When the arrival of the Board of Visitors is announced each spring, many students ask “who are the Board of Visitors?”…but what they are actually thinking is “what does that mean to me?,” “do I have to go?” and most importantly, “can I get extra credit?”
The real answer to all of these questions is that students who participate in the Board of Visitors day of activities come away with actionable information about how to approach getting the most out of their time at Allegheny, and starting a satisfying career. They make valuable connections and learn what’s happening in the real world outside the classroom.
Here’s what happens
Each year, members of the 20 member alumni Board arrive in Meadville to engage with students in a variety of activities. The programming is designed to help students use their college experience to achieve their career goals, and investigate trending topics in employment, economics and work/life balance.
According to CBE Co-Director and Asst. Professor of Economics, Timothy Bianco, “members of the Board of Visitors serve a three-year term with the possibility of reappointment to two additional terms. The Board of Visitors members were students themselves, and now understand what they wish they knew before starting their careers. “
He continued, “Devone McLeod, the Vice Chair of the Board of Visitors and the upcoming 2023 Executive in Residence, suggested that we consider a new set of topics for the morning symposium for 2023. We tasked the CBE Fellows, the Women in Business and Economics Club, and the Wealth Management Club with choosing original topics, and it was a huge success. Next year, we’ll continue to rely on feedback from students and Board of Visitors members to guide these topics.”
The day is divided into three main events, each designed to capture opportunities for alumni/student engagement and learning.
Morning, the Symposium
This year’s symposium featured a variety of topics:
- Determining your Strengths and Utilizing them in the Workplace,
- Breaking barriers: Navigating the Job Search to find an Inclusive Workspace (chosen by the Women in Business and Economics Club),
- How to Cope and Be Smart with your First Salary, (chosen by the Wealth Management Club), and
- Transitioning from College to Career.
Noon, the Networking Lunch
The Board then re-convened in the Tillotson Room in the Tippie Alumni Center for a popular lunch with students that combines good food with good conversation and a “speed networking” session managed by the CBE Fellows.
Individual Board members are invited to host a table; in turn, they introduce themselves to students and let them know something about their professional lives and their career paths. After introductions, the students in attendance rotate in small groups around each table, getting the opportunity to practice their elevator speech and make connections with board members.
Afternoon, the Executive Roundtable
Global news and events swirled around the 2022/2023 academic year leading Diane Sutter, Board of Visitors Chair, and CBE Co-Director, Tim Bianco, to re-imagine the Executive Roundtable as three distinct panel discussions with three specific topics:
- How have Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Initiatives Affected the Business Landscape?
- Global Economic Outlook: Soft or Hard Landing?
- How has Generation Z Changed the Workplace?
At the end of this year’s event, students knew not only who the Board of Visitors are, but how much there is to learn about the real world outside of the classroom. Our special thanks to the Board of Visitors for participating in this high energy schedule of events.
Learn more about the Board of Visitors and who is currently serving on the Board here.
The Board of Visitors annual event is supported by the Earl W. Adams, Jr. Endowment, established by Allegheny College Trustee William H. Brown, Jr., Allegheny Class of 1980, in honor of Professor Earl William Adams, Jr. – teacher, mentor and friend.