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
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
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.
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 3
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
355 State Farm Hall of Business
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
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 5
“entrepreneurship”Working for yourself when you’re the boss
150 State Farm Hall of Business
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?
370 State Farm Hall of Business
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
149 State Farm Hall of Business
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
368 State Farm Hall of Business
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
354 State Farm Hall of Business
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.
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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.
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 7
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.
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 9
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.
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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
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 3
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.
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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
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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
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