INNOVISION COLLEGE OF BUSINESS MAGAZINE FALL 2024 | ISSUE 35 Shaping Tomorrow: How KU is Educating the Next Generation on Sustainability Page 8
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TABLE OF CONTENTS FOLLOW US: 4 6 8 10 12 14 16 18 20 22 ........INTRODUCTION ....................FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS ...............DEAN’S LIST ....................STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ....................STUDENT SPOTLIGHT .......................INTERN SPOTLIGHT .......................INTERN SPOTLIGHT 24 26 28 30 34 35 36 37 38 .................GRADUATE SPOTLIGHTS ......................ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT ...........SBDC RIBBON CUTTING ..............HIGHLIGHTS ....................STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ...........SUPPLY CHAIN EVENT ......................CAREER DAY ....................STUDENT SPOTLIGHT ...................BUSINESS IDEA COMPETITION .....................WOMEN IN SPORTS ..................TRIBUTE TO HALIM DALGIN ........SUSTAINABILITY SUMMIT
4 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE MARIA NOTARIANNI Communication Design & Art History Graphic Designer OUR TEAM ALLY LARESE Management Technician Editor GRACE LEVY Communication Studies & Public Relations Writer Photos captured by Guy Frick and Dylan McKeown LETTER FROM THE DEAN This fall, we proudly welcomed four new members to our College of Business leadership and faculty team. Joining us as tenure-track faculty are Dr. Asif Ul Alam (Finance), Dr. Karlygash Assylkhan (Management and Human Resources), and Dr. Kibum Youn (Marketing). Additionally, Dr. Chali Nondo has joined us as our new Associate Dean. These talented individuals have already made a significant impact, bringing fresh perspectives to curriculum development and championing experiential learning opportunities for our students. We are thrilled to have them on board! Our tenured faculty continue to shine, earning welldeserved recognition for their outstanding contributions. Dr. Feisal Murshed (Marketing) was honored by the University for his exceptional research and scholarship. Dr. Kramer (Finance) and Dr. Cebula (Sport Management) were celebrated for their excellence in teaching, while Dr. Kramer and Dr. Congelio (Sport Management) also received accolades for their outstanding advising. Additionally, Dr. Soojin Kim (Sport Management) was named Employee of the Month for her instrumental role in advancing the University’s strategic plan, with notable achievements in support for student success. This past fall marked an exciting milestone with the launch of our inaugural Women in Sports Summit, co-hosted by the Sport Management Department and WISHING (Women in Sport Helping Inspire the Next Generation). This inspiring non-profit empowers young women from Title I high schools to explore career opportunities in the sports industry. The event was a collaborative effort, with significant contributions from KU athletics staff and participation from women in major and minor league sports organizations, as well as other industry professionals. Students and staff from regional universities also attended, making the summit a true community success. Amid these achievements, we also experienced a profound loss this summer. Dr. Halim Dalgin (Economics) tragically passed away in a mountain climbing accident while on sabbatical conducting research on sustainable food supply chains. His dedication to his work left an indelible mark on our community. We honor his legacy with a special tribute in this issue of Innovision. Within these pages, you’ll find more about the above accomplishments and, most importantly, the inspiring stories of our students who continue to make us proud.
FALL 2024 | 5 ASSOCIATE DEAN CHALI NONDO “I admire and value the College of Business’s strong commitment to educational excellence and community engagement. The dedication of the faculty, staff, and administrators to fostering student success and professional development is remarkable.” In his free time, Dr. Nondo enjoys reading, cooking, and spending time with his wife and two children. On weekends, he can be found watching soccer and football and enjoys playing board games, especially Monopoly. Kutztown University welcomed Dr. Chali Nondo as associate dean of the College of Business over Summer 2024. In this role, Dr. Nondo works to advise students, maintain accreditation standards, and oversee the MBA program. “My time at Kutztown University has been truly rewarding and the transition has been seamless— largely due to the support from wonderful colleagues like Katie, Ally, Dr. Chao, and Dean Carroll. Since I joined KU in July, I have felt warmly welcomed by the community. It’s been a pleasure getting to know the dedicated faculty, staff, and students here.” Dr. Nondo previously served as chair of the department of business at Jackson State University, where he led 28 faculty members and supported over 750 undergraduate and graduate students. In addition, Dr. Nondo also chaired the Assurance of Learning Committee and was an active member of other JSU committees. Before his tenure at Jackson State, he worked at the Massachusetts College of Liberal Arts. Dr. Nondo earned his Ph.D. in natural resource economics from West Virginia University and his MBA in general finance from Pennsylvania Western University. His research interests include economic development, energy economics, and productivity analysis. His work has appeared in several peerreviewed journals, including the Journal of Energy Economics and Journal of Applied Economics.
6 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE NEW FACULTY KARLYGASH ASSYLKHAN KIBUM YOUN MD ASIF UL ALAM This Fall, Dr. Assylkhan joined the department of business administration. She earned her Ph.D. in organizational behavior from Case Western Reserve University, where she worked as an adjunct professor. Her research interests include leadership across gender and social roles, organizational performance, and leadership decision-making. Dr. Kibum Youn joined the department of business administration in Fall 2024. Dr. Youn earned his Ph.D. in advertising from the University of Tennessee, where he studied digital marketing, consumer behavior, and media technology. His teaching interests include principles of marketing and advertising management. Dr. Alam joined the department of business administration as an associate professor of finance. He earned his Ph.D. in Finance from the University of Texas at El Paso and his research focus is on corporate finance and corporate governance. Recently, his research papers titled ‘Firm Reaction to Geopolitical Crises: Evidence from the RussiaUkraine Conflict’ and ‘Women in C-suite: Does Top Management Team gender diversity matter? Evidence from firm investment efficiency’ have been published in ‘Journal of Financial Research’ and ‘International Review of Financial Analysis’ respectively. Previously, Dr. Alam worked as a financial analyst. He teaches a wide range of finance courses like Investments, Portfolio Management and Financial Markets & Institutions.
FALL 2024 | 7 Dr. Soojin Kim FACULTY HIGHLIGHTS Dr. Feisal Murshed has received Kutztown University’s 2024 Chambliss Faculty Research Award for his extraordinary research and scholarship. Dr. Murshed’s dedication to innovation has greatly advanced his field and exemplifies KU’s commitment to academic excellence. Congratulations to Dr. Murshed on this well-deserved recognition! We also celebrate Dr. Soojin Kim, who has been named Employee of the Month for her significant contributions to achieving the university’s goals in academic excellence, student success, and community engagement. Dr. Kim’s dedication to fostering a supportive and enriching academic environment has been instrumental in KU’s mission. We’re grateful for her commitment! Additionally, we are honored to announce the recipients of the Excellence in Teaching and Advising Awards for the 2023-2024 Academic Year, based on nominations from graduating seniors who feel these faculty members have profoundly impacted their education: Kerri Cebula–Sport Management Excellence in Teaching Brad Congelio–Sport Management Excellence in Advising Jonathan Kramer–Department of Business Administration Excellence in Teaching and Advising We are grateful for your hard work, dedication, and the positive impact you have on our students and community. Congratulations to all! CONGRATULATIONS TO OUR AWARD-WINNING FACULTY! Jonathan Kramer Kerri Cebula Brad Congelio Dr. Feisal Murshed
8 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE Sustainability Summit Power Our Future Moving forward, leaving no footprint On Sept. 25, students gathered for the 2nd annual Sustainability Summit. The conference began with keynote speaker Sami Kabbani, senior vice president of energy and metals at Reworld. As a waste management company, Reworld offers waste disposal options for their customers, including recycling and reusing materials. “Advocate for your community to use services like ours,” said Kabbani. “Educate your community about sustainable solutions.” The first panel, “Energy for Our Future,” discussed how different companies were converting fuel sources into energy. Timothy Lebrecht, a representative from Air Products, explained how the company is utilizing hydrogen to create technologies that will eventually power vehicles. John Cook, representing UGI, talked about how the company distributes natural gas. Doug Neidich, from Greenworks Development, discussed the solar energy industry. The second panel, “Sustainability Education,” talked about how to educate students and community members about sustainable energy practices. Stacy Silva, special projects manager for Entech Engineering, discussed how the company reports their sustainability practices. Kelly Sanders, vice president of programs for the Sustainability Energy Fund, talked about how the nonprofit serves local communities. Timothy Lias Jr., an MBA student at KU, explained the importance of educating college students about sustainable practices to support future sustainable initiatives when they become employed.
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10 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE ACCOUNTING Lily Beadencup Tanner Benckini Adam Brocato Alexis Bundra Maura Day Katelyn Delong Alyssa Desimone Zach Dietrich Bethany Francis Zachary Hafer Daniel Hanley Helena Hoffman Colin Holohan Michael Hubble Jace Jennings Malachi Kauffman Tyrus Kauffman Hannah Keeney Erin Lipkus Caitlin Love Kayla Mackney Aidan Malkowski Jaryd Meehl Aldo Mercedes James Munster Joshua Norris Kristin Rakoski Xavier Reinert Shannon Remolde Matthew Ritter Joseph Galle Kyle Goodwin Brooke Graham Brian Harris Sean Hess Logan Hostetter Gabrielle Interrante Makenzie Kramer Nathan Lawn Jacob Mack Caroline McDonald Simbarashe Mekani Nicholas Miller Ryan Mills Zachary Morris Taylor Mullin Sabrina Myers Mary Nangle Elias Norton-Rivera Kayden Platania Henrique Rocha Dylan Rodriguez Berrios Aj Ruchlewicz Luke Salem Mason Schlofer Alexandra Sipe Abigail Smith Logan Sosik Serena Stauffer Conor Steward Brendan Sweeney Aaron Tidd Rylee Van Gilson Gabriella Webb Tracey White Rebecca Wilson John Zeich GENERAL BUSINESS Natalie Adam Paige Bittenbender Ben Collison Logan Hinkle Curtis Lasalle Lily Maniscalco Alexis Martins Hannah Mcconnell Alivia Miesowitz Alaina Moffitt Salvatore Scarlata Owen Starner Henry Thomas Jonathan Traynor HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT Robert Fair Sarah Friedman Grace Harrold Nicole Parker Cassie Rambo Ava Romfo Emily Schikel Stephen Sponenburg Buddy Stephani Ashley Stone Cody Storm Kaitlyn Weiss Trinity Wentzel Breanna Wesolowski Steele Wrigley Yujie Yan ENTREPRENEURSHIP Amir Anderson Tea Freeman Riley Hanzl Andrew Miller Mackenzie Wagaman Katrina Wolf Kelsey Yob FINANCE Victor Astuto Gonzalo Barcelo Michael Baxter Tyler Bell Nathan Berge Lucas Cherniak Matthew Coller Kevin Cuffe Justus Darville Julia Dolon Katelyn Economopoulos Julianna Elsesser Michael Galasso Spring 2024 DEAN’S LIST
FALL 2024 | 11 Danielle Skinner Julie Stockton Taylor Swartley Rachel Szabo MANAGEMENT Destiny Abreu Noelle Baxter Makarios Butt Gino Campagna Bryan Correia Raisa Hoehn Emely Jimenez Samantha Jones Jared Keyes Tran Le Nile Mattar Aidan McKee Dylan Moyer Austin Pease Ty Race Haripriya Ramkissoon Lauren Spampinato Nicole Stout Daniela Tineo-Gomez Riley Zeigenfuss MARKETING Emily Boyle Anthony Chiango Olivia Cox Bridget Curtis Andrew Darlak Ashley Davenport Myah Davies Isabelle Davison Gretta Degerolamo Matthew Eskander Connor Frank Alex Grohol Kassidy Hallman Bryce Heckendorn Morgan Hillegas John Horton Mackenzie Kolb Michario Madden Luke Miller Ethan Moyer Zach Mueller Katherine Nolan Andres Perez Aidan Perriello Taylor Rapel Spencer Rose Jacob Sopko Katelyn Stuhldreher Lauren Szuter Jessica Traynor Owen Weaver Morgan Werley PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING Kajanna Hylton Travis Rach George Snyder SPORT MANAGEMENT Ben Angstadt Liam Ashley Cassandra Baker Andy Bates Andrew Batista Vince Calapino Christian Calonder Connor Caniglia Tate Clarke Slate Clauser Sydney Cole Asher Cooper Alexandra DeFilippo Nathan Eshleman Alyssa Galayda Jaden Garcia Joshua Gibson Mekhi Gibson David Graham Mason Grubb Taylor Gurysh Rowan Hall Zachary Hoover Max Kochenash Sean Malfara Andrew Mann Greenleigh McGehee Ethen Miller Tyler Monahan Alex Moser Judd Novak Megan Osilka Jordyn Osner Isaias Oviedo Alexis Plesic Eric Powers Adam Pursell Andre Reames Tatum Rothermel Sage Rowley Destiny Satterlee Paige Saxey Kali Schad Spencer Schumacher Kevin Schwartz Kirsten Seeger Tyler Sheets Bryan Sherry Kacie Sienko Morgan Slomkowski Bailey Slotwinski Brianna Stocklin Taylor Szczecina Carson Torchio Abbey Waas Colin Warner Matthew Weinberg Maddie Welsh Annika Wise Emme Wolfel Peyton Woznicki Wyatt Younes Zara Zerman SUPPLY CHAIN MANAGEMENT Paulette Durazno Tyler Eckert Andrea Fuentes Matthew Garman Emily Jimenez Krysta Le Michael Windsor Zhixi Zhang
INTERNSHIPS Damini interned for Victaulic during Summer 2024, where she was an international tax intern. While there, she read IRS reports and learned about international policies. “It was fun to experience a private company and learn about the different policies and corporate life.” Previously, Damini was a tax intern for RKL LLP. At the time, she had never taken a tax class before, but she was still onboarded because of her experience and knowledge. “It was a bit intimidating, but I learned I really liked tax.” This summer, Damini will intern with KPMG. She is very excited about this opportunity to work with for one of the “Big Four” – a term accountants use to describe some of the most popular and hardest firms to get into. “It’s always been a dream of mine to be a part of the Big Four.” CAREER ASPIRATIONS After graduation, Damini would like to follow in her dad’s footsteps and pursue her CPA license. She hopes to work full-time with one of the Big Four and is looking forward to any new opportunities along the way. As she enters her Junior year, Damini has built an impressive resume with two internships under her belt and two more scheduled for 2025. An involved student in the classroom and on campus, she has made a name for herself within the College of Business and beyond. Damini attributes a lot of her success to her personal mantra: “Your time at KU is what you make of it.” ACADEMICS Damini’s path within the College of Business began in her freshman year when she began as a finance major. It was after taking ACT 121, when she picked up on the topics, that she realized she wanted to add accounting to her degree. “Dr. Kaufinger has been fantastic to learn from. Outside of being immensely knowledgeable, Dr. K is always there to go to for advice.” One of her favorite classes this semester is Investments, taught by Dr. Alam. “I’ve been able to apply these ideas to myself.” Outside of the classroom, Damini is a board member for accounting club. As an active member, she attends many of the events, including Meet the Firms Night. In addition, Damini is a representative for the COB on the Student Government Board. DAMINI RAMANUJAM KUMAR 12 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
Damini Ramanujam Kumar is pursuing dual accounting and finance majors and a minor in computer science. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT FALL 2024 | 13
Kate Nolan, finance and marketing double major and Spanish minor, is co-president of Finance Club. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 14 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
KATHERINE NOLAN Entering her senior year, Kate’s resume is filled with various clubs, internships, and activities. She works on campus as a tour guide for Admissions and is a Discus Thrower for KU’s Track and Field team. “I love KU because of the small classes. My hard work gets noticed.” TRACK AND FIELD As a student athlete, Kate starts each day at 7:30a.m. and often doesn’t get back home until 10p.m. Balancing her schedule, she fits in her classes, schoolwork, club involvement, and training for Track and Field. “During our season, I practice two hours a day, four days a week. It’s important to schedule my time.” Kate makes time for decompressing, often utilizing the study spaces in de Francesco and around campus. CLUB INVOLVEMENT As co-president of Finance Club, Kate organizes guest speakers, runs the club social media, and plans workshops for club members. She enjoys creating a space where other finance majors can be together and build their network. Kate is also treasurer of the American Advertising Federation. INTERNSHIPS Kate has completed two internships. In Summer 2024, she was a marketing intern for Continental Finance, where she worked on 15 projects throughout the summer. “Through this internship, I experienced things I have not found in the classroom.” Although it was Kate’s first experience in a corporate environment, she quickly excelled in her internship. She developed and implemented several projects, earning praise from CF’s executive leadership. “I worked with different departments, which really prepared me for the workplace. I learned to stay hardworking and continue to put myself out there.” In Spring 2022, she interned for the Reading Science Center, where she helped with adverting and marketing for their events. ACADEMICS Kate was always drawn to marketing because of her talking and networking capabilities. In her freshman year, she joined finance club and realized she could use her math skills to add another major. Within her majors, Kate has enjoyed courses by Dr. Kramer and Dr. Murshed. “Dr. Murshed’s class, Inventions and Innovations, made me think creatively about my future.” CAREER ASPIRATIONS Kate would like to go into sales once she graduates. She has a strong entrepreneurial spirit and has two business ideas for her future. “I would like to create a gas station that offers security to make it a safer place for all, fair and healthy food pricing, and other amenities. I am also interested in making contact lenses that will correct vision over time.” She is also interested in advertising and continues to focus on opportunities that will grow her career. FALL 2024 | 15
HARRISON LEVIN IMPROMPTU HAPPY HOUR INTERN Harrison Levin spent his summer as a marketing intern for Impromptu Happy Hour, a Washingtonbased startup that connects users with local restaurant deals and promotions. Harrison gained invaluable experiences in marketing and entrepreneurship while working with the growing app. “I loved living in D.C. I got out of my comfort zone and met so many new people. I ended up visiting the city several times during the Fall 2024 semester because it left such an impression on me.” As part of his role, Harrison visited various neighborhood restaurants, bars, and taverns across the city to pitch the app to owners and managers. He got local drink specials and happy hour deals listed on the app, helping restaurants gain visibility while offering users dining deals. Beyond outreach efforts, Harrison created the company’s TikTok account from scratch. “I thought about the target audience and knew we needed to get on that app.” By the end of his internship, Impromptu Happy Hour’s TikTok had received 35,000 views over three months. Harrison’s internship was through The Washington Center, which connects students with internship opportunities in D.C. While his internship was mostly remote work, he made the most of his time in the city, visiting historical landmarks, museums, and trying new restaurants on the weekends. Every week, he attended TWC seminars, in addition to lectures for his judicial processes course. “I can see myself possibly living in Washington in the future. It was a great experience.” BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION An active member of the College of Business, Harrison is the social media assistant for the department of business administration. In this role, he creates graphics and takes photos for the department’s social media accounts, which is important in meeting accreditation requirements. He works closely with Dr. Gary Chao and Patty Braga, department secretary. “I love that I am able to be creative.” Harrison is also involved in Entrepreneurship Club and enjoys attending guest speaker events. He is thankful for Dr. Shawn Riley, his entrepreneurship professor, Dr. Greg Kaufinger, his accounting professor, Dr. Jonathan Kramer, and Dr. Friehauf, his geology of national parks professor. “Thank you to all of my professors for providing me with a world class social and academic experience.” CAREER ASPIRATIONS After graduation, Harrison hopes to return to D.C. He aspires to work for another startup and possibly work in the social media industry. Eventually, would like to own his own company. “I come from three generations of entrepreneurs, so I’d like to continue the legacy.” 16 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
Harrison Levin, a senior entrepreneurship major and social media strategy and theory minor, interned in Washington, D.C., during Summer 2024. INTERN SPOTLIGHT FALL 2024 | 17
Rachel Szabo, human resources major, interned for the City of Easton. INTERN SPOTLIGHT 18 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
RACHEL SZABO CHOOSING KU Transferring to KU in Fall 2023, Rachel knew she wanted to go into human resources. She wants to make change from inside a business, “HR allows me to create policies that protect both people and companies.” She attributes much of her success at KU to her great roommates and professors. “All of my professors want to see me succeed, encouraging me to do well. They are always there to check up on me, and I know someone is always there in my corner.” INTERNING FOR THE CITY OF EASTON Entering Summer 2024, Rachel knew she wanted to complete an internship, even though it is not required for her major. After contacting the City of Easton’s department secretary, Rachel secured the position of human resource intern. Rachel started her internship in the office three days a week for eight hours a day. As she took on more responsibilities and projects, she eventually transitioned to four days a week. As an intern, Rachel developed an employee policy handbook for the city. She worked with the fire and police department to draft a handbook that adhered to every organization’s union labor laws. In addition, once the handbook was approved, she worked to upload it to PowerDMS, an online software that stores the policy and allows employees to sign the employee policy handbook. “It was difficult to make one policy that applies to everyone and trying to navigate the political landscape of appealing to everyone’s best interests.” Another standout moment was attending staff meetings with the mayor, all city directors, and fire and police chiefs. At those meetings, Rachel would give presentations to those key personnel, and they would relay her policies to their respective staff. “I liked government work. It was rewarding to make people feel safer because I could create policies that directly benefited them.” Rachel is grateful for her mentors during the internship. Luis Campos, the city administrator, was a great resource and provided her with guidance. “I am very grateful for the opportunities he gave me.” LOOKING AHEAD After completing her degree, Rachel will continue her academics through KU’s MBA program. She is looking forward to earning certificates in leadership and business decision making. In addition to pursing her MBA, she hopes to work full-time. “I like to be challenged. Wherever I land, I want a career that will keep me engaged.” FALL 2024 | 19
MICHARIO MADDEN Entering his junior year, Michario Madden has built an impressive resume. As an intern for Bell and Evans, working as a Presidential Ambassador, and a student in the Honors Program, he has gained valuable experience academically and professionally that will set him up for success beyond his time at KU. “This university has given me the opportunity to grow my own brand and make connections.” INTERNSHIP In Summer 2024, Michario was a retail marketing intern at Bell and Evans, a chicken retailer. His responsibilities were wide-ranging, from e-commerce auditing, ad design, campaign management, and organizing shipping logistics. “Even if I was inexperienced with a task, I wouldn’t be shy to learn.” A key highlight of his internship involved auditing an e-commerce website for major customers, reflecting the responsibility and trust invested in his role. Another highlight from his internship was helping with the “Great on the Grill” campaign. Michario was trusted to pack boxes and bring them to the shipping department, something no other intern did. Michario practiced his networking skills through his internship. “Every chance I get, I meet new people, and by the end of my internship, I felt like I knew nearly everyone working there.” PRESIDENTIAL AMBASSADORS Michario also serves as a presidential ambassador, in addition to working for the KU Foundation. In this role, he connects with alumni, gathering their fond memories of KU to encourage donations. He often works events at the president’s house, interacting with alumni and faculty, which has helped him strengthen his communication and networking skills. “It’s a great organization to be a part of because of the networking opportunities.” The power of his connections includes being featured over Summer 2024 on a KU billboard campaign. The university’s photographer, Chris Sponagle, reached out to him about being featured in the campaign, and they shot the photos in de Francesco, the College of Business’s academic building. MARKETING Michario found a passion for marketing after taking a career placement test. After receiving results for careers in communications, journalism, and marketing, he decided marketing was the best fit for him. He added a communication studies minor to complement his degree. “I want to add more information and absorb as much as I can.” Michario credits two professors with shaping his academic journey—Dr. Yonjae Kim, who taught one of his first marketing class, and Dr. Christine Rhoads. “She has a great teaching style and is willing to help you succeed.” He also enjoyed Interpersonal Communication, taught by Dr. Diana Ebersole. “That class left a mark on me.” LOOKING FORWARD Although he doesn’t know what the future holds, Michario would like to work with people and interact in friendly environments. He is interested in entrepreneurship and owning his own business in the future. In addition, he knows that whatever opportunity he lands, he will provide for his family and give back to them. “I am grateful to everyone who has helped me to be where I am today.” 20 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
Michario Madden, marketing major and communication studies minor, has made the most out of every opportunity at KU. STUDENT SPOTLIGHT FALL 2024 | 21
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT Isiah Fernandez is a senior majoring in sport management with a minor in social media theory and strategy. 22 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
ISIAH FERNANDEZ Isiah Fernandez has made the most of his time at KU. As a first-generation student, he appreciates the different opportunities he has been given and tries to give back any chance he gets. “I’m not one to shy away from a challenge or opportunity. I never limit myself, and I try to instill that belief into others.” RESEARCH WITH THE SPORT BUSINESS INSTITUTE Isiah is involved in a research project through the Sport Business Institute (SBI) that examines consumer behavior in virtual reality. He attributes his project involvement to Dr. Yongjae Kim, who provided him with the opportunity to join the research team. Using new technology like a brain and neuron tracker, the team is examining consumer behavior in virtual reality. “Working with the SBI has expanded my understanding of the brain and how technology impacts our choices.” The team is preparing their findings for a paper and hopes to present them at a worldwide conference in Spring 2025. STUDENT CLUB INVOLVEMENT Isiah is an active member of the Achievement, Initiative, for Male Success (AIMS) organization, which serves to create a space for young men to meet and discuss challenges, all while inspiring each other. He credits AIMS with transforming his college experience. “AIMS gives me the opportunity to uplift others in ways I was uplifted.” He appreciates the mentorship of Bilal Salaam, who has played a key role in building his confidence. “He saw something in me that I didn’t see in myself at the time. He instilled confidence in me that I’ve been able to pass along to others.” Isiah is also involved with the Black Student Union (BSU), which has provided him a safe and welcoming space. “The BSU has influenced me to be the best version of myself.” KU AND BEYOND Isiah enjoys classes like Facility Management with Dr. Duane Crider and Sport Finance with Dr. Norman Sigmond. He values Dr. Sigmond’s lecturebased teaching style. “He is an engaging professor and has helped me understand so much.” As he looks beyond KU, Isiah is considering graduate school. He has always dreamt of becoming an entrepreneur and hopes to start a nonprofit in the future. Wherever he lands, Isiah is confident that he’ll make a positive change and create something that helps everyone. “When your mindset is in the right place, it is possible to get anything done.” FALL 2024 | 23
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT CHOOSING KU “I had a great experience at KU pursuing my undergrad degree, so I knew I wanted to come back from my MBA. I had an extra year of eligibility for field hockey and knew immediately when I had decided that I was going to take my fifth year, I was going to stay at Kutztown; I could not imagine going to school or playing anywhere else. We also had just won the National Championships during my senior year, and I was excited for another year at KU to try to win it again. KU offered the perfect balance of academics and athletics, and I had heard good things about the MBA program from friends and teammates who were in the program. Sarah Gatehouse is pursuing her MBA while playing for the KU Women’s Field Hockey team. Kutztown feels like home to me, and after four years here, I was not ready to leave. My decision to stay at KU for my MBA was a no-brainer for me because it allows me to continue playing the sport that I love for one more year, while expanding my studies and career opportunities.” FAVORITE CLASSES AND PROFESSORS “I’ve enjoyed classes like ethics and social responsibility with Dr. Steslow and managing and leading people with Professor Ziff. Dr. Steslow is one of my favorite professors. Professor Ziff’s course is very interactive with participation and group activities to practice our leadership skills rather than just being lectured about it, which makes it fun and interesting.” CHALLENGES “It’s challenging to balance the demands from my sport – practices, games, lifts, traveling – with the academic demands from my course load and my GA hours. It’s hard to make sure I’m working 20 hours a week for my graduate assistantship while also planning my hours around field hockey. It can be pretty challenging balancing everything, but it is a great way to get some hands-on work experience and gain some meaningful knowledge and opportunities to prepare me for post-graduation. It definitely keeps me busy, but it’s worth it!” CAREER “The classes that I have taken have already allowed me to gain so much knowledge of the business world and have opened my eyes to additional opportunities that I may not have been presented with otherwise with just my undergrad degree. Adding an MBA degree in addition to my undergrad sport management degree will create so many more opportunities and career paths that I can pursue, and I am excited to explore my options.” SARAH GATEHOUSE 24 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
GRADUATE SPOTLIGHT CHOOSING KU FOR AN MBA I chose KU for several reasons. I completed my undergraduate degree here in 2015 and had an incredible experience. I enjoyed my time so much that I decided to stay and began working at KU immediately after graduation, and I’ve been here ever since. I’m pursuing an MBA to elevate my business acumen and leadership skills, which will enhance my ability to lead and handle difficult business situations. Continuing education is vital for career growth and seizing new opportunities. Matt Assad is an MBA student graduating in Spring 2026. He works as the Controller at KU, where he manages the financial operations for the university, including the accounting, budget, and business services departments. Before starting my MBA, I earned my CMA (Certified Management Accountant), which equipped me with the knowledge and confidence to lead financial operations. An MBA will further expand my capabilities and open new doors for my professional development. Additionally, the MBA program offers great flexibility for non-traditional students like me, who work full-time and have family commitments. The availability of fully remote and hybrid courses makes it possible to pursue my degree while managing a busy schedule. FAVORITE CLASSES My favorite course so far has been Ethics and Social Responsibility with Dr. Steslow. It covered several incredibly interesting topics and provided opportunities to analyze complex situations. The course was very collaborative, incorporating many different perspectives. It was a great experience that can be applied to everyday decision-making. ADVICE FOR OTHER MBA STUDENTS Enroll as soon as you’re interested in the program. I waited seven years to enroll, always using the excuse that I was too busy and would have time next year. However, with each year, life only got busier. If you’re interested, don’t wait. Make the time now, because there’s never a perfect moment, and the sooner you start, the sooner you’ll reap the benefits of your education. Taking that step can open new opportunities and help you grow both personally and professionally. MATT ASSAD FALL 2024 | 25
SAM COSTELLO WOMEN’S SOCCER TEAM In 2013 and 2014, Sam excelled as a team captain. She racked an impressive number of achievements: Kutztown’s 2015 Female Athlete of the Year, twotime MVP, 2014 All-American, and two-time PSAC Athlete of the Week. “I still talk to those girls! It’s a testament to our sports program – our camaraderie – that has allowed us to stay in contact after all this time. We practically lived in Keystone Hall and we built friendships that have lasted a decade.” This fall, Sam was inducted into the KU Athletics Hall of Fame for her outstanding contributions to the team. ADVICE FOR STUDENTS Sam achieved her success beyond KU through her networking skills and willingness to step out of her comfort zone. She landed her job at Vita Coco through a professional connection who worked at the company at the time and recommended Sam for the position. “Don’t ever think you’re not good enough for something. It’s really easy to get into your head and feel like you’re not qualified for something, when in reality, you are the right candidate. Don’t be afraid to apply for that job.” VITA COCO Sam started at Vita Coco in 2020, where she joined the team as a sales operations analyst for the strategic accounts team. In her role, she help to supply the coconut drink to large retailers like Costco and Sam’s Club. Sam serves as the primary point of contact for Vita Coco’s broker, ensuring the product is delivered in a timely manner. “The leadership roles I had through KU and the Women’s Soccer team have led to my success at Vita Coco. The group work, presentations, and other skills I learned have translated into my career.” Sam is especially proud of the company culture that Vita Coco has fostered for its employees. She is the president of the Coco Pride Group, an employee-led LGBTQ+ community. In June 2024, Coco Pride partnered with Coffee Project New York to launch a special drink during Pride Month, with some proceeds donated to the Trevor Project. “I have great relationships with everyone I work with, and the company really supports a healthy work-life balance. We have open communication and can talk about anything.” In her free time, Sam enjoys taking her two dogs for walks and spending weekends with friends and family in Jersey City. 26 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
KU Alum Sam Costello, Class of 2015, was a leisure and sports studies major. Now, she’s a Sales Operations Analyst for Vita Coco. “ ” KU DID A REALLY GOOD JOB AT PREPARING ME FOR MY FUTURE ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT FALL 2024 | 27
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On Sept. 20, the Kutztown University Small Business Development Center (KU SBDC) celebrated the grand opening of Golden Bear Visuals, a state-of-the-art photography and multimedia production studio. Located in Old Main 542, Golden Bear Visuals serves to provide small businesses and entrepreneurs with access to photography equipment for taking headshots, product photography, and other visual media production. The ribbon cutting ceremony was well attended by local legislators, College of Business staff, students, and SBDC personnel. Grace Levy, social media and PR specialist, introduced the event. Local Rep. Jamie Barton spoke next, and Bill Evans, chief of staff for Sen. Judith Schwank, presented Golden Bear Visuals with a certificate. Ernie Post, Pennsylvania state SBDC director, gave brief remarks. Rachael Wolfe, KU SBDC program business consulting manager, concluded the ceremony. “This studio represents the KU SBDC’s commitment to offering no-cost services to its community,” Wolfe said. “It’s been a long-time dream to open this studio and I couldn’t have done it without the support of my student team.” The studio was primarily funded by a Neighborhood Assistance Program grant from the Department of Community & Economic Development. Additional support came from M&T Bank, Truist Bank, Customers Bank, Univest Bank and East Penn Manufacturing. KU SBDC clients are encouraged to use the studio during business hours, or select weeknights, by registering online. SBDC Golden Bear Visuals Ribbon Cutting Ceremony FALL 2024 | 29
HIGHLIGHTS At the beginning of the semester, we honored our amazing COB students who achieved Dean’s List! It was a pleasure to celebrate you! Keep up the amazing work! You truly show what it means to be golden! 30 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
Thank you to everyone who joined us at the College of Business Club Fair! Missed it? There’s still time to join— visit Engage or stop by the business administration office for more info! Kutztown MBA students recently toured the Cira Center to explore a cutting-edge bio-industry incubator. They will now apply their MBA knowledge and experience to develop an adaptive reuse plan for an outdated commercial building in the Philadelphia area. Pictured from left to right are Tim Coyle, Elvis Dzidzornu, Annie Whalen, Scott Woodrow, Jeff Devuono, and Joe Jardine. 15 firms and organizations joined the Accounting Club’s Meet the Firms Night to connect with the next generation of accountants. Meet The Firms Night is a signature networking event for our club, helping students engage with professionals and shape their careers in the business field. Did you stop by the Return to Campus event last week? It was a huge success & a great way to see all of you! Jacob Contreras (right) visited the NFI facility in Fredericksburg, PA, to learn how the company handles inbound and outbound operations, inventory, and quality control for seasonal Halloween products. A special thanks to Denis Cela (left), Director at NFI, and Ryan Meyers (middle), a Kutztown alumnus, for facilitating the visit. Earlier this semester, students from Dr. Soojin Kim’s SPT 285 Sport Marketing class were able to attend a Harrisburg Senators game, where they participated in a stadium tour and panel discussion, while also meeting with some of the employees! FALL 2024 | 31
Dr. Kramer’s FINA 386 class had the privilege of hearing from another outstanding guest speaker. Many thanks to Benjamin Haas, CFP®, CRPC®, ABFP™, for generously sharing his time and insights with the students. Scott Anderson, Kutztown dad and Sr. Director at Albéa Group, spoke to Dr. Murshed’s capstone marketing course. He shared insights on the evolving tubes business, Albéa’s innovations, and sustainability efforts. Emme Wolfel and Bryan Pensyl had the opportunity to attend the Philadelphia Phillies College Series Sport Management & Hospitality Night sponsored by Fox School of Business at Temple University. “Dr. Chao and Dr. Youn recently visited Altitude Marketing in Emmaus, PA, to establish a new partnership focused on enhancing student learning in digital marketing. This collaboration will provide students with hands-on experience through real-world projects, bridging the gap between academic studies and industry practice, and equipping them with the skills necessary for success in the modern digital marketing field.” Pictured from left to right are Jon, Gary, Ziera, Kibum, and Kyle. Dr. Kramer and students, Emma Wenger, Sabrina Myers, Gabriella Webb, and Abigail Smith, engaged with industry leaders, gained valuable insights, and built meaningful connections at the CFP Board Connections Conference. Proud to see this group representing the future of financial planning! Thank you to everyone that came out to the Advisory Council Networking Event and helped make it amazing! It was a great night to make connections and meet new, experienced people in the COB world! Hope everyone had a good time! 32 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
Dr. Jonathan Kramer’s FINA386 class had a great opportunity to hear from KU alum, Noah Dorman, CFP® ‘21, Certified Financial Planner from Affiliated Financial Planners. Noah also brought Rhian Romain with him. Rhian works at Affiliated Financial Planners LLC, and is entering the Personal Financial Planning major at KU next semester after work at LCCC. Our first Faculty Development Workshop for Fall 2024, “Engage with AI: Leveraging AI as Your Wingman,” presented by Dr. Gary Chao, was a success! Faculty attended and engaged in this exciting conversation about the future of AI in education and beyond! George Kosta was the Vice Rector of Democritus University of Thrace (2010-2014). Now he is teaching as a Professor at the School of Physical Education & Sport Science, Democritus University of Thrace in Komotini, Greece. He was the head of the masters studies programs “Exercise & Quality of Life” and “Sport Tourism, Event Management, Dance” in Democritus University of Thrace. Also he was teaching at the graduate level in the Economic University of Athens. He received his doctoral degree (Ph.D.) in Recreation Management from the University of Oregon in 1992. He has been a member of the European Association for Sport Management since 1993 and a life member of World Leisure Association. From 2007 to 2011 he was the president of the Hellenic Association for Sport Management. Areas of interest: Sport Tourism, Event Management, Olympic Games, Fitness Centers Management, Sport Management and Recreation Management. He was a volunteer in the 1984 Los Angeles Games, 1988 Seoul Games and 1996 Atlanta Games. He worked for the 2000 Sydney Games and was the Photo manager in the aquatic center in Athens Olympic Games in 2004. Thank you, Dr. Muratcan Erkul, for an inspiring session on ‘Empowering Faculty: Harnessing AI and its Applications in Education’ at our second Faculty Development Workshop! Students stopping by the Sport Management table at the Fall Health Expo. FALL 2024 | 33
On Sept. 26, supply chain students met with network professionals in a series of panel discussions. Topics included logistics, trucking, distribution, warehousing, and supply chain management industry education. Students heard from industry professionals, including representatives from Pitt Ohio, NFI, and BDi Machinery. SUPPLY CHAIN EVENT “THIS EVENT PROVIDED STUDENTS WITH AN EXCELLENT OPPORTUNITY TO GAIN INSIGHTS FROM SUPPLY CHAIN PROFESSIONALS ON TRUCKING, 3PL LICENSING, AND INNOVATIVE SUPPLY CHAIN SOLUTIONS.” - DR. GARY CHAO “ “ 34 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
On October 23, students attended Career Day with College of Business alumni. Students were able to network with industry professionals, as well as hear about the transition from college to the workforce. Panelists included Jeffrey Krystopa, senior account manager at NextGen Security, Taylor Thames, director of ticket sales at Harrisburg Senators Baseball Club, and Krista Berardelli, director of business development at Agentis Plumbing. Panelists discussed their jobs, the business industry, and gave advice to students. “It is always a privilege to come back to KU and speak with students in the College of Business. I enjoy the fresh perspectives that students provide and always end up learning a few things myself,” said Jeffrey. CAREER DAY FALL 2024 | 35
On Nov. 20, 7 finalists pitched their business ideas to a panel of judges during the 14th annual Business Idea Competition. The competition began with Madison Rakauckas and her idea for Harmony House, the community space for musicians to create art. Then, Kelan Boyer and Luke Litchkofski pitched their business idea, K&L Guitars, a conveyor-belt style customizable electric guitar business. Harrison Levin explained his idea for LightsOn, a light bulb that lets you know when it has 5% battery left. Rachel Bailey discussed her idea for The Old Barn Stage, a nonprofit music venue inside a rustic barn. To conclude the competition, Noah Paules and Keira Shirk pitched their idea for ComMusity, an app that lists music venues near users and allows band members to connect and network with each other. After each five-minute pitch, the judges –Rachael Wolfe and John Denver of the KU SBDC and Eileen Kowalski of PNC Bank– were given time to ask the finalists questions about their business ideas. Following that, judges scored the presentations, and the results were added to determine the winners. The first-place winner was Harrison Levin, an Entrepreneurship major. His idea for LightsOn earned him $1,500, which he says he’ll invest back in the company. “I’m going to look into patenting this technology. I had a great time and am grateful for this opportunity.” Madison Rakauckas earned second place and Rachel Bailey secured third place. The winners all received a trophy for their ideas. BUSINESS IDEA COMPETITION 36 | INNOVISION MAGAZINE
The Sport Management department hosted its first Women in Sports Summit in a partnership with the nonprofit organization WISHING (Women in Sport Helping Inspire the Next Generation). In a series of panel discussions, various women spoke to students about the sports industry. The event began with a networking session where students were able to speak directly with the panelists and build relationships. The first panel, Elevating Sports Through Community and Connection, featured female representatives from the Reading Royals, York Revolution, the Iron Pigs, and the Philadelphia 76ers. The second panel, Empowering Women in Sports Through Education and Leadership, included the Harrisburg Senators Baseball Club, the New York Islanders, and professors from the University of Bridgeport and Millersville University. Building Inclusive Teams and Amplifying Women in Sports, the third panel, included women from the Philadelphia Eagles, the Lehigh Valley Phantoms, and Lehigh University football. The fourth panel, Developing the Next Generation of Leaders in Sports, was led by representatives from Millersville University, Kutztown University, and the YMCA of the Roses. The event concluded with a professional development seminar, where students received advice on their resumes and cover letters to prepare them for entering the sports industry. WOMEN IN SPORTS SUMMIT FALL 2024 | 37
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It is with great sadness that we share the news of the passing of Dr. Muhammad Halim Dalgin during a mountain climbing trip in July 2024. The business administration professor was a beloved member of the College of Business and made a substantial impact on the lives of KU students. While on sabbatical, Dr. Dalgin was traveling, one of his favorite passions, to pursue research about sustainable food supply chains. Dr. Dalgin joined the Golden Bear family in 2008, serving on several major committees within the department. His research interests included international trade, exchange rates, balance of payments, and the impact of color in marketing. Previously, Dr. Dalgin taught at the University of Scranton and Bloomsburg University. Dr. Dalgin received his Ph.D. in economics from Syracuse University and was a graduate of the Middle East Technical University in Ankara, Turkey. In his free time, Dr. Dalgin loved traveling and hiking. In Memory of MUHAMMAD HALIM DALGIN IN HIS QUEST TO UNDERSTAND THE WORLD’S ECONOMIES, HE TRAVERSED BOTH ANCIENT TRADE ROUTES AND MOUNTAIN TRAILS, FINDING WISDOM IN THE STORIES TOLD BY HISTORY AND NATURE. HIS DREAM OF EXPLORING THE SILK ROAD REMINDS US THAT THE PURSUIT OF KNOWLEDGE AND THE APPRECIATION OF BEAUTY OFTEN GO HAND IN HAND. - DR. GARY CHAO “ “ FALL 2024 | 39
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