IMPACT
A SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWSLETTER
ImpactINSIDE
From the Dean A MESSAGE
Thisacademicyear,SaintMartin’sUniversityembracestheYearofthe Conversatio,athemethatinvitesustoreflectonthepurposebehindourwork andprioritizeauthenticinteractions,communitybuilding,andthevalueof relationships.TheConversatioremindsusoftheimportanceofcitizenshipanda sharedsenseofplace,urgingustoengageinthoughtfuldialogueandfoster deeperconnectionswithinourcommunityandbeyond.
AttheSchoolofBusiness,theseprinciplesresonatestronglywithourcommitment tocommunityengagementandgloballearning.Throughinitiativeslikethe annualBusinessLeadershipConference,theBossoftheYeareventin collaborationwiththeChamberofCommerce,andourfaculty’simpactful researchandpublications,westrivetocreateavibrantnetworkofrelationships forourstudents.Theseconnectionspreparethemtothriveasleadersinbusiness andsociety.
Thisyear,ourstudentsandfacultyhavemaderemarkablestrides,participatingin nationalconferences,involvementfairs,internshipopportunities,andorganizing impactfuleventsthatbridgeacademiaandindustry.Additionally,ourstudy abroadprogramscontinuetoexpandhorizons,fosteringglobalcitizenshipand culturalunderstanding.
Aswecelebratetheseaccomplishments,Isincerelythankeveryonewhohas supportedourendeavors.Yourencouragementandpartnershiparevitalaswe worktogethertocreateopportunitiesforourstudentsandelevateourshared mission.Let’scarryforwardthespiritoftheYearoftheConversatioandmakethis yearatestamenttothepowerofcommunityandmeaningfulengagement.
Dr.Chung-ShingLee Dean,SchoolofBusiness
Whileontheir10-daystudyabroadtriptoJapan,theSaintMartin’sUniversity"Business inJapan"groupvisitedtheToyotaAutomobileMuseuminNagoyatoexplorethehistory of Japanese automobile manufacturing The museum, founded to honor the history of automobiles,iscommittedtopromotingaprosperousfutureforbothpeopleandcars. Itfeaturesexhibitsontheevolutionandcultureofautomobilesworldwide.
The group also traveled to Kyoto, Japan's cultural capital, via Shinkansenhigh-speedrail Uponarrival,theyfirstvisitedFushimi Inari Shrine, the head shrine of the Kami Inari, which predates Kyoto’s establishment as the capital in 794. Next, they explored Kinkaku-ji, renowned for its Golden Pavilion (Kinkaku) and designatedaUNESCOWorldHeritageSitein1994.
Kikumasamune Sake Factory
Onanotherexcursion,the“BusinessinJapan"grouphad an enriching visit to the Kikumasamune Sake Brewery Museum, Kikumasamune Meister Factory, and the Kikumasa sake-cup exhibition. It was a fantastic opportunity to learn about the intricate craftsmanship and rich history of sake brewing. The visit provided valuable insights into traditional and modern brewing techniques, enhancing their appreciation for Japan's culturalheritageanditsimpactonbusiness
Arashiyama
The group also toured Arashiyama Kyoto's second-most significant sightseeing district, famous for its temples, shrines, and the iconic ArashiyamaSaganoBambooForest.
The"BusinessinJapan"groupvisitedStudioGhibliParkinNagakute,Aichi,Japan.Thepark,set withinthegroundsofExpo2005,featuresattractionsbasedonStudioGhiblimovies,including My Neighbor Totoro and the Oscar-winning Spirited Away. It showcases scenes from 14 films, such as Porco Rosso, From Up on Poppy Hill, Pom Poko, and Castle in the Sky. The group explored the downtown Nagoya district and snapped photos at Hisaya-odori Park, with the iconicNagoyaTowerastheirbackdrop.
Ghibli Park
Shiseido Company
The "Business in Japan" group enjoyed visiting Shiseido Company, Ltd., a renowned Japanese multinational cosmetics company established in Tokyo in 1872.
Celebrating its 150th anniversary in 2022, Shiseido is one of the world's oldest cosmetics companies. The company offers diverse products, including skincare, makeup, body care, hair care, and fragrances.
During their visit, they gained insights into their mission, "Beauty InnovationsforaBetterWorld,"and their manufacturing processes, operations, and sustainability practices, including the “5Rs:” Respect, Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, andReplace.
Himeiji Castle
The“BusinessinJapan”groupvisitedHimeijiCastle,a UNESCOWorldHeritageSiteandNationalTreasurein Japan, along with the beautiful Koko-en Japanese gardenaspartofaJapaneseculturetour.
Kobe International University
The"BusinessinJapan"studyabroadgrouphadtheprivilegeofvisitingouresteemedpartner, KobeInternationalUniversity(KIU).Thegrouphadatrulyenrichingexperienceparticipatingin Prof Michael Giordano's English class and engaging with KIU students Additionally, they had the unique opportunity to learn calligraphy and wear traditional Yukata, which allowed them to truly immerse themselves in the rich Japanese culture. In the evening, they took the bullet traintoNagoyaCity,whichwasathrillingexperienceinitself.
Nippon Professional Baseball Central League
On the second day of the Saint Martin’s University "Business in Japan" program, participants attended a Japanese Major League baseball game (Nippon ProfessionalBaseballCentralLeague).Theywatchedthe HanshinTigersplayagainsttheTokyoYakultSwallowsat the historic Hanshin Koshien Stadium, which recently celebrated its 100th anniversary. The group enjoyed dinner at Tajima-ya's all-you-can-eat shabu-shabu buffetintheevening
KCET
KCET
P R O G R A M
School of Business Professor Diane Bingaman, along with accounting students ReineAlbiteandThalyaContreras,servedasambassadorsforthestudyabroad program in South Korea this summer. The group enjoyed 10 days of exploring, engaginginculturalexchange,&visitingpartnerinstitutions!
Student Internships
ProfessorTroyKirbyandSportManagementstudents:PeytonGriffin,MinaDelPilar,Maliki Dunlap, and Sidney Coates attended the Association of Luxury Suite Directors (ALSD) ConferenceinLosAngelesJuly14-16,2024.Inadditiontoexperiencingtheworldofsports sales and event management, the group visited the LA Memorial Colosseum where the 2028 Olympics will be held, the Sofi Stadium and Cosm, the Peacock Theater where the Grammysareheld,andtheCryptoDotComArenawheretheLakersandLAKingsplay.
TheSchoolofBusinesspartneredwiththe Business Club for the biannual involvement fair. The event was a roaring successwithover40clubsinattendance, shaved ice from Kona Ice, and free flu shots!
FAIR
FAIR
Dean Dr. Chung-Shing Lee and Dr. Matondo Wawa presented at the Study Abroad Fair about the School Of Business’s upcoming short term study abroad trip to the Czech Republic in Spring 2025. The fair was well attended by students as well as several exchangestudentsfromour partner universities in Denmark, South Korea, Taiwan,andJapan.
Fall Advisory Board Meeting
The Fall 2024 Business Advisory Board Meeting held on October 29th, 2024 was a resounding success. The agenda was packed with productive discussions, including student team presentations,boardcommitteereports,andvaluablesocialtimewithSchoolofBusinessfaculty and students, fostering networking and mentorship opportunities Additionally, updates were givenontheProfessionalClothingClosetinitiativebyExecutiveAssistantOliviaRackhamandthe BusinessClub’s“HotOnes”event,whichhighlightedthecollaborativeeffortsanddedicationofall participants. The meeting's success underscores the board's commitment to advancing the strategicgoalsofSaintMartin'sUniversitySchoolofBusiness.Theboard'sexpertiseandguidance is instrumental in shaping the future of our programs and ensuring our students are wellpreparedfortheirprofessionaljourneys Welookforwardtocontinuingongoingcollaborationand implementingthevaluableinsightsgainedfromthemeeting.
RhyanSmith Owner,CuttersPointCoffee
Broker&Realtor,Sotheby’s Owner,HomeInstead
Rhyan is a community minded and multi-faceted business owner who will prove to be an invaluableassettoourboard.
DunyaRichelson President,Allytics MarketingFirm
Dunya is eager to become more involved in the Saint Martin’s community and share her marketingexpertise
MichaelSteadman, LaceyCityCouncil
Michael’s experience in public service adds a new perspective to the board that we are excited toexplore.
N E W B O A R D M E M B E R S
Business Club Executive Board
President IsabelPacheco
Major(s): Accounting, Business Administration,and Mechanical Engineering
FromRenton,WA
VicePresident RyanFish
Major(s): Accountingand Business Administration
From:Roy,WA
Major(s):Business Administrationwith aconcentrationin managementanda minorinmarketing
From:Killeen,Texas
From:Tafuna,
Business Club
Hot Ones Event
SchoolofBusinessfacultymembersDr.LisaPower,Dr.Don Conant, Prof. Troy Kirby, Prof. Suzanne Chaille, and Dr. MatondoWawaparticipatedintheHOTONESeventhosted by the Business Club. The faculty answered questions about their careers in business while eating progressively hotterwings.
Events like these strengthen the bond between faculty, staff, and students, creating a vibrant atmosphere that encourageslearningandteamwork.
TheSchoolofBusinesssuccessfullyhosteditssecondannualBusinessLeadershipConferenceon October 16th, 2024 at the Norman Worthington Conference Center. Spearheaded by Professor TroyKirby,theeventfeaturedadiverselineupofdistinguishedspeakersandpanelists.Attendees heard from President Dr. William Brownsberger, Provost Dr. Tanya Smith Brice, CFO Dr. Tim Madeley, and Lacey City Council Member Michael Steadman. Additionally, community leaders fromTwinStarCreditUnion,WashingtonDECA,theThurstonEconomicDevelopmentCouncil,local entrepreneurs,andtopbusinessexecutivesparticipatedininsightfulpaneldiscussions Students from several high schools joined Saint Martin’s students and faculty, participating in panel discussions,conversations,andvaluablenetworkingopportunities.
Saint Martin ’ s University Annual Gala
Gala Student Reception
Dean Dr. Chung-Shing Lee, Saint Martin's University CFO and business faculty Dr. Tim Madeley, and Professor Suzanne Chaille, who served as a volunteer, joined the university leadership team, distinguished faculty and staff, members of the Board of Trustees, community leaders, and alumni and friends at the Saint Martin's Gala on November 2nd, 2024. This year ' s event featured special guest host Pati Jinich, the acclaimed cookbook author, television personality, and culinary educator. Her presence adds to the prestige of our university's premier fundraising event. The Saint Martin's Gala plays a vital role in supporting our students' educational journeys The event raised more than $35 million for student scholarships, demonstrating our community's commitment to making higher educationaccessibletoall.
Thurston County Chamber
Boss of the Year
School of Business Dean Dr Chung-Shing Lee, Prof Troy Kirby, Executive Assistant Olivia Rackham, and a group of outstanding students proudly represented Saint Martin’s Universityatthe15thannualBossoftheYearevent.Ourstudentswerepivotalinsupporting the Thurston County Chamber of Commerce and co-sponsor Express Employment Professionals in organizing this prestigious celebration. Guided by marketing faculty member Dr. Lisa Power and in collaboration with the Chamber’s staff, the students conducted interviews with distinguished leaders and contributed to the nominations for the esteemed awards presented during the event. We connect our students with the business community through participation in opportunities like this, providing them with invaluablehands-onlearningexperiences.
Recognizing exceptional leadership in the workplace through innovation, communication, vision, execution, ethics, services & knowledge.
Boss of the Year Winners
JenniferReed VPofPublicRelations,SoundCreditUnion
Jennifer brings over 20 years of experience in the financial services industry. In her role, Jennifer leads community and public relations efforts, building meaningful relationships and fostering a culture of financial empowerment. Her team is dedicated to connecting members and the broader community with the tools and resources they need to manage their financeseffectively.
ToddMonohon Owner,OlympicRental&LandlordServices
Todd spent over 20 years in the educational and faithbasednon-profitworld.HehasservedasaK-8principal, taught at the prep-school and university levels, and offered his services as a leadership consultant while completing major strategic planning and fundraising campaigns for private schools, church communities, small businesses, and non-profits throughout our region HenowusestheseskillstoleadOlympicRentalswhichhe founded20yearsagoafterleavingthenon-profitworld.
TaylorArmitage Owner,Welch’sAppliances
Taylor came to work at Welch’s Appliances almost 10 years ago, starting off as a part-time appliance detailer. Realizing there was a high demand for affordable appliances and repair, he quit his construction job, went toschool,andreceivedhisEPArefrigerationcertification. He is one of just a couple technicians in the Thurston County area that offers sealed system repair on householdrefrigeration.
Publications
AdjunctProfessorand BusinessAdvisoryBoard member,EdBartoncoauthoredabookwith colleaguesRoryLiebhart andEmilySander.
Aboutthebook:
If your goal is to navigate the private equity landscape successfully, you'll find this book packed with practical advice and strategies to make informeddecisionsateverystageoftheprocess. WhentoconsideraPEpartnership
HowtomakeyourbusinessattractivetoPEfirms
Structure your PE deal to realize the highest possiblevalueandliquidity
Maximize value with your new PE sponsor during thenextphaseofthebusiness
Understand how your company aligns to the strategicbuyeruniverse
Capitalize on the opportunity to share in economicswithownershipasanemployee
This book offers a refreshingly honest and practical perspective on private equity partnerships Its commitment to value and results can transform yourthinkingaboutyourbusiness'sfuture.
Buy this book and create win-win scenarios for leadershipteamsandPEinvestors.
Co-authored by three industry veterans with a combined portfolio transaction volume exceeding $1 billion, drawing from their success and battle scars, they bring multiple perspectives from CEO, CFO, COO, and Chief of Staff roles. With experience at the helm of PE-backed enterprises and as Operating Partners at various PE firms, they genuinely aim to help others succeed They now serve in Consultant, Professor, and Executive LeadershipCoachroles.
In his recent book Small Business School: Begin Your Business Journey, Prof. Troy Kirby delivers an insightful and practicalguideforaspiringentrepreneurs.Drawingfromhis extensive experience as a serial entrepreneur, Prof Kirby presents a no-nonsense, “in the trenches” approach to launching and sustaining a small business. The book tackles critical yet often overlooked topics, such as navigating lease agreements, working with landlords, and understanding commercial insurance in a way that is accessibleandrelatable
What sets this book apart is its “burnt fingertips” wisdom hard-earned lessons conveyed through engaging realworld examples and colorful anecdotes. Prof. Kirby masterfully combines practical advice with a beyond-thebasics methodology, empowering readers to build not just a business but a lasting brand with a strong community impact.
Thisthree-parteducationaljourneyisbothinformativeand inspiring, making it an excellent resource for anyone seeking to turn their entrepreneurial vision into reality a must-read for those ready to step into the world of small business.
ProfessorTroyKirbypublishedhis6thbook-Small BusinessSchool:HowtoBeginYourBusinessJourney Please
Publications
ArtificialIntelligenceforSupply ChainManagement: AThematicLiteratureReview,
insightsfromChung-ShingLee,etal.
What is the transformative impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on modern Supply Chain Management (SCM)? Dean Dr. Chung-Shing Lee and his co-authors recently explored this critical question in their research, “Artificial Intelligence for Supply Chain Management: A Thematic Literature Review,” published in the International Journal of Business & Management Studies (Vol. 5, Issue 11, 2024). Their work offers a comprehensive review of the revolutionary potential of AI in SCM, while also addressing the challenges faced in its implementation. The paper makes several significant contributions,including:
First, it provides a thorough historical context of AI's evolution in SCM, tracing its journey from skepticism in the 1970s to widespread adoption in recent years. This historical perspectivehelpscontextualizethecurrentrapidaccelerationofAIintegrationinsupply chains.
Second,thereviewsystematicallycatalogsvariousAImethodsappliedinSCM,including machine learning algorithms, artificial neural networks, reinforcement learning, and swarm intelligence. The authors present a valuable thematic table mapping specific AI techniques to different SCM sector areas, revealing both well-researched areas and potentialgapsforfuturestudy.
Third, the paper identifies five critical functional areas where AI is making substantial impacts: supply chain configuration, demand forecasting, inventory control, scheduling, andlogistics.Ineacharea,theauthorsdetailhowAIimprovesefficiency,accuracy,and decision-makingcapabilities
The paper concludes with practical insights for managers, highlighting the critical importance of strategic AI investments, workforce development, and the establishment of government regulations to ensure AI security. The authors present a compelling argument for businesses to embrace AI technologies despite implementation challenges, emphasizing that the competitive edge gained through AI-driven supply chainoptimizationwillbeessentialforfuturesuccess.
Conferences
IBFLU Conference
AAACE Conference
In October, Dr. Gina Armer presented at the American Association for Adult and Continuing Education (AAACE) conference in Reno, Nevada on "Discovering new trajectories in history: A 19th century woman ' s practice of Adult Education." Dr. Armer is pictured to the left with her colleague, Dr. Laura Holyoke, her doctoral dissertation committee chairfromtheUniversityofIdaho.
Dr. Matondo Wawa was a guest speaker at the 2024 International Business Forum Las Vegas (IBFLV) Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada September 14-16th. The purpose of theconferencewastoexploreinvestmentand partnershipopportunitiesinternationally.
Visiting Scholar - Daniel Choi
Daniel is a financial specialist at KStartup Center in Seattle. K-Startup CenterSeattleisanoverseasplatformof Korea SMEs & Startups Agency (KOSME) that aims to support Korean startups and entrepreneurs in launching and scaling their businesses in Washington State.
During the 2024-2025 academic year, Daniel has attended School of Business faculty meetings, Advisory Board meetings, the 2nd Annual Business Leadership Conference, and his company has visited campus to explore collaborative opportunities to foster global entrepreneurship and innovation. He is currently assisting in helping plan content and guest speakers for an entrepreneurship course.
Daniel Choi received aa Master of Public Enterprise Policy from Seoul National University in 2020, a Master of Material Science and Engineering from Korea Advanced Institute of Science and Technology (KAIST) in 2002, and a BachelorofMetallurgical Engineering from Korea Universityin2000.
Alumni News
Workanniversaries:
SeannLeecompleted6yearsatWashingtonStateDepartment ofRevenue.
MykiBuffordcelebrated2yearsatClarkConstruction.
CourtneyMisnercompleted2yearsatMovementMortgage.
JoseContrerascelebrated2yearsatMossAdams.
StevenVandewarkcelebrated2yearsatWashington DepartmentofChildren,Youth,andFamilies
KhalidAltamimicompleted1yearatCAMCO-CapitalMetro Company.
Newpositions:
YarabidRodriguezstartedanewpositionatDoleFreshFruit Company.
MayaLourdesAquinostartedanewpositionatFamilies UnlimitedNetwork.
JeraRollerstartedanewpositionatBankofAmerica. BritneyPatrickstartedanewpositionatMt.ViewCPAs.
DylanChismstartedanewpositionatWashingtonStatePatrol.
ThalyaContrerasstaredanewpositionatNovogradac& CompanyLLP.
International Relations SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
Dean Dr. Chung-Shing Lee and Political Science Professor Dr. Linjun Wu hosted a dinner gathering to welcome exchange studentsandalumnifromTaiwan'sChung Shan Medical University. This event provided an excellent opportunity for cultural exchange and further strengthenedtherelationshipbetweenour institutions.
On May 23rd, 2024 the Saint Martin's University "Business in Japan" study abroad group had the privilege of visiting our esteemed partner, Kobe InternationalUniversity(KIU).
Dean Dr. Chung-Shing Lee visited our partner school, Lincoln University College in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia on July 4th, 2024 to discuss opportunities for enhancing our relationships and opportunitiesforcollaboration.
Dean Dr Chung-Shing Lee visited the International College of Sustainability InnovationsatNationalTaipeiUniversityin Taiwan on July 29th, 2024. National Taipei University is one of the leading institutions inacademicresearchandinnovation.
International Relations SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
DeanDr.Chung-ShingLee participatedintheUnited NationsEducationfor SustainableDevelopment (ESD)for2030conference hostedbySunwayUniversity andtheJeffreyCheah Foundation,inKualaLumpur, Malaysia,fromJuly1-4,2024.
Dr. Prashant Joshi and Dean Dr. Chung-Shing Lee invited three exchange students from India to join them for lunch at St. Gertrude’s Café. This gathering, which took place on October 18th, 2024 provided an opportunity to welcome the students to our campus community and fosterculturalexchange.
"The“BusinessinJapan" study abroad group metwiththestaffatthe International Center at Mukugawa Women's University in Japan on May20th.,2024.
