Department Updates: Articles, Page 5 | Business and Economics

Department Updates

The CBE Fellows Inspire Students to Ace Their Next Interview

By Beth Ryan April 21st 2022

The CBE Fellows Inspire Students to Master the Art of the Ace Interview — CBE Fellows from left: Morgan Douglas ’23, Noah Tart ’22, Megan Dennis ’23, Maya Ginter-Frankovitch ’22, Kaylin Tang ’22, Arigun Bayaraa ’22

The CBE Fellows created their second event of the academic year in March, organizing an informational and interactive workshop to enable students to learn how to prepare for, and ace their next interview for a job or internship. According to the Fellows, “interviews can be intimidating. If you aren’t sure about the kinds of questions people will ask or how to prepare, we can help!”

Quigley auditorium was filled with students on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to listen to the Fellow’s informative and sometimes humorous presentation of the dos and don’ts of interviewing.

The Fellows created an engaging interviewing experience for fellow students, beginning with an informative slide presentation presented by Maya Ginter-Frankovitch ‘22 and Kaylin Tang ‘22. Arigun Bayaraa ‘22 demonstrated how to find opportunities and resources on the Allegheny Handshake website, with a special invitation for students to take advantage of the Career Education’s interviewing rooms in Pelletier Library.

To illustrate the points in their presentation, the Fellows did a humorous demonstration with Noah Tart ‘22 as the “good” interview, and Morgan Douglas ‘23 as the “bad” interview. Megan Dennis ‘23 was the interviewer, doing a great job as “the boss.”

CBE Fellow Kaylin Tang commented, “We split the 40 students into pairs in all the Quigley rooms and had them practice answering questions. I heard a lot of good answers. We then brought them all back for a Q&A at the end, and passed out interviewing survival kits as prizes!”

Director of Career Education, Jim Fitch commented, “Congratulations on a well-developed and presented Interviewing Workshop on Sunday! It has been such a pleasure to read about how you engaged students and demonstrated real-time examples of how to ‘Ace’ an interview. Thank you for the investment of time, energy, planning, and resources that you made and for the valuable gift that you presented to the community.”

The CBE Fellows Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics would like to thank Jim Fitch and the Career Education team for their guidance and support for the Fellows as they conducted the research for this important event. The CBE Fellows are a select group of motivated students that function as a leadership team to support CBE programming and act as student ambassadors. Activities are structured to enable students to include this position on their respective resumes as a valuable work experience. To qualify for this position, students must have a keen interest in both business and economics, maintain a good academic standing, and regularly attend all CBE activities.

Celebrating Scholarship in Economics

By Beth Ryan April 18th 2022

2022 Omicron Delta Epsilon lunch celebration

This spring, the Business and Economics Department welcomed the newest members of Omicron Delta Epsilon, the International Honor Society for Economics. Thirty-five students joined the Alpha Psi Chapter in 2022 at a luncheon ceremony in the Tippie Alumni Center. Maya Ginter-Frankovitch ’22 welcomed the group to the gathering and Noah Tart ’22 kicked off the meeting sharing the wisdom and humor involved with the study of economics.

Students are invited to join the society each Spring if they meet the academic criteria set by the international organization. The minimum requirements for admission are completion of 12 credit hours of economics courses, attainment of a GPA of 3.0 or better in economics courses, and an overall GPA of at least 3.0.Certificates were then presented to these new members:

Hadi Al Khafaji	Maxwell Hammond	Hanah Simmons
Meredythe Baird	Gretchen Kiefer	Katherine Stancil
Jacob Boord	Logan Koontz	Shawn Stelling
Katherine Burgess	Morgan Libell	Rachel Stephany
Gary Chen	Sarah Lipniskis	Jacob Stotsky
Caitlin Comunale	Jacob McGee	Richard Swanson
Jacob Dukman	Payton Mineweaser	Vicki Ta
Karen Duverglas	Nicholas Murawski	Kaylin Tang
Raymond Englert	Sarah Pillittieri	Andreas Vukas
Lydia Giannini	Anna Poach	Alexander Winklosky
Matthew Good	Simone Robinson-Stevens	Joel Zahradka
Jordan Greynolds	Mark Schmechel

Professor Nonnenmacher offered closing remarks reminding students that the study of economics will benefit them throughout their lives whether watching the news or in the ordinary problems of everyday life. Special thanks go to faculty advisor, Assistant Professor Michael Michaelides and Sarah Holt, Quigley Coordinator.

Omicron Delta Epsilon is one of the world’s largest academic honor societies. The objectives of Omicron Delta Epsilon are recognition of scholastic attainment and the honoring of outstanding achievements in economics; the establishment of closer ties between students and faculty in economics within colleges and universities, and among colleges and universities; the publication of its official journal, “The American Economist;” and sponsoring of panels at professional meetings as well as the ODE Graduate Research and Undergraduate Research Award competitions.

News from Allegheny’s Department of Business and Economics: Winter 2022

By Beth Ryan February 17th 2022

Please enjoy our Winter 2022 newsletter providing a summary of a wonderful set of in-person and virtual visitors to our department and campus during the fall semester, an introduction to our fantastic Fellows, and an overview of some student and faculty achievements.

As always, I welcome your feedback and insights into our programming and hope to connect with you soon. You can contact me at tnonnenm@allegheny.edu.

Tomas Nonnenmacher
Department Chair, Business & Economics

Prefer a .pdf version? Download here

At the Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics, students may choose to pursue a major in economics or business with each course of study applying the rigor of a strong background in economic theory with the added benefit of interdisciplinary course work that allows students to create a concentration that matches their personal interests. Like many related disciplines in a liberal arts curriculum, Business and Economics emphasizes oral, written, and quantitative methods in courses and seminars.

We offer students a program that requires a balance of theory and application in its curriculum. The offerings are a combination of theory courses, quantitative work, and a number of field courses that are also accessible to non-majors and minors. It is a program designed to provide a liberal educational foundation for citizen and voter, for postgraduate study and careers such as international affairs, law, business, banking and finance, human resources, accounting, marketing, education and public policy.

Mapping Out a Business & Economics Experience and Becoming a Great Business Leader

By Beth Ryan December 2nd 2021

Patrick Colletti, leadership and corporate culture expert, champion for “refounders” and author of the book “Refounder: How Transformational Leaders Take What’s Broken and Make It Better” presented his vision for student success during the Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business & Economics Lecture Series on December 2. During his visit he shared stories from his two decades as President of Net Health and of the remarkable leaders who took struggling enterprises and made them better. He gave students tips on how they too can become a “refounder,” and provide the leadership to make any organization better – better for employees, better for customers and better for the community.

Patrick Colletti is a leadership and organizational culture expert, business growth advisor, champion for “refounders” and author of the book “Refounder.” He draws on his experience as a technology executive, scaling new and existing ventures, and a passion for creating amazing cultures. His growth-oriented guidance challenges social and cultural norms, both in the workplace and in the community. Patrick is passionate about creating and empowering the next Refounders — generational leaders and entrepreneurs who revitalize the places where they live, work and play.

During the second half of our session, CBE Co-Director Chris Allison gave an overview of The Roadmap, a planning tool for mapping out a business and economics experience that will help lead you to that dream job or acceptance into your ideal graduate school. “The Roadmap enables you to squeeze every ounce out of your educational investment,” according to Allison.

The Roadmap is a discussion guide for students with interests in the broad fields of business and economics. The real world changes constantly, and new opportunities open up every day. We created this guide to help students to start the conversation about their future with their family, Allegheny faculty, staff and alumni along with all of the people they will encounter throughout their college journey. Download the latest version at allegheny.edu/roadmapforbusiness, or stop by Beth Ryan’s office, Quigley #224, for your copy.

The Lunchtime Learning Speaker Series provides students with opportunities to gain valuable information on topics and industries related to internships and careers in business and economics. Speakers often choose one of two broad areas to discuss with students. The first is career oriented, the second is issue oriented. Both topics enable students to navigate and explore job options, understand the steps necessary to pursue opportunities and learn how to self-advocate for opportunities in the workplace.

Executive Female Talent and Managerial Inclusivity

By Beth Ryan October 27th 2021

An Interview with Paola Corna Pellegrini, CEO of Allianz Global Assistance in Milan, Italy and Allegheny President Hillary Link, moderated by Professor of Marketing Gaia Rancati

This discussion held on September 21, focused on inclusivity inside companies through an important reflection on the topic of female talent. Allegheny President Hillary Link joined CEO Paola Corna Pellegrini for a discussion on the ability of both public and private companies to recognize merit as the keystone for women in executive roles. Ms. Pellegrini and President Link explored the roles of the women who over the years have demonstrated the quality of their skills through excellent performance in executive and managerial committees.

Paola Corna Pellegrini, CEO of Allianz Global Assistance

Paola Corna Pellegrini is the President of AICEO, the Italian Association of CEOs, a non-profit association
of people, founded in July 2011 with the aim of promoting the exchange of experiences between
members to generate ideas, innovation and visions on the future, to identify successful experiences and
propose concrete solutions to the problems of companies and more generally of the country.
Always committed to the enhancement of women since 2018, she has been President of the Scientific
Committee of the Winning Women Institute, a non-profit association active in the gender equality
sector that launched the first gender equality certification in Italy, and since 2019 she has been Vice
President of the Forum of Meritocracy with which she launched the Valeria Solesin Prize that she
recounts as the genesis and the ideas in her book, “FORZA RAGAZZE, AL LAVORO! – The word to young
people for a fair, inclusive and meritocratic world. ”

In Allianz Partners since 2011 as CEO, Paola Corna Pellegrini boasts a career that began 38 years ago,
after a degree in Mathematics from the University of Padua and an MBA from the CUOA Business
School, passing from international multinational companies to family ones, which led her to hold top
positions with responsibilities both locally and internationally.

“Growing Diversity in the Financial Services Sector” with Robert Marchman, Esq.

By Beth Ryan October 13th 2021

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics is pleased to present Allegheny Trustee Robert A. Marchman ’80 Esq., Senior Policy Advisor on Diversity and Inclusion at the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission at our Lunchtime Learning Lecture series on October 14 at 12:30 pm on Zoom. Mr. Marchman presented “Growing Diversity in the Financial Services Sector” to illuminate the state of Diversity and Inclusion in America’s financial center.

Robert A Marchman, Esq.

In January 2020, Mr. Marchman was appointed to the new position of Senior Policy Advisor on Diversity and Inclusion at the U.S Securities and Exchange Commission. His responsibilities include advising Commission senior management on the development and implementation of strategies to promote diversity and inclusions both within the SEC and through external engagement with agency partners and market participants. In addition, Mr. Marchman assists the agency’s on-going efforts to promote diversity and inclusion in underserved portions of the investor community. In June 2010, Mr. Marchman joined Finra as Executive Vice President and Head of the Market Regulation Department’s Legal Group. He also assisted with the implementation of the organization’s diversity initiative and served as a member of Finra’s Executive Diversity Leadership Council.

Prior to joining Finra, Mr. Marchman, the first African-American Executive Vice President in the NYSE’s history, headed the New York Stock Exchange Regulation’s Enforcement Division and Regulatory Risk Group as well as its Market Surveillance Division. Mr. Marchman also served as Chairman of NYSE Diversity Council from its inception in 1999 until his departure from the NYSE. Mr. Marchman is a magna cum laude graduate of Allegheny College, where he was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa. He received his J.D. from the University of Pennsylvania Law School. In addition, Mr. Marchman attended Harvard Business School’s Program for Management Development. Mr. Marchman is engaged with numerous civic and professional organizations such as the Community Coalition on Race, the NYC Bar Association, Operation HOPE and NSHSS and has been recognized for his professional accomplishments and diversity, equity and inclusion work in the financial services industry.

Afua Osei ʹ08, 2021 Executive in Residence

By Beth Ryan October 7th 2021

Lunchtime Learning event with Afua Osei, from left: Arigun Bayaraa, Noah Tart, President Hillary Link, Kaylin Tang, Afua Megan Dennis, Morgan Douglas, Maya Ginter-Frankovitch and CBE Co-Director Professor Tim Bianco

Afua Osei is a social impact leader with more than 10 years of global experience in creating purposeful partnerships to advance women’s economic participation. As a Co-Founder of She Leads Africa, Afua built a digital lifestyle platform for multicultural women reaching more than 800,000 women across 100+ countries. Afua built the sales team and relationships to execute innovative brand partnerships with brands such as Facebook, Google, Unilever, Visa, Nestle and L’Oreal. Featured in the Financial Times, BBC, CNN and CNBC, Afua has had the privilege of sharing her expertise at high profile global leadership, entrepreneurship and digital conferences across North America, Europe, Middle East and Africa.

Executive in Residence, Afua Osei ’08

As this year’s Executive and incoming Allegheny College Trustee, Ms. Osei visited classrooms and met with students in the Business & Economics and Political Science departments in Quigley Hall as well as the Allegheny IDEAS Center.

Tuesday, October 12, 12:40 to 1:30 pm
“Afua Osei ʹ08 – A Remarkable Allegheny Journey”
Quigley’s Henderson Auditorium, Q101

Wednesday, October 13, 12:40 to 1:30 PM
“Should Government be in the Business of Entrepreneurship?
Quigley’s Henderson Auditorium, Q101

The Executive in Residence program is a co-curricular activity sponsored by the Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics. The event is designed to connect Allegheny students and faculty with prominent business executives who spend several days on the Allegheny campus speaking about their life experiences in business, paths to success and lessons learned.

Financial Literacy & Certified Financial Analyst (CFA) Certification

By Beth Ryan October 5th 2021

Gene & the Wealth Management Club Board from left: Kylie Kasavage ‘23, Gene Natali, Morgan Douglas ’23, Jacob Dukman ‘22, Morgan Libell ’22

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business & Economics and Wealth Management Club welcomed back Gene Natali ’01 on Thursday, October 5 in Quigley Auditorium. He is the CEO and co-founder of the fintech company, Troutwood. Prior to starting Troutwood, Gene spent 17-years working with large retirement plans and institutional investors.

He is an award-winning author (The Missing Semester Series) who has key-noted investment and education conferences across the country and spoken in over 500 high school and college classrooms. He is a part-time lecturer at the University of Pittsburgh where he teaches Personal Finance. Gene is a Chartered Financial Analyst, holds an MBA with a concentration in finance from Carnegie Mellon University and a bachelor’s degree with a concentration in economics from Allegheny College.

His second book in the Missing Semester series addresses the most overlooked subject in financial-literacy education-investing. Primarily addressing students and recent graduates, its lessons are not laden with jargon; its focus is topics and choices that apply to most young people, not just a few, and not those relevant only late in life. The Missing Second Semester presents a call to action: You’re in charge. Understand the opportunity, and make the choices.

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy. The Lunchtime Learning Lecture Series provides students with opportunities to gain valuable information on topics and industries related to internships and careers. The Allegheny College Wealth Management Club (ACWMC) is designed to create a structured educational environment for the Allegheny community. The primary purpose of the club is to offer participants a collaborative environment in which they can openly discuss and learn about topics relating to personal finance. ACWMC organizes seminars, panels, and excursions on issues related to investments, real estate, and credit.

Marketing Monday – Agile Neuroscience: Using remote tools to capture immersive consumer experiences

By Beth Ryan October 5th 2021

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business & Economics Marketing Monday lecture series for October featured Jorge Barraza, Ph.D., Assistant Professor of the Practice of Psychology, and Co-founder & Chief Technology Officer at Immersion, a company that provides a truly agile neuroscience tools that predict what people love.

He is a professor of Consumer Psychology at the University of Southern California (USC), specializing in applying psychology and neuroscience to understanding and predicting consumer behavior. He has published numerous articles on emotion, decision neuroscience, and the use of stories to influence decision making. He teaches Consumer Psychology, Pro-Seminar, and Treatise at USC.

Gator Day at Quigley: Professional Experiences with the CBE Fellows

By Beth Ryan September 20th 2021

Allegheny College students can participate in a wide variety of summer experiences over the summer months including internships, research, volunteer work and self-designed learning experiences.

To celebrate Gator Day, the CBE Fellows organized a panel discussion and networking event on Wednesday, September 22, from 11:30 am until 1:00 PM in Henderson Auditorium to share their experiences in the Business and Economics field with ideas about how students can make the most of their summer!

The Bruce R. Thompson Center for Business and Economics (CBE) prepares Allegheny College students to succeed in a diverse, global economy. CBE Fellows are a select group of motivated students that function as a leadership team to support CBE programming and act as student ambassadors. Gator Day is offered every fall semester and features programs and workshops that highlight educational opportunities at Allegheny, that prepare students for life after graduation, and that help to create a greater sense of campus community. Gator Day is set aside as a day with no scheduled classes or extracurricular activities, so that students are free to take advantage of the opportunity to explore what Allegheny has to offer.