Jumana El-Ammori BS in Business, Marketing and Advertising Major, 2015 “Warm and welcoming,” were the words Jumana used to describe the Leighton School. She likes the smaller class sizes at the Leighton School because her professors are able to focus on the students and get to know them. As a marketing and advertising major, her professors encouraged hands-on experiences and real-world research, such as studying business plans and designing strategies to help companies grow. It was these opportunities, and the “open door” policy of many of her professors that sets the Leighton School apart from other business schools, said Jumana. “There are so many options,” said Jumana. “I’m happy I chose the Leighton School. The professors, and the activities, such as Marketing Club, make me feel very connected and engaged.”
Heather Hayes Human Resource Management, Junior Heather moved to South Bend to pursue her bachelor’s degree in human resource management at the Leighton School. She was looking for a school that would not only help her achieve her career goals, but also offer affordable tuition. “It’s been a good choice for me,” she said. “I’ve been able to provide for my family, and I feel like I’m engaged in the campus and in my coursework, too.”
comfortable on the new campus. “It helped me build relationships with other business student,” explained Heather. “And, it was nice to see friendly faces around campus.” In turn, the following year, Heather found time to volunteer as a peer mentor for incoming business students. “It’s been a very rewarding experience,” she commented. Peer mentors provide a bridge for new students, helping them navigate their early business classes, and directing them to resources as needed. “It helped me build confidence in myself,” Heather said. “And, I was able to be a friendly face and a mentor to new students on campus.” Heather also appreciates the diversity of the Leighton faculty, and their open, helpful attitude. “The professors reach out to connect students with resources—recommending classes and clubs, helping and advising students as they move through their academic coursework,” Heather explained. “You can’t put a price on that!”
Jason Manwarren BS in Business, Management Information Systems Major, 2015 After serving in the military in Iraq and Germany, Jason was ready to stay closer to home. “The Leighton School is right down the street from my home,” he explained. “I wanted a degree with the IU name, so it was the perfect option.” While in the military, Jason developed leadership and networking skills. He chose areas of study that would complement and expand on those skills— international business, management information systems and economics. “The courses are challenging,” Jason remarked, “but my professors explain the material so well, and they are always available if I have questions.” Managing a triple major is demanding, but Jason is on top of it. “I learned discipline and focus in the military,” he said. Jason’s academic achievements in the Leighton School have not gone unrecognized. He’s a member of Beta Gamma Sigma and Omicron Delta Epsilon, national honorary societies in business and economics. “I’m getting a quality education, close to home at a great price,” Jason commented. “It was the right choice for me.”
To help students succeed and develop connections early, the Leighton School pairs student cohorts with a peer mentor for three introductory business classes. The experience helped Heather quickly feel Awards, Scholarships and Recognitions 33