WINTER 2023
Enactus club wins multiple awards p. 5 School of Business WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY
School of Business UPDATES Dean’s message As we approach the end of 2023, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the incredible journey we have had in the WWU School of Business over the past year and share our aspirations for 2024. The year 2023 has been filled with significant achievements, challenges, and growth. Our school has continued to evolve and demonstrate its resilience in the face of change. I want to express my deep appreciation for the hard work and dedication of our students, faculty, and staff. In 2023, we’ve seen our students excel in their studies and entrepreneurial endeavors, showcasing creativity and innovation. A record number of students participated in the U-Pitch competition, where entrepreneurial ideas flourished and many students secured funding for their ventures. The Enactus club, sponsored by Professor George Perez, won several external awards for innovative business proposals aimed to improve the world. Our senior trip to Amazon headquarters and a senior retreat at our Rosario Beach campus were well received. Our faculty have continued to demonstrate their commitment to academic excellence, scholarly activity, and mentorship. Additionally, we have developed a new and innovative online M.B.A. program which has recently been approved and is expected to launch in 2024-2025. It is intended to expand our international partnerships, offering our students and stakeholders the chance to engage in global business experiences. Moreover, in the next year, we plan to launch new initiatives that foster innovation and entrepreneurship across our entire academic community, encouraging interdisciplinary collaborations and impactful community engagement. I am confident the School of Business will achieve even greater success in 2024. Let us move forward together with enthusiasm and a shared vision, eager to overcome any challenges that may arise. Thank you for your dedication, resilience, and your collective efforts to make the School of Business a thriving hub of diversity, innovation, and excellence in all that we do. —Stephen Pilgrim
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Faculty awards Our faculty and staff seek to make a difference professionally, academically, and spiritually in the lives of their students. Their dedication to excellence continues to be recognized with national and institutional awards.
George Perez
The 2023 Business Teaching Excellence Award was given to George Perez, associate professor of management. Perez has taught at WWU since 2018 and is known for engaging students in creative ideas and projects. In his strategic management course, a capstone class taken by all business seniors, student teams compete in running a business via a complex online simulation. They quickly discover that the decisions made in production, HR, financing, and advertising can severely impact long-term performance. The students are usually nervous about making formal presentations to their boards of directors, which consist of experienced business professionals from the community, but in the end, they do an impressive job and make us all proud. Perez was also commended for his leadership of our award-winning Enactus club.
Lana Van Dorn
Since 2014, Lana Van Dorn has ably served as our office manager. She is greatly loved by faculty and students alike for her cheerful and competent assistance. In addition to managing the office, student workers, and facilities, she is also an academic advisor to about 25 students. Academic advising is a formidable task that requires knowledge of intricate academic requirements, policies, and schedules. Van Dorn received thundering applause when she was presented with the WWU Excellence in Academic Advising Award by President John McVay at the university-wide Awards Celebration in April.
New dean brings international experience Stephen Pilgrim
We welcomed Stephen Pilgrim, Ph.D., as our new business dean in January of 2023. Pilgrim brings extensive academic and administrative experience at universities in England, Mexico, and Trinidad, where he most recently was professor of business at the University of Southern Caribbean. His specialties include economics, marketing, and management. He is joined by his wife, Betty-Anne, a nurse, midwife, and chief nursing officer; and his son, Kairo, now a freshman at WWU. Apart from work, he enjoys preaching, motivational speaking, singing, reading, and traveling. We are excited about the vision and energy he brings to the School of Business.
Keeping it light for photo contest In the pre-session meetings leading up the 2022-23 school year, WWU’s new vice president for Academic Administration, Pam Cress, challenged each academic department to a photo contest. The School of Business won second place for its creative rendition, along with a reward of $750. The photo was created by Mark Bond, and does not include all current professors.
The students and faculty in the business school are grateful to the distinguished alumni and guests who enriched our program this past year by sharing their life experiences in our colloquium series. We are always looking for presenters, so if you would be willing, please let us know.
Previous colloquiums
Senior trip to Amazon headquarters The School of Business organized an inspiring senior trip in April 2023 for over 40 business seniors and faculty. The trip included a retreat at Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory and a chance to visit global tech giant Amazon at its headquarters in Seattle, Washington. This extraordinary experience allowed senior business students to gain valuable insights from business alumni and see behind the scenes at one of the world’s most influential companies. At Rosario, Andreas Beccai, lead pastor at the Walla Walla University Church, led several excellent and insightful discussions about Christians in the workplace and the importance of ethics and integrity. Kevin Welch, an experienced and successful entrepreneur, shared valuable and pointed advice to students about to launch their careers. During Welch’s presentation, some Orca whales surfaced out in the bay, so everyone took a short break to witness this special event. We also heard from Eric Welch, who added to his dad’s presentation by sharing his own experience since graduating from WWU in 2021, including his current role in
business development at Hill Helicopters in England. The next day, the group headed for downtown Seattle to Amazon’s headquarters, where the senior students were given an exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of some of Amazon’s state-of-the-art facilities. They explored Amazon Go stores, where cashierless shopping technology was on display. They enjoyed a fascinating panel discussion with four Amazon managers, three of whom are WWU graduates: Abel Cruz ’91, Ted Swinyar ’02, and Ryan Gratias ’11. The panelists were very transparent in their discussions about work-life balance and the intersection of faith and the workplace. The panelists also represented a broad range of Amazon departments, giving a comprehensive understanding of the company’s operations. This immersive experience offered students a glimpse into the real-world applications of the business theories and practices they have studied throughout their college years.
Fall 2022 Kick-off colloquium
Information session with important announcements, faculty introductions, and special events.
Internship panel
Students learned about internships as prior interns share their experiences.
Chad McComas ’76, B.A., M.Div.
Co-founder and former executive director of Rogue Retreat shared his fascinating story about creating a ministry for the homeless.
Evan Kinne ’09, B.A., M.B.A.
Students heard about alum’s experiences during life after WWU and a career in high finance.
Winter 2023 Dave Mitchell, B.A., M.Ed.
Award-winning leadership coach and author shared on how different personality traits affect interpersonal dynamics in the workplace.
Paul Rhynard ’04, M.B.A.
CEO of Wilkinson Baking Company shared his professional journey and lessons learned along the way.
Mindi Irvine, D.P.T.
Students learned about starting and managing a successful physical therapy business.
Chase Spenst ’06, M.B.A.
A serial entrepreneur shared his story of entrepreneurial successes and failures, and of discovering niche markets and rethinking strategy.
Spring 2023 Speed pitches
A fun, interactive event where students learned how to give short elevator pitches.
Ann Gibson ’68, Ph.D., M.B.A., C.P.A. WWU Alumna of the Year spoke on business ethics.
U-Pitch competition
Student teams “sell” their most creative ideas in a competition for $10,000 in prizes.
U-Pitch competition funds entrepreneurial projects The annual U-Pitch competition has become a highly anticipated event on campus, where students from diverse backgrounds and academic disciplines gather to showcase their entrepreneurial spirit and innovation. Hosted by the School of Business, the competition provides a platform for students to pitch their groundbreaking business ideas and potentially secure the financial backing needed to turn their dreams into reality. With the promise of financial rewards, the U-Pitch competition not only fuels creativity but also fosters a culture of entrepreneurship on campus. In the initial stage of the competition, proposals were submitted by nine interdisciplinary teams, including students from business, engineering, computer science, social work, education, and other fields. Five of those teams were selected to move on to the final competition that was held on May 18 to a packed crowd. In fact, the venue was so full and overflowing that another room was needed to accommodate additional attendees who watched the presentations on a screen via MS Teams. During the final competition, students presented their ideas to a panel of guest judges comprised of experienced entrepreneurs, venture capitalists, and business leaders. The pitches were not limited to any particular industry, allowing for a wide range of 4
innovations, from tech startups to sustainable initiatives and social enterprises. The BioNova team took first place, along with $5,000, for their project involving a proven process of using animal waste to produce biogas. The gas, stored in large nylon bags, would serve as a cost-effective energy source for cooking fuel. Using this sustainable, cost-effective alternative to wood or charcoal would reduce deforestation in countries such as Zimbabwe and Tanzania. The team consisted of students Mark Wilber, William Elloway, Nyasha Pazvakawambwa, George D. Perez, and Takudzwa Pazvakawambwa.
I especially enjoyed the challenges of figuring out how to turn an idea into a legitimate business. Second place and $3,000 went to the PureComfortBra team, formed by Valeria Maldonado and Ashley Olson. The team presented a solution to existing mastectomy bras with difficult to reach clasps and lack of accommodation for drainage tubes and bags. The SYDR team, consisting of Jake Freedle and Isac Rivera, won third place and $2,000 for their mobile app that would determine
Isac Rivera and Jake Freedle won third place for their business plan involving a wellness mobile app named SYDR. if people are getting the optimal sunlight needed to combat issues such as seasonal depression, vitamin D deficiency, and sleep-wake disorders—a system that could positively influence the health of millions of people. Kelton Turner, a business graduate in one of the other top five teams, said, “I enjoyed seeing the creative ideas other groups came up with, and I especially enjoyed the challenges of figuring out how to turn an idea into a legitimate business.” This U-Pitch event not only empowers students to take the first steps in their entrepreneurial journeys but also showcases the university’s commitment to fostering creativity and innovation. As the competition continues to grow, it serves as a testament to the potential of young, ambitious entrepreneurs and the support they receive from their academic institution. “I would advise any young, aspiring entrepreneurs to reach out to those around them and ask for guidance.” says Rachel Seeley, senior business major. “I found that I was most successful when I was able to rely on those who had expertise.”
WWU Enactus club wins multiple awards The WWU Enactus club entered five competitions in the spring of 2023 and won three, together with $15,000 of prize money. In March, Enactus participated in the Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge in Seattle, Washington, alongside 20 other teams and took home the $5,000 Community Impact Prize. A month later at the Dempsey Startup Competition in Seattle, the team took home the $5,000 MOD Pizza Social Impact Prize. The team took an additional $5,000 and the first place prize in the WWU-sponsored U-Pitch entrepreneurial challenge in May. For all three competitions, Enactus presented their BioNova project which centers around a biogas production process that creates a sustainable, cost-effective, and environmentally-conscious alternative to wood or charcoal cooking fuel. Nyasha Pazvakwambwa, outgoing Enactus president
and an accounting and finance major from Zimbabwe, explained that BioNova has huge potential in developing countries by utilizing waste from animals to produce biogas useable in cooking stoves and generators. Pazvakwambwa added that the competitions were eye-opening experiences ripe with opportunities to practice leadership, teamwork, business, and communication skills. Elizabeth Hernandez, Enactus marketing vice president, had a similarly impactful experience. She said, “Not only did I interact with numerous students from the University of Washington, but I also had the opportunity to meet CEOs, entrepreneurs, angel investors, and other individuals who were keen on supporting students and their ideas.” George D. Perez, incoming Enactus president, admitted that participating in Enactus is a time sacrifice. “However, it
Enactus by the numbers
5
projects meet community needs
21
student club members
7
local business supporters
WWU Enactus student competitors with Stephen Pilgrim and George Perez at an innovation challenge in Seattle.
is worth every moment because of the connections made with other students and professionals,” he explained. Mark Wilber, Biogas project manager, pointed out that participating in Enactus was a great way for students to gain real-world exposure and give them an opportunity to create, pitch, fund, and enact their own ideas. In short, “Truly a unique experience,” he said. Enactus is a global network of over 72,000 student leaders who are committed to using entrepreneurial ideas to ensure that all people thrive in a sustainable world. Although the WWU Enactus club is sponsored by the School of Business, students of any major can be involved.
$15,000 won in prize money
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Celebrating 90 Years! The 90th anniversary of the WWU business program was celebrated at the 2023 Alumni Homecoming with guest speakers and alumni gatherings. Although a Department of Commerce had existed for many years prior, the first bachelor’s degree in business from the newly created Business Department was awarded in 1933. Since
then, more than 3,000 business and office administration graduates have left these humble halls to benefit the world with their energy, dedication, creativity, and leadership. The comparison of some program characteristics of the business program between then and now show how much our program has grown.
1933
2023
Tuition
$15 per 6-week term
$10,224 per quarter (before significant scholarships)
Number of degrees offered
One
7 degrees, 7 specialties, 4 minors, and 2 certificates
Number of classes offered
14 including penmanship, shorthand, and typewriting
45 including computers, global business, tax, entrepreneurship, etc.
Enrollment
Small numberof students
Largest department at WWU in terms of student-credit-hours and has experienced 36% growth since 2013
Number of teachers
2 faculty (Mr. Cubley & Miss Wheeler)
17 faculty, including adjuncts, who have won numerous awards for teaching, advising, scholarship, and service
Internships
None
100% of business majors complete internships
Senior trip
None
Tour Fortune 500 companies, such as Microsoft, Starbucks, and Amazon, with weekend retreats at Rosario
Accreditation
None
First SDA business program to received specialized accreditation and currently only one of two Seventh-day Adventist programs with ACBSP accreditation
Home building
None
Bowers Hall, a beautifully-renovated and popular place on campus
Honor Code
None
The Honor Code, our spiritual commitment, is etched on a wall plaque and pledged by students annually
A walk down memory lane The business classrooms on the fourth floor of the old Administration Building were incredibly hot during the warm months. Everyone got lots of exercise going up and down the stairs (or by taking a short-cut on the outside fire escape).
1985: 6
The business school moved to the Winter Education Complex (WEC). Students sat in windowless classrooms, smelled the wafting aroma of chlorine from the pool, and listened to the victory shouts of ping-pong players downstairs.
1988:
All business faculty members finally have computers in their offices.
1991:
Alumni, you can help! Please let us know if your organization could use an intern. Not only can interns tackle the backburner projects on your to-do list, but they can provide a pipeline of potential new employees who have already been tried and tested. To discuss hosting a WWU intern, email busnschool@wallawalla.edu.
Impactful internship
Clark secures full-time job after interning at PwC Courtney Clark, senior accounting and finance major, just finished a 10-week summer internship in the Seattle office of PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), one of the world’s large accounting and consulting firms. Although she applied and was accepted into the internship programs of two other “Big Four” accounting firms, she decided that PwC was the best fit for her. Clark began her summer experience by attending an intern conference in Dallas, Texas, where she learned more about career paths at PwC and met the other 800 tax interns. She also went to a firmwide intern conference in Orlando, Florida, where she learned about various aspects of the firm, including health and well-being, information technology, and the metaverse. “It was very fun, and I was honored to be part of that experience,” said Clark.
The business school moved to the old Bowers Hall, built in 1924, which had previously housed a number of other academic departments including chemistry and theology.
2009:
During her internship, Clark enjoyed being able to apply concepts she has learned in school during the last three years to real-world situations. She said, “Also, it was so fun to have a group of interns to hang out with over the summer.”
Over the last two years, 166 WWU business majors have completed internships in a variety of organizations. For nearly two decades now, all WWU business majors have completed internships as a graduation requirement. Strangely, few other
programs require internships despite the critical role they play in student success. Today, the business internship program is stronger than ever. Over the last two years, 166 WWU business majors have completed internships in a variety of organizations, from Fortune 500 companies to small mom-and-pop firms, and from Capitol Hill to local charities. “Internships are essential to the success of our program,” said Bruce Toews, associate dean of the School of Business. “An internship experience fosters student growth and independence. It provides many students with their first exposure to a professional environment and a chance to live on their own. It informs them about career choices and expands their professional network of mentors and references. Nearly all internships are paid, with some at nearly $40 per hour. Also, academic credit can be earned.” “But among the most important benefits of an internship,” continued Toews, “is that it often leads to full-time job offers, which is one reason for the strong placement rates our business majors enjoy.” In the case of Clark, she is excited to have already accepted a full-time job with PwC that will commence this summer after graduation.
A beautiful, newly-remodeled Bowers Hall was dedicated in December of 2017 and classes began in January of 2018. The business program graduated one of its largest classes with 72 majors, 12 minors, and 4 joint degrees.
2018:
2023: 7
NON-PROFIT ORG U.S. POSTAGE PAID WALLA WALLA UNIVERSITY
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS (509) 527-2951 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324 busnschool@wallawalla.edu RETURN SERVICE REQUESTED
WWU to offer M.B.A. The WWU School of Business plans to offer a new online, flexible master of business administration program with the first cohort beginning possibly as early as fall of 2024. Developed through careful planning and market research, the program will provide a quality, project-based M.B.A. option that can be completed in as little as one year, and students may enroll in the program in any quarter. According to Stephen Pilgrim, dean of the School of Business, we are actively recruiting instructors with specialized training and demonstrated success in their careers. “Investing in an M.B.A. can be a life-changing decision in one’s professional journey,” he says. The new degree satisfies increasing demand for high-quality training in an online format. Public perceptions of online education have significantly improved in the past five years, according to a July 2023 study involving 2,000 respondents ages 18 to 55. More than 70% of the respondents indicated that online learning is a reputable way to earn a degree—up from 40% in a similar study in 2017.* The School of Business is currently the largest program on the WWU campus. Its undergraduate accreditation requires stringent, documented performance in teaching excellence and program quality as well as positive student learning and career outcomes. On average, its undergraduates score in the 92nd percentile on the Education Testing Service’s Major Field Test, which covers all core areas of business. They also enjoy a 97% placement rate in their chosen careers or through acceptance into graduate schools within 12 months of graduating. “We look forward to applying that same level of excellence in helping our M.B.A. students achieve similar outcomes,” Pilgrim says.
For more information, contact the School of Business at (509) 527-2951 or busnschool@wallawalla.edu.
*Data reveals new insights on online higher education post-pandemic. (2023, November 15).
90 years
76 grads
$57,000
500+
Nine decades have passed since the first bachelor’s degree in business was awarded at WWU.
76 business and joint degrees were awarded in 2022-23, including degrees in finance, marketing, information systems. aviation management, and more.
On top of the significant scholarships granted by WWU, the School of Business awarded $57,250 of its own scholarships in 2022-23.
With more than 500 members, the Business Club is the most popular student club on campus.