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SIGMUND WEIS SCHOOL OF BUSINESS AT SUSQUEHANNA UNIVERSIT Y

POSTMARKED:

London Reunion Celebrating 30 Years of Study-Abroad Program

ALSO INSIDE: Polished by Practice | World-Class Lessons

Don’t miss these

2026 EVENTS @SusquehannaSWSB

MARCH 2 MONDAY

DEAN’S CORNER We work hard to provide life-changing opportunities for students. I think that will be clear as you read through this issue of Ventures.

We had students completing internships abroad, launching businesses, succeeding in business competitions, and more.

One highlight of this past year for me was the reunion in London to celebrate the 30th anniversary of our study-abroad program, in which over 1,300 business alumni have participated. Consistent with our mission, many of the reunion activities included our students studying in London. Our cover story features alumni Kyle and Amy Robertson, who now live in London and participated in the reunion.

The opportunities we provide for students wouldn’t be possible without our amazing faculty members. In this issue you will learn about their accomplishments — from national appointments in their field to conducting industry research in top business journals.

Our students are taught by faculty who are experts both in and out of the classroom.

High School Sales Competition A day-long event for high school students which includes: two rounds of roleplay 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 21 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.

Last but not least, we are proud to have earned reaccreditation by AACSB for another six years. The peer review team pointed out many areas of distinction that help make the Sigmund Weis School of Business one of the top business schools in the world.

I look forward to seeing you on campus soon!

Matthew Rousu Dean, Sigmund Weis School of Business

APRIL 27 MONDAY

Sigmund Weis School of Business

Golf Outing

The 4th 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 2026 ISSUE

2026

Dean of the Sigmund Weis School of Business

MATTHEW ROUSU Editor

JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOTTS Director of Strategic Communications Contributing Writers

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CLAIRE CURRY CLARISSA O’NEILL ’25 AMANDA O’ROURKE Public Relations Manager

GIANNA RUPERT ’27 KAITLYN WAGNER ’27

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JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOTTS Design

JOSIE FERTIG Director of Brand & Creative Services Photography

HEATHER NECESSARY 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.

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS

8 | Postmarked: London Reunion The SWSB London Program celebrates 30 years of transformative study-abroad experiences that helped shape global perspectives, professional growth and lifelong connections.

FEATURE

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT

4 | Polished by Practice

18 | Stephanie Painter: Growing a Legacy, Naturally

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT 2 | K imoy Reid: A Fashion-Forward Way of Thinking

FACULTY NEWS 16 | Where Knowledge Meets Practice

CAMPUS NEWS 14 | W orld-Class Lessons 20 | B usiness School Earns Reaccreditation 20 | H onor Society Retains Gold Status

22 | Accounting Professor Earns National Appointments

21 | B uilding the Ranks

23 | Polwitoon Named to CFA Institute Role

24 | Connections That Launch Careers

Cover photograph courtesy of Amy and Kyle Robertson / Back cover photograph by Gordon Wenzel

LAUREN ELSASSER ’13 SMITH

STUDENT SPOTLIGHT OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST

A FASHION-FORWARD WAY OF THINKING

BY GIANNA RUPERT ’27 Kimoy Reid ’26 has managed to accomplish what most would deem an impossible task: launching a business while pursuing an undergraduate degree.

“I founded Kimoy Unlimited, a streetwear clothing brand dedicated to creating bold, versatile apparel that blends athletic wear, leisure wear and contemporary fashion,” Reid says. “Inspired by my upbringing in a fashion-forward family and fueled by my passion for style, I launched this brand as a platform for creative expression.”

In addition to being the face of the brand, Reid serves as its visionary and strategist, product curator, marketing and brand manager, operations manager, sales and customer experience lead, and financial manager.

Reid credits the encouragement and guidance of Emma Fleck, professor of entrepreneurship & marketing, to create Kimoy Unlimited. It was after taking her first entrepreneurship class with Fleck that Reid realized she had the resources to turn her dream into a reality.

“One day after class, I shared my vision with Dr. Fleck, and she instantly believed in me,” Reid recalls. “She told me to stop waiting and just start and reassured me that I would have the support and guidance I needed here at SU.” One example of support is the Jameson ’02 and Jennifer Engerer ’02 Troutman Susquehanna Entrepreneurship Fund.

Students can apply for up to $2,000 annually from this fund for their business — and can receive funding multiple times if they demonstrate its growth and development. For guidance, Fleck connected Reid to Susquehanna business alumnus and founder of Major Prep Apparel Bryan Majors ’10, who mentored Reid as she made her dream a reality.

“In addition to providing students with a financial safety net when developing a startup, Susquehanna University also connects them with alumni to speak one-on-one and pursue meaningful mentorships,” Fleck says. “Our alumni bring varied professional and life experiences that benefit our students well past their undergraduate studies.”

Majors shared his entrepreneurial journey with Reid and the resources that helped him. He also offered advice on navigating life as a student entrepreneur.

“Bryan didn’t just share his success — he walked me through the realities of starting and running a brand, from overcoming obstacles to leveraging resources both on and off campus,” Reid says. “He gave me practical advice on how to stay authentic to my brand’s mission, build a community around my products and approach entrepreneurship with discipline and purpose.”

Currently, Kimoy Unlimited is in its early growth stage with products already launched alongside an initial customer base and an established online presence at kimoyunlimited.com.

KIMOY REID ’26 entrepreneurship & corporate innovation

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 3

BY JENNIFER YURICICH ’00 SPOTTS

THROUGH TEAMWORK AND REAL-WORLD EXPERIENCE, BUSINESS STUDENTS MASTER STRATEGY AND CONFIDENCE.

On a sunny Tuesday afternoon in late April, senior Tatiana

first-year students, and Business Policy and Strategy, the

Perez ’25 entered a large classroom alongside her teammates.

capstone course required of seniors. First-year students

She stood ready to present industry and company analyses and

conduct extensive market research on a specific company

respond to questions from a panel of seasoned professionals.

and present their team’s three recommendations to

Perez had presented with a team like this before — about

professionals, who provide feedback the team can

three and a half years earlier when her academic journey at

incorporate into its final report. As seniors, teams choose

the business school was just beginning; however, this time

two companies within an industry and use Porter’s five forces

was different. This time, she would exude confidence.

analysis, among other criteria, to determine which one has

The growth Perez experienced between her first and senior year is a direct result of the Sigmund Weis School of Business’ carefully prescribed foundation in business coursework and hands-on learning, augmented by networking opportunities and mentorships. When Perez thinks back to her first team

the competitive advantage. Professors select teams that have mastered research, analysis, writing and presentation skills to present at the Policy Bowl, where business executives engage them in a question-and-answer session to determine a winner.

presentation, she says she was nervous to make eye contact

Carly Dresher ’25, who secured a position with Ernst &

and was still adjusting to being in person after the pandemic.

Young as an assurance auditor prior to graduating, points out

The constructive criticism she received from the panelists

the Policy Bowl competition is just one of several examples

sticks with her.

where business students do more than learn the material —

“At the time, it felt harsh,” she recalls, “but looking back,

they are trained to apply theories in real-world settings.

I’m so thankful for it. That feedback pushed me to grow.

“My coursework gave me a strong understanding of financial

My competitive edge is my ability to turn feedback into fuel.”

statements, industry trends and company performance —

The courses that bookend every business major’s academic career are Global Business Perspectives, a rite of passage for

all of which were essential in crafting a compelling and data-driven story for each company our team researched,”

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 5

“

THE ABILITY TO BRIDGE THE GAP BETWEEN CLASSROOM KNOWLEDGE AND PRACTICAL EXECUTION GIVES US A STRONG ADVANTAGE IN THE WORKFORCE.” Carly Dresher ’25

she says of the capstone course requiring a boardroom-style presentation. “This background allowed me to interpret the numbers behind strategic decisions and present them in a way that supported our overall analysis.”

One of her teammates, Julius Glover ’25, credits the real-world, hands-on experiences business students receive outside the classroom — such as his international internship — with helping to set their team apart.

“My internships in Singapore and New York gave me real-world experience that made everything we learned in Business Policy click. Weber Shandwick showed me how strategy changes across global markets, and MUFG taught me how big companies make high-stakes decisions,” Glover says. He is now an analyst at MUFG after accepting a return offer following his junior year internship.

Dresher adds that she and her teammates approached the semester-long capstone project with the seriousness it deserved. “It was the culmination of everything we’d learned over the past four years,” she says. “The ability to bridge the gap between classroom knowledge and practical execution gives us a strong advantage in the workforce.”

Launching successfully into a career resonates with Jacob Mavretic ’25. “I’ve learned how to assess complex business problems, evaluate data and make strategic recommendations that can drive real value in any business environment,” he reflects.

6 | VENTURES 2026

In their first semester, business students work in teams to conduct extensive market research on a publicly traded company. At the annual Executive Showcase Friday, teams make their presentation to business professionals.

Mavretic, who is employed as an assurance associate at RSM

not only the depth of their research but also their ability to

in Chicago, also values the mentorships the business school

convey that research to an audience.”

provides to support students’ growth between the bookend courses. Second-year students are paired with multiple alumni mentors who offer career insights and guidance, as well as support with résumé and interview preparation, networking and the job search process.

“The mentors I had played a significant role in helping me grow, particularly in developing confidence in professional settings,” he adds. “Their guidance helped me navigate academic and career-related decisions. I’m committed to continuing that cycle of support by mentoring others whenever possible.”

Kathryn Kissinger ’86 Snowe, a retired project manager at PMA Companies, has served as a mentor and panelist for first-year and senior team presentations over the years.

Drew Kruger ’12, who also serves as a panelist for both classes, says the confidence of seniors is undeniably stronger. “By their senior year, students have had time to grow and come to the competition with conviction behind their findings.”

Today, Perez is pursuing a Master of Business Administration, equipped with the real-world edge she gained as a Sigmund Weis School of Business student.

“Susquehanna has really shaped how I think and work. Classes taught me how to analyze complex problems, and all the group projects helped me learn how to communicate clearly and lead with purpose,” she adds. “That’s what will set me apart, and it’s something Susquehanna helped me discover and develop.”

“The most obvious growth I see is their ability to present and defend their thoughts,” she notes of the soon-to-be graduates.

“They mature a lot in their college careers, and you see this in

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 7

Postmarked: LONDON REUNION

Celebrating 30 Years of Study-Abroad Program

BY CLAIRE CURRY

When Amy Tritle ’11 was considering colleges, one important prerequisite was that the school offered opportunities to study abroad. She learned about the London Program at the Sigmund Weis School of Business and knew Susquehanna was the perfect choice for her.

“The fact that Susquehanna had a study-abroad program integrated into a major where you could travel with your classmates and a professor while staying on course — nothing like that was offered in any other university [I looked at],” she says. “I knew from the get-go that I wanted to do that program.”

Unlike Tritle, her classmate Kyle Robertson ’11 initially didn’t think about studying abroad in college as he was pursuing a double major in business and music and had a fully packed schedule. But once he learned he could continue earning credits with no interruption to his four-year plan, he jumped at the opportunity to study in London.

Tritle and Robertson agree that their time abroad in the spring of 2010 was nothing short of exceptional and transformative. In fact, the two, who started dating their sophomore year, are now married and have been living and working in the United Kingdom for the past 10 years.

“My whole mindset, and what I envisioned myself doing after graduation, shifted,” Robertson says. “When I came back from London, I told my parents I was going to move to New York City, and when I entered senior year and started to network, I focused on multinational companies with the intention of someday working abroad.”

Before he graduated, Robertson secured a position with JPMorgan — a connection made possible with the support of two alumni, Jameson Troutman ’02 and Joseph Shannon ’08 — and ultimately relocated to New York. Meanwhile, Tritle

pursued a management training program at Fulton Bank in Lancaster and moved on to a position in human resources — a perfect match for her business management major and psychology minor. She later accepted an HR position at WTW in New York. Then, when Robertson was presented the opportunity to do a two-year tour in JPMorgan’s London office, the couple decided to make the move.

Tritle transferred to WTW’s London office, where she remains nearly a decade later as the global head of performance and career management. After 11 years at JPMorgan, Robertson decided to make a career pivot and pursued a master’s in global strategy and sustainability at the University of Edinburgh.

Today, he is senior global impact manager at Hain Celestial, the international food and beverage company best known for such brands as Celestial Seasonings tea and Garden Veggie snacks.

Both credit the SWSB London Program for inspiring their journey. “It was always in the back of my mind that I might be interested in working abroad,” Robertson says, “but without having done the London Program, there is zero chance we’d be living here today.”

REUNITING AND REMINISCING WITH FRIENDS, OLD AND NEW In September 2025, Tritle and Robertson joined more than 60 alumni and friends from the U.S. and London, faculty and administrators — including Susquehanna President Jonathan Green, Provost Dave Ramsaran and Dean Matthew Rousu — to celebrate the program’s 30-year milestone at a reunion in

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 9

“

I had so many

ONCE-IN-A-LIFETIME moments and adventures that I wouldn’t have had otherwise.”

KELSEY BURROWS ’27

London. In addition, the 11 students participating in the studyabroad program that semester joined them.

The opening dinner, held at the historic Dicken’s Inn, kicked off the five-day event, offering attendees the chance to rekindle friendships, reminisce about past adventures and connect with current students.

“The dinner was a way for everyone to reconnect, or meet for the first time, and share their stories,” says Kristie Buriak ’99 Anderson, Sigmund Weis School of Business programs coordinator who organized the reunion. “I enjoyed seeing how the students and alumni interacted, sharing in their stories, sharing advice and talking about their futures.”

Heather Litzebauer ’05 reconnected with Kelsey Burrows ’27, who was visiting London for the first time as a student in the program. The two met a year before when they were paired in the business school’s Professional Mentorship Program and have kept in touch ever since.

In fact, Burrows credits Litzebauer for influencing her decision to travel abroad after the two talked at length about her time in the program in 2003. “Heather told me that she came back a different person because she gained this new sense of independence,” Burrows recalls. “She realized that it is possible to do hard things.”

After spending a semester in London, Burrows agrees that the experience is like no other. Coming from a small town in Pennsylvania, Burrows — like many students and alumni who have ventured to London through the study-abroad program — discovered how much she enjoys city life.

“It was a bit of a culture shock, but I loved it there,” she says.

“I had so many once-in-a-lifetime moments and adventures that I wouldn’t have had otherwise. There’s so much to see and do.”

She and her London classmates took advantage of long weekends to explore Europe. In just one semester, Burrows’ passport was stamped in France, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy and Scotland, making countless memories with her travel partners.

In addition to reconnecting with Burrows and spending time together at various activities throughout the five-day reunion — including walking tours of London and Oxford University, a football match at Lane Hayes Stadium, a boat ride on the Thames and a theater performance of the popular musical

10 | VENTURES 2026

Above: Kyle Robertson ’11 and Amy Tritle ’11 toured a steel plant in Terni, Italy, during their semester abroad. After the tour, the company presented the business side of the industry. "I'm not sure what was a bigger hit with our class: learning about steel or wearing hard hats, hi-vis vests and steel-toed boots for the afternoon," Robertson recalls.

Right: Reunion participants posed outside the Hayes Lane Stadium before the Bromley vs. Gillingham football match.

Six — Litzebauer enjoyed reuniting with friends she hadn’t seen in 20 years.

“It was a blast from the past,” she says. “It was great to see everyone and talk and laugh about some of the things that happened in London because it was life-changing for everyone.”

When she graduated, the New Jersey native moved to Jersey City where she has lived and worked for two decades. In addition to influencing where she settled, Litzebauer, who is a principal at NW Financial, says the program helped her break out of her comfort zone, expand her cultural perspective and be open to new people and ideas — attributes she uses every day in both her personal and professional life.

TAPPING INTO A GLOBAL BUSINESS HUB From its early years to today, the London Program has offered students in the Sigmund Weis School of Business the chance to earn a semester’s worth of 18 college credits, immerse themselves in different cultures and gain new perspectives on the global business world.

Courses such as Data Insight and Visualization and Seminar in European Business build students’ business knowledge and technical skills. British Theater and British History pair classroom instruction with weekly performances in the London theater district and sightseeing tours.

Other experiential learning opportunities are woven into the program, too. For example, prior to 2017, students worked on a semester-long consulting project that culminated in a formal

presentation before business leaders in Prague. They also toured businesses and organizations both in and outside of London, including a BMW factory in Germany, Lloyd’s of London and the London Stock Exchange.

“We needed to incorporate cross-cultural immersion experiences,” says Jerrell Habegger, associate professor emeritus of accounting and former director of the SWSB London Program.

“For many years, we did that with the consulting project,” he says, until he had another idea.

In place of the consulting project, Habegger proposed adding formal internships to the program, placing students in various London businesses.

“I think that has really improved the experience,” he adds. “They now participate in British business life. They also find out the workforce is multinational in London, so they automatically learn how to work with a variety of different people.”

Alysha Fauci ’21 says her 2019 internship at International Alert in the U.K. exposed her to the human resources field, in which she now works. What’s more, the position helped her develop skills she has been using in her role as a recruiter at the global trading and technology firm Susquehanna International Group. Her time abroad also shaped her into a seasoned traveler who can easily plan her own itineraries and pivot the unexpected with ease — a skill that is useful as her job requires a lot of travel.

“Before I studied abroad, I had a passport but had never really ventured out, aside from family vacations,” she says. “I had never

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 11

Above: During their tour of Greenwich, reunion participants stopped to take a group photo.

gone to Europe. The London Program allowed me to build the confidence to travel while having a community of students and faculty around me. I think something Susquehanna does well is supporting students to be able to have these growth opportunities.”

AN EXPERIENCE LIKE NO OTHER Throughout their semester abroad, students write reflections and share them with their professors each week. Habegger, who accompanied students to London for at least seven semesters, including fall 2025, affirms, “One thing is clear every year: students tell me what they learned and did throughout the week, and invariably, there are things that go wrong — they miss a train or get lost returning to their flat. But they figure out how to deal with it and gain a sense of independence as a result.”

Certainly, anecdotes about their travels and such conundrums made for lively conversations among the alumni, students, faculty and staff who attended the 30th reunion. All agree that in addition to the obvious advantages of studying in London, which are building cultural awareness and global business knowledge, developing the confidence and ability to successfully overcome challenges is the program’s most invaluable takeaway — one that pays countless dividends throughout life.

12 | VENTURES 2026

Below: The spring 2011 London Program students conducted market research for a major commercial bank in the Czech Republic called ČSOB, or Československá obchodní banka. The class presented their suggested advertising strategies to expand the bank's offerings to new customers and markets.

“

I think something Susquehanna does well is supporting students to be able to have these

GROWTH OPPORTUNITIES.” ALYSHA FAUCI ’21

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 job offers before graduating. Our program equips you with the skills and experiences needed to launch your career successfully.

CAMPUS NEWS CATCHING UP WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

WORLD-CLASS LESSONS

ACROSS CONTINENTS AND CULTURES, STUDENTS LEARN THAT PROFESSIONAL GROWTH AND PERSONAL DISCOVERY OFTEN TRAVEL TOGETHER.

BY GIANNA RUPERT ’27

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A double major in accounting and computer science pursuing a minor in music, Rine spent the summer in Barcelona, Spain, as a music business intern processing, normalizing, testing and validating results of data for SkyNote. The intelligent music learning system, developed by the Music Technology Group at Universitat Pompeu Fabra, uses audio analysis, motion capture and artificial intelligence techniques to provide realtime feedback on the sound and gestures of music students.

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Through academic experiences at Susquehanna and his own self-exploration, Gavin Rine ’27 says he discovered “a unique intersection of passions”: the analytical precision of accounting; the technical problem-solving of computer science; and the creative discipline within the music world. His international internship perfectly combined all three.

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Seven Sigmund Weis School of Business students expanded their education beyond the classroom — discovering new cultures, reconnecting with personal heritage and gaining a deeper understanding of their place in an interconnected world. Supported by the Eric N. Stein Fund for International Experience, they interned with international companies in summer 2025 and learned just how far a Susquehanna education can take them.

Since 2006, more than 75 students have traveled abroad with expenses fully funded by the endowed Eric N. Stein Fund for International Experience.

The late Stein ’69 generously donated $1 million to help realize global experiences for Sigmund Weis School of Business students.

The Montgomery, Pennsylvania, native prepared by taking a LinkedIn Learning course on machine learning and researching how to quickly adjust to working and living in another country.

He found that the best lessons came from immersing himself in the region and its people.

“Living there allowed me to jump right into the very rich culture of Barcelona and learn so much about life in the Catalonia region of Spain,” he says.

While interning and living in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam, Brianna Le ’26 rediscovered her Vietnamese heritage.

“Over 50 years ago, both sides of my family fled due to the Vietnam War. Prior to this internship, I had never traveled to Vietnam,” Le says.

Working and living in Vietnam for the summer, Le experienced the culture firsthand — connecting with locals daily and traveling to various cities, sampling the inexpensive, delicious meals offered by street stands, taking stretch breaks and nap breaks after lunch, and riding a motorbike to work every day.

“Completing this living-learning experience honors multiple generations in my family who have sacrificed so much for me by supporting my education and study-abroad internships,” she says.

Le was hired as a business-to-business sales intern for Binh Tay Import Export Joint Stock Company, which is currently the official and exclusive distributor of Casio calculators and Pilot luxury pens in Vietnam. Her role was to support the sales team in managing and expanding B2B relationships and assisting with English translation, sales activities, client communication and market analysis.

KATIE WOJTON ’27

Realizing the mutually beneficial value of international placements for both interns and companies, Le taught her colleagues how to use artificial intelligence for data visualization and image quality processing. She also developed for the company’s community

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development team a presentation about life in the United States to motivate Vietnamese students to study abroad.

This was the second international internship for the double major in international business and management from Douglasville, Pennsylvania. While studying abroad in Barcelona, Spain, in fall 2024, Le completed a business development internship for an event services company specializing in interactive and immersive corporate events.

“With the support of Susquehanna University and the Sigmund Weis School of Business, the complete immersion of these international internships allowed me to apply my coursework in professional settings while strengthening my appreciation of global cultures,” Le adds.

Other summer 2025 Stein fellows were: Kiara De Silva ’27, a finance and biochemistry double major who was a finance intern-analyst with SC Oscar Fund Management in Singapore.

Reece Knorr ’27, an accounting major who lived in Barcelona, Spain, while working as a business and hospitality operations intern at Hip Karma Hostel.

Liam Raney ’26, a finance major who also worked in Barcelona, Spain, as a corporate finance intern with Hubmaster Warehouse Automation Systems.

MacKenzi Salinas-Trejo ’26, a luxury brand marketing & management major who worked with Weave Living in Tokyo, Japan, as an operations intern.

Katie Wojton ’27, an accounting and finance double major who lived in Galway, Ireland, while working for Owen McDonough & Associates as an accounting intern.

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 15

FACULT Y NEWS IN THE CL ASSROOM

“Democracy, Dividends and Corporate Valuation" Journal of Corporate Finance (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

Aug 2025

Loc Bui, assistant professor of finance & analytics, examined the impact of institutional democracy on firm value through the lens of dividend policies.

Spoiler alert: This study finds that companies in more democratic countries tend to pay higher dividends, which boosts their overall value.

The effect is especially strong for firms with weaker shareholder protections or higher agency costs, suggesting that democracy itself can enhance how investors value companies.

WHERE KNOWLEDGE MEETS PRACTICE FACULTY RESEARCH UNCOVERS TRENDS IN BUSINESS AND BRINGS THOSE INSIGHTS DIRECTLY INTO THE CLASSROOM. Professors in the Sigmund Weis School of Business don’t

“The U and LaS Individua bor In l vestme ism-Collect nt Eff i Corpor icienc vism y" An Int ate Govern a (Chich ernational nce: ester, R Engla eview nd) DE C

202 4

Anjee G orkhali , as s o c of finan iate pro c e & an fessor a ly tics, res h ow c u earche ltural d d ifferenc U.S. sta es acro tes — s ss p ecificall individu y levels alism v of e r su s c affect h ollectiv ow effic ism — ie ntly com invest in panies their wo rkforce .

Spoile r that f alert: The i collec rms based study find in mor s t e likely ivist state s especi to over- or are more a weak o lly when o under-hir v e r limite informati ersight is , o d cultur , showing t n is hat lo e can influ ence c meaningful cal o l decisi rpora ons. te h i r y i ng

16 | VENTURES 2026

just teach what’s known — they discover what’s next.

Published in some of the world’s top business journals, their research explores how culture, leadership and communication shape the way companies make decisions.

From understanding how democracy influences corporate value to uncovering how management teams fine-tune financial forecasts, their discoveries are changing the way business is studied and practiced. And because these scholars bring their findings straight into the classroom, Sigmund Weis School of Business students gain firsthand insight into the forces driving today’s global economy.

—Jennifer Yuricich ’00 Spotts READ MORE A comprehensive list of business faculty research since January 2024 with links to full articles is featured at bit.ly/SUResearchPortal.

LIBRARY CONNECTIONS Special thanks to Jenny Roberts-Reilley, resources & scholarly communications librarian, for researching and compiling this information.

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FACULT Y NEWS IN THE CL ASSROOM

“Trade Openness, Governance Quality and Economic Growth in Latin America and the Caribbean" International Economics (Amsterdam, Netherlands)

march Oct 2024

Professor of Economics and Warehime Chair in the Sigmund Weis School of Business Olugbenga Onafowora researched how the quality of a country’s governance affects the link between trade openness and economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Spoiler alert: It finds that strong institutions - such as governance effectiveness, rule of law, control of corruption and regulatory quality - strengthen the growth benefits of trade, while political instability and weak accountability can limit them.

“Functional Background Diversity of Top Management Team and Managerial Forecasting Capability"

2024

Rifat Sharm elly, assista nt professor o f strategic managem ent, examin e d h ow business n etworks evo lv e in emerging markets lik e Russia and India.

Spoiler alert: It finds th as firms at g instituti row and their onal env ironments strength en shift fr , relationships om perso na l , trust-ba se more for d connections to mal, contr partnersh act ips -- th ual personal ough n influenti etworks remain al throu organiza g tional d hout evelopmen t.

We Could Tell: “Oh, the Stories l for Building de A Conceptual Mo urial Narratives" ne Shared Entrepre urnal of International Jo Behaviour & l ia ur Entreprene England) Research (Leeds,

Journal of Management Accounting Research (Lakewood Ranch, Florida) JULY 2024

“Inter-O r Networki ganizational ng in Em erging M arkets" Journal of Busin (Amsterda e m, Netherss Research lands)

Bo Liu, associate professor of accounting, and Dana Zhang, “How Do I associate professor of accounting, mplausib le Tensi examined how the mix of experiences Claims Affect C jan 2024 onsumer le Price Deceptive Percepti ness and within a company’s top manageons of Purchase Co in Onlin nsumer Willingn ment team affects the accuracy of e e Enviro nments?" ss To Journal of Inter its earnings forecasts. ac (C

hicago, I

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Spoiler alert: The researchers find that teams with more diverse professional june 2024 backgrounds tend to make Hualu Zhe more accurate forecasts, ng, associ ate profess especially when predictions managem or of e nt & marke are complex; however, this ti n g , st u h d o ied w exaggera advantage fades in larger ted online price claim teams or those led by influence c s onsumer b dominant CEOs. ehavior.

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neurship & Professor of Entrepre ck and Marketing Emma Fle Management of r so Assistant Profes na Pishko, with and Marketing Joan English & r Associate Professo of Verhoeven, Creative Writing Betsy t of a shared introduce the concep trepreneurs narrative — a story en olders rather build with their stakeh than for them. ey propose a Spoiler alert: Th ework am fr ge sta ethre reneurs ep tr en w ho showing entic, th au e can co-creat ries that value-driven sto ections with strengthen conn mers and sto cu , investors leading to other audiences, engagement. deeper trust and

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 17

ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT OUR BEST AND BRIGHTEST

GROWING A LEGACY, NATURALLY

BY GIANNA RUPERT ’27 Ten years after leaving home to pursue a business degree at Susquehanna, Stephanie Painter ’16 returned to her family’s 5,000-acre organic dairy farm in northcentral Pennsylvania to help preserve it.

retailers,” Painter says. “We’ve expanded to include some of the most recognized names in grocery, such as Whole Foods Market, Sprouts Farmers Market, Publix, Natural Grocers, Giant, and even our beloved hometown chain, Topps.”

She and her sister, Hayley, partnered with a 10th-generation Icelandic skyr yogurt maker to create a dairy product unlike most others sold on mainstream American shelves. Theirs is made from organic whole milk, packed with protein and probiotics, lactose-free, and lightly sweetened with fruit and organic cane sugar.

Their certified organic skyr yogurt creates a meaningful connection between consumers and the source of their food: the American farmer. With educational, eye-catching packaging that combines warmth and visual appeal, it sparks curiosity and invites consumers to discover the story behind their yogurt. This approach fosters an authentic, approachable connection rooted in transparency and trust.

After securing startup funds from a grant and support from a business loan, Painterland Sisters sold its first cup of organic Skyr yogurt in March 2022. After three years, a crowdfunding campaign and a seed round, 6,000 stores across all 50 states made space on their shelves to sell the creamy, nutrient-dense yogurt.

“We’re trying to get consumers high-quality products from a farmer at the convenience of their everyday lives, which is

Featured multiple times in Forbes magazine — including its 2024 “30 Under 30” food and drink list — Painter credits Susquehanna’s business school for helping her build a strong foundation in everything from finance and strategy to management and marketing, all of which she utilizes every day at Painterland Sisters.

“Using our yogurt as a vehicle to tell the greater story of farming allows us to engage in educating consumers about dairy’s role in a balanced diet,” Painter adds. “This brand of storytelling and education has allowed us to overcome misconceptions, connect people to the land, and stay true to our mission.”

STEPHANIE PAINTER ’16 Stephanie Painter (right) and Hayley Painter (left) are co-founders and co-chief executive officers of Painterland Sisters Icelandic Style Skyr Yogurt.

18 | VENTURES 2026

HIGH IMAGE PHOTOGRAPHY

“We use milk from our own fourth-generation organic regenerative dairy farm, along with milk from other like-minded farms in the region,” Painter explains. “Our farm remains the heart of our business — grounding us in our roots and connecting us to the ingredients and values that define Painterland Sisters.”

CAMPUS NEWS CATCHING UP WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

BUSINESS SCHOOL EARNS REACCREDITATION The Sigmund Weis School of Business has been reaccredited by the International Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business — a worldwide marker of quality in business education.

Fewer than 6% of the world’s business schools earn AACSB accreditation.

First accredited 28 years ago, Susquehanna is one of nine private, undergraduate-only business schools in the world with this distinction.

Susquehanna’s business school received several special commendations, including: • The guarantee of international internships.

• Adding Bloomberg certification to the curriculum.

• T he Global Business Perspectives and the Fundamentals of Business experiential learning courses that culminate in the Executive Showcase Day, which were cited as being impactful for first-year and transfer students.

• The university-wide Early Advisor Program, which assigns a faculty member as soon as a new student enrolls.

• The Professional Mentoring Program, which actively engages alumni with current students.

The AACSB reaccreditation process is conducted regularly to create an ongoing focus of continuous improvement for accredited schools. Theresa Finley, associate professor of economics, led the business school’s reaccreditation effort.

“Attending an AACSB-accredited school gives students a competitive edge,” Finley says. “Those familiar with business education recognize the prestige that comes with this accreditation and the high standards to which our students are held.”

— Amanda O’Rourke

HONOR SOCIETY RETAINS GOLD STATUS Susquehanna University’s entrepreneurship honor society, Sigma Nu Tau, has retained its Gold Member Status for the fifth consecutive year from the United States Association for Small Business and Entrepreneurship. To be eligible for gold status, a chapter must have two designated student members as chapter leaders, and host a guest speaker, multiple chapter meetings, entrepreneurial student events and a pitch competition.

Sigma Nu Tau also ranks second in the nation out of more than 50 chapters.

“Our chapter continues to be a shining light in this organization,” says Emma Fleck, professor of entrepreneurship & marketing and chapter advisor. “Our students and their

20 | VENTURES 2026

continuous strive towards excellence have placed Susquehanna and the Sigmund Weis School of Business on the national stage once again.”

Students who major in entrepreneurship & corporate innovation develop the skills to start a business enterprise or thrive as an entrepreneurial thinker in an established company.

They also engage in one-on-one mentorship with the business school’s entrepreneur in residence; build and launch multiple businesses; participate in consulting projects with small businesses and high-growth startups; and, through a generous alumni donation, qualify for business development — Gianna Rupert ’27 funding.

FOUNDATION & FUNDAMENTALS Sigmund Weis School of Business Degree Programs

BUILDING THE RANKS The Sigmund Weis School of Business welcomed new faculty in fall 2025.

RIFAT SHARMELLY

Assistant Professor of Strategic Management Rifat Sharmelly (pictured above, left) conducts industry-based empirical research in strategic innovation management, social business, artificial intelligence ethics, technology entrepreneurship and strategic sensemaking. Her works have been published in high-impact journals such as Journal of Business Research, Journal of Management Inquiry and Journal of General Management, among others. She has served as an editorial board member of several journals. Prior to joining Susquehanna, Sharmelly was a professor at Washington College and most recently at Quinnipiac University. She began her career in the telecommunication industry with a multinational mobile operator, prior to earning a doctorate from the University of New South Wales, Australia.

MICHAEL WOODY

Visiting Assistant Professor of Management Michael Woody’s (pictured above, right) research interests include high-performance teams, leadership dynamics and strategic management. He taught leadership and strategic planning at Temple University during the last few years of his 21-year career in the military. Prior to joining Susquehanna, Woody served the U.S. Department of Labor and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania. In 2014, he founded Three Six Zero Leadership, which specializes in experiential leadership training. A retired U.S. Army Ranger and combat veteran, Woody earned an Executive Doctor of Business Administration from the Fox School of Business at Temple University.

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 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

ACCOUNTING PROFESSOR EARNS NATIONAL APPOINTMENTS

BY K AITLYN WAGNER ’27 Associate Professor of Accounting Andrew Felo was appointed to two national roles within the Institute of Management Accountants.

Felo was appointed to the IMA’s committee on ethics, which maintains thought policies, thought leadership and intellectual property related to IMA’s Statement of Ethical Professional Practices. The committee also provides input on ethical issues in professional development and commentary on draft pronouncements by regulatory bodies and other organizations. His second appointment was to IMA’s research foundation advisory board, which reviews research grant applications to improve accounting and financial management.

“As a professor, maintaining professional affiliations is essential for staying current with industry trends, regulatory changes and best practices. These connections not only enrich my teaching but also help me guide students toward meaningful career opportunities,” Felo says. “One of the most important things about being an IMA member is adhering to the IMA Statement of Ethical Professional

22 | VENTURES 2026

Practice. As a certified management accountant, I am required to complete 30 hours of continuing professional education each year, which also helps me stay up to date on current practices in the field.”

Felo’s appointments benefit Susquehanna’s business school students by bridging the gap between theory and practice, ensuring they receive timely industry insights and real-world applications that enhance their career readiness.

As a result of his IMA membership, Felo has received grant funding to conduct academic research and develop future research ideas and full access to its data collections for studies. He will also be granted free access to case studies to teach in his classes at Susquehanna.

Felo earned his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Bucknell University before going on to earn his master’s and doctoral degrees in accounting from the State University of New York at Binghamton. He holds credentials as a certified management accountant, certified finance manager and certified fraud examiner.

FACULT Y NEWS IN THE CL ASSROOM

POLWITOON NAMED TO CFA INSTITUTE ROLE

BY CLARISSA O’NEILL ’25 Associate Professor of Finance & Analytics Sirapat Polwitoon was recently appointed as a consultant to the Chartered Financial Analysis Institute.

“My appointment with the CFA Institute is an exciting opportunity to help shape the future of finance education and professional standards,” Polwitoon says. “The organization’s commitment to advancing ethics, education and excellence in the investment profession aligns perfectly with the values of the Sigmund Weis School of Business.”

A global organization, the CFA Institute sets standards for investment professionals and ensures financial professionals are practicing with the highest standards. As an education content contributor, Polwitoon joins a team of 25 — a mix of Wall Street professionals and higher education faculty — revising all three levels of the CFA curriculum. They are making it “less textbook and more real world,” Polwitoon says, with a focus on integrating current Wall Street practices, ethics and financial decision-making to ensure the CFA program remains the global leader in investment profession.

“Everything connects back to the CFA Code of Ethics and Standards of Professional Conduct, which was updated in 2024,” explains Polwitoon. “The revisions we’re working on ensure that ethics remain at the core.”

Polwitoon has a long-standing relationship with the CFA Institute, having served in advising roles in the past. He also helped to map Susquehanna’s finance curriculum with that of the CFA Institute when the university first earned its CFA University affiliation in 2016, through which students receive discounted CFA exam fees, curriculums aligned with industry standards and access to state-of-the-art materials and research used by professionals.

“Having both AACSB accreditation and CFA affiliation signals that our program meets two of the highest global

standards in business education,” Polwitoon adds. “Our graduates hit the ground running, and passing the Level 1 CFA exam gives them an even bigger edge in hiring.”

Polwitoon earned his Bachelor of Business Administration from Ramkhamhaeng University, Bangkok, before completing a Master of Business Administration from Northeastern Illinois University and a doctorate from the University of Rhode Island. His research areas include bond mutual fund performance evaluation and corporate governance. His research has appeared in the Journal of Banking & Finance, Journal of Business Finance & Accounting, and the Financial Review — which are among the highest journal rankings according to the Australian Business Deans Council, a standard quality list used by most AACSB programs.

SUSQU.EDU/BUSINESS | 23

CAMPUS NEWS CATCHING UP WITH THE BUSINESS SCHOOL

CONNECTIONS THAT LAUNCH CAREERS

THREE BUSINESS MAJORS EACH TURNED THEIR SUMMER 2025 INTERNSHIPS AT JPMORGANCHASE INTO OFFERS TO JOIN THE FIRM’S PRESTIGIOUS TWO-YEAR ROTATIONAL PROGRAMS AFTER GRADUATION.

Sigmund Weis School of Business students understand the value of building connections with alumni. JPMorganChase has been a longtime ally of the school, including hosting 37 students on a career trek in September 2025 to meet 10 alumni. For some students, initial introductions like this lead to internships — and ultimately to securing full-time jobs before they begin their senior year.

The success of Margaret Wise ’26 reflects the spirit of connection she fosters on campus. As a member of Susquehanna’s Student Alumni Association, she builds bridges between students and alumni by promoting engagement, philanthropy and professional mentoring. She was also selected as a JPMorganChase campus ambassador, a role that empowers her to organize events and activities, promote internships and career opportunities, and share the firm’s culture and values.

“I’m grateful for the chance to work closely with JPMorganChase and further strengthen the relationship between the firm and our university community,” she says.

For Morgan Stickley ’26, her internship experience affirmed her passion for financial services. As part of the firm’s strategic execution & training team, she helped enhance training resources, revitalize internal initiatives and expand her technical capabilities.

24 | VENTURES 2026

“I’ve gained meaningful insight into the financial services industry, had the privilege of learning from senior leaders, and sharpened my skills through hands-on, impactful projects,” she says.

Patrick Bova ’26 says he expanded his professional network during his internship at JPMorganChase. “Beyond day-to-day work, I gained valuable insights from senior speaker events and built meaningful connections across the firm,” he says.

Bova looks forward to beginning his career with the firm, overseeing accounting operations, preparing financial reports and supporting strategic decision-making.

At Susquehanna, every connection — from a first handshake on an alumni-hosted career trek to a final job offer — helps students build confidence while preparing to launch their career.

Appearing in photo from left to right: Morgan Stickley ’26, Newtown Square, Pa., double major in data analytics and economics; Patrick Bova ’26, Macungie, Pa., finance major; and Margaret Wise ’26, Downingtown, Pa., double major in marketing and management.

They will join prestigious two-year rotational programs at JPMorganChase after graduation — Morgan and Margaret will be in the corporate analyst development program and Patrick will be in the global finance business management program.

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 one year earlier

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majoring in business

33

RD

RANKING

of the economics department among liberal arts colleges —St. Louis Fed, November 2025

8 CREDITS

of data analytics coursework completed by all business students

OF

STUDENTS

27

19

93%

FULL-TIME FACULTY

Private, undergraduate-only

PLACEMENT RATE

members

1

AACSB SCHOOLS

1

ONLY

MAJORS

642

ONLY

11

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