BizConnection - UPJ Business Alumni Website
Transcription
BizConnection - UPJ Business Alumni Website
University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown BizConnection Spring 2010 INSIDE THIS ISSUE New Faculty Spotlight Business Club News Alumni News Contact the Faculty Ms. Neelima Bhatnagar 814-269-2971 [email protected] Mrs. Grace Markum 814-269-2967 [email protected] Dr. John McGrath 814-269-2972 [email protected] Mr. Doug Reed 814-269-2936 [email protected] Mrs. Janice Rummell 814-269-2968 [email protected] Mr. Jim Teague 814-269-2925 [email protected] Dr. Ray Thompson 814-269-2970 [email protected] Mr. Ron Vickroy 814-269-2965 [email protected] Mr. Stanley Yerep 814-269-2964 [email protected] Mrs. Deborah Smiach Zakrzwski 814-269-2969 [email protected] Newsletter of the Business Department of University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown Commencement Brunch 2010 As the 2009-2010 school year approaches an end, the Commencement Brunch is something that all graduating Business Seniors can look forward to. The Commencement Brunch is held exclusively for graduating Business students, their parents and guests. The event is planned for Saturday May 1 in the Heritage Hall Room of the Living Learning Center. The brunch will begin at 9:30 am and wrap up around 11:30 am, when the doors open for the Commencement Ceremony. “This is a great time for your parents to meet your friends and faculty,” explained John McGrath, a member of the event planning committee. “It’s also an affordable and fun way to fuel up on caffeine and carbs to get you ready for the Commencement ceremony.” This is the second year for the event. Last year’s inaugural program began with welcoming comments by Mrs. Rummel, followed by a hearty brunch buffet that included fruit, muffins, bagels, bacon, eggs, and home fries. The next item on last year’s agenda was Dr. Ray Thompson and Mr. Ron Vickroy, who made some brief comments about their respective programs (Accounting/Finance and Management/Marketing). Ms. Bhatnagar then provided a brief demonstration of the BizConnection networking site that could be very helpful in assisting graduates in planning their careers. The final portion of last year’s event was an informal reception, allowing graduates to casually mix and mingle with Business faculty members, fellow graduates, parents and guests. 2009 Business graduates and faculty mingle during the informal reception portion of last year’s event. Graduates enjoy the casual atmosphere with their friends, family and faculty New Faculty Spotlight... UPJ welcomes new business faculty member Mr. DiFrancesco graduated from UPJ in spring of 2006. During his time at UPJ, he obtained a Web Developer internship at Concurrent Technologies Corporation (CTC). He had also kept his full time job as a Graphic Designer with a commercial print shop in Somerset until he graduated. Education: University of Pittsburgh at Johnstown - Bachelors of Arts in Management - Concentrations in: - Information Systems - Marketing Professor DiFrancesco These jobs have made him an advocate of internship programs and he is always willing to help his students obtain internships by working with Doug Reed. When he graduated, he was hired full time at CTC and within a year he moved to his current position as an Oracle Database Administrator. Mr. DiFrancesco began teaching at UPJ in the spring of 2007 when he picked up a Web Design course. He was asked to return in the fall to teach a Graphics Design course. Since that time, he has continued to teach those two courses and has incorporated industry standard applications, so students can learn what is being used in the workplace right now. He believes in using the most up to date resources in the classes and he does his best to handle tasks in his classes just like he would in the workplace. The MMA: Marketing and Management Association During the Spring semester the MMA made Valentine's Day cards for a nursing home for our service project. The members really enjoyed making the cards because it made the patients at the nursing home happy. The MMA is hoping to have a guest speaker come to talk to the group sometime during the spring semester. The MMA is also planning to go ice skating and are currently working on a 50/50 ticket fundraiser to raise money for the organization so they can explore new, fun events for members. News From the Business Department Information from our various Business Organizations Alpha Kappa Psi What’s new? The brothers at Alpha Kappa Psi recently went to Philadelphia for the Principle Business Leadership Institute (PBLI). President of Alpha Kappa Psi, Keith Dosch, VP Casey O’Bryan, and VP of Alumni Relations Kara Falbo attended the PBLI. At the event, they discussed the Fraternity, and talked about identifying their values in business and life and risk management, which is building a better student member experience. They also talked about and heard feedback from their peers and leadership. In addition to the meetings, they were able to meet with other brothers, how appropriate being in the “city of brotherly love.” It was very interesting to meet with the other brothers because they were from chapters around the world. Some were from as far as England! During the semester AKPsi is hoping to host a spaghetti dinner fundraiser. This will help the chapter to continue participating in events such as the PBLI. Alpha Kappa Psi had eight new member join this term! They have been holding regular meetings for the chapter with good attendance. They are excited about the new members and the upcoming events! Accounting and Finance Interest Group Accounting and Finance Interest Group (AFIG) members are undergraduate students ranging from sophomores to seniors. About 30 members participate. The current President is Jason Lohr. The VPs are Scott Chappell, and Ben Dvorsky. The group typically meets every other Thursday at 5 pm for about 15 to 20 minutes. At these meetings, topics include activities, events, and future speakers. The group brings students of similar majors together to provide guidance for one another. Underclassman are able to meet some of the upperclassman that have experience they can use in their studies and time at UPJ. It also gives students a chance to become acquainted with fellow students from many different backgrounds. Last semester, the AFIG invited two speakers to provide information to students interested in pursuing different career paths. The first speaker organization was Prudential Insurance, who had 2 representatives talk to students regarding career opportunities with the company and also ways to distinguish themselves from other students. The recruiting director provided a lot of information and guidance as to what he and other recruiters look for in students and their resumes. Two Accounting firms also sent representatives, Wessel & Company of Johnstown, and Maher Duessel, of Pittsburgh. These two firms held a Q & A session for students and covered topics such as the CPA Exam and how to prepare for it. The AFIG also held a fundraiser for Austin Nail, a child in need of surgery to repair his vision. He lost his vision at age 5 due to Cone-Rod Dystrophy. The group held a raffle for a Steelers jersey and gave half of the proceeds to Austin at a dinner in his honor. At the dinner, they presented Austin with a check, as well as many gifts donated by groups and sports teams. He was especially fond of the Wrestling photos, championship belt, and autographs. Production and Operations Management with Doug Reed: NAH During the Fall semester, Professor Doug Reed took his Productions and Operations Management class to North American Höganäs (NAH). Thomas Lavis, who is a UPJ graduate, and now the Manager of the Business Segment Environment at NAH, showed the class around the facility. This field trip was not only fun but very informative. As a class, we got to experience the plant first hand. When we first got there, Mr. Lavis took us to the conference room where he explained some background on NAH, what his tasks were, and also how the plant was operated. We learned that this facility is the largest NAH plant in the United States. We also learned they have a headquarters located in Sweden. Lynn Barchesky, a student who attended the field trip said, “ I found it more interesting to see it first hand then to just hear about it in a class room.” Pictured to the left is Mr. Lavis, explaining the plant’s operations. Pictured below is inventory within the plant. Pictured above is Mr. Lavis is explaining the different machinery to the class. Pictured to the right is the plant’s laboratory Alumni News UPJ alumni share what they’re doing ... The BizConnection website enables all UPJ grads to keep track of updated news and accomplishments of alumni. Please log into the website regularly at http://bizconnection.upj.pitt.edu and keep us posted! 1992 Lisa Cofield Just recently heard from Lisa. She is living in Philadelphia and pursuing her second Masters degree in Restorative Practices in Youth Counseling. 1992 Dave Raco Dave is currently living in Philadelphia working at Merck as a Business Manager. He has two classes left until he receives his MBA. He recently just survived a serious downsizing within his company. He is doing great. 1995 Jennifer Hale Jennifer is currently living in Johnstown and working at MetLife. She will be teaching a new course in Human Resources in the upcoming Fall 2010 here at UPJ. She is teaching Recruitment and Retention which is the first class in the new HR track. 1996 Paul Laurent II Paul is currently living in Columbus, Ohio working at United Healthcare. He is the Director of Physicians Network. He and his wife just welcomed their second child, Max Anthony. Max has an older brother, Jackson who is pushing three years old! 1998 Doug Keklak Doug is currently in Pittsburgh, PA. He is working at PNC as a Business Operations Analyst. He continues to keep interest in all kinds of sports stuff! 1999 Rex Morgart Rex is currently located in Washington D.C. He is working with the Department of Labor as a Program Analyst. He is enjoying his job and his new home with his wife. Slowing making his way up the ranks. 2001 Jim Armbrust Jim is currently living in Camp Hill working at Green Irene as an Economic Consultant. He now has three children and is heading back to school. He started a green networking event. 2001 Karl Diethrick Karl is currently located in Altoona, PA working at the Sheetz Distribution Center. He is the Service/Petroleum Specialist. He completed his Masters at SFU in 2008. He is also doing some adjunct teaching at SFU. 2002 LeeAnn (Diffendhal) Tripp LeeAnn is currently located in Pittsburgh, PA working at Pocono Health Systems as a Publicist Manager. She is loving her job and now has a new edition to the family, a baby girl, Madelyn Ann. 2004 Heather DeRensis Heather is currently in Altoona. working at McLanahan Corporation as a Marketing Director. She is now engaged and getting married in 2011! 2005 Kathy Josephson Kathy is currently located here in Johnstown working at CTC as the Benefits Coordinator in HR. She received her Masters in HR at SFU in 2009 and got her PHR. 2006 Leanne Harkins Leanne is in Pittsburgh working at American Eagle as an Executive Assistant. She is loving her job and learning more by working with leaders in the company. 2007 Michael Rhoades Michael is in Johnstown, working as the IT Manager at North American Höganäs, the facility featured earlier in this newsletter. 2008 Lea Valenty Lea is living in Georgia, working for McKesson as a Clinical Project Manager. She can now work from home and will be returning to PA. 2009 Sharon Cook Sharon is in Johnstown at AmeriServ as a Credit Analyst. She is considering graduate school and is thinking about a career in banking. More from Alumni... UPJ Alumni share what they’re doing (Cont.)... 2009 2009 1992 Nicole Kelly Nicole is currently located at Camp Pendleton. She is a full time Mom and volunteering at a church and helping them with their website. She is expecting a brother or sister for baby Jake this summer! 2009 Dan Richardson II Dan is here in Johnstown where he works for United Metal Fabricators as a Plant Manager. Congratulations on your position! 2009 Shawnice Stevens II Shawnice is currently located in Washington D.C. She is working in the Mayor’s Office as an intern. She has been back to visit once and hopes to get back to say hello soon! Michael Streiff Michael is currently living in Pittsburgh, PA where he works for STORE Express as a Marketing Assistant. He is looking to possibly move closer to Johnstown. 2009 Brandon Ruk Brandon is currently located in Dallas, TX. He is working for DealTree in the Human Resources department. He is enjoying all the opportunities that Texas has to offer but misses the blue collar environment. 2009 Jeff Rolla Jeff is here in Johnstown working at DRS Laurel in the Productions and Operations department. He is excited about the opportunities within this great job! Association for Information Technology Professionals AITP is hoping to bring in two guest speakers this semester, a Microsoft representative to talk about Windows 7, and an Apple applications specialist to talk about some of the latest apps for the iPhone. Another major issue being discussed this semester is the possibility of merging with the UPJ chapter of the Association of Computer Machinery (ACM). AITP is hoping to host a video game tournament and a fundraiser as well as raffling off prizes such as clothing, electronics and Pittsburgh Penguins tickets. Also, as a group we are planning on going out to eat and perhaps go bowling before the end of the semester. Special Thanks... I would like to take this space to thank all of the professors involved: Dr. McGrath, Mr. Vickroy, Mr. Reed, Ms. Bhatnagar, Mrs. Rummell, and Mr. DiFrancesco. I would also like to thank all the various groups members of each organization that provided me with information and pictures. They have helped me tremendously and I appreciate it very much. Without the help of these individuals I wouldn’t have been able to complete the newsletter. Thank you! Megan Adams, Spring 2010 Editor