Ventures_2024_2025

20 25

SIGMUND WEIS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSIT Y

WHAT IT’S LIKE

TO BE LUXE

The business and art of selling luxury goods and services

ALSO INSIDE: Seed Money, Budding Ventures | From Classroom to Coastlines

Don’t miss these

2025 EVENTS @SusquehannaSWSB

MARCH 3 MONDAY

DEAN’S CORNER I will often tell my friends at other schools that we have the top business program for undergraduate students in the world. After reading this issue of Ventures, you will understand why.

I love the two stories about our students completing international internships.

You’ll meet Elliott Davis, who I had the good fortune to meet the day he arrived on campus for his first year at Susquehanna. It is so fun to read about how he took advantage of internship and study-abroad opportunities.

I also enjoyed the article highlighting students who received Stein scholarships to cover 100% of their summer internships abroad.

It is so exciting to read about their amazing experiences that aren’t available at other business schools. For prospective students reading this, the Sigmund Weis School of Business is the only business school in the world that guarantees students an internship in a foreign country.

Beyond international internships, there are other great stories. You will also meet and learn about several outstanding alumni and how they work to help students. We also take a deeper dive into three of our 11 majors: Luxury Brand Marketing & Management, Professional Sales, and Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation.

There is much more — and after reading, I hope you agree that we have the best undergraduate business program in the world.

Matthew Rousu Dean, Sigmund Weis School of Business

High School Sales Competition A day-long event for high school students which includes: two rounds of role-play to sell a product to the judges, workshops, campus tours and other activities Top 10 finishers earn cash awards and certificates. Attendees are also eligible to receive a $1,000 scholarship if they’re accepted and choose to attend Susquehanna University.

MARCH 22 SATURDAY

Sigmund Weis School of Business Saturday

A DAY FOR ADMITTED STUDENTS

An annual event exclusively for admitted students who are planning — or strongly considering — to major in business at Susquehanna This up-close, behind-the-scenes look at the business school includes a tour of campus and our trading room, a seat in one of our mock business classes, breakout sessions by major, and opportunities to talk with faculty, students and alumni. These is also a separate session just for parents/supporters.

APRIL 28 MONDAY

Sigmund Weis School of Business

Golf Outing

The 3rd Annual Sigmund Weis School of Business Golf Outing is run by business students in the Event Management class. Watch for your chance to sign up as a foursome — or on your own and we'll place you with a team.

INSIDE 2025 ISSUE

2025

8 Dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business

MATTHEW ROUSU Editor

JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOTTS Director of Strategic Communications Contributing Writers

AMANDA O’ROURKE Public Relations Manager

RYAN RORLS ’25 JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOTTS Design

22

JOSIE FERTIG Director of Brand & Creative Services Photography

HEATHER NECESSARY LUKE WALDNER ’24 GORDON WENZEL

SIGMUND WEIS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS

Susquehanna University 514 University Ave., Selinsgrove, PA 17870 570-372-4454 The Sigmund Weis School of Business challenges and mentors all students, engages in scholarly activities, and serves our communities and professions.

We equip students for successful careers in the global business environment and for lives of continual learning, achievement, leadership and service. Through integrating the liberal arts and business disciplines, we deliver life-changing theoretical, applied and experiential learning opportunities in an inclusive environment.

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4 | What It’s Like To Be Luxe An exclusive on the only undergraduate major in the country — luxury brand marketing & management — and how Susquehanna’s Sigmund Weis School of Business alumni are making their mark in high-end products and services

FEATURE

ALUMNI NEWS

8 | Seed Money, Budding Ventures

22 | Pivotal Role of Student-Alumni Networking

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

CAMPUS NEWS

2 | Elliott Davis: Building a Global Career

14 | F rom Classroom to Coastlines

FACULTY SPOTLIGHT

16 | Value of a Perfect Pitch

12 | Marketing Literacy: Hualu Zheng

17 | B uilding the Ranks

13 | O nafowora Named Among Top Black Economists

18 | B usiness Students Shine at FBLA State and National Conferences

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

19 | Faculty Awards

20 | C hris Wilkens: The Timeless Edge of Data Analytics

19 | Honor Societies Earn Top Spots 24 | SWSB In Memoriams

Cover photograph by Luke Waldner ’24 / Back cover photograph by FJ Gaylor

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST

BUILDING A GLOBAL CAREER

BY JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOT TS

It all began after Davis’ first year at Susquehanna. He joined SaturdaysAI, a nonprofit based in Barcelona, Spain. The remote internship was made possible by Susquehanna’s innovative approach to international internships, which began during the pandemic and continues to serve as a steppingstone for younger students exploring global careers.

“Remote internships like this gave me a chance to explore the professional world early,” Davis explains. At SaturdaysAI, he developed a go-to-market strategy for North America and researched cryptocurrency fundraising tools, all while navigating the challenges of working across time zones. “I loved how I could set my own schedule while still meeting my team’s objectives. Plus, I learned so much about artificial intelligence and its growing impact on the world.”

Susquehanna’s Business Internship course prepares and encourages students to integrate classroom knowledge with hands-on work. “The course pushed me to reflect on how my academic background prepared me to tackle real-world problems,” he says.

This foundation paved the way for Davis’ next opportunity: a summer 2023 internship with Edward Jones in his hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. As a financial data analyst, he tackled projects like automating reports, building databases and refining data practices. Beyond the technical skills, Davis credits this role with boosting his confidence in tools like Power BI.

“Power BI is my go-to for data analysis, whether it’s in class or for other projects,” Davis says. “That internship really showed me how to take what I learn in class to the next level.”

Davis’ momentum carried him abroad during the fall semester of 2023, when he studied in London and interned with AHV Associates, an asset management firm specializing in European leisure properties. As part of their team, he contributed to investment decision-making, conducted industry research and supported high-stakes real estate transactions.

“Physical asset management wasn’t an area of finance I’d explored before,” Davis says. “To overcome the challenge, I researched the parts I found most interesting — like how hotel conglomerates operate globally. That extra effort helped me stay engaged and contribute meaningfully to the team.”

Reflecting on his internships, Davis says they felt like a snowball effect. “I’d learn hard skills in one role and use them in the next, while also improving my communication, time management and teamwork. In person, my impact felt more substantial because the work required a higher degree of technical expertise.”

As Davis looks ahead to graduation, Davis credits his early success to the guidance of his former advisor, the late Peter DaDalt. “He encouraged me to start interning as a sophomore and introduced me to the remote international internship with SaturdaysAI,” Davis shares. “I never would have been able to thank him enough for inspiring me to take these steps forward in my career.”

ELLIOTT DAVIS ’25 finance 2 | VENTURES 2025

NICHOLAS WILLIAMS ’25

For finance major Elliott Davis ’25, internships have been more than just opportunities to learn — they’ve been transformative in shaping his career aspirations. Spanning three countries and diverse industries, Davis’ journey exemplifies how early ambition and university support can lead to fulfilling, real-world experiences.

W HAT I T ’ S LI K E TO BE

LUXE The business and art of selling lu xur y goods and ser v ices

BY AMANDA O’ROURKE

CARTIER. LAMBORGHINI. THE FOUR SEASONS. THESE ARE NAMES KNOWN AROUND THE WORLD FOR QUALITY, HERITAGE, EXCLUSIVITY AND LUXURY.

“When you’re selling luxury, you’re selling the dream,” says Joanna Pishko, assistant professor of management & marketing in Susquehanna University’s Sigmund Weis School of Business.

“People aren’t paying $10,000 for a bag because it is made of nice leather and nice hardware; they’re paying $10,000 to buy into the dream, and the dream is conveyed through the story of the brand.”

Susquehanna offers the only undergraduate luxury brand marketing & management program in the United States. It is now in its 10th year teaching students how to tell the story of luxury brands, and faculty explain how the major got its start and where it is headed in the future.

“Most undergraduate students who want to go into luxury marketing will major in fashion and textiles or other creative fields, but they rarely have a business background,” says Emma Fleck, professor of entrepreneurship & marketing and department head of management & marketing. “We created our major to fill that gap.”

Students majoring in luxury brand marketing & management at Susquehanna take foundational business courses, as well as advanced courses in global

business ethics, accounting, economics and data analytics.

Jessica Bruin ’23 credits the major’s diverse curriculum with laying the foundation that gave her a complete understanding of all business facets in the luxury industry and beyond, preparing her to be successful in her current position with Christian Louboutin, famous for its eponymous designer’s red-bottom shoes.

“During my college search, I discovered the luxury brand marketing & management major at Susquehanna’s Sigmund Weis School of Business, and I instantly knew this would be the perfect fit for me to explore all aspects of luxury,” Bruin says. “This unique degree proved to be an invaluable asset in my job search, securing me a job at Christian Louboutin immediately following my graduation.”

As the boutique coordinator for Christian Louboutin’s only New Jersey storefront, Bruin has gained comprehensive luxury experience with a thorough understanding of all business operations. She oversees all visual merchandising efforts daily, prioritizing the client’s experience. Bruin also manages exclusive, invite-only seasonal events for the boutique’s top clients.

“Our most memorable event took place last year when we welcomed designer Christian Louboutin himself for a shoe-signing event,” Bruin remembers.

More recently, Bruin successfully led the boutique’s relocation to a larger retail space, overseeing the transfer of $7 million worth of merchandise.

INTERNSHIPS & SITE VISITS PROVE VALUABLE

Students step out of the classroom to intern with the world’s leading luxury brands, including Cartier, Tiffany & Co. and Loro Piana, as well as Big 4 accounting firms Deloitte, PricewaterhouseCoopers, Ernst & Young and KPMG. Other students have landed internships in social media influencing, catering, hospitality or events management — all businesses that intersect with luxury brands.

Alanis Castro-Pacheco ’25, a double major in luxury brand marketing & management and graphic design from Enola, Pennsylvania, has two high-end internships under her designer belt.

Following an internship with Michael Kors, Castro-Pacheco spent the summer before her senior year as the global media intern for internationally recognized

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Tiffany & Co., owned by the luxury French conglomerate LVMH. “I wanted to intern at Tiffany & Co. because it’s a globally renowned American luxury brand with a rich history and commitment to craftsmanship,” CastroPacheco says. “Being part of Tiffany & Co. and LVMH, I was exposed to innovative business strategies and a robust international presence.”

FROM ELITE PRIVATE CLUBS TO LUXURY CAR DEALERSHIPS, SUSQUEHANNA’S ALUMNI ARE OPENING DOORS.

At Tiffany, Castro-Pacheco developed her skills in data, technology and creative strategy, collaborated on media planning and attended sessions with publishers and tech platforms.

“Given the nature of a liberal arts education, Susquehanna offers an abundance of leadership opportunities across campus,” Castro-Pacheco says.

“With my majors, I can confidently say that both the Sigmund Weis School of Business and the School of the Arts have given me a solid foundation to perform in the corporate environment.”

Despite the relative youth of the luxury brand marketing & management major, Susquehanna’s strong network of alumni have been quick to lend their expertise and open the doors to their places of work — from elite private clubs to luxury car dealerships.

“Site visits and internships offer our students invaluable hands-on experience, industry insights and the opportunity to build their professional network,” Pishko says. “These experiences bridge the gap between academic learning and realworld application, preparing students to navigate and excel in the competitive landscape of luxury brands.”

Perhaps the most prestigious site visit yet for Susquehanna’s luxury brand marketing & management students was to Cartier, the French luxury jeweler with a long history of sales to royalty.

Top: Alanis Castro-Pacheco ’25 and Ava Greene ’24 in New York City.

Bottom: Isabella Fallon ’26 at a site visit.

It was arranged by a 1982 alumnus who has asked that his name be withheld due to the nature of his work with Cartier.

His 26 years with Cartier give him a unique understanding of how the market operates — so much so that he helped to lay the groundwork when the luxury brand marketing & management major was first established.

He facilitated the spring 2024 site visit of 26 students to Cartier’s New York City maison, or mansion, on Fifth Avenue.

While there, they toured exclusive spaces within the building and met with the company’s corporate recruiters.

“I’ve always wanted to give back to Susquehanna and I’m thrilled that we were able to arrange this,” he says. “With this visit, my goal is to establish a pipeline between Susquehanna and Cartier.”

Ava Greene ’24 was the first Susquehanna student to intern with Cartier. In 2023, she worked in the retail partnerships division, which manages sales of Cartier watches, to conduct market research, gather data on sales projections and visit partner locations to evaluate their performance. She also interned with Loro Piana, a luxury Italian company specializing in clothing and textile products, particularly cashmere.

“Through these experiences, I discovered a strong interest in wholesale operations, particularly in understanding the dynamics between product distribution and brand management,” she says.

“My education also provided me with valuable skills in data management and analysis, preparing me for tasks that require attention to detail and strategic decision-making.”

Greene is pursuing a master’s degree in fashion merchandising & retail management while working as a sales assistant for Centric Brands, a global apparel and accessories company whose brands include Hervé Léger and Kate Spade.

One of the program’s first site visits was to Lamborghini Paramus and McLaren Bergen County in New Jersey. There, they learned about what goes into selling luxury items. The experience was spearheaded by Susquehanna alumnus and member of the Board of Trustees Martin Pinter ’98.

A more recent site visit to Philadelphia exposed luxury brand marketing & management students to the exclusive world of private clubs. Facilitated by alumnus Jeff Morgan ’82, president and CEO of the Club Management Association of America, students toured the Union League of Philadelphia. Founded in 1863, Union League clubs have boasted prestigious members over the years, including 15 presidents, as well as senators, congressmen, diplomats, cabinet members and a few Rockefellers and Morgans.

SU’s students were given the VIP treatment. On their tour, they had direct access to all the club’s member amenities before experiencing a luxury meal at the club’s “Chef’s Table” and a lecture from the League’s CEO on the private club experience. Students then visited the League’s Liberty Hill campus, which acts as a retreat-style facility for members, and then teed off on the golf range with TopTracer enhancement.

“I wanted the students to understand how all of the concepts they are learning about luxury that apply to items also apply to experiences,” Morgan says.

“Regardless of the luxury career a student may choose, there are many intersections with private clubs, so increasing the students’ understanding is valuable.”

STUDENT & ALUMNI INVESTMENTS

In perhaps the ultimate show of a major’s success, one of its very first students has returned to the university to share with the students who now sit in the same

seats she did, how to succeed in the highly sought-after but competitive field.

“Right before I went to college, I took courses in fashion photography. The luxury brand major caught my attention; imagine working for Chanel or Dior or LVMH — all the fashion magazines I looked at when I was in photography,” Ashley Spoto ’17 says. “It was a chance to connect my artistic side to business.”

Spoto launched her career as an account specialist first at L’Oréal and then at Estée Lauder, before returning to L’Oréal where she grew into the manager position she currently holds. She also has returned to Susquehanna as an adjunct faculty member in management.

“Joanna Pishko, Emma Fleck and I connected, and I guest lectured once or twice. During a meeting, they started talking to me about teaching the Retail & Visual Merchandising course,” Spoto remembers. “At the time, I was getting my master’s in education, and they knew I’d been wanting to teach.”

each semester, including a speaker series to bring in professionals from the luxury industry to share their stories, insights and career paths. Members will be invited to join small, intimate dinners with these speakers, fostering deeper conversations and personalized advice.

“My vision is not only to educate those within the major but also to engage with the entire student body, regardless of their academic focus,” she explains.

“Through this club, I aim to inspire and encourage students from diverse fields to engage with the luxury industry, expanding their perspectives and enhancing their educational journey by gaining valuable insights and new skills, and building connections that may shape their future careers.”

FUTURE GROWTH

Looking ahead to the future, Pishko says she would like to formalize an internship process that would require students to have a “solid” luxury brand marketing & management internship before their junior year.

Spoto took her students to L’Oréal’s company headquarters in New York City, adding, “It’s important that students have someone who is working in the industry right now.”

“This would help us to build critical connections with employers in the field and hopefully we’ll see our students automatically put into the career pipeline,” she says.

In another show of support for LBMM students, Isabelle Fallon ’26, a double major in luxury brand and finance from Carbondale, Pennsylvania, founded the Luxury Brand Marketing & Management Club.

She would also like to establish a cooperative program in which students would complete three years of study in luxury brand marketing & management at Susquehanna and then go on to finish their degree at a metropolitan university.

“The club was established to raise awareness and appreciation for the intricacies of luxury beyond the conventional associations with fashion and clothing,” Fallon says.

“I believe our students would be ready for that kind of challenge in their fourth year,” Pishko says. “Our rural location is a challenge for luxury brand marketing & management, so a cooperative program would help to alleviate that and be a huge added value for our students.”

The club aims to create learning experiences that go beyond the classroom, offering a variety of activities and events

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$EED MONEY, BUDDING VENTURE$ Entrepreneurs supported by alumni who believe in big ideas

BY AMANDA O’ROURKE

When Susquehanna’s Sigmund Weis School of Business created the entrepreneurship & corporate innovation major, faculty wanted to include a course that would usher students from the theory of entrepreneurship to the practice of it — while providing them with a safety net.

In Entrepreneurial Experience, the capstone course for the major, students conceptualize and develop a start-up organization and everything that goes with that process — trying, failing, pivoting and repeating — with the goal of busting the myths surrounding entrepreneurship.

“The word entrepreneurship is scary,” says Lauren Smith, lecturer in marketing & management. “It involves venturing into the unknown, taking risks and facing the possibility of failure. However, by providing students with a structured learning environment, practical experiences and mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs, we can demystify the process and equip our students with the confidence and skills needed to navigate the entrepreneurial landscape successfully.”

THE JAMESON ’02 AND JENNIFER ENGERER ’02 TROUTMAN SUSQUEHANNA ENTREPRENEURSHIP FUND

Funding from Jameson ’02 and Jennifer Engerer ’02 Troutman (pictured center) led to the creation of the Student Startup Market — the culmination of the capstone course and an entrepreneurial fair where students sell the wares of their “side hustle” to the campus community. The fund they established gives all students in the course up to $250 in seed money for their business, providing that safety net while strengthening their entrepreneurism.

“We were able to revolutionize the Entrepreneurial Experience capstone course because of the funding made possible by the Troutmans,” Smith says. “We could provide initial funding and opportunities for further funding rounds for each of the business ventures in the class. The excitement and spirit that came with guaranteed funding was unmatched.”

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The Troutmans were motivated to establish the fund due to their family’s own strong entrepreneurial spirit. Jameson’s father and his mother’s extended family started their own businesses, and Jennifer also runs her own digital marketing firm.

“Whether you want to start and run your own business or not, the values and experiences of the entrepreneur can benefit everybody,” the Troutmans say. “Small businesses are very important to our national economy and countries around the world. We were excited that we could support an innovative program like this at our alma mater to foster curiosity and help power the small-business spirit among the next generation of innovators.”

Additionally, any student regardless of major can apply for up to $2,000 annually from this fund for their business and can apply multiple times if they show growth and development of the business.

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LAUREN ELSASSER PHOTOGRAPHY

SIDE HUSTLES ON DISPLAY

The inaugural Student Startup Market featured 20 students — both from within the entrepreneurship capstone course and beyond — selling their own products, from professional services to fitness and wellness products and more.

Lindsay Griffin ’24, a triple major in advertising & public relations, entrepreneurship & corporate innovation, and management from Frackville, Pennsylvania, created a business that combines her passions: sustainability and fashion.

Through her business venture, Reclaimed Runway, Griffin creates fun and unique fashion for Gen Z women by upcycling thrifted and secondhand clothes by embellishing items with unique iron-on designs. She also offers kits so customers can upcycle and DIY clothes or accessories they already own.

“There are a lot of entrepreneurs in my family, so I grew up with an appreciation for working for yourself,” Griffin says. “I love to shop for fun fashion and clothes like printed jeans, but all the stores I found that sold what I was looking for were unethical fast fashion retailers,” Griffin says. “That’s what encouraged me to combine my interests together to create this project.”

Griffin used her funding to help purchase supplies and the materials she used on her table at the Student Startup Market.

“It would have definitely been hard for me to finance all my start-up supplies and materials on my own,” Griffin says.

“Without the funding, I would have been a lot less likely to start my business in the first place.”

Griffin is currently employed as a marketing and public relations specialist with LANC Marketing and plans to continue and grow her Reclaimed Runway side hustle.

Ryan Rorls ’25 (pictured on pg. 9) is a business management major with a minor in data analytics from Frederick, Maryland, whose business venture, Sugar & Ry, specializes in handcrafted, elegant and high-quality baked goods. She established the business in 2020.

The funding Rorls received helped her to buy premium ingredients for her baked goods, including pure vanilla bean paste, Irish butter, King Arthur all-purpose flour and organic lemons, as well as attractive packaging to keep them fresh and appealing, she says. The funding also allowed her to “spruce up” her table at the Student Startup Market.

Rorls plans to continue nurturing and expanding her baking business while pursuing her postgraduate career in project management, with the idea of leveraging the valuable experiences and skills she gains from her career to enhance and streamline operations within her business.

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“My goal is to create a synergistic relationship between my career and my business, allowing each to complement and enrich the other as I embark on this journey of entrepreneurship and professional development,” Rorls says. “Participating in the Student Startup Market allowed me to showcase my handcrafted treats and connect with fellow entrepreneurs who share my dedication. Telling the story behind each of my creations reinforced my belief that baking is about creating connections and spreading happiness one bite at a time.”

Since the first Student Startup Market in spring 2024, Entrepreneurial Experience students have also sold their wares at Selinsgrove’s Market Street Festival, held in the fall, which was also funded through the Troutman fund.

IN THE CLASSROOM

Every academic year, students in Entrepreneurial Experience connect with “entrepreneurial mentors” who come into the classroom to discuss topics ranging from ideation, pitching, scaling, collaboration versus competition, work-life balance, setting goals and more.

Annie McCarty, owner of Troop 47 Trading Co., a boutique and specialty store in Danville, Pennsylvania, is the business school’s Entrepreneur in Residence for the spring 2025 semester. McCarty began her business selling handmade candles and other scents and has since expanded to include products that are locally sourced from fellow artisans, crafters and makers.

“Sharing my journey with young entrepreneurs is a chance to reflect on my own experiences, both the triumphs and the challenges, and to inspire the next generation with some of the lessons I’ve learned. I hope my story encourages them to pursue their own dreams with passion and perseverance, knowing that they are not alone and always have a network they can turn to for guidance and support.”

The key to the Entrepreneurial Experience capstone course is the safety net, Smith says, which offers safe landing to students as they first set out on the entrepreneurial trapeze. Students can try new ideas, problem solve and ultimately fail, without the fear of losing their shirts.

“We’re not just teaching students to be full-time entrepreneurs because the reality is that most entrepreneurs pursue their ventures while working other jobs. We are teaching students how to think outside of the box, how to mitigate fear and become more comfortable with risk while reminding them that entrepreneurship is not a silo,” Smith explains. “There is a collaborative theme emerging in small businesses in America that promotes the idea that there is room for all of us, that we are more powerful, serve our customers better and have a more fulfilling life when we work together.”

SUSQUEHANNA

BUSINESS ADVANTAGE As a Sigmund Weis School of Business student, you’ll gain a robust foundation in business from our AACSB International-accredited school with lessons that encompass a well-rounded liberal arts education and foster transferable skills.

You’ll also gain a comprehensive real-world edge for your career search through four years of hands-on experiences, professional training and networking opportunities. Here are key highlights:

YEAR 3

MID-PATH

YEAR 2

YEAR 1

BOARDROOM-STYLE PRESENTATION — Real-World Business Leaders In your first year, you’ll embark on the Global Business Perspectives course, which includes an immersive experience of conducting extensive market research on a publicly traded company. It culminates in a team presentation to business leaders at an annual showcase. Recent projects have included Dick’s Sporting Goods, Netflix, Burberry and Under Armour.

PROFESSIONAL MENTORING — Real-World Insights During your second year, you’ll be paired with industry professionals as mentors — most are proud Susquehanna alumni. This invaluable opportunity allows you to network with and receive guidance from experts who offer unique points of view.

BLOOMBERG CERTIFICATION — Real-World Credential All business students earn the prestigious Bloomberg certification, and you’ll have that opportunity by the end of your sophomore year. This certification, which involves your ability to dissect real-time data and news to analyze markets, is invaluable for business students and professionals.

INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP — Guaranteed Global Experience Our business school guarantees you an international internship. Imagine entering your senior year having interned in London, Singapore, Australia, Spain or elsewhere. It’s an amazing learning opportunity that looks great on your résumé.

POST GRADUATION

YEAR 4

CAPSTONE — Career Prep Culmination In your senior year, you’ll engage in a highly collaborative capstone course with small groups meeting to analyze real-world case studies. You’ll work with faculty and give many group presentations. You’ll benefit from frequent visits by alumni who will judge presentations, facilitate mock interviews and share relatable experiences about real-word challenges and opportunities.

CAREER LAUNCH — Real-World Success Nearly all Sigmund Weis School of Business students finish in four years and secure employment within six months of graduation, with many receiving multiple job offers before graduating. Our program equips you with the skills and experiences needed to launch your career successfully.

FACULT Y SPOTLIGHT IN THE CL ASSROOM

We are surrounded by marketing every day.

Facebook ads and promotional texts are the most obvious.

But there are other, less overt, marketing tactics companies use to motivate consumers, from odd pricing — such as items marked $14.97 at big box stores — to tensile price claims — sales that present a range of price discounts applied to a discounted category.

Hualu Zheng, assistant professor of management & marketing in Susquehanna University’s Sigmund Weis School of Business, studied tensile price claims to see how customers reacted when they discovered they weren’t getting the full discount advertised.

“We wanted to find out how aware customers are of marketing tactics,” Zheng said, “with the goal of improving marketing literacy among consumers and identifying policy implications that could aid in safeguarding consumer rights.”

MARKETING LITERACY:

HOW DO SHOPPERS REACT WHEN THEY DETECT DECEPTION?

BY AMANDA O’ROURKE

Zheng conducted her study through a paid search campaign that presented consumers with identical ads that varied the percentage off — up to 10% off or up to 90% off. All search ads were linked to the same landing page on a global apparel website where most items were between 10% and 15% off, and only one item was 90% off.

Zheng tracked customers over 55 days to determine if the high percentage off led to increased clicks and if the detection of deception — discovering that most items were barely discounted — resulted in a purchase or continued web browsing.

She found that the higher the tensile price claim, or advertised discount, the less likely consumers were to purchase, having identified the deception within the marketing claim.

Zheng said her findings could have policy implications in the areas of consumer rights, false advertising and marketing ethics.

“Our findings suggest that once consumers detect deception from a business, they are inclined to move on from that business,” Zheng said. “This tells us that integrity in marketing isn’t just about selling a product, it’s about building trust. It’s the cornerstone upon which lasting relationships between consumer and brand are built.”

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ONAFOWORA NAMED AMONG TOP BLACK ECONOMISTS IN NATION, LEADER IN PA

BY AMANDA O’ROURKE Olu Onafowora, department head and professor of economics at Susquehanna University, is named among the top 20% of the nation’s leading Black economists based on the number of times his research has been cited by others in the field.

In a journal article in the Review of Black Political Economy, Onafowora, who also serves as the Warehime Chair in the Sigmund Weis School of Business, is ranked at No. 40 out of 200 counterparts from Brown, Columbia, Harvard, Princeton and Yale universities.

“We are incredibly proud to see Professor Onafowora recognized as one of the national leaders in his field. This honor not only highlights his groundbreaking contributions to economic research but also reinforces the caliber of our faculty at the Sigmund Weis School of Business,” said Matt Rousu, dean of the business school. “His leadership and expertise inspire both his colleagues and students, and his recognition is a testament to the impact that dedicated scholarship can have, both in shaping young minds and influencing the future of the discipline.”

The article, the first of its kind in more than 20 years, revisits the study of the research productivity and impact

of Black economists. The ranking gives explicit recognition and acknowledgment to top-quality Black economists within the economics profession, which remains largely white and male, the article authors write. The study also provides Black undergraduate and graduate students role models who are specifically perceived as highly productive within the mainstream economics profession, they add.

Onafowora joined the faculty at Susquehanna University in 1989 and has served as economics department chair since 2010. Under his leadership, the program is ranked No. 33 among U.S. liberal arts colleges.

His scholarly and teaching expertise is in principles of macroeconomics and microeconomics, intermediate microeconomics, labor economics, economic development, public finance, third world economics and managerial economics.

Onafowora has published more than 40 scholarly articles and has presented more than 50 conference papers at international, national and regional conferences in disciplinary and interdisciplinary combinations of these areas.

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FROM CLASSROOM TO COASTLINES: INTERNING AROUND THE WORLD

BY AMANDA O’ROURKE

Amara Bookheimer ’25, a luxury brand marketing & management major from Mount Union, Pennsylvania, interned for University College Dublin, Ireland, where she completed a brand and competitor audit to gain information about fragmentation within university marketing services and to identify tactics used by competing universities that UCD could adopt in the future.

“The greatest lesson I learned through my internship experience is to ask questions and get to know who you are working with. The first few days, I was slightly confused on what I should be doing, but once I asked my supervisor,

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she confirmed that I was doing the right thing and to keep on going,” she said.

Bookheimer credited her Advanced Luxury Branding course with giving her the foundational knowledge necessary – how to create and design a brand – to successfully assist her employer.

“This course gave me a good perspective on the brand reset project at UCD,” Bookheimer said. “I hope this experience prepares me well for my future career goals by giving me firsthand experience in international business.”

Autumn DeCosmo ’25, a double major in marketing and music from White Marsh, Maryland, interned for the Barcelona Improv Group, the Spanish city’s premiere English-based improvisational theatre and comedy company.

“I was most interested in working with BIG as their marketing intern to experience the vibrant artistic community within Barcelona while growing my marketing skills to promote performances and workshops,” DeCosmo said. “BIG offers shows, workshops, jams, drop-ins and training and development for companies and professionals. They utilize the craft of improvisation not only to entertain but also as functional tools for everyday life.”

PHOTO COURTESY OF JAMES TAKATS ’25

While living and working abroad, Eric Stein ’69 came to appreciate the importance of global business competency and cultural experiences — so much so that he created a scholarship program to ensure Susquehanna students can intern with companies around the globe. Each year, recipients of the Eric Stein Fund for International Experience spend their summers working in businesses in other countries — like Australia, France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Spain and many others — gaining valuable work experience while expanding their cultural understanding and appreciation. In 2024, eight business students were named Stein Fellows and spent their summers interning abroad.

CAMPUS NEWS CATCHING UP WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

At BIG, DeCosmo promoted events, coordinated social media efforts, crafted weekly newsletters and wrote educational content to enhance audience engagement. She also served as the assistant stage manager for The Big Sing Musical Improv Festival, ensuring smooth operations and supporting the production team during the four-day event featuring international improvising groups, workshops and performances.

“The opportunity to blend both of my passions would provide a fulfilling career where I can contribute to the longevity of the arts community while expressing myself in the best way I know possible,” she said.

James Takats ’25, an international business major from West Islip, New York, served as a business development and marketing intern for Credit Management Opportunities and Solutions, of Dublin, Ireland.

In this role, Takats analyzed company and client data to build proper market segments for the company to target business opportunities. He also managed customer relationship management software to find ways to modernize the company’s approach to the public via its website.

“Susquehanna prepared me for this experience thanks to its amazing faculty and staff, specifically my advisors Basil Holobetz, lecturer in marketing & management, and Michele Welliver, associate professor and department head of communications, as they have taught me so many skills that have transferred to the professional world,” Takats said.

“Though Susquehanna may be a small university, the impact we have, not only domestically but abroad, makes waves and I cannot thank them enough for all they have done for me during my time at SU.” While abroad, Takats became fond of the word “yes.”

“I wanted to intern for AIFS because I want to work in the hospitality and tourism field after I graduate, so this combined the best of both worlds,” Zackus said. “I wanted to intern abroad to gain a new perspective on different work cultures.

I chose Rome specifically because I have traced my heritage back to there and wanted to learn more about its history.”

During her internship, Zackus managed AIFS’ social media accounts for its Rome location, collaborated with AIFS headquarters on social media promotion and wrote blog entries about her experience abroad.

“The thing I most enjoyed about my experience was the people. My co-workers were the best team I could have joined.

My mentors gave me feedback to better my work. And the students I worked with I still keep in touch with,” Zackus said.

Zackus also enjoyed being steeped in the history of ancient Rome.

“The first night, I walked 20 minutes to the Colosseum by accident with some friends. Throughout my stay in Rome, I would casually come across different historical sights,” she said. “Seeing so much history and how Italy preserved the original state of its historic buildings was amazing to see.”

While living and working abroad, Zackus came to appreciate the importance of global business competency and cultural experiences. Prior to his death in 2006, Eric Stein ’69 created the Eric Stein Fund for International Experience, which allows students in the Sigmund Weis School of Business to intern with companies around the globe.

All business school students are eligible to apply for the Stein Scholarship program. Other students who interned abroad this year with support of the Stein Fund were:

“The greatest thing I have learned throughout my internship experience and from being in Ireland is to start saying yes to things that are out of my comfort zone,” he said. “Take on the extra work tasks, make that presentation to the C-suite, go on that spontaneous trip. The worst thing that can come out of it is that you end up not liking it, but at least you tried it and gained the experience, which is all that really matters.”

Olivia Good ’26 (Hometown: Ephrata, Pa.) Country: Germany | Major: International Business

Leah Zackus ’25, a marketing major from Pottsville, Pennsylvania, interned for AIFS (American Institute for Foreign Study) Abroad in Rome as a digital producer and marketing intern.

Gracie White ’26 (Hometown: Middletown, Pa.) Country: Australia | Major: Marketing

Emily Kowalski ’25 (Hometown: Wyomissing, Pa.) Country: Ireland | Major: Marketing Kimberly Mohn ’26 (Hometown: Reading, Pa.) Country: Australia | Major: Management and Spanish Studies

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 15

CAMPUS NEWS CATCHING UP WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

VALUE OF A PERFECT PITCH INTERDISCIPLINARY MINOR SPARKS NEW BUSINESS MAJOR When the professional sales minor was introduced by the Sigmund Weis School of Business in fall 2020, it garnered so much interest that it launched as a major just four years later. “Twenty students declared it as a minor that first year,” recalls Michele Welliver, director of the sales program, “and the number doubled the following year.”

Had professional sales been available prior to her senior year, Sophia Pasquariello ’25 would have declared it as her major. She still cashed in on the program’s benefits, as the professional sales and marketing minor talked herself into two first-place competition finishes — securing $2,000 total in prize money — and was awarded the professional sales scholarship by Dell Technologies.

“Sales is something I’m truly passionate about, and having the opportunity to be fully immersed in it would have been invaluable,” Pasquariello says. “The sales competitions my professor Michele Welliver encouraged and prepared me for allowed me to showcase my skills in a competitive environment. I learned the power of putting myself out there, presenting with confidence and seeing firsthand how those efforts can lead to results.”

She said she entered the competitions as a way to work on her speaking skills, step out of her comfort zone and apply

16 | VENTURES 2025

what she had been learning in class and her internships.

In the end, it proved to her that stepping out of her comfort zone “can lead to incredible outcomes.”

An interdisciplinary program, professional sales requires courses that draw on the strengths of the Sigmund Weis School of Business and the School of Humanities’ Communications Department to provide a comprehensive understanding of the sales process, effective communication and the ability to navigate the competitive and dynamic business landscape. Graduates can apply the skills they learn to business, government, the nonprofit sector and more.

Crafting and delivering quick pitches about products and closing the deal are some of the sales techniques Pasquariello plans to use in her immediate future. She’s already been approached by major companies with interview and employment offers.

“Looking ahead, my career path is firmly rooted in professional sales,” she says. “With the foundational knowledge my professors have provided and the support I’ve received, I feel confident and prepared to succeed. I’m ready to take the tools I’ve developed here and apply them to a successful and rewarding career in sales.”

BUILDING THE RANKS The Sigmund Weis School of Business welcomed new faculty in fall 2024.

KIHUN KIM Kihun Kim is an assistant professor of real estate, a major introduced at Susquehanna in 2023. Prior to joining Susquehanna, Kim taught at both the undergraduate and graduate levels at the University of Missouri and Miami University. His research interests include institutional investors, family firms, CEOs, real estate finance and empirical corporate finance. Kim earned his doctorate in finance from Rutgers University. He earned his master’s degree in financial engineering from the University of Michigan and his bachelor’s degree from Sogang University, Seoul, South Korea.

CINDY PAN Cindy Pan, assistant professor of finance and analytics, focuses her research at the intersection of financial markets and corporate finance. Specifically, Pan is interested in the trading dynamics of fixed income securities such as corporate bonds and bond exchange-traded funds. Pan has taught courses in principals of finance and corporate finance. She earned her doctorate in finance from the University of Mississippi.

KRISTA TROIANI Krista Troiani, assistant professor of management, has diverse professional experience, having grown up in her family’s restaurant business. She previously worked as a pharmaceutical sales representative at Pfizer and Bristol Myers Squibb. Troiani has taught courses in management, and her research focuses on developing effective solutions to support working mothers while enhancing organizational efficiency.

Troiani earned her doctorate in workforce education with an emphasis on human resource management and organizational development from Penn State University.

CHANIN WENDLING Chanin Wendling, visiting assistant professor of management, earned her MBA from Auburn University. An adjunct faculty member at Susquehanna since 2019, Wendling has taught Business Government Relations and Healthcare Policy. Prior to joining SU, she held various management positions, including senior director of clinical operations at Contigo Health, associate vice president of informatics at Geisinger Health System and sales manager at IMB Global Services.

FOUNDATION & FUNDAMENTALS Sigmund Weis School of Business Degree Programs Susquehanna University’s internationally accredited Sigmund Weis School of Business prepares you to lead in any market. Through our rigorous curriculum, you’ll develop skills that speak any employer’s language, including the ability to think critically and communicate clearly. And your education won’t just take place on campus — from our state-of-the-art investment lab to guaranteed international internships in over two dozen countries, you’ll put your passion to work. Guided by expert faculty mentors, in collaboration with a network of invested alumni, you’ll see why a major in the Sigmund Weis School of Business is an excellent return on investment.

As a Sigmund Weis School of Business major, you’ll begin with business foundation courses to understand and apply theories from economics, accounting, marketing, finance, information systems and management. You’ll also complete the university Central Curriculum courses, which form the broad liberal arts base in preparation for the courses you’ll take in your major.

MAJORS Accounting Business Analytics Economics Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation Finance International Business Luxury Brand Marketing & Management Management Marketing Professional Sales (NEW) Real Estate Pair your passion with practicality by complementing your major with a minor, further broadening your career options.

MINORS Accounting Arts Administration Business Administration Economics Entrepreneurship & Corporate Innovation Finance Luxury Brand Marketing & Management Management Marketing Professional Sales Risk Management Sustainability Management

CAMPUS NEWS CATCHING UP WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

Students from Susquehanna University’s Sigmund Weis School of Business won awards at the state Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate State Leadership Conference, qualifying them all for the national conference in Orlando, Florida.

At the state conference, individual awards went to: •B rianna Le ’26, of Douglassville, Pennsylvania, first place for public speaking incorporating the goals of FBLA. •B enjamin Bostian ’25, of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, and Fernando Dysico ’26, of the Philippines, second place for their presentation on emerging business issues, specifically the impacts of technology on the workforce.

• Dysico, second place for his score on a competitive test covering the foundations of economics.

•M adeline Rowan ’26, of Selinsgrove, Pennsylvania, second place for her score on a competitive test covering the foundations of management.

BUSINESS STUDENTS SHINE AT FBLA STATE AND NATIONAL CONFERENCES

BY AMANDA O’ROURKE

Susquehanna’s FBLA chapter won first place for its community service project, a business clothing donation drive that was organized in collaboration with Susquehanna’s Sustainability Office and Career Development Center.

The team saw success at the Future Business Leaders of America Collegiate National Leadership Conference, with all finishing in the Top 10. Le and Clarissa O’Neill ’25 presented the chapter’s community service project and took second place; Bostian and Dysico, third; Le, seventh; and Dysico, eighth.

Le founded the chapter as a first-year student in 2022. She currently serves as president of SU’s FBLA chapter, and as vice president on the executive council of Pennsylvania FBLA Collegiate. Members of Susquehanna’s FBLA chapter attend conferences, workshops and networking events with other students and business professionals. On Susquehanna’s campus, members have hosted fundraisers and activities fairs. Meetings often feature guest speakers and updates on business-related conferences and events.

“I am very proud of the accomplishments we have made as a young FBLA chapter,” Le said. “I look forward to witnessing future FBLA members evolve into compassionate, ambitious and dedicated professionals, driving our organization forward.”

18 | VENTURES 2025

CAMPUS NEWS CATCHING UP WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

FACULTY AWARDS Lawrence A. Lemons Distinguished Advising Award Lauren Smith, Lecturer in Management & Marketing Smith, who joined Susquehanna in 2020, is described by her students as an advisor whose work extends far beyond academic advising, encompassing roles in traditional advising, internship advising, co-curricular advising, hidden advising and more. As the internship advisor for the business school, Smith has advised students in a diverse range of opportunities, including both domestic and international internships.

SWSB Award for Excellence in Research Jie Hao, Assistant Professor of Accounting Since joining the Susquehanna University faculty in August 2020, Hao has published seven articles in peer-reviewed journals. All are in A or A+ rated journals, which is an incredible accomplishment. Further, she weaves her research into her teaching, for the benefit of students.

HONOR SOCIETIES EARN TOP SPOTS Susquehanna University’s chapter of Beta Gamma Sigma, the international honor society for AACSB-accredited business schools, has earned “Highest Honors” for the 2023–24 academic year. This prestigious designation recognizes chapters that demonstrate a commitment to academic excellence, leadership development and active engagement with both the university and broader community.

strengthens our reputation as a center of academic excellence in business education.”

“Receiving Highest Honors is a testament to the hard work and commitment of our students. They have not only excelled in their academic pursuits but have also demonstrated leadership and integrity, which are core values of Beta Gamma Sigma,” advisor Anjee Gorkhali, assistant professor of finance and analytics, said. “This recognition further

“I am elated that the work of our students and their dedication to our chapter has been recognized at this level,” said Emma Fleck, chair and professor of management and marketing and advisor to Sigma Nu Tau. “These awards are a testament to the caliber of our students, who have made our chapter something to be very proud of.”

Sigma Nu Tau, Susquehanna’s entrepreneurship honor society, has retained its Gold Status for the fourth consecutive years and is one of only two schools in the nation to have been awarded this status.

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 19

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST

THE TIMELESS EDGE OF DATA ANALYTICS SKILLS THAT LAUNCHED ONE MAN’S FINANCE CAREER STILL ESSENTIAL THROUGH FOUR DECADES OF TECHNOLOGICAL CHANGE

BY RYAN RORLS ’25 When Chris Wilkens ’86 first set foot on Susquehanna University’s campus, he never anticipated his education — and the skills he’d acquire in emerging business applications — would lead him to living and working in vibrant financial centers like Hong Kong, Shanghai, Singapore and Tokyo.

Entering the finance job market after graduation, Wilkens differentiated himself through his know-how of Lotus 123, the spreadsheet program that preceded Excel. His ability to work with technology gave him a competitive edge; he could present an argument on why a deal or transaction should be approved by first creating spreadsheets and graphs and using models and macros to analyze the data. A mentor to Susquehanna business students nearly 40 years later, Wilkens says learning these principles continues to serve them well.

“I talk to lots of students about what they want to do, and almost every single one has something to say about data analytics,” he says. “I tell them that if you have that skillset, you can use it anywhere.”

For Wilkens, “anywhere” meant in Asia for 11 years applying his corporate banking expertise to help U.S. and European businesses navigate the Asian market prior to his return to the financial hub of New York City.

“My experiences led to my next role, and the next role and the role after that,” he recalls, “and I feel most fortunate working at MUFG for 35 years in many different positions doing lots of different things.”

Those opportunities came from taking chances and stepping outside his comfort zone. “Raise your hand, volunteer for a project or move yourself to another country,” he stresses, “and don’t underestimate yourself or your abilities.”

A first-generation college student who went on to earn his Master of Business Administration in finance, Wilkens developed his confidence through Susquehanna’s intimate learning environment.

“You get to know so many people, and part of what I think has made me successful over the years is having the ability or the desire to meet and talk to people, which you can do easily at Susquehanna,” he says. “You can be very interactive with your professors, and the number of alumni willing to help students is tremendous.”

Inspired by his mentors like Larry Isaacs ’43, who guided him as a student, Wilkens now dedicates time to mentoring Susquehanna’s next generation of business leaders. He debunks the common misconception that working in finance means you must be a client-facing associate making deals and he stresses the new career opportunities made available by innovations in the market and the prevalence of financial crimes.

“For anyone studying finance right now, especially with a background in data analytics, their job options are unlimited,” he adds.

CHRIS WILKENS ’86 Chris Wilkens has nearly 40 years of experience as a global corporate and investment banker with specialties in BSA/AML, KYC, client onboarding and regulatory remediation. He received a Bachelor of Science in finance and management from Susquehanna University and a Master of Business Administration in finance from New York University.

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“

PART OF WHAT I THINK HAS MADE ME SUCCESSFUL OVER THE YEARS IS HAVING THE ABILITY OR THE DESIRE TO MEET AND TALK TO PEOPLE, WHICH YOU CAN DO

PHOTOGRAPH BY ART M. ALTMAN

EASILY AT SUSQUEHANNA.”

ALUMNI NEWS OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST

PIVOTAL ROLE OF STUDENT-ALUMNI NETWORKING

BY JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOT TS Business trek. Industry visit. Workplace tour. There are as many terms for these types of experiences as there are for the benefits they offer — to both college students and the companies who host them.

The Sigmund Weis School of Business has a long-standing tradition of partnering with its alumni to offer on-site networking opportunities to students throughout the year.

Students explore career paths, learn more about industry practices and network with alumni professionals to connect with mentors, experience workplace culture and identify potential employers.

Alumni share their expertise, their companies’ values and industry insights to connect with the next generation of business professionals, identify potential employees and give back to their alma mater.

ALUMNI VIEWPOINT Cesaltina Fernandes-Baker ’17 International Reinsurance Product Manager, Prudential

Here are a few examples of student-alumni networking visits in major cities from the past year, with special thanks to the alumni who organized them.

American Express: Nicole Payne ’99 and Teague Emery ’13 Berkadia: Ed Shields ’19 Cartier: Anonymous alumnus Jeffries: Bryce Butler ’21 and Jerry Kane ’08 MUFG: Caelan Perez ’15 and Christopher Wilkens ’86 Prudential: Cesaltina Fernandes-Baker ’17 and Kelly Jockwer ’16 Tishman Speyer: Mike Alderman ’93

Prior to graduation in 2017, I knew I wanted to give back in some manner to the university that played a pivotal role in shaping my future and jump-starting my career. Over the past seven years, I have made it a priority to participate in at least one SWSB alumni networking event per year, not only because of how rewarding it is for me but also because of the positive impact I know it can have on students.

As a first-generation college student, I remember being extremely nervous attending these types of events with alumni, given they were all working professionals whilst my networking skills and confidence

22 | VENTURES 2025

SUSQUEHANNA BUSINESS ALUMNI

LONDON

REUNION EXPERIENCE SEPTEMBER 2025 Read about the London reunion experience in next year’s issue of levels were non-existent! What I wish someone had told me back then — and what I eventually learned through continued participation despite my hesitance — is that the school’s alumni are there exclusively to help the students!

As alumni, we aspire to contribute to the success of students, and it becomes increasingly rewarding for us as the impact of our efforts grows. We are here to support, guide and hopefully, inspire the next generation, and seeing students benefit from our advice and experiences makes the engagement all the more fulfilling.

Ventures — and watch for your chance to be part of the next one.

SIGMUND WEIS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS IN MEMORIAMS

The Susquehanna University and Sigmund Weis School of Business community was saddened by the loss of the following faculty members who passed away this past year.

Peter “Pete” DaDalt

Richard “Rick” Davis

Assistant Professor of Finance

Professor Emeritus of Accounting

Pete passed away Jan. 12, 2024, at the age of 65.

Rick passed away April 18, 2024, at the age of 74.

Since joining the university in 2016, Pete had become a

Rick joined the Sigmund Weis School of Business faculty in

familiar and respected figure on campus. Known for his

1992. He was awarded the university’s John C. Horn Award for

willingness to engage in discussions ranging from finance

Distinguished Scholarship and Creative Activity in 2001 and

and teaching to current events, he was as approachable to

retired from the university in 2021.

his colleagues as he was to his students. Pete was passionate

He led the Sigmund Weis School of Business’ semester-long

about finance and teaching, a fact evident whether he was in the classroom, during office hours or chatting in the hallways of Apfelbaum Hall.

Pete played a key role in the recent advancements of the finance program at the Sigmund Weis School of Business.

He was instrumental in establishing the CFA Affiliation at the university and mentored students preparing for the CFA Level 1 exam. Additionally, he led the university’s River Hawk Fund, where students manage an actual investment portfolio exceeding $200,000, and served on several committees during his time at Susquehanna University.

The university extends its deepest sympathies to his wife, Kathy, and their children Alyssa ’24 and Ben.

London Program on five occasions and led GO Short programs to the United Kingdom and Ireland six additional times.

Rick also served as the faculty advisor for the Voluntary Income Tax Assistance program that provides an exceptional service to the Selinsgrove community while affording Susquehanna students with project-based learning experience. He was faculty advisor for Beta Gamma Sigma, the business school honor society, and provided visionary leadership during the formative years of the Arlin M. Adams Center for Law & Society.

The university extends its deepest sympathies to Rick’s family, including his wife, Wendy, who served the university as an administrative assistant from 1995 until her retirement in 2019.

BY THE NUMBERS Matthew Rousu, dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business, gives a glance into the school by the numbers.

150 CREDIT HOURS

most accounting students earn while graduating in 4 years Allowing for accounting majors to become licensed CPAs without the expense of an extra year of school

25 | VENTURES 2023–24

STUDENTS majoring in business

33

RD

RANKING

of the economics department among liberal arts colleges —St. Louis Fed, November 2024

8 CREDITS

of data analytics coursework completed by all business students

OF

+ three complementary minors

26

19

93%

FULL-TIME FACULTY

Private, undergraduate-only

PLACEMENT RATE

members

1

AACSB SCHOOLS

1

ONLY

MAJORS

651

ONLY

11 +3

LUXURY BRAND MARKETING & MANAGEMENT

Business school to provide students a

bachelor’s degree program in the country

100% Business students who graduate

BLOOMBERG CERTIFIED

GUARANTEED INTERNATIONAL INTERNSHIP

100% Business sophomore students assigned

PROFESSIONAL MENTORS

within six months of graduating

25 COUNTRIES where business students have completed internships in recent years

100% Business students work with a

FACULTY MEMBER ADVISOR for all four years

514 University Ave. Selinsgrove, PA 17870-1164 SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS