This past year has been a remarkable one for the Black School of Business, a testament to the hard work and dedication of our academic community. In this issue of Business News, we share some highlights. As I take on the role of director, following my time as interim director since July 2023, I am honored to celebrate these accomplishments, and I look forward to continuing our collective efforts to advance our school’s mission.
Our faculty and staff have earned numerous awards recognizing their excellence in teaching, research, and service. We welcomed three new faculty members whose expertise enhances our programs, and we celebrated the careers of retiring faculty whose dedicated service has left a lasting impact on our school. Additionally, several faculty members have assumed new leadership roles, bringing fresh perspectives and renewed energy to our initiatives.
Our students consistently impress us with their achievements. From securing competitive internships and certifications to presenting awardwinning research and launching their careers, they embody the value of a Black School of Business education. This edition highlights their success stories and showcases some alumni who demonstrate how the education and experiences at the Black School of Business shape careers and have lifelong professional impact.
The work of our centers remains integral to our mission. They foster innovation, provide valuable resources to the community, and create opportunities for collaboration that benefit both our students and business partners. Looking ahead, I am inspired by the dedication of our community and excited about opportunities to further strengthen our programs, research, and partnerships. Together, we will continue to advance the Black School of Business as a leader in business education. Thank you for your continued support and for being part of the Black School of Business family.
IN BRIEF
INTRIERI-FUND FOUNDER SPEAKS AT BEHREND
Vincent J. Intrieri ’84, the founder and CEO of VDA Capital Management, returned to the Black School of Business in November 2024 as a featured guest in the college’s Speaker Series. He discussed his experience as an adult student, working full-time while earning a degree in accounting, and his long and lucrative career in investing, including his work with Icahn Capital LP and his new role as chairman of the board of SandRidge Energy.
Intrieri also met with the students who oversee the Intrieri Family Student-Managed Fund, a real-world portfolio that has grown from an initial gift of $100,000 to a market value of more than $1.4 million.
“These are hard-charging, hard-working students, and they’ve done a great job,” he said. “They do the work and come up with sound, logical investment decisions.”
During his visit, Intrieri talked with Chancellor Ralph Ford for the college’s podcast, “Behrend Talks.” To listen, visit behrendtalks.buzzsprout.com.
ON THE COVER : As the CEO of Erie Water Works, Craig H. Palmer, who earned an M.B.A. from Penn State Behrend in 2007, oversees the water provided to 64,000 homes and businesses in Erie. See story on page 6.
Dr. Ozgun C. Demirag
▲ Vincent J. Intrieri ’84 talks with business students in Behrend’s Financial Markets Lab.
PUTMAN WINS UNIVERSITY AWARD FOR ADVISING
Carol Putman, associate teaching professor of management, has been teaching and guiding business students for more than twenty years. She has advised hundreds, if not thousands, of students, including five who recently nominated her for Penn State’s 2024 Excellence in Advising Award.
Putman received the award last spring, at a program that featured University President Neeli Bendapudi.
Putman said it takes a lot of time and empathy to guide students, but the work offers a high return on investment.
“I enjoy witnessing each student’s growth, especially the strength they develop by overcoming obstacles, the maturity they display after an internship experience, and the confidence they gain by the time they graduate,” she said.
JOHNSON COMPLETES FULBRIGHT SCHOLAR EXPERIENCE
The Fulbright U.S. Scholar Program is the country’s flagship international educational exchange program. Each year, the program, which is highly competitive, sends 800 American scholars to about 130 different countries.
Dr. William H.A. Johnson, professor of management, was one of twelve Penn State faculty members to receive a Fulbright Scholar Award for the 2023-24 academic year. He planned to study lean innovators at the School of Integrated Innovation at Chulalongkorn University in Bangkok, Thailand.
“I learned that while Thailand has a lot of entrepreneurial activity, it’s still in the development stage at most innovationbased businesses,” he said. “While innovative thinking is pervasive there, having customers and a full-blown business plan is yet to follow. So, the original plan was disrupted, and I focused mostly on gauging the stage of development of the Thailand innovation system.”
Plan B for Johnson turned out to be an action-packed semester serving as an ambassador of the Fulbright program in Thailand, Vietnam, and Australia, and visiting Canadian and U.S. Embassy offices.
“I met some amazing people and did a lot to disseminate our previous research findings on lean innovation,” he said. “The world is definitely open to dialogue with the U.S. and U.S. scholars.”
▲ Alumni Return: The Black School of Business welcomed dozens of alumni back “home” during Parents, Families, and Alumni Weekend last October. An all-school alumni reception was held at Knowledge Center in Knowledge Park, where attendees had the opportunity to catch up, relax, and network. This year’s event is scheduled for October 17-19.
▲ Carol Putman, associate teaching professor of management, with Chancellor Ralph Ford, who presented her with the Guy W. Wilson Excellence in Academic Advising Award, a Behrend award, in 2023.
▲ Dr. William H.A. Johnson’s Fulbright Scholar experience brought him to Bangkok, Thailand, during the 2023-24 academic year.
FACULTY & STAFF NEWS
DEMIRAG NAMED DIRECTOR OF BLACK SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Dr. Ozgun C. Demirag, a faculty member with more than fifteen years of experience in teaching, research, and academic leadership, was named director of the Black School of Business in December 2024. She had served as interim director since 2023.
Demirag also serves as the Samuel A. and Elizabeth B. Breene Professor of Operations and Supply Chain Management.
Before joining the Black School of Business, where she has taught
courses in integrated business analysis, global operations, and supply chain management, Demirag taught at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. She also conducted research for Norfolk Southern Corp.
“Ozgun is the perfect fit to lead the Black School of Business, where a learning-by-doing approach prepares our graduates to be leaders in a constantly evolving business landscape,” said Dr. Greg Filbeck, vice chancellor and associate dean for academic affairs.
Dr. Chuck Brown, associate professor of accounting, has been named Division III Faculty Athletics Representative of the Year by the Faculty Athletics Representative Association.
Kyle Chalupczynski , lecturer of management information systems, received the 2024 Faculty Engagement Award for his work in “Generative Artificial Intelligence (AI) for Teaching” by Penn State Teaching and Learning with Technology. He was also awarded the Jack P. Royer Active and Collaborative Learning Award, which recognizes innovative teaching practices across Commonwealth Campuses that enhance student learning.
Linda Hajec, associate teaching professor of accounting, received the Bob and Betty Merwin Outstanding Citizen Award from ACES (Americans for the Competitive Enterprise System) for her dedication to her profession, free enterprise, and community contributions.
Dr. Ken Louie, associate professor of economics, was honored with the Penn State Behrend Council of Fellows Excellence in Outreach Award.
Dr. Jeff Pinto , professor of management, delivered a keynote address at the 12th Annual Research Conference of the International Project Management Association (IPMA) in College Park, Maryland.
Carol Putman, associate teaching professor of management, earned the 2024 Penn State Excellence in Advising Award.
Zach Williams, assistant teaching professor of accounting, received Behrend’s Guy W. Wilson Award for Excellence in Academic Advising.
NEW FACULTY AND STAFF
Dr. Huiyan (Sandra) Chen, assistant professor of management information systems; Dr. Xuechen (Bill) Gao, assistant professor of finance; Dr. Zoe Schumm, assistant professor of project and supply chain management; and Jacob Jones, director, Center for Family Business.
RETIREMENTS
Dr. Jim Fairbank, associate professor of management; Dr. Diane Parente, professor of management; Dr. Al Warner, associate professor of management; and Sherry Johnson, financial associate.
LEADERSHIP TEAM UPDATES
Carol Putman, associate teaching professor of management: Department Chair, Management and Interdisciplinary Programs
Dr. Chuck Brown, associate professor of accounting: Academic Program Chair, MBA.
Dr. Babajide Osatuyi, associate professor of management information systems: Program Chair, Functional Data Analytics.
Scott Stroupe, assistant teaching professsor of management: Chair, Learning Innovations.
NEWS From the Centers
The newest outreach centers at the Black School of Business have been busy this past year.
CENTER FOR FAMILY BUSINESS
New director hired
The Center for Family Business (CFB) has a new director. Jacob Jones, a former business consultant at Gannon University’s Small Business Development Center, will lead the CFB. Jones will work closely with Dr. Chris Harben, the academic director of the CFB and the Toudy Chair of Entrepreneurship and Family Business, to develop programming and services that support the center’s members with information and expertise in succession planning, estate planning, social media, management information, and other aspects critical to the success of family-owned businesses in northwestern Pennsylvania.
Events draw crowds
The Center for Family Business hosted its first conference, “The Entrepreneurship of Family Business,” in May 2024. Nearly 100 people attended the two-day event, which featured three keynote speakers and several breakout sessions, such as “Six Secrets to Surviving Succession” and “Board Creation, Development, and Governance.” This year’s conference is scheduled for May 14-15, 2025.
In October 2024, CFB held a panel discussion, “Driving Growth Through Innovation: A Roadmap for Family Business,” featuring area business leaders who are building the next generation of innovation products, services, and processes. Additionally, quarterly roundtable discussions are now part of the center’s regular programming for its members.
CENTER FOR FINANCIAL LITERACY
Grant allows expansion
The Center for Financial Literacy (CFL) will expand its outreach efforts thanks to a $25,000 Educational Improvement Tax Credit Program (EITC) grant from Erie Insurance. The funds will allow the center, which provides financial literacy resources to high school students, secondary school educators, and adults, to expand its offerings to high schools in Intermediate Unit 5 and Intermediate Unit 6, benefiting more than 3,000 students. The grant will also support students who participate in Junior Achievement’s BizTown simulation session, sponsored by CFL. This event combines in-class learning with a day-long visit to a simulated town where students can operate banks, manage restaurants, write checks, and vote for mayor, allowing them to see how the skills they learn in school will be useful in the real world.
Teaching teachers
The center held a Financial Literacy Bootcamp in August 2024 to help local high school educators prepare for state-mandated financial literacy teaching. Topics included: Introduction to the Pennsylvania Department of Education’s Academic Standards for Personal Finance; developing a financial plan with students; a roadmap for developing a personal financing course; the impact of financial literacy education; and potential careers for students interested in finance. The bootcamp is made possible by grant funds provided by Barnes & Noble College, a Barnes & Noble Education company that operates the Penn State Bookstore.
Jacob Jones
⊳ Members of the Center for Family Business listen to keynote speakers at the center’s conference in May.
⊳ The Center for Financial Literacy hosted a bootcamp this past summer for high school teachers.
WATER WORK
MBA alumnus navigates the currents of drinking-water management
Only a fraction of the water that flows from the faucets of Erie Water Works customers is consumed. The rest is used for bathing, cleaning dishes, washing clothes, flushing toilets, watering flowers, cooking, farming, and other purposes. Yet, every single drop, no matter its use, must be safe to drink.
“Water quality is job number one,” said Craig H. Palmer, chief executive officer of Erie Water Works. “It all has to be potable even if it’s being used to wash a car.”
His team pumps that pristine water through 775 miles of underground pipes to more than 64,000 homes and businesses.
“I think a lot of people take for granted what is required to get water from Lake Erie into your home or business,” Palmer said.
He’s fine with that. He doesn’t want the 220,000 consumers to worry about their
water. That’s his job and the work of Erie Water Works’ 106 employees, who keep the water flowing, even if that means repairing a water main break at 2:30 a.m. in freezing temperatures.
“We have an average of 250 water main breaks a year, and they almost never happen between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.,” he quipped.
Palmer graduated from Penn State in 1997 with a degree in Civil Engineering and began working for a water/wastewater engineering firm. After a few years, wanting to position himself to advance in the company, he decided to learn more about the business side of the firm. He earned a master of business administration degree from Penn State Behrend in 2007.
“Behrend was an easy choice because it has such a robust and respected business program,” he said. “And the caliber of individuals in my classes was impressive. I almost felt out of place.”
That didn’t last long, as he was soon thrust into group projects.
“I think every single course had a group project, and that was valuable because that’s what managers do,” Palmer said. “It’s like overseeing a big group project.”
He also learned a lot about leadership, marketing, budgeting, human relations, and technical writing.
“I use most of what I learned at Behrend every day,” he said.
Palmer has been at Erie Water Works since 2006. He was senior manager of engineering services before becoming CEO in 2024.
“It’s an awesome responsibility to provide clean and safe drinking water to nearly a quarter of a million customers,” he said. “We never lose sight of the gravity of our work.”
Among Erie Water Works’ biggest challenges: emerging contaminants and aging infrastructure.
FAST FACT:
The cost of water for Erie Water Works customers is less than one-seventh of a cent per gallon. A bottle of water at a convenience store typically costs more than 2,500 times that.
“Water treatment has become much more complex with the discovery of microplastics, PFAs, and other potentially harmful contaminates,” Palmer said. “We have to stay on top of the science so we can be as proactive as possible.”
To make infrastructure improvements, his team stays on top of potential funding opportunities. Erie Water Works was one of the first public utilities to receive federal funding to replace lead “gooseneck” pipes in the water system.
“We are replacing our goosenecks 400 percent faster than we would have without the funding,” he said. “We are on track to eradicate all lead by the end of 2027, which has made Erie a model for other cities that are far behind in the process.”
Beyond the day-to-day operation of Erie Water Works, Palmer is also focused on the future. With access to fresh water, an affordable cost of living, and a low chance of natural disasters, Erie is expected to benefit from climate migration.
“We need to be poised for economic development,” Palmer said. “Erie is going to become a destination city in the future, and we plan to be ready to meet the community’s needs.”
VITAL STATISTICS
Craig H. Palmer
Title: CEO, Erie Water Works
Degrees: Civil Engineering, Penn State University, 1997; M.B.A., Penn State Behrend, 2007
Family: Wife, Brandy; children, Abbey, Noah, and Aiden. Abbey is a 2024 Behrend Project and Supply Chain Management graduate. Noah is a sophomore Management Information Systems major at Behrend. Aiden is in high school.
▲ Craig H. Palmer, chief executive officer of Erie Water Works, oversees the water provided to 64,000 homes and businesses in Erie. He earned an M.B.A. from Behrend in 2007.
SCHOLARSHIPS INCENTIVIZE STUDENT-FUND MANAGERS
The Intrieri Family Student-Managed Fund at Penn State Behrend began in 2012 with a $100,000 gift from alumnus Vincent J. Intrieri ‘84, and his wife, Joanne. Ten years later, with more than $1 million in holdings, the fund began paying out a different kind of dividend: scholarships for the students who manage it. Since then, thirty student analysts have received scholarships totaling $55,500.
The 2024 scholarship recipients include, above from left, David DeFazio, vice president of marketing and social media; Ronan Murphy, vice president of economic/market analysis; Annie Li, vice president of financial reporting; and Sergej Stojanovic, president and chief investment officer.
Perhaps most importantly, the Intrieri Fund provides students with an invaluable learning experience by introducing them to the concepts of portfolio management and security analysis in a real-world environment with real money at stake.
REDUCING EXPENSES FOR BUSINESS STUDENTS
Professional certifications and designations are an often-overlooked expense for business majors. Students can spend hundreds of dollars, or more, on exam fees and preparation materials as they pursue certifications and designations that are important in their chosen fields.
Students in the Black School of Business can get help with these out-of-pocket expenses by applying for up to $1,000 in reimbursement for study guides, training materials, and exam fees.
In the 2023-24 academic year, thirty students received funding.
“The expenses must be for items outside of classroom work, and our students initially pay for them out of pocket and apply to be reimbursed,” said Dr. Ozgun Demirag, director of the Black School of Business. “The average amount we award annually is about $15,000.”
With school funding, students have been able to complete certifications such as Certified Financial Planner, Certified Public Accountant, and Project Management Professional at little to no cost, something any business major can recognize as a smart financial move.
FINANCE STUDENTS BENEFIT FROM AFFILIATION PROGRAM
The Black School of Business is the only business school in northwestern Pennsylvania to have a University Affiliation Program with the CFA Institute, which offers one of the most respected credentials in finance. The program also offers scholarship opportunities to students in Behrend’s finance programs.
In the 2023-24 academic year, eleven students were awarded scholarships: Yonari Asgedom, Anuj Lakra, Conrad Lloyd, Tristan Leopold, Richard Liddick, Jarah Macfarlane, Lukas Metcalfe, Matthew Muldowney, Priyanka Ozornea, Xander Robertshaw, and Jonathan Rom.
The UAP scholarships reduce the cost of the CFA Level I exam by approximately $1,000. The scholarships also reduce the cost of study materials, saving students an additional $700.
David DeFazio Ronan Murphy Annie Li Sergej Stojanovic
STUDENTS TAKE PART IN FINANCIAL PLANNING COMPETITION
In the spring of 2024, Finance students Hayden Adams and Zane Lewis competed in a financial planning competition sponsored by the CFA Society Pittsburgh, CFA Society Philadelphia, and the FPA of Pittsburgh. There were more than 250 submissions from eleven universities. Adams was a top-10 finisher.
RESEARCH WORK ON DISPLAY
Sophia DiPlacido, a senior with dual majors in Marketing and Psychology, attended the 2024 Society for Industrial and Organizational Psychology (SIOP) annual conference in Chicago, where she presented her academic research project, “Right Now, Wrong Then: How Moral Flexibility Shapes Unethical Behavior via Bottom-Line Mentality.”
Her research, conducted under the supervision of Dr. Joongseo Kim, associate professor of management, was supported by the Black School of Business Innovation Through Collaboration program and Behrend’s undergraduate student research grant. DiPlacido also received a 2024 summer fellowship research grant and Behrend’s John and Jane Herbert Undergraduate Research Award, which recognized the high quality of her undergraduate research. ▲Sophia DiPlacido,
Forty students from the Black School of Business traveled to Chicago in March for the annual spring business trip, a professional-development opportunity that is guided by multiple faculty members. The students visited the Cboe Options Exchange, the Chicago Bulls business office, the Chicago Fed’s Money Museum, and Initiative, a marketing firm that works with Amazon, Nike, and T-Mobile.
The group also had a networking dinner with Behrend alumni who live in the Chicago area.
Black School students also traveled to conferences in California, Ohio, and Tennessee.
and Dr. Joongseo
left,
Kim.
▲Hayden Adams, left, and Zane Lewis.
SUMMER “SCHOOL”
Moshe Allen, a senior Management Information Systems (MIS) major, attended Behrend’s Spring Career and Internship Fair in February 2024 hoping to find a summer internship. He met a lot of recruiters and had a few offers, but the one he ultimately accepted was an unconventional choice for a business student: Meadville Forging Company.
“I thought MIS was purely database and statistics,” he said. “I applied at Meadville Forging Company because it piqued my interest as I’ve always been engineering-minded.”
Allen, who grew up in Freeport, in the Bahamas, started college as an engineering major at Penn State Berks. He earned quite a few credits in the discipline before deciding to switch to MIS at Behrend.
“I’ve always been more business-oriented, and the MIS program was a better fit for me,” he said.
His experience with Programmable Logic Controller (PLC) programming, database management, and Systems Applications and Products (SAP), combined with his knowledge of engineering principles, made him a good match for Meadville Forging Company, which manufactures automotive parts.
“It was a really educational experience,” he said. “I had the chance to work with robots and human-machine interfaces for the first time, and I learned a lot.”
Though he’d never worked with robotics, he found it analogous to his MIS programming experience.
“In MIS, you program something, take a look at it, test it, tweak it,” he said. “The same thing goes for PLCs and robots. You just need to give yourself time to learn.”
GOING FROM Recent Behrend business
When facing a major life transition, people often look to those who have gone before them. What can I expect? What should I know? How can I get to where you are now?
We asked three 2024 Black School of Business alumni to share what they’ve learned in their first months of employment, and what advice they have for current students.
MATTHEW FLEMING
His advice for business students looking for an internship experience?
“Look for something that really speaks to you,” he said. “Don’t be afraid to leave your comfort zone and choose something that will challenge you.”
Majors: Management Information Systems and Project and Supply Chain Management
Position/Title: Insights specialist at Curtze Food Service
How he got his job: “I was hired as a project manager intern in the summer of 2023. While there, I implemented a software management system to give our development team the agility that is standard in today’s industry. I remained a part-time project manager until I graduated in May, when they offered me a full-time job as an insights specialist.”
Harness the power of Penn State: “Combining the Nittany Lion Careers job search tool with LinkedIn is a great way to find employers looking specifically for Penn State student interns or grads. Remember to keep your LinkedIn profile updated and put the link at the top of your résumé.”
Why he chose Curtze: “The number one reason is that they allow me to learn. I work in an environment with a lot of freedom, goals to achieve, and progress to be made. It’s a great opportunity to build my portfolio and skills and add
▲ Moshe Allen, Management Information Systems senior.
Matthew Fleming
CLASSROOM TO BOARDROOM
grads share insight, advice about entering the workforce
value to the company. I also enjoy the atmosphere at Curtze, and I like the company’s values. Working for a company that works for you is a big plus.”
College to work: “Switching from a college schedule to a work schedule is little bit of a shock. These days, I work on things much longer than I did in college, when the subject matter and projects changed more often.”
Advice for students: “Connect with as many people as you can. Meeting new people is an everyday occurrence in the workplace, so use your time at college to build your networking skills.”
TONY PHAM
Majors: Accounting and Finance
Position/Title: Wealth management tax services associate at PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) in Pittsburgh
How to find a job: “Nittany Lion Careers and Behrend’s Career and Internship Fairs (held each spring and fall) were the most helpful to me. The Nittany Lion Careers search tool helped me stay informed about jobs that were available to me in the accounting and finance fields that matched my career interests and experience. The career fair gave me experience talking face-to-face with recruiters and honing my interviewing skills.”
Set goals after graduation: “Take time to plan your future. Setting a goal for myself helped guide me to some of the things I need to do now to reach the place I want to be in the future.”
Time management is still key: “I thought that after college I would have a lot of free time, but I’ve learned that the responsibilities (classes, homework, projects) that I had in college have been replaced with other adult responsibilities. I learned to block out time on my calendar for things that are important to me, like spending quality time with family and friends and working out.”
BRITNEY SHAW
Major: Interdisciplinary Business with Engineering Studies
Position/Title: Engineer at Zurn Elkay Water Solutions in Erie
How she got her job: “The summer before my senior year, I took an internship at Zurn Elkay Water Solutions. That led to a job offer when I graduated.”
Go to the career fair: “The Penn State Behrend Career and Internship Fair helped me find companies that were interested in my skills. When you go there, talk to everyone, even if you don’t think it’s a company you are interested in. You never know who you will meet or what opportunities may be waiting for you. Listen, and learn from the recruiters.”
Why he chose PwC: “I interned with the company in the summer of 2023, and I had a great support system. I knew it was the place I wanted to work. One reason is that the company emphasizes the people part of work and how important relationships are. It’s also one of the Big Four accounting firms, offering a wealth of resources and opportunities that would not be possible at a small firm.”
It’s OK to not know everything: “Accept that you are not going to know how to do everything when you start a new job or internship. Figuring things out is part of the learning process, and it’s valuable experience for the future.”
Tony Pham
Britney Shaw
2025
OCTOBER 17-19
REVVING UP REVENUE
Business students help racetrack find year-round income
College-level business courses often incorporate case studies, which draw on real-world examples that lead students to, and through, a business dilemma. For example: How can Summit Motorsports Park, an Ohio racetrack, generate revenue in the off-season?
Dr. Chris Harben, associate teaching professor of management, added a twist in his Fall 2024 MGMT 471W Strategic Management and Business Policy course: He connected students with Bill Bader Jr., the CEO of Summit Motorsports, for a semester-long
study of the track’s business options.
“We’re providing an experience you can’t get from a textbook,” Harben said. “These students worked on a
real-world problem with an actual client. They had to apply everything they had learned up to that point and put it in action.”
