Management and Quantitative Methods Department PROGRAMS
CENTERS AND INSTITUTES
• Business Administration • International Business • Management Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management Human Resource Management Organizational Leadership
• Carson & Iris Varner International Business Institute • George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies • Organizational Leadership Institute
The Department of Management and Quantitative Methods develops motivated students into professionals who excel in today’s dynamic and challenging business environment. The MQM department operates within the College of Business, an institution experiencing increasing national recognition. Among other things, we are:
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MQM
One of 189 business schools in the world to have both business and accounting accreditation by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Sixth ranking in a row as as one of the top 100 undergraduate business schools by Bloomberg BusinessWeek magazine, Recognized in Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools for our MBA program, Part of a university that has been named by Kiplinger Personal Finance as one of the “100 Best Values” in undergraduate education, and Attracting an increasingly talented pool of students from across the state of Illinois and t throughout the Midwest.
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone! THANK YOU for joining us on this special occasion. THANK YOU to all guests and donors.
www.cob.ilstu.edu/mqm An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity.
Program Saturday, April 2, 2022 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Old Main ISU Bone Student Center
Department of
MANAGEMENT AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS
Dan Takemoto – Dan is a Business Administration major and a Redbird Scholarship recipient, is Vice President of the Japanese Language and Culture Club and was a participant in the Kakehashi Project where the Japanese government invited him and funded his tour of Japan in the summer of 2019. Upon graduation, he plans to work one year in Japan before enrolling in an MBA program. Drew Toohill – Drew is a Business Administration major, is currently doing a managerial internship at Pizza Ranch. He has been involved with the ISU chapter of Habitat for Humanity and plans to pursue an MA in Healthcare Administration upon graduation. Daisy Watkins – See Outstanding Senior in Business Administration
Saturday, April 2, 2022 Old Main, ISU Bone Student Center 11:30 a.m. - Arrival and Welcome 11:45 a.m. - Luncheon 12:30 p.m. - Awards Ceremony 2022 Award Recipients Ellie Carrier Taylor Copas Caitie Curtin Olivia Evans Cora Gray Lauren Herrig Angel Hicks Miranda Kobal Sarah Milcarek Blythe Neese Brie Pearce Jacob Poulos Daisy Watkins Mila Wendt Hannah Wilson
MQM Excellence: Katie Gaskin Cora Gray Lauren Herrig Eric Knudsen Jude Rayburn Abigail Robinson Joi Strickland Dan Takemoto Drew Toohill Daisy Watkins
Special appreciation goes to the following for their contributions, which make these awards possible Elizabeth Jayne Adams COUNTRY Financial The George R. & Martha Means Foundation The William B. Poppleton Family VIBI - Varner International Business Institute Ron & Cathy Whitton, Dentsmart
MANAGEMENT & QUANTITATIVE METHODS DEPARTMENT College of Business Illinois State University Dr. Ajay Samant, Dean, College of Business Dr. Tamra Connor, Associate Dean Dr. Terry Noel, Associate Dean Dr. Tina Williams, MQM Chair Nancy Kerns, MQM Office Manager Dani Meier, MQM Budget Elosy Kithinji, GA Dr. Avi Datta, Director, Means Center for Entrepreneurship Dr. Barb Ribbens, Director, Varner International Business Institute Dr. Rick Ringer, Director, Organizational Leadership Institute
Ron & Cathy Whitton Excellence in MQM Award
(Bone Scholar Semi-Finalists & Finalists) Katie Gaskin – Katie is a Business Administration major and a Redbird Scholarship recipient, has been active as a volunteer for Anthony’s Avengers DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) Foundation where she participates in events and fundraisers for DIPG research. Upon graduation, she is looking to complete an internship in Business Administration to determine what she would like to pursue for a full-time career. Cora Gray – See Marietta Briddick Award Lauren Herrig – See Outstanding Student - Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management and COUNTRY Financial Future Business Leader Award Eric Knudsen – Eric is a double major in Business Administration and Finance as well as a Redbird Scholarship recipient, has operated his own business buying and selling cars since 2017. Upon graduation, he would like to pursue a career in automotive finance with an eventual goal of starting his own business in fabrication. Jude Rayburn – Jude is a double major in Accounting and Management with a specialization in Organizational Leadership, has served as an Operations Intern at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP and a Management Intern at Menards. After receiving his Bachelor of Sciences/Master of Professional Accountancy and his Bachelor of Sciences in Management, he plans to sit for the CPA exam and go into public accounting. Abigail Robinson – Abby is a double major in Financial Accounting and International Business from Springfield, IL. Abby is President of Beta Gamma Sigma and the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Business Week. Abby has worked at a variety of situations including interning at a CPA firm, as a participant and intern at Sangamon CEO and coaching kids in theater skills at a summer camp. Abby hopes to ultimately live in another part of the world for a while and help others through her Accounting skills, perhaps by working in an NGO. Joi Strickland - See Carson & Iris Varner International Experience Award
MQM AWARD FOR CITIZENSHIP & SERVICE AWARD BLYTHE NEESE Normal, IL Blythe is a Senior in Human Resource Management with a minor in Integrated Marketing and Communications. She will be graduating this May. Blythe has been involved in Business Week 2021, the award-winning ISU RSO – Women in Business (WIB), and the Association of Residence Halls. Blythe has also been honored with the Impossible to Measure Award, Outstanding Campus Leader Award, Redbird Scholar, and IMC Faculty Choice Award: Junior. Blythe’s plans to pursue a MBA. Following, her goal is to work leading internal communication campaigns, such as training and benefits. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICE AWARD (#1 of 2) EMMA FERGUSON Hometown: Chillicothe, IL Emma is a sophomore International Business major with a minor in Business and Sustainability. Emma is the current president of the International Business Association after serving as the Social Media Chair and is also active in Women in Business, Delta Sigma Pi and the National society of Leadership and Success. Emma is always looking for opportunities to grow and develop new skills. She plans to be a Global Sustainability leader in a multinational corporation CARSON & IRIS VARNER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AWARD (#1 OF 4) DARCI WETTSTEIN Hometown: Carlock, IL Darci is a Senior in International Business with a minor in Spanish. Darci is currently running her second business, Araya Aloe, with a business partner. Araya Aloe imports raw materials from Ethiopia to produce skin care items and markets them through social media. In addition to her college courses, Darci has spent almost 2 years studying Amharic to understand the language and culture of Ethiopia to be form more culturally appropriate partnerships with local suppliers for her supplies. Darci will be spending time in Ethiopia this summer to continue developing her business and solidifying supply relationships before she comes back to ISU for her last semester in Fall. Sharing her entrepreneurial and cultural journey with others is a passion to motivate others because she believes good business can make a real difference in global social issues like poverty.
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OLIVIA EVANS Hometown: GALENA, IL Olivia is a Junior in Business Administration with a minor in Management. Olivia has been involved in the award-winning Women in Business, Pre-law Club as Community Service Chair, and Marketing Chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of ISU. Olivia is a part time leasing agent at Young America Realty and helps her father manage several residential rental properties. Her current goal is to become a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE), the professional business fraternity. Her future goal is to work in real estate and property management. Olivia plans to obtain her Real Estate license and invest in property back home in the tourist-filled Galena area. Perhaps eventually studying Real Estate law in law-school. OUTSTANDING JUNIOR IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Carson & Iris International Experience Award ELLIE CARRIER Hometown: Park Ridge, IL Ellie is a junior International Business major with a minor in Spanish. Ellie interned in the Disney College Program and is current interning for a Consulting Firm. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi and has held a variety of leadership roles in that organization. Ellie has volunteered with Special Olympics Illinois and will be studying in Spain Summer 2022. Ellie’s goal is to be a servant leader and she hopes to work for Disney in DEI programs in the future. OUTSTANDING JUNIOR IN MANAGEMENT BRIE PEARCE Hometown: Belleville, IL Brie is a Junior in Human Resource Management. Brie has been involved in the award-winning Women in Business as a mentor, in ISU’s award-winning SHRM – Society for Human Resource Management, in the PSE Business Fraternity, as a Panhellenic Delegate for Alpha Gamma Delta Women’s Fraternity, working as VP of Finance for the Food Recovery Network, and as an Ambassador for the Circle of Sisterhood. Brie was awarded an ISU Redbird Scholarship (Freshman). Presently she works as a Senior Leasing Agent at Young America Realty. She is also active in the National Guard. In fact, she received special permission from her commanding officer to attend the Awards Luncheon today. We are pleased she was able to attend.
CARSON & IRIS VARNER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AWARD (#4 Of 4) VIDEO JOI STRICKLAND Hometown: Kankakee, IL Joi is a double major in International Business and Accounting from Kankakee, IL. Joi is currently spending her junior year abroad studying at Universitat Paderborn in Germany where she will earn another degree simultaneously with her ISU double degree. She is involved with leading several student organizations including being the Founding President of Acumen and has served as a Note Taker for the SAAS Office. Joi has interests in equity in health care that she’ll be pursuing in her Bachelor’s thesis at Paderborn but ultimately she is interested in international taxation. COUNTRY FINANCIAL (#3 of 3) FUTURE BUSINESS LEADER AWARD LAUREN HERRIG Hometown: Bettendorf, IA See bio in Outstanding Student – Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management #2 MARIETTA BRIDDICK AWARD CORA GRAY Hometown: Carlinville, IL Cora is a Junior in Business Administration & Dance Performance. She is involved in the Dance Association. In fact, she was allowed to take a break today from the ISU Spring Dance rehearsal to attend this Awards Luncheon. She has been on the Dean’s List for 5 semesters.Cora is a Student Worker in the Dean’s Office of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. Cora would like to work in arts administration, helping run either a non-profit arts organization or working in a theatre or with a performance company as a manager/ administrator. WILLIAM B. POPPLETON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ANGEL HICKS Hometown: Chicago, IL Angel is a Senior in Human Resources with a minor in East Asian Studies. She has been honored with a Full tuition scholarship (2018), Scholarships from COB, Honors, (2020, 2021) She is part of the Honors Program, and University College Peer Mentor Program. She currently is Employer Engagement Intern and Receptionist with ISU Career Services. Angel have been studying Mandarin Chinese since her freshman year of high school, and would like to use her love for the language to one day pursue business in China.
the ISU Division I Soccer Team. Lauren is involved in the College of Business Executive Council, Professional Sales Institute Ambassador, award-winning American Marketing Association as VP, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and Redbird ImpactLife RSO – promoting blood donations. She is currently working on becoming fluent in Spanish. She has served as a Sales Intern at ImpactLife and Division of Xpac: Brand 2306 as well as a Marketing Intern at Victory Enterprises. This summer she is working for Adobe as an Adobe Sales Academy Intern. Upon graduation, she would like to pursue a career in either Medical Sales or Software Technology Sales with a long-term goal of opening her own consulting business. CARSON & IRIS VARNER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AWARD (#3 of 4) THOMAS DePAUW Hometown: Normal, IL Thomas is a senior Entrepreneurship and International Business double major with a minor in East Asian Studies from Normal, IL. Thomas spent a year of high school living in Japan on exchange. He has built from that experience to develop the Japanese Language and Culture Club at ISU and he also teaches Japanese to children in Sakurakai Japanese School on Saturday mornings. He also works with placing international students in schools and homes while they are on exchange in Central Illinois. Ultimately Thomas plans to work in International Project Management. COUNTRY FINANCIAL (#2 of 3) CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD MILA WENDT Hometown: Carbondale, IL Mila is a Senior in Human Resource Management. She will graduate in May. Mila is heavily involved in Phi Beta Lambda and has served in 4 positions including President. She has served as a Transitions Seminar Coordinator during Business Week. She is a member of the International Business Association. She has worked as a People Operations Intern at Packback. After graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s degree in employment and labor relations. Her goal is to be a human resource manager in a “people field” and utilize her fluency in German. She is passionate about people, justice, and social responsibility.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICE AWARD (#2 of 2) ABIGAIL AUSTILL Hometown: Lindenhurst, IL Abby is a senior International Business major from Lindenhurst, IL. Abby spent a year in Hungary as a Rotary Exchange student in high school which ignited a passion for global business. She interned for CDW last summer. Abby has served as the Vice President and COB Ambassador for the International Business Association and is also active in Alpha Kappa Psi and Sports Business Society. Abby has been a stable willing helper guiding IBA through Covid in her role on Exec Board and is always willing to step up and help in any way needed. With a passion for global, product development and sports, Abby’s dream job is to work for Nike as an International Brand Manager. OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DAISY WATKINS Hometown: Murphysboro IL Daisy is a Senior in Business Administration with a minor in Business Analytics. She has served as a volunteer data analyst in the Department of Marketing’s Metascience and Marketing Lab, the Director of Operations of the award-winning RSO Women in Business, as well as the owner and operator of Daisy’s Dog Sitting since 2014. Daisy is a Bone Scholar nominee. Upon graduation, Daisy has plans to attend law school. OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Carson & Iris International Experience Award TAYLOR COPAS Hometown: Cary, IL Taylor is a senior International Business major with a Minor in Spanish and a specialization in Finance. As a sophomore, she did a virtual internship for the Microinsurance Network in Luxembourg through the Katie School. Since then she has interned for Discover and Ablesoft as well as serving as a Career Services Ambassador. On campus she has served in five leadership roles in Alpha Kappa Psi and was a mentor for Business Week. In her spare time, she has been a domestic language partner for INTO to support English development and friendship for international students coming to ISU. Taylor will study abroad in Spain Summer 2022 to wrap up her degree before she starts her job at Discover in a two year rotational leadership development program.
OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN MANAGEMENT SARAH MILCAREK Hometown: New Lenox, IL Sarah is a Senior in Human Resource Management. Sarah is active in the Honors Program (2019 to Present), in Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity (since 2019), and has worked in 2021 and 2022 as a Mentor in the College of Business “Business Week” program. She interned her Freshman year at the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office, and has worked at ISU Career Services since 2021. In addition, she created a non-profit business with friends. Her business, "scrunchtime" rais ed over $2,300 in profits that were entirely donated to the National Breast Cancer Association. Sarah’s goal is to become a corporate Human Resources lawyer. OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP HANNAH WILSON Hometown: Woodstock, IL Hannah is Senior in Organizational Leadership and Finance with a minor in Spanish. She will graduate in May. When entering ISU, Hannah received the Redbird Scholarship, 1st Year Accounting Scholarship, and Incoming Business Student Scholarship. Last year she received the COUNTRY Financial Business Leader Award. She has worked as a Young America Realty Student Leasing Agent and Group Sign Leader. She also volunteers in the Income Tax Assistance Program. As she did last Summer21, Hannah is again working as a part time intern this Spring22 for Caterpillar, Inc. This July, she will be working for Caterpillar Inc as a Financial Analyst I. She plans to begin her MBA in Fall 2023 and someday work as a Foreign Exchange/Commodities Manager. OUTSTANDING STUDENT - ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (#1 of 2) JACOB POULOS Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Jake is a Junior in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Jake is part of the ISU Scholars and received a University Scholarship in his Freshman year. In 2020, he began working as an adjuster for Hausch and Company, an independent insurance adjusting company back home. It was necessary that he earn his Associate in Claims (AIC). After testing, he was granted his insurance adjusting license. He plans to remain with this company after graduating in 2023. Jake is not just about “work.” He is involved in charity events benefiting underprivileged kids; ran a half marathon in October; and earned his drone license.
CARSON & IRIS VARNER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AWARD (#2 of 4) CALLIE GORNEY Hometown: Fairview Heights, IL Callie is a Senior International Business major (Marketing specialization) with mInors in Spanish and Latin American Studies. Callie is active in Business Week, American Marketing Association, Women in Business, International Business Association and Chi Omega Fraternity. She has interned for Business Builders Marketing here in Bloomington and virtually for an ISU alum’s new company named Remote Gravity in Lagos, Nigeria. Remote Gravity took her out of not only her American comfort zone, but even beyond the Latin American next layer she had developed through her minor to explore the developing world in a concrete way. She is passionate about exploring other cultures and will be taking this the next step as she completes an internship in Panama in Summer 2022. COUNTRY FINANCIAL (#1 of 3) CITIZENSHIP & SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD MIRANDA KOBAL Hometown: Milwaukee, WI Miranda is a Senior in Business Administration & Risk Management/Insurance. She will graduate this May. Miranda has a wide array of activities she is involved in as well as honors she had received. Here are a few: Activities – Officer of Gamma Iota Sigma, Women in Business, Selective Agency Management Competition Team Lead for 2021 and 2022, College Mentors for Kids, University Program Board, and the Dean of Student’s Leadership Launch. Honors – Redbird Scholar (2018-2022), Katie School of Insurance Certificate of Leadership and Business Acumen 2020, and the Insurance and Risk Management Award 2020, 2021. Hannah currently is a Student Worker in the Katie School of Insurance. Her aim is to start a career in insurance as an underwriter. OUTSTANDING STUDENT - ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (#2 of 2) LAUREN HERRIG Hometown: Bettendorf, IA Lauren is a Junior in Marketing-Professional Sales, Management-Small Business Entrepreneurship with a minor in Organizational Leadership. Lauren is a University Scholar (2019 -Present), with 5 semesters on the Dean List, in Honors Program, and on AFNI Honor Roll – a distinction for studentathletes that have earned GPA of 3.0 or greater. She is part of
OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN MANAGEMENT SARAH MILCAREK Hometown: New Lenox, IL Sarah is a Senior in Human Resource Management. Sarah is active in the Honors Program (2019 to Present), in Alpha Kappa Psi Professional Business Fraternity (since 2019), and has worked in 2021 and 2022 as a Mentor in the College of Business “Business Week” program. She interned her Freshman year at the McLean County State’s Attorney’s Office, and has worked at ISU Career Services since 2021. In addition, she created a non-profit business with friends. Her business, "scrunchtime" rais ed over $2,300 in profits that were entirely donated to the National Breast Cancer Association. Sarah’s goal is to become a corporate Human Resources lawyer. OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN ORGANIZATIONAL LEADERSHIP HANNAH WILSON Hometown: Woodstock, IL Hannah is Senior in Organizational Leadership and Finance with a minor in Spanish. She will graduate in May. When entering ISU, Hannah received the Redbird Scholarship, 1st Year Accounting Scholarship, and Incoming Business Student Scholarship. Last year she received the COUNTRY Financial Business Leader Award. She has worked as a Young America Realty Student Leasing Agent and Group Sign Leader. She also volunteers in the Income Tax Assistance Program. As she did last Summer21, Hannah is again working as a part time intern this Spring22 for Caterpillar, Inc. This July, she will be working for Caterpillar Inc as a Financial Analyst I. She plans to begin her MBA in Fall 2023 and someday work as a Foreign Exchange/Commodities Manager. OUTSTANDING STUDENT - ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (#1 of 2) JACOB POULOS Hometown: Crystal Lake, IL Jake is a Junior in Business Management and Entrepreneurship. Jake is part of the ISU Scholars and received a University Scholarship in his Freshman year. In 2020, he began working as an adjuster for Hausch and Company, an independent insurance adjusting company back home. It was necessary that he earn his Associate in Claims (AIC). After testing, he was granted his insurance adjusting license. He plans to remain with this company after graduating in 2023. Jake is not just about “work.” He is involved in charity events benefiting underprivileged kids; ran a half marathon in October; and earned his drone license.
CARSON & IRIS VARNER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AWARD (#2 of 4) CALLIE GORNEY Hometown: Fairview Heights, IL Callie is a Senior International Business major (Marketing specialization) with mInors in Spanish and Latin American Studies. Callie is active in Business Week, American Marketing Association, Women in Business, International Business Association and Chi Omega Fraternity. She has interned for Business Builders Marketing here in Bloomington and virtually for an ISU alum’s new company named Remote Gravity in Lagos, Nigeria. Remote Gravity took her out of not only her American comfort zone, but even beyond the Latin American next layer she had developed through her minor to explore the developing world in a concrete way. She is passionate about exploring other cultures and will be taking this the next step as she completes an internship in Panama in Summer 2022. COUNTRY FINANCIAL (#1 of 3) CITIZENSHIP & SERVICE LEADERSHIP AWARD MIRANDA KOBAL Hometown: Milwaukee, WI Miranda is a Senior in Business Administration & Risk Management/Insurance. She will graduate this May. Miranda has a wide array of activities she is involved in as well as honors she had received. Here are a few: Activities – Officer of Gamma Iota Sigma, Women in Business, Selective Agency Management Competition Team Lead for 2021 and 2022, College Mentors for Kids, University Program Board, and the Dean of Student’s Leadership Launch. Honors – Redbird Scholar (2018-2022), Katie School of Insurance Certificate of Leadership and Business Acumen 2020, and the Insurance and Risk Management Award 2020, 2021. Hannah currently is a Student Worker in the Katie School of Insurance. Her aim is to start a career in insurance as an underwriter. OUTSTANDING STUDENT - ENTREPRENEURSHIP & SMALL BUSINESS MANAGEMENT (#2 of 2) LAUREN HERRIG Hometown: Bettendorf, IA Lauren is a Junior in Marketing-Professional Sales, Management-Small Business Entrepreneurship with a minor in Organizational Leadership. Lauren is a University Scholar (2019 -Present), with 5 semesters on the Dean List, in Honors Program, and on AFNI Honor Roll – a distinction for studentathletes that have earned GPA of 3.0 or greater. She is part of
the ISU Division I Soccer Team. Lauren is involved in the College of Business Executive Council, Professional Sales Institute Ambassador, award-winning American Marketing Association as VP, Beta Gamma Sigma Honor Society, and Redbird ImpactLife RSO – promoting blood donations. She is currently working on becoming fluent in Spanish. She has served as a Sales Intern at ImpactLife and Division of Xpac: Brand 2306 as well as a Marketing Intern at Victory Enterprises. This summer she is working for Adobe as an Adobe Sales Academy Intern. Upon graduation, she would like to pursue a career in either Medical Sales or Software Technology Sales with a long-term goal of opening her own consulting business. CARSON & IRIS VARNER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AWARD (#3 of 4) THOMAS DePAUW Hometown: Normal, IL Thomas is a senior Entrepreneurship and International Business double major with a minor in East Asian Studies from Normal, IL. Thomas spent a year of high school living in Japan on exchange. He has built from that experience to develop the Japanese Language and Culture Club at ISU and he also teaches Japanese to children in Sakurakai Japanese School on Saturday mornings. He also works with placing international students in schools and homes while they are on exchange in Central Illinois. Ultimately Thomas plans to work in International Project Management. COUNTRY FINANCIAL (#2 of 3) CORPORATE SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY AWARD MILA WENDT Hometown: Carbondale, IL Mila is a Senior in Human Resource Management. She will graduate in May. Mila is heavily involved in Phi Beta Lambda and has served in 4 positions including President. She has served as a Transitions Seminar Coordinator during Business Week. She is a member of the International Business Association. She has worked as a People Operations Intern at Packback. After graduation, she plans to pursue her master’s degree in employment and labor relations. Her goal is to be a human resource manager in a “people field” and utilize her fluency in German. She is passionate about people, justice, and social responsibility.
INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICE AWARD (#2 of 2) ABIGAIL AUSTILL Hometown: Lindenhurst, IL Abby is a senior International Business major from Lindenhurst, IL. Abby spent a year in Hungary as a Rotary Exchange student in high school which ignited a passion for global business. She interned for CDW last summer. Abby has served as the Vice President and COB Ambassador for the International Business Association and is also active in Alpha Kappa Psi and Sports Business Society. Abby has been a stable willing helper guiding IBA through Covid in her role on Exec Board and is always willing to step up and help in any way needed. With a passion for global, product development and sports, Abby’s dream job is to work for Nike as an International Brand Manager. OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION DAISY WATKINS Hometown: Murphysboro IL Daisy is a Senior in Business Administration with a minor in Business Analytics. She has served as a volunteer data analyst in the Department of Marketing’s Metascience and Marketing Lab, the Director of Operations of the award-winning RSO Women in Business, as well as the owner and operator of Daisy’s Dog Sitting since 2014. Daisy is a Bone Scholar nominee. Upon graduation, Daisy has plans to attend law school. OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Carson & Iris International Experience Award TAYLOR COPAS Hometown: Cary, IL Taylor is a senior International Business major with a Minor in Spanish and a specialization in Finance. As a sophomore, she did a virtual internship for the Microinsurance Network in Luxembourg through the Katie School. Since then she has interned for Discover and Ablesoft as well as serving as a Career Services Ambassador. On campus she has served in five leadership roles in Alpha Kappa Psi and was a mentor for Business Week. In her spare time, she has been a domestic language partner for INTO to support English development and friendship for international students coming to ISU. Taylor will study abroad in Spain Summer 2022 to wrap up her degree before she starts her job at Discover in a two year rotational leadership development program.
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR IN BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION OLIVIA EVANS Hometown: GALENA, IL Olivia is a Junior in Business Administration with a minor in Management. Olivia has been involved in the award-winning Women in Business, Pre-law Club as Community Service Chair, and Marketing Chair for Big Brothers Big Sisters of ISU. Olivia is a part time leasing agent at Young America Realty and helps her father manage several residential rental properties. Her current goal is to become a member of Pi Sigma Epsilon (PSE), the professional business fraternity. Her future goal is to work in real estate and property management. Olivia plans to obtain her Real Estate license and invest in property back home in the tourist-filled Galena area. Perhaps eventually studying Real Estate law in law-school. OUTSTANDING JUNIOR IN INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS Carson & Iris International Experience Award ELLIE CARRIER Hometown: Park Ridge, IL Ellie is a junior International Business major with a minor in Spanish. Ellie interned in the Disney College Program and is current interning for a Consulting Firm. She is a member of Alpha Kappa Psi and has held a variety of leadership roles in that organization. Ellie has volunteered with Special Olympics Illinois and will be studying in Spain Summer 2022. Ellie’s goal is to be a servant leader and she hopes to work for Disney in DEI programs in the future. OUTSTANDING JUNIOR IN MANAGEMENT BRIE PEARCE Hometown: Belleville, IL Brie is a Junior in Human Resource Management. Brie has been involved in the award-winning Women in Business as a mentor, in ISU’s award-winning SHRM – Society for Human Resource Management, in the PSE Business Fraternity, as a Panhellenic Delegate for Alpha Gamma Delta Women’s Fraternity, working as VP of Finance for the Food Recovery Network, and as an Ambassador for the Circle of Sisterhood. Brie was awarded an ISU Redbird Scholarship (Freshman). Presently she works as a Senior Leasing Agent at Young America Realty. She is also active in the National Guard. In fact, she received special permission from her commanding officer to attend the Awards Luncheon today. We are pleased she was able to attend.
CARSON & IRIS VARNER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AWARD (#4 Of 4) VIDEO JOI STRICKLAND Hometown: Kankakee, IL Joi is a double major in International Business and Accounting from Kankakee, IL. Joi is currently spending her junior year abroad studying at Universitat Paderborn in Germany where she will earn another degree simultaneously with her ISU double degree. She is involved with leading several student organizations including being the Founding President of Acumen and has served as a Note Taker for the SAAS Office. Joi has interests in equity in health care that she’ll be pursuing in her Bachelor’s thesis at Paderborn but ultimately she is interested in international taxation. COUNTRY FINANCIAL (#3 of 3) FUTURE BUSINESS LEADER AWARD LAUREN HERRIG Hometown: Bettendorf, IA See bio in Outstanding Student – Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management #2 MARIETTA BRIDDICK AWARD CORA GRAY Hometown: Carlinville, IL Cora is a Junior in Business Administration & Dance Performance. She is involved in the Dance Association. In fact, she was allowed to take a break today from the ISU Spring Dance rehearsal to attend this Awards Luncheon. She has been on the Dean’s List for 5 semesters.Cora is a Student Worker in the Dean’s Office of the Wonsook Kim College of Fine Arts. Cora would like to work in arts administration, helping run either a non-profit arts organization or working in a theatre or with a performance company as a manager/ administrator. WILLIAM B. POPPLETON ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP ANGEL HICKS Hometown: Chicago, IL Angel is a Senior in Human Resources with a minor in East Asian Studies. She has been honored with a Full tuition scholarship (2018), Scholarships from COB, Honors, (2020, 2021) She is part of the Honors Program, and University College Peer Mentor Program. She currently is Employer Engagement Intern and Receptionist with ISU Career Services. Angel have been studying Mandarin Chinese since her freshman year of high school, and would like to use her love for the language to one day pursue business in China.
Ron & Cathy Whitton Excellence in MQM Award
(Bone Scholar Semi-Finalists & Finalists) Katie Gaskin – Katie is a Business Administration major and a Redbird Scholarship recipient, has been active as a volunteer for Anthony’s Avengers DIPG (Diffuse Intrinsic Pontine Glioma) Foundation where she participates in events and fundraisers for DIPG research. Upon graduation, she is looking to complete an internship in Business Administration to determine what she would like to pursue for a full-time career. Cora Gray – See Marietta Briddick Award Lauren Herrig – See Outstanding Student - Entrepreneurship & Small Business Management and COUNTRY Financial Future Business Leader Award Eric Knudsen – Eric is a double major in Business Administration and Finance as well as a Redbird Scholarship recipient, has operated his own business buying and selling cars since 2017. Upon graduation, he would like to pursue a career in automotive finance with an eventual goal of starting his own business in fabrication. Jude Rayburn – Jude is a double major in Accounting and Management with a specialization in Organizational Leadership, has served as an Operations Intern at CliftonLarsonAllen LLP and a Management Intern at Menards. After receiving his Bachelor of Sciences/Master of Professional Accountancy and his Bachelor of Sciences in Management, he plans to sit for the CPA exam and go into public accounting. Abigail Robinson – Abby is a double major in Financial Accounting and International Business from Springfield, IL. Abby is President of Beta Gamma Sigma and the Diversity and Inclusion Coordinator for Business Week. Abby has worked at a variety of situations including interning at a CPA firm, as a participant and intern at Sangamon CEO and coaching kids in theater skills at a summer camp. Abby hopes to ultimately live in another part of the world for a while and help others through her Accounting skills, perhaps by working in an NGO. Joi Strickland - See Carson & Iris Varner International Experience Award
MQM AWARD FOR CITIZENSHIP & SERVICE AWARD BLYTHE NEESE Normal, IL Blythe is a Senior in Human Resource Management with a minor in Integrated Marketing and Communications. She will be graduating this May. Blythe has been involved in Business Week 2021, the award-winning ISU RSO – Women in Business (WIB), and the Association of Residence Halls. Blythe has also been honored with the Impossible to Measure Award, Outstanding Campus Leader Award, Redbird Scholar, and IMC Faculty Choice Award: Junior. Blythe’s plans to pursue a MBA. Following, her goal is to work leading internal communication campaigns, such as training and benefits. INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS SERVICE AWARD (#1 of 2) EMMA FERGUSON Hometown: Chillicothe, IL Emma is a sophomore International Business major with a minor in Business and Sustainability. Emma is the current president of the International Business Association after serving as the Social Media Chair and is also active in Women in Business, Delta Sigma Pi and the National society of Leadership and Success. Emma is always looking for opportunities to grow and develop new skills. She plans to be a Global Sustainability leader in a multinational corporation CARSON & IRIS VARNER INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE AWARD (#1 OF 4) DARCI WETTSTEIN Hometown: Carlock, IL Darci is a Senior in International Business with a minor in Spanish. Darci is currently running her second business, Araya Aloe, with a business partner. Araya Aloe imports raw materials from Ethiopia to produce skin care items and markets them through social media. In addition to her college courses, Darci has spent almost 2 years studying Amharic to understand the language and culture of Ethiopia to be form more culturally appropriate partnerships with local suppliers for her supplies. Darci will be spending time in Ethiopia this summer to continue developing her business and solidifying supply relationships before she comes back to ISU for her last semester in Fall. Sharing her entrepreneurial and cultural journey with others is a passion to motivate others because she believes good business can make a real difference in global social issues like poverty.
Department of
MANAGEMENT AND QUANTITATIVE METHODS
Dan Takemoto – Dan is a Business Administration major and a Redbird Scholarship recipient, is Vice President of the Japanese Language and Culture Club and was a participant in the Kakehashi Project where the Japanese government invited him and funded his tour of Japan in the summer of 2019. Upon graduation, he plans to work one year in Japan before enrolling in an MBA program. Drew Toohill – Drew is a Business Administration major, is currently doing a managerial internship at Pizza Ranch. He has been involved with the ISU chapter of Habitat for Humanity and plans to pursue an MA in Healthcare Administration upon graduation. Daisy Watkins – See Outstanding Senior in Business Administration
Saturday, April 2, 2022 Old Main, ISU Bone Student Center 11:30 a.m. - Arrival and Welcome 11:45 a.m. - Luncheon 12:30 p.m. - Awards Ceremony 2022 Award Recipients Ellie Carrier Taylor Copas Caitie Curtin Olivia Evans Cora Gray Lauren Herrig Angel Hicks Miranda Kobal Sarah Milcarek Blythe Neese Brie Pearce Jacob Poulos Daisy Watkins Mila Wendt Hannah Wilson
MQM Excellence: Katie Gaskin Cora Gray Lauren Herrig Eric Knudsen Jude Rayburn Abigail Robinson Joi Strickland Dan Takemoto Drew Toohill Daisy Watkins
Special appreciation goes to the following for their contributions, which make these awards possible Elizabeth Jayne Adams COUNTRY Financial The George R. & Martha Means Foundation The William B. Poppleton Family VIBI - Varner International Business Institute Ron & Cathy Whitton, Dentsmart
MANAGEMENT & QUANTITATIVE METHODS DEPARTMENT College of Business Illinois State University Dr. Ajay Samant, Dean, College of Business Dr. Tamra Connor, Associate Dean Dr. Terry Noel, Associate Dean Dr. Tina Williams, MQM Chair Nancy Kerns, MQM Office Manager Dani Meier, MQM Budget Elosy Kithinji, GA Dr. Avi Datta, Director, Means Center for Entrepreneurship Dr. Barb Ribbens, Director, Varner International Business Institute Dr. Rick Ringer, Director, Organizational Leadership Institute
Management and Quantitative Methods Department PROGRAMS
CENTERS AND INSTITUTES
• Business Administration • International Business • Management Entrepreneurship/Small Business Management Human Resource Management Organizational Leadership
• Carson & Iris Varner International Business Institute • George R. and Martha Means Center for Entrepreneurial Studies • Organizational Leadership Institute
The Department of Management and Quantitative Methods develops motivated students into professionals who excel in today’s dynamic and challenging business environment. The MQM department operates within the College of Business, an institution experiencing increasing national recognition. Among other things, we are:
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MQM
One of 189 business schools in the world to have both business and accounting accreditation by AACSB International - The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business, Sixth ranking in a row as as one of the top 100 undergraduate business schools by Bloomberg BusinessWeek magazine, Recognized in Princeton Review’s Best Business Schools for our MBA program, Part of a university that has been named by Kiplinger Personal Finance as one of the “100 Best Values” in undergraduate education, and Attracting an increasingly talented pool of students from across the state of Illinois and t throughout the Midwest.
CONGRATULATIONS to everyone! THANK YOU for joining us on this special occasion. THANK YOU to all guests and donors.
www.cob.ilstu.edu/mqm An equal opportunity/affirmative action university encouraging diversity.
Program Saturday, April 2, 2022 11:30 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. Old Main ISU Bone Student Center
Apologies for leaving this award out of the program.
Apologies for leaving this award out of the program.
OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CAITIE CURTIN Hometown: Des Plaines, IL Caitie is a Senior in Human Resource Management. Caitie has been involved in Feed My Starving Children throughout her time at ISU. When back home, she volunteers to help the elderly in her community. Caitie has worked her entire time as an undergrad. Currently she works the Front Desk Associate at Student Access and Accommodations. She has also worked at the Westmoreland Country Club, Wilmette; Trinity Lutheran School, Bloomington; Corkill Insurance Agency, Elk Grove, as a Summer19 Intern.Caitie’s goal is to pursue a master’s degree at University of Illinois, Urbana, in the Human Resources and Industrial Relations program. She would love to start her career as an HR generalist. Caitie has a tender heart and chooses a career that addresses workplace issues that bleed into worsening societal issues. She would like to give a shout out and thank her mother, Teresa Lytle, for putting her through college and continuously encouraging her dreams. As a single mother it wasn't easy, as their family has endured many hardships, but her mother has been the best support system Caitie could've asked for. Thanks, Mom!
OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN HUMAN RESOURCE MANAGEMENT CAITIE CURTIN Hometown: Des Plaines, IL Caitie is a Senior in Human Resource Management. Caitie has been involved in Feed My Starving Children throughout her time at ISU. When back home, she volunteers to help the elderly in her community. Caitie has worked her entire time as an undergrad. Currently she works the Front Desk Associate at Student Access and Accommodations. She has also worked at the Westmoreland Country Club, Wilmette; Trinity Lutheran School, Bloomington; Corkill Insurance Agency, Elk Grove, as a Summer19 Intern.Caitie’s goal is to pursue a master’s degree at University of Illinois, Urbana, in the Human Resources and Industrial Relations program. She would love to start her career as an HR generalist. Caitie has a tender heart and chooses a career that addresses workplace issues that bleed into worsening societal issues. She would like to give a shout out and thank her mother, Teresa Lytle, for putting her through college and continuously encouraging her dreams. As a single mother it wasn't easy, as their family has endured many hardships, but her mother has been the best support system Caitie could've asked for. Thanks, Mom!