milestone event.  To read more about the evening program please see the University Press Release.
• Call for Internship Opportunities  ~  The PBC Office has been working with several PBC Members and alumni to secure candidates for internships within PBC member organizations.  Please contact Michele Felins (570-941-5850 / michele.felins@scranton.edu) to discuss opportunities within your company.
• The PBC held a Networking Reception for Young Leaders in New York City on September 12.  This reception was attended by over 50 alumni from the targeted classes of 1998 thru 2012.  An inaugural effort, these receptions will continue as a new venture to introduce the PBC to this generation of alumni and to engage them with the objectives of the PBC.
• The PBC conducted a Business Networking Trip to Philadelphia on September 18 with 26 students with Business and Communication Majors.  In addition to our visits with PBC Members (detailed below), we visited with Kate Shields '97, a Partner at Vault Communications in Plymouth Meeting, PA.  Kate hosted our group for a morning meeting and lunch.  During our discussion, Kate shared how her experiences with Jesuit education and mentor relationships impacted her career path and led to her move from a Fortune 500 Company to taking on a partnership role at the PR firm Vault Communications. Prior to our return to campus, a Networking Reception for the students was held with current and prospective PBC members in the Greater Philadelphia area.  Business Networking Trips and Receptions provide students with the opportunity to interact with alumni to further enhance the students' "soft skills" for professional development.
• On September 26 the Kania SOM Business Club hosted the 2013 Fall Recruiting EXPO.  There was a strong turnout of Kania SOM students to meet with representatives from over 20 companies in attendance.   At the Expo reception and dinner, students and guests heard from Daniel Seddiqui, author of 50 Jobs in 50 States.  The Business Club Officers also presented Professor John Ruddy ’91 with the award for Professor of the Year.
• On October 24-25 the PBC conducted a Business Networking Trip to Washington, DC, with nearly 20 students from the Kania SOM.  Upon arrival on Thursday evening, a Networking Reception for the students was held with current and prospective PBC members in the Greater Washington, DC, area. The following morning our group met with Susan Swain ’76, Co-CEO of C-SPAN, Paul Orgel ’86, Editorial Director, and Jeremy Art, Digital and Social Media Specialist, to discuss their business and importance of following Washington, DC!  Susan explained to the group that understanding policies and procedures are essential to all business operations in the country.
• The PBC launched its LinkedIn group!  We encourage you to join the PBC LinkedIn Group for regular updates about upcoming events and also to continue networking with fellow and prospective PBC Members.

PBC Member Highlights

Len Bechtel ’85, Director & CFO at the Nat’l Telecommunications & Information Administration (Dept. of Commerce), hosted 15 University students for a lunch meeting in his offices in Washington, DC, on Oct. 25.  During this meeting, Len spoke to the students about his 27-year career in government and the vast array of opportunities available to graduating students.  He shared that government jobs can often provide exposure to some of the most cutting-edge technologies and projects in the country and world.

Meg Hargreaves ’86, Senior VP & Publisher, CQ Roll Call (The Economist Group) hosted 15 University students for a meeting in her Washington, DC, office on Oct. 25.  Meg spoke to the students about life in Washington, the businesses of Washington, both private and public sector, and what types of exposure to expect in those different industries.  Meg also gave an overview of CQ Roll Call and how she ended up in her current role.

Bill LaFond, Esq., ’93, Managing Director – Wealth Advisory Services, Wilmington Trust, hosted 15 University students in his Washington, DC, office on Oct. 25.  Bill spoke to the group about life in Washington and his career path in wealth management.  He shared insights into how he grew his business and types of clients he meets in his line of work. 

Mary Ellen Lamb ’89, recently accepted the position as Deputy Dean of MBA Admissions, Financial Aid and Career Management at the Wharton School of Business.  Prior to this role, Mary Ellen was the Director of MBA Career Management at the Wharton School of Business.

Jim Papada, Esq., ’70, Chairman, President and CEO (Retired), Technitrol Inc., met with 26 University students during our Philadelphia Business Networking trip on Sept. 18.  During this meeting, Jim spoke about his experiences practicing law and what led him to a career outside of law.  Jim shared with the students the work ethic it takes to lead a company and what comes with that level of responsibility.

Tom Sundstrom ’89,  Regional Marketing Director, Lincoln Financial, met with 26 University students during our Philadelphia Business Networking trip on Sept. 18.  Tom spoke about his role at Lincoln Financial, his career path and how to be a leader.  Tom offered advice to the students on how to develop successful habits that can apply to any career path.

University Updates

• The University of Scranton celebrates its 125^th Anniversary Article
• Meet the 2017 Presidential Scholars Press Release
• Women’s Soccer Team moves into First Place! Press Release
• Scranton among The Princeton Review’s “Best 295 Business Schools” Press Release
• The University of Scranton was selected as a Top 10 Pick by U.S. News and World Report Article
• Construction for the Center for Rehabilitation Education is underway Announcement  During the recent demolition of Leahy Hall excavators found the YWCA Time Capsule Article