The fall semester of 2022 is off to a great start and I'm pleased to share the latest edition of the Black School of Business Director's Briefing—a way for us to keep you up to date on exciting happenings within our school.
The School of Business promotes engagement, fosters collaboration, and makes a real impact on the lives of students, alumni, stakeholders, and industry partners.
I'd like to share with you several exciting highlights from our school, a testament to our commitment to excellence in education.
Sincerely,
Dr. Greg Filbeck, CFA, FRM, CAIA, CIPM, FDP, PRM
Director, Black School of Business
Samuel P. Black III Professor of Finance and Risk Management
[email protected]
In this Issue
- Economic research institute of Erie (ERIE) to host cybersecurity conference
- Center for Family Business holds half-day seminar
- Center for Financial Literacy launches major research initiative
- Black School of Business adds new Advisory Board members
- Back 2 Business
- Revised Professional Development launches
- Five major days planned for academic year
- The Black School hosts eight Executives in Residence
- Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion workshop held
- U. S. Steel hosts hacking and cybersecurity event
- Black School of Business alumni reunion
- Twelve students receive CFA institute University affiliation scholarships
Economic Research Institute of Erie (ERIE) To Host Cybersecurity Conference
ERIE returns to in-person programming will focus on cybersecurity, especially for small businesses. The event will be held on Friday, December 2, from 8:00 am until 3:00 p.m. This conference will mark the 40th anniversary of ERIE. More details to follow, including a full speaker lineup.
Center for Family Business Holds Half-Day Seminar
The Center for Family Business, which has grown to 47 members in less than year with four major corporate sponsors, held a half-day seminar entitled “Your Business, Your Family, Your Legacy” on October 18, from 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Two keynote presentations were featured: James C. Bly Jr., managing director, National Practice Leader | Family Enterprise Business Services, and Jodi Berg, president & CEO of Vitamix. Greg Yahn, chairman of the Advisory Board, also spoke. This event was an opportunity for members of our community to learn more about the Center as well as gain insight on solving family business issues. See more information and pictures.
Center for Financial Literacy Launches Major Research Initiative
The Center for Financial Literacy entered into an agreement with NextGen, the largest provider of financial literacy curriculum in the country, to provide pre/post assessment of the organization's content. Over 12,000 students from all 50 states have signed up to participate in the project, making it the second-largest research study ever on the effectiveness of financial literacy. The Center also has mentored and been acknowledged by the Rhode Island Department of Education in the creation of an assessment tool for their newly passed state requirement for financial literacy curriculum in all Rhode Island high schools. The Center also received a $15,000 EITC grant from Erie Insurance, placing financial literacy curriculum in the hands of all 17 high schools in the Intermediate-Unit 5 (IU 5) based in Edinboro and covering northwest Pennsylvania.
Black School of Business Adds New Advisory Board Members
On November 4, at the semi-annual Black School of Business Advisory Board meeting, seven new advisory board members were added.
From left to right Jim Bahm, Frank Condo, Marc Hammer, Kim Hoyt, Matt Laskey, Chris Lavin, Joe Ledford, Brandon McGraw
Back 2 Business
Back 2 Business Photo
The Black School of Business held its annual return to campus Back 2 Business event on August 25 with over 150 in attendance. Each Club within the school got to have its own table to get new students interested in getting involved. Games were played, food was devoured, including Penn State Berkey Creamery ice cream. Great weather + great friends = a great time!
Revised Professional Development Launches
The Black School of Business’s new professional development program “CONNECT” launched this fall. Carol Peterson oversees professional development along with her team, which includes Dani Cheza, who was recently hired as our professional development coordinator, and Dr. Sev Patanakul, global programs coordinator, who oversees mentoring programs. Our new restructuring of this program will bring our students closer to being prepared for the workplace.
Five Major Days Planned for Academic Year
Major Days allow for exposure for our students to a great line-up of presentations with expert panelists allowing exploration of potential career options in each hosting major. Students are able to fine-tune their career direction.
- Accounting Day, September 13
- Finance Day, October 19
- Economics Day, October 25
MIS students will have their major day on February 21. Project and Supply Chain Management students will also feature a major day in Spring 2023.
The Black School Hosts Eight Executives in Residence
Executives in residence (EIR) bring enthusiasm and industry perspective to the classroom environment, research projects, and learning-by-doing opportunities. Building relationships with business leaders can lead to career opportunities for students, including summer internships and full-time positions. While the Black School hosts numerous business practitioners as visiting lecturers and conference participants each year, Executives in Residence maintain long-term relationships with the school. Click here to view current executives in residence.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Workshop Held
DEI Workshop for faculty and staff
Black School of Business hosted a DEI seminar – Inclusive Teaching – featuring Dr. Beate Brunow and Dr. Adam Smith from the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence on Friday, October 21. Dr. Beate Brunow serves as associate director and associate research professor/instructional consultant at the Schreyer Institute for Teaching Excellence. Her areas of expertise include intercultural learning, service learning, and DEI in teaching and learning. Prior to returning to Penn State, she served as a faculty member in German and gender studies at Wofford College and as director of academic partnerships and initiatives at the University of Georgia.
U. S. Steel Hosts Hacking and Cybersecurity Event
U. S. Steel hosted a seminar on protecting yourself from cybersecurity threats with a hacking demo. Students were able to learn how to protect themselves on campus and at home, as well as look at current cyber security threats.
Black School of Business Alumni Reunion
Black School of Business Alumni Reunion Group Photo
The Black School of Business Alumni Reunion was held at Voodoo Brewery on October 14 as a part of the larger Parents, Families & Alumni Weekend. We had a blast catching up with old students and hearing their success stories.
Twelve Students Receive CFA Institute University Affiliation Scholarships
Congratulations to our Penn State Behrend's CFA Institute University Affiliation Program Scholarship recipients for 2022-2023! Sitting for the Level 2 exam: Brittany Anderson (Houston, TX), and Joe Waeltz (Warminster, PA). Sitting for the Level 1 exam: Mallory Matzen (Moraga, CA), James Cartright (Indianapolis, IN), Garrett Watson (Coudersport, PA), Jorge Chiclana (Bethleham, PA), Isaac Echard (Greensburg, PA), John Giachinta (Fredericksburg, VA), McKenna Lefaive (Minneapolis, MN), Richard Liddick (Lewisberry, PA), Owen Valasek (Kittanning, PA), and Matt Kellermann (Carlisle, PA)
CFA University Affiliation