College of Business Administration
TABLE of CONTENTS
3 Letter from the Dean
4 Meet your associate deans
6
Shared journeys and new adventures
» International students contribute to diverse learning culture
» First-generation students find support, camaraderie
» Five questions with first-gen students Heidi Garay-Estupinian & Haylei Drope
12
Learning by doing
» CBA students mentor Detroit youth
» ERPsim competition gives students coveted SAP experience
» Logistics competition prepares students for real-world success
16 Paying it forward
» Longtime professor names School of Accounting
» Alumni-led scholars program creates lasting impact
» Alumni pay it forward with $2 million gift
of
Grawn Hall 250 Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
22 Shaping student success
24 Alumni Awards & Hall of Fame
26 Executive Roundtable Advisory Board
A Message from Dean Chris Moberg
College of Business Administration alumni and friends,
This past year has been a testament to the achievement, dedication and support of our college community, as well as how our alumni are leading in their communities. I hope you enjoy reading the stories in the pages that follow.
It’s inspiring to witness how our students excel not only in their academic pursuits but also in their real-world endeavors. They continuously exemplify determination and adaptability, essential qualities for the modern workforce. Their achievements directly reflect the unwavering commitment of our exceptional faculty and staff and our dedicated alumni and business partners.
We continue to enhance our academic programming, student guidance and experiential learning opportunities. We understand how important it is to integrate theoretical knowledge and practical skills to ensure our graduates are well-prepared to thrive in their chosen careers.
The support from you — our alumni and friends — is nothing short of remarkable. Your generosity is a cornerstone of our institution’s success, providing invaluable opportunities that empower students to reach new heights. Whether through scholarships, mentorship or other ways of paying it forward, you play a crucial role in shaping the future of our college and university. We are deeply grateful for your contributions and lasting impact.
We are excited to continue on a course of growth and innovation, empowering the next generation of leaders and changemakers.
Thank you for being a part of the journey. Together, we are expanding the College of Business Administration’s legacy of excellence, fueled by a shared passion for students and their education.
Sincerely,
Chris Moberg Dean, CMU College of Business Administration
Meet CBA’s ASSOCIATE DEANS
The associate deans who serve the College of Business Administration, Misty Bennett and Sanjay Kumar, bring unique life and professional experiences to their roles.
Bennett, a staple figure within CBA and a CMU alumna, stepped into the associate dean position in March 2023. Kumar was hired in May 2024.
Get to know these CBA leaders, from the ins and outs of their positions, to what they love most about CMU and their top book recommendations for young professionals.
Did you always want to work in education?
» BENNETT: I had no idea what I wanted to do, so I always sympathize with students who feel lost in their academic journey. As a firstgeneration college student and from a low-income background, I had a special appreciation for the value of completing a degree. I took a chemistry class during my undergrad and won a scholarship from Dow Chemical to major in chemistry. However, after time in the lab, I realized textbook chemistry is very different from “real-world” lab chemistry.
Exploring a new major, I knew I loved business, leadership and organizational behavior. I taught a course during my doctoral program and really enjoyed it.
» KUMAR: Since middle school, I knew I wanted to be a teacher. When I got to college, I felt teaching in that setting was the right path for me. I’ve always felt being an educator is such a rewarding profession because of its impact and meaning on the world and society.
How would you describe your career progression?
» KUMAR: I was a professor for several years at various universities before making the leap into administration. For me, that transition was an opportunity to make a stronger impact on the academic landscape as a whole.
I am very excited to now be a CMU Chippewa. Experiencing my first semester on campus this beautiful fall season was wonderful.
» BENNETT: After receiving my master’s degree in industrial organizational psychology, I continued my doctorate in the same area. During my doctoral program, I worked in HR with Dow Chemical, where I gained valuable experience working with data to make business decisions.
In 2009, I became the first female hired into the management department in a tenure-track position at CMU. I stepped into the associate dean role in 2023.
How would you describe your role as an associate dean?
» BENNETT: I’m very focused on student and faculty success. I like to think about my role as that of a problem solver. I try to identify obstacles getting in the way of success and find ways to remove them.
» KUMAR: I have the opportunity to look at academics from a broader view. With a background in international education, and having received education in both India and the U.S., I’m very passionate about helping international students have a wellrounded experience. Much of my work will be focused on our graduate programs from this perspective.
What do you love most about CMU?
» KUMAR: I love what CMU stands for. It’s a professional yet personal environment and has a friendly atmosphere. It’s a testament to the many people I’ve met so far who have spent their entire careers here.
» BENNETT: As a triple alum (undergrad, masters and doctorate!) there are many things I love about CMU. Mostly, it feels like family. From faculty and staff to students, we all care about each other and want to support one another.
Where is your favorite spot on campus?
» BENNETT: I love walking on campus, especially through the Fabiano Botanical Garden.
» KUMAR: I very much enjoy the library. I love its central location in the heart of campus and the constant buzz of resources and activities.
What has been your proudest professional moment?
» KUMAR: I’ve had many interactions with students over the years. When they come back after graduating and tell me how much of an impact I’ve had on their lives, it gives me tremendous happiness.
» BENNETT: I’m very proud to be a female leader. I recently heard from a junior female faculty member who told me how impactful it was to have a female associate dean, and that it was an example of what she can also aspire to.
To what do you credit your career success?
» BENNETT: I’m a big believer in cognitive reframing. When you encounter a problem, how can you reframe it? Framing situations as a challenge — not a problem — has helped me regain an active role in overcoming them.
» KUMAR: I’ve never been fearful of new situations. Throughout my own education and career, I’ve been at seven universities. I’ve always put myself in new situations. Being comfortable with the uncomfortable is how I’ve grown.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a new graduate?
» KUMAR: Take calculated risks. If there’s an opportunity you may not feel ready for, try it anyway. Be open to exploring the possibilities and taking on new challenges.
» BENNETT: Graduates are entering a new phase of life, which can come with uncertainty and stress. You don’t have to have everything figured out. Sometimes, taking things day by day is the best way to make progress.
What book recommendation would you give to young professionals?
» BENNETT: Instead of a book, I recommend the app Headway. It provides a five-minute synopsis of a book so you get the gist of it without reading it in full. Being in the business world, there are always new books to read. This isn’t a replacement for reading, but it helps keep me on top of new literature when I’m short on time.
» KUMAR: “Who Moved My Cheese?” by Spencer Johnson. It’s a great, easy read about navigating change in life and work.
What’s one fun fact about you others wouldn’t know?
» KUMAR: I love to travel — for work and for personal enjoyment. I also love math puzzles. If I’m not working, you can probably find me doing a math puzzle.
» BENNETT: I love hip-hop dance and play jazz trumpet. People who come into my office are often surprised to hear hip-hop or jazz music in the background.
CMU ranked fifth among 275 U.S. universities in the F1 Hire Career Outcome University Ranking. This accolade highlights CMU’s focus on providing an enriching and supportive environment that fosters career readiness and success for students worldwide.
Shared journeys and powerful
NEW ADVENTURES
Students from around the world and all walks of life find opportunities and support to thrive in CMU’s College of Business Administration.
TODAY’S BUSINESS CAREERS DEMAND GLOBAL PERSPECTIVE
International students find opportunity, support while expanding a diverse culture CMU’s College of Business Administration is not only a hub of academic excellence, it’s a diverse community where students from across the globe come together to pursue their educational and professional aspirations.
Nearly 40% of CMU’s international students are enrolled in the College of Business, drawn by its hands-on learning opportunities, robust network of business connections and worldclass reputation.
Associate Dean Sanjay Kumar said the college fosters an inclusive environment where students of all backgrounds can learn, grow and prepare for success in a global economy.
Through faculty mentorship, an innovative curriculum and a global outlook on business, CBA equips students with the skills and community needed to thrive in a competitive, interactive world.
From overseas to the Great Lakes state
From Bangladesh to Brazil, international students leave their homes and comforts behind to build a brighter future at CMU. While the opportunity is exciting, it also can be riddled with anxiety.
“These students choose to be here, but it’s still nerve-wracking,” Kumar said. “CMU is a different place from what they’re used to. Cultural norms are different. Infrastructure is different. It can be a feeling of promise as well as, ‘What am I getting myself into?’”
For Naina Rajan, a graduate student from India pursuing her MBA, the chance to study in the United States was an opportunity not easily found at home. Competition for placement in top academic institutions is fierce in India, one of the world’s most populated countries.
“Getting a business degree has always been important to me,” Rajan said. “Understanding business from an international perspective is critical, and studying in the U.S. gives me that exposure. It’s an opportunity I might not have had if I stayed in India.”
For Rohith Jellella, also from India, the Master of Science in Information Systems program allows him to
enhance his technical skills while learning how to be a business leader.
“I’m interested in growing my technical abilities, but I also know it’s important to get management experience as I continue to grow in my career,” he said. “I can achieve both goals here.”
Another unique advantage of becoming a CMU Chippewa is the opportunity to enroll in STEM-designated graduate programs, which offer extended visa options. This allows students like Rajan and Jellella to gain practical experience in the U.S. after graduation.
Providing academic and personal support services
While the excitement of studying internationally is significant, homesickness can be a challenge. In India, it’s standard for students to live with their parents into adulthood.
“When you’re awake here, your family is asleep, which makes staying in touch difficult,” Rajan said. “Cooking traditional Indian food helps me feel connected to home. I’ve even discovered ingredients and dishes from regions across India that I hadn’t been exposed to as much. Here, when I shop at a grocery store, flavors and traditions from across India converge.”
F1 Hire rankings
are based on return-on-investment metrics for international students, such as average post-graduation salary, salary-to-tuition ratio and number of students who apply for permanent residency. These criteria help international students evaluate universities that provide strong academic foundations and paths to career advancement.
CMU’s top placement underscores its dedication to delivering high-quality education and career opportunities to all students, with a focus on helping international students thrive in an increasingly globalized workforce.
CMU’s International Student and Scholar Services unit supports students with everything from immigration information to cultural adjustment and academic success.
“For many students, this is their first time in a foreign country, and many are facing some level of cultural shock,” said Ling Zhang, executive director of the Office of International Affairs and Graduate Recruitment. “We are dedicated to helping international students adjust to all facets of life as a college student in the U.S.”
One resource is the International Welcome Center in Ronan Hall, which provides information on health insurance, transportation, visas and more. New international student orientation helps students acclimate to campus life, connecting them to events, student organizations and employment opportunities.
Shaping global business leaders
CBA is committed to preparing all students for success in today’s interconnected business world. The college’s focus on data analysis and social skills ensures students graduate with the competencies necessary to excel in modern workplaces — wherever they call home.
Being exposed to a mix of cultures, experiences and ideas deepens student understanding of themselves and the world around them.
“Success today requires not just textbook knowledge but an understanding of international perspectives gained through real interactions,” Kumar said. “This type of exposure is beneficial for all of our students, and international representation in the college is a commitment we’re excited to continue to grow.”
FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS FIND SUPPORT, CAMARADERIE IN CBA
On-campus resources mean not having to navigate the journey alone
CMU’s first-generation college students — those whose parents have not attended college — make up 20% of the student population.
First-generation students bring unique perspectives and a figureit-out determination that helps them thrive. Still, their challenges are generally unlike those of other student groups.
“When I began my college journey, I had a multitude of questions,” said Heidi Garay-Estupinian, a senior from Troy. “Being first to go to college means you’re first to navigate college in all its essence — from financial aid and college credits to picking an area of study.”
Recognizing the need for support, the college has implemented numerous measures to serve all students, especially those who are the first to chart the college course in their family.
Welcome to the HUB
The college’s Office of Student Engagement and Professional Development — known as “the HUB” around Grawn Hall — launched in fall 2022 and is a one-stop-shop for support students need from the time they step on campus until graduation.
“We see ourselves as a connector,” said Amy McGinnis, CBA’s director of student experience and a management faculty member. “There are a lot of great things happening across CBA — student organizations, admissions and recruitment work, programs, opportunities to get engaged — we want to help students know what is available to them.”
Whether students need a place to study, are looking for opportunities to get involved within CBA or just need advice, the HUB lives up to its name by being a go-to resource, especially for firstgeneration students.
“The HUB and everything it offers has been a tremendous source of support for me,” Garay-Estupinian said. “In particular, Dr. McGinnis has helped guide me throughout my journey at college. She’s held my hand through numerous job interviews and has really brought out my inner potential.”
Learning to lead through the Queller Leadership Scholars Program
With its first cohort this academic year, the Queller Leadership Scholars Program — started through a gift from alumni Dave and Penny Queller — is empowering first-generation students through programming that provides professional development and fosters leadership.
In addition to earning a financial scholarship, the students meet weekly and participate in leadership development programs, formal assessments and mentoring programs. They also gain exposure to business professionals through volunteer opportunities, networking events and speakers, and learn to navigate college with the support of those who have already walked a similar path.
“The hardest thing for me to navigate as a first-generation student was being on my own,” said Haylei Drope, a senior from Chesaning who is in the Queller Scholars cohort. “The support services are so helpful because they have connected me with students and faculty that are going — or have gone — through the same situation.”
The Quellers hosted the cohort at their home in Petoskey for an overnight retreat. Activities included team-building, forming relationships and connecting with a group of business executives during a panel on the Queller’s back porch.
“Penny and I are so proud to work with CBA and the HUB to support a first-generation scholars program for students of promise,” Dave said. “We hope this program elevates student awareness of their potential within their area of
Amy McGinnis, CBA’s director of student experience and a management faculty member, works with a student in the college’s Office of Student Engagement and Professional Development, more commonly known as “the HUB.”
study and leadership opportunities while creating a career framework that maximizes their professional development.”
For Garay-Estupinian, involvement in the cohort has not just helped her refine her leadership skills — it’s brought her connection and support.
“Being part of the Queller cohort has made me feel extremely supported and seen as a first-generation student who navigates a million things,” she said. “It’s such a relief to be part of a group that understands exactly what you’re going through and roots for each other’s success.”
Helping first-gen students thrive
CMU’s commitment to providing resources for firstgeneration students earned the university membership to the national First Scholars Network in June 2023. The network, powered by the Center for Firstgeneration Student Success, will help CMU implement numerous evidence-based measures across campus.
“A lot of conversations around what it means to be a first-generation student include having different kinds of support available at home as they navigate this journey,” McGinnis said. “We are committed to intentionally thinking about the ways we can engage first-generation students and help them succeed.”
20%
Number of first-generation college students that make up the university’s student population.
TWO OF CBA’S FIRST-GENERATION STUDENTS Get to know
HEIDI GARAYESTUPINIAN
What inspired you to go to college?
I was inspired to go to college for the opportunities that it brings. The opportunity of a good life, but most importantly, the opportunity to work a job that challenges me, pushes me to grow and expands my skill sets.
What does being a first-generation student mean to you?
Being a first-generation student means everything to me. It means that I can set a positive example for my brothers and show them this path is possible for people like us. It means I can increase the visibility of the number of Hispanic students who attend college. It also means I can help anyone who is scared and intimidated by college by providing them with the guidance and answers that I didn’t have.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a future first-generation student?
Never let imposter syndrome get to you. You deserve to further your education, and you are just as capable as all of your peers.
What do you love most about CMU?
I feel connected to the university in everything I do in my daily life. I have never felt like just another student in my classes or student organizations. I have meaningful connections with my professors. In my extracurricular activities, I feel like I am genuinely making a difference on campus.
What do you hope your degree will help you achieve?
I hope to secure a job that aligns with my passions and is mutually beneficial. I hope to contribute quality work, and in return, experience a sense of purpose knowing that my skills are being utilized to their maximum potential.
HAYLEI DROPE
What inspired you to go to college?
My grandparents worked in fields and factories, my dad is a truck driver, and my mom is a waitress. From a young age, my familyalways pushed me and told me they wanted more for me.
What does being a first-generation student mean to you?
As a senior, being a first-generation student really means defeating adversity. Defeating the stereotype and getting to where I am has made me a better person. I couldn’t be more thankful for it.
What’s one piece of advice you’d give to a future first-generation student?
Find your people! There will never be a more impactful resource than that. Whether it is friends, professors or faculty. Find someone who understands what you are going through.
What do you love most about CMU?
The community. I have made the best friends within the CBA and the CMU community. The people here truly make me proud to be a CMU Chippewa.
What do you hope your degree will help you achieve?
I hope my degree allows me to give back. I not only want to give back to my community, but to my family and other first-generation college students. This has been a difficult journey for me, and I want to one day find myself in a position to help others navigate it themselves.
LEARNING BY DOING
Students in the College of Business Administration at CMU engage in interactive classes on campus and enhance their education through hands-on learning opportunities outside the classroom. Every day, students create businesses, manage financial portfolios, and participate in real-world scenarios through competitions, workshops, class projects and internships. Each experience develops transferable skills that help students get hired and enable them to excel as soon as they graduate.
MENTORING DETROIT YOUTH
Student experience offers in-depth look at what it takes to start — and run — a successful business
For CBA students Deja Granger, of Farmington Hills, and Riley Robinson, of Detroit, interning with YouthTank Detroit as junior program coordinators was an opportunity to be part of a business venture from the ground up.
Founded in 2022, YouthTank Detroit is a business incubator that — through five-week paid internships — teaches area high school students about the power of entrepreneurship through real-world projects using technology and business skills to better their communities.
The first cohort in the summer of 2023 provided the high school interns with opportunities for networking, presenting, financial planning and more. They also spent time in the Apple Developer Academy, working toward tech-driven solutions for mobility issues in the city.
Planning, logistics and spreadsheets, oh my
Gearing up for its inaugural year serving 42 high school students, the YouthTank Detroit team spent the first half of 2023 building the
youth internship — and Granger and Robinson were in the middle of it all.
“We were key players in helping start the program,” Granger said. “From looking for vendors, communicating with parents and more, it really helped me learn how to start and run my own program. We worked with a lot of different spreadsheets to keep everything organized.”
Granger and Robinson were instrumental in day-to-day planning to ensure smooth operations for the high school interns. In one project, they worked from start to finish on a system to accurately log student hours for payment.
The high school students started their days with entrepreneurial focused activities. On a few occasions, Granger and Robinson facilitated, including one where Robinson led an exercise in setting goals and sourcing images
to create digital vision boards. At completion, each student presented their boards to the group.
“Some of the students were more softspoken, so seeing them grow, helping them with their presentation skills and encouraging them to use their voice – it was very rewarding,” Robinson said. “Seeing their growth at the end of the program was the best part.”
The two also leaned on their own inclass learnings to support the students. Granger, an entrepreneurship major with minors in hospitality and marketing, guided the students in video production, managing YouthTank Detroit’s social media platforms, starting a podcast and creating a newsletter. Robinson, a double major in graphic design and studio art, helped oversee students in the Apple Developer Academy and in the creation of a new YouthTank Detroit website.
Learning through leading
For Julie Messing, director of the CMU Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, internships like YouthTank Detroit prepare students for success in many ways.
“An entrepreneur likes to shape things themselves, and it was great for Deja and Riley to get that experience,” she said. “It gave them confidence and the chance to apply what they were learning in the classroom.”
Holly Arida, YouthTank Detroit co-founder and educator and entrepreneur in residence, worked beside the CMU interns. As leader of an entrepreneurial organization, she said Granger and Robinson’s involvement in YouthTank Detroit during its early stages was great exposure to what they may experience in their own ventures.
“We are really about cultivating entrepreneurial experience in young people,” Arida said. “Very rarely as a young person do you get to be part of creating a five-week program that didn’t exist before, and yet that is exactly what entrepreneurship is.”
Fostering relationships with the high school interns was a highlight for Granger and Robinson, who finished their internship with new skills and learning experiences.
“I learned I have what it takes to be an entrepreneur, and I’m excited to carry what I learned with me on my professional journey,” Granger said.
THE BUSINESS OF CEREAL
12th annual ERPsim competition gives students coveted SAP experience
Most college students aren’t thinking about all that goes into producing, packaging and selling their favorite cereal when they enjoy their breakfast.
But that process is exactly what 200 CMU students in the annual ERPsim competition had been calculating, analyzing and testing for months leading up to the March event.
Split into 40 teams, each group was partnered with national and international companies who use SAP technology. The global enterprise resource planning (ERP) software helps businesses manage their data — everything from forecasting and production planning to product inventory, marketing costs and more.
The goal of the one-day competition was simple: be the team whose cereal company reached the highest valuation. To achieve this, students used SAP to work through the cereal
lifecycle, reviewing data and making manufacturing, pricing, supply chain and sales decisions accordingly.
While the competition is fueled by the chance to win a scholarship, it’s also an extra-curricular experience designed to deeply expand knowledge of how SAP works in a business setting.
“There is a huge need for employees qualified in SAP, but there is a learning curve to understanding the software because of its massive size and capabilities,” said Vishal Shah, associate director of SAP University Alliance and a business information systems faculty member. “This competition exposes students to the software so they can learn how it works and gain confidence in their skills.”
Practice makes perfect
Student teams started practicing for the competition about two months prior. While the simulated market — selling cereal in grocery stores throughout Germany — was the same in practice as in the real game, factors changed to create new hurdles. In some, the supply of ingredients ebbed and flowed. In others, consumer demand changed or the cost of goods varied.
“With practice, you start to see trends that make it easier to deal with unpredictable hiccups,” Shah said. “The practice sessions allow teams to come together, work out strategies and test theories before the big day.”
Pre-competition preparations also gave the teams and their company mentors an opportunity to connect and solidify their plans.
David Stevens, a senior executive with Mount Pleasant-based American Mitsuba, mentored this year’s winning team. He gave his students one key piece of advice: Learn everything, but focus on what you’re best at.
“I suggested they all learn every function, but then focus on who is best at each,” he said. “The students knew their strategy well and stuck with it.”
Putting strategies to the test
On competition day, students and companies gathered in McGuirk Arena for a mental showdown.
“Mentors are in the arena with their student teams, and there is a ton of energy — students mingling with companies, gearing up for the game and just having fun,” Shah said. “It’s very exciting to be part of.”
The game was divided into two sections. In the first, every team competed in four 20-minute rounds (20 minutes equals 20 days in the simulation). Based on performance there, two flights — the top 20 teams and the rest of the teams — competed in a second game. Eight teams — the top five in flight one and top three in flight two — won scholarships.
Tennessee senior Kaitlyn Bailey, a member of winning team American Mitsuba, said she enjoyed seeing her classroom learnings come together in real life.
“Sometimes it’s hard to piece all the different factors that go into producing something together in a classroom setting,” she said. “We had marketing, pricing, production and more, and the competition is a fun way to see it all come together.”
While only a handful of teams won scholarships, many students walked away with job offers. Further, all gained the valuable real-world experience employers are looking for.
“At CMU, we’re preparing students for what they’ll experience in a professional setting, and employers are noticing,” Shah said. “This competition gives students skills they will be able to apply to any situation.”
LOGISTICS COMPETITION PREPARES STUDENTS FOR REAL-WORLD SUCCESS
Experience builds a competitive edge
The fourth annual CMU Logistics Undergraduate Case Competition in October brought students, faculty and industry leaders together to highlight the College of Business Administration’s dedication to experiential learning and hands-on practice of professional skills.
With 92 students from across campus participating and support from five companies — Penske Logistics, Dow, Gordon Food Services, Kimberly-Clark and Ryder — the event’s size reflected its growing popularity.
“Each year it’s getting bigger,” said logistics faculty member Jim Taelman. “It’s amazing to see the students and industry partners return year after year.”
The event offered a case competition for juniors and seniors, and an ERP simulation for freshmen and sophomores. Both challenged students to apply classroom knowledge to realworld scenarios, a hallmark of CBA’s experiential learning approach.
Analysis and strategy key in logistics showdown
In the case competition, teams tackled a transportation procurement challenge with real-world data from GFS and Penske. Over two weeks, they analyzed data, crafted RFPs and researched industry trends before presenting recommendations. Their
of students are employed, attending graduate school or serving in the military within six months of graduation 95% of students complete internships 73%
Average starting salary (up from $58K in 2023) $62K
objective was to optimize carrier routes and logistics by balancing quality, cost and safety, while proposing technical improvements to boost efficiency and customer satisfaction.
Evelyn Smith, logistics faculty member and event co-lead, emphasized the impact of such experiences.
“Presenting ideas to industry experts and responding to questions on the fly builds invaluable skills,” she said.
The corporate partners judged the teams’ analysis, route adjustment, technical recommendations and presentations.
“Logistics pulls everyone in,” Taelman said. “You’ve got students studying procurement, logistics, accounting, marketing — all of them vital. It’s a black hole of opportunity.”
During the case competition finals, three teams — Fired Up Consultants, Lucc Legends and Freight Flow — presented their analysis and recommendations to a panel of judges, followed by a Q&A session.
Maple syrup simulation tests skills
The ERP simulation offered underclassmen a unique learning experience through a maple syrup supply chain game. Students simulated real-world business decisions by purchasing syrup from a Canadian supplier and selling it to German grocery stores, intending to maximize company valuation by managing supply chain costs, warehousing and pricing.
Many students had participated in similar simulations in the classroom, but the competitive atmosphere brought a new level of intensity. The winning team, Team Delta, pulled ahead in the final days of the simulation and ended with a company valuation of more than $1.2 million, earning each member a $500 scholarship.
Building connections
In total, $12,000 in scholarships — generously donated by CMU alumni Jim and Renaye Damman — were awarded.
The event fostered strong connections between students and faculty, reflecting CBA’s emphasis on building close relationships. CBA Dean Chris Moberg, addressing the students, encouraged them to take advantage of these opportunities.
“Saying ‘yes’ matters. When you try new things, you discover who you are, and you happen to meet the right people,” he said.
Moberg’s words underscored the importance of such out-of-classroom experiences. By facing real-world challenges and engaging directly with industry experts, students set themselves apart from their peers.
SETTING THE LEADERSHIP STANDARD CBA students excel on and off campus
Logistics students earn first win in national competition
CMU logistics students Mia Phan, Justin Schoff, Zac Telder and Ryan Burtch brought home a monumental first-place finish in the General Motors/Wayne State University Mike Ilitch School of Business Supply Chain Case Competition in October, beating 20 other teams from throughout the country. The first-ever case competition win for CMU underscores the university’s commitment to equipping students with the practical skills and real-world experiences essential for career success.
Finance students win ACG Cup
A team of CMU finance students made history by becoming the first team in school history to win first place at the ACG Cup, Michigan’s largest intercollegiate finance competition. The team of Lucy Forlastro, Corinne Sleeter, Jackson Raymond and Carolina Hernandez Ruiz received $6,000 in prize money.
Human resources students win HR Games
A team of CMU students — Coy Lakatos, Chloe (Collings) Ignatowski and Aubrey Goerge — brought home a first-place win at the 2023 HR Student Games, an annual competition sponsored by the Michigan Society for Human Resource Management. Students answer HR-related questions during multiple rounds in a Jeopardy-style game format. The CMU chapter also was honored with the Callie Zipple Spirit of HR Award for its professionalism and collegiality.
CMU student places first in Michigan Collegiate Startup Challenge
Student teams from five Michigan universities gathered at CMU in fall 2023 for a chance to present their elevator pitches and win prizes. CMU student Robert Rasegan, who pitched his business idea, “Rasegan Outdoor Company,” took home the top prize of $5,000.
CMU finance students win first place at the ACG Cup, Michigan’s largest intercollegiate finance competition.
Paying it FORWARD
Generous alumni and supporters of CMU’s College of Business Administration make a difference in students’ lives by giving their time, talents and treasures. In fiscal year 2023-24, financial gifts to the College of Business Administration exceeded $5.5 million — the most of any academic college on campus. Read more about how dedicated alumni and supporters are impacting the lives — and future careers — of CBA students.
A ribbon-cutting ceremony on Nov. 1 honored the naming of CMU’s School of Accounting to recognize retired accounting professor Phillip Kintzele. »
LONGTIME PROFESSOR NAMES SCHOOL OF ACCOUNTING
Philip Kintzele arrived in Mount Pleasant during a St. Patrick’s Day snowstorm in 1980. Then-dean Leonard Plachta, who would go on to become CMU president, picked Kintzele up in his red 1977 Chevy Impala to take the young educator to his faculty interview.
More than four decades later, the School of Accounting at Central Michigan University has been named The Philip L. Kintzele School of Accounting. The naming recognizes Kintzele’s lifetime gift commitments of more than $2 million — the largest employee gift in CMU history.
“Dr. Kintzele has given much of his life — along with significant financial support — to students,” CMU President Emeritus Bob Davies said. “He is a shining example of the kind of faculty we have here at CMU, and this recognition cements his selfless commitment to improving the lives and futures of CMU Chippewas.”
Kintzele, who retired with emeritus status in 2019, established The Philip Kintzele Accounting MBA Scholarship in 1986 to benefit accounting majors in CMU’s accelerated MBA accounting program following completion of their bachelor’s degree. “I’m very thankful — I gave it all I had for 38 years,” Kintzele said.
Chris Moberg, CMU College of Business Administration dean, said Kintzele sets an incredible example for everyone on campus.
“Dr. Kintzele is an inspiration to all of us,” Moberg said. “He’s a role model whose impact on students will continue indefinitely.”
The making of a decades-long career
Kintzele, a car enthusiast, would never forget the make and model of Plachta’s car. But it wasn’t the car that left a lasting impression, it was the former president.
“Leonard was such a genuine person, and he really is the reason I’m here,” Kintzele said.
Kintzele passed the CPA exam after receiving a Doctor of Business Administration in 1973 from Indiana University Bloomington. Following his first teaching assignment at the University of Tennessee, he joined the accounting faculty at the University of Cincinnati in 1976, teaching there for five years before being hired at CMU.
Kintzele taught thousands of students throughout his career. He served as chair of the accounting department for nearly 24 years over the course of two appointments and was the advisor of registered student groups Beta Alpha Psi and the Student Accounting Society.
He led the way in the CMU School of Accounting becoming only the second school in the state to attain accounting accreditation from AACSB — the Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. He sees it as one of his greatest professional achievements and has helped maintain the accreditation ever since.
But when asked about his students, this is where his greatest pride shines through.
“It makes me proud to see where some of my students have landed. Some are partners at CPA firms and some have been successful in the corporate world,” Kintzele said. “I’m proud to have been a part of their educational experience.”
Paying it forward
Kintzele’s reason for giving to CMU is simple: he’s dedicated to paying it forward.
“As a student, I was able to get scholarships to help me get through college. I was so fortunate — I went and got all of these degrees and I had no debt,” Kintzele emotionally recalls.
Jennifer Cotter, CMU vice president for advancement, said Kintzele’s financial contributions will help countless students.
“I know the students who have been impacted by Dr. Kintzele’s accounting MBA scholarship are forever grateful for his support — as he is for the support he received as a student. I hope they’ll also pay it forward when they can. This is what we do at CMU,” Cotter said.
Kintzele’s also has started endowments in his name that benefit CMU’s wrestling program and the university library.
ALUMNI-LED SCHOLARS PROGRAM
CLOSES ITS FIRST YEAR WITH LASTING IMPACT
Having been involved in the New Venture Challenge in years past, CMU alumni Stephen Wakeling, ’03 and Erin Gendron, ’06, weren’t strangers to coaching students and recent graduates. Then, 2020 hit.
“From the number of phone calls I received from students and recent alumni asking me how to deal with the changing world, it became clear that these young people need more of this interpersonal help,” Wakeling said. “We realized they need a different kind of mentor.”
With their passion for coaching and mentoring and their vast business experience, Wakeling and Gendron saw an opportunity to give back in a unique way. They started the Wakeling Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars Program at the start of the 2023-2024 academic year.
“We thought a lot about what we could provide that would have the biggest impact,” Gendron said. “We wanted to include coaching sessions, networking and relationship building.”
A successful first year
The program started with a trip to Wakeling and Gendron’s home base: Atlanta.
Additional trips to Detroit, Austin for the South by Southwest Conference and Traverse City followed. Stephen and Erin introduced the students to other entrepreneurs, connected with them as a group and one-on-one for guidance and mentorship, and exposed them to networking opportunities. Regular cohort meetings ensued, where students planned events to share learnings with their peers.
Looking ahead to year two, the program founders hope for much of the same: mentoring students in impactful ways.
“As an entrepreneur, I’ve spent a lot of time gathering groups of people together and chasing down a vision that not so long ago felt like an impossibility,” Wakeling said. “We have a really great group that isn’t just part of the scholars program — they’re now part of the team. I’m excited to see what we can continue to build together.”
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The Wakeling Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars traveled to Austin, Texas, for the South by Southwest Conference.
Alumni Tim and Sherry Magnusson are recognized at a CMU basketball game.
ALUMNI PAY IT FORWARD WITH $2 MILLION GIFT SUPPORTING COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION, ATHLETICS
Over the years, Tim and Sherry Magnusson have given their time, talent and treasures to Central Michigan University, their alma mater. Earlier this year, they made their largest gift to date — $2 million — to support the CMU College of Business Administration and CMU Athletics.
Tim studied business and German at CMU and has spent his career in the finance world. He helped found and serves as chief investment officer of Garda Capital Partners in Minneapolis. Sherry studied business administration and marketing, working in human resources until leaving the corporate world to raise their two children. She devotes much of her time to volunteer positions.
Jennifer Cotter, CMU vice president for advancement, said the Magnussons have led the way in determining how their gifts will be used.
“Tim and Sherry have such passion for helping CMU students and have creatively used their gifts to benefit areas close to their hearts,” Cotter said.
Foundation in finance
Fond memories from their time as students in Grawn Hall have inspired the Magnussons to pay it forward for years to the College of Business Administration, specifically the finance program.
College Dean Chris Moberg said their newest gift will enhance opportunities for finance students to learn through real-world experiences such as competitions and corporate visits.
“Tim and Sherry have ensured the next decade of finance students will have access to experiential learning opportunities, which we are truly grateful for,” he said. “These experiences set CMU, our students and alumni apart, helping them develop as professionals and future leaders in their organizations and communities.”
Their previous gifts established the Magnusson CBA Study Abroad Award, the Magnusson Internship Fund and the Magnusson Endowed Professorship, which supports the
faculty member who directs the Michigan Finance Scholars program. A room in Grawn Hall also is named after them.
Tim is a member of the College of Business Administration Dean’s Advisory Board, and the couple regularly volunteer for events such as Dialogue Days and the New Venture Competition. He regularly hosts students and faculty at Garda Capital, and hires CMU interns and graduates.
“CMU students and alumni I hire outhustle and outwork everyone,” Tim said.
A lifelong ‘right choice’
Tim, one of CMU’s first Centralis scholars, said the financial support he received from Central enabled him to go to college.
“The Centralis scholarship was a life changer because my parents didn’t have the means to send my brother and me to school at the same time,” Tim said.
Sherry said she needed and found a different type of support at CMU.
“I was the first generation in my family to attend a four-year university. I needed a work-study job to help it all come together, and Central gave me that. It also gave me the guidance and confidence I needed,” she said.
As students, Tim and Sherry also loved attending sporting events, beginning a lifelong commitment as CMU Chippewa fans. This commitment influenced their decision to also fund the enhancement of student-athlete health and well-being services.
Over the past year, nearly 350 enthusiastic CMU alumni and supporters made significant contributions to the College of Business Administration, volunteering their time and expertise to enrich students’ educational journeys.
They served as career mentors, guiding students through the intricacies of professional development and recruitment. They played pivotal roles on governing and advisory boards, influencing the direction and policies that shape the future of education. They served as public advocates and classroom speakers, sharing real-world insights and inspiring students to pursue their ambitions. Many also organized or participated in group socials, networking events, corporate visits and conferences, further broadening the students’ understanding of the business world.
Their impact is profound, leaving a lasting, positive influence on students’ academic and personal lives.
Christine Cashen, a dynamic motivational speaker and CMU alumna from the class of 1989, visited campus to deliver a keynote address during Dialogue Days.
Dow Career & Community Day brought many professionals from Dow to campus to share their expertise and insights with CBA students. Among them was dedicated alumna Melanie Kalmar, Dow’s CIO and chief digital officer.
Alumni David Queller and Penny Queller helped provide an immersive experience for CBA students to visit Atlanta, where they explored various corporate environments, including Delta Air Lines and the Chick-fil-A Corporate Support Center. They also volunteered at the Atlanta Mission’s restoration house, supporting women and children in need.
Robert “Bob” Oros, ‘90, addressed the class of 2024 at the College of Business Administration’s May 2024 commencement ceremony. Oros is CEO of the national wealth management firm, Hightower Advisors.
Enrico Digirolamo, former CFO of General Motors Europe, North America and South America, and current board member of several companies, visited CMU multiple times to speak to and network with finance students.
Alumna Leslie Vickrey (far right), CEO and founder of ClearEdge Marketing, virtually presented “Be The Change” to CMU students to help celebrate Women’s History Month.
SHAPING STUDENT SUCCESS
CBA faculty make a difference in and out of the classroom
At CMU, faculty do more than teach and conduct research — they also inspire, mentor and equip students with the skills and insights to thrive in an ever-evolving business world.
Meet four CBA faculty members who have paved their own paths and use their life experiences and expertise to ensure CMU students are prepared for their careers and their lives.
EVELYN SMITH
Marketing, hospitality and logistics
Blending practical experience with student mentorship
Evelyn Smith’s journey as an undergraduate student at CMU started with aspirations of becoming a high school teacher. But after an economic downturn and a nudge from her father to explore business, she discovered a passion for logistics that shaped her career and took her to companies including Domino’s Pizza and Ryder.
Little did she know that 20 years later she’d merge her early interest in education with her passion for logistics when she became a faculty member in the marketing, hospitality and logistics department in 2015. Today, she guides students in the classroom, as the faculty advisor of the Logistics Management Council — which she was part of as a student — and in case competitions that have taken her and her students from Detroit to Colorado.
To her students, she’s known by her tagline: logistics in action. She strives to show students how logistics shows up in everyday life to further prepare them for successful careers. She’s also a friendly face, a mentor, and a go-to for those in need of feedback and support.
“I really try to balance being approachable and honest with students,” she said. “If a student sends me a message, I’m responding. If they need me, I’m there. Yet they also know I hold them to high standards, and I think that makes for really meaningful relationships.”
JASON TAYLOR Economics
Leveraging economic history to shape future leaders
Jason Taylor’s path to academia was sparked by the encouragement of one of his own professors. Now an accomplished economics faculty member, Taylor finds fulfillment in mentoring the next generation of leaders and bringing historical economic insights into the modern day.
“I love seeing students succeed, and, in many cases, serve as academic economists like myself,” he said. “It’s rewarding to know I’ve played a part in their journeys just as my mentors did for me.”
In the classroom, Taylor focuses on fundamental economic ideas and concepts and how they can be applied in the real world. In his research, he often travels back in time to the Great Depression era, a period of vast economic policy experimentation. His extensive publications have cemented him as not just an educator dispensing knowledge to his students, but a scholar at the forefront of understanding how economics shapes the world.
His newly released book, “The Brew Deal: How Beer Helped Battle the Great Depression,” is his latest contribution to using the lessons of the past to guide the economy of the future.
HAYAM ALNAKHLI
Marketing, hospitality and logistics
Inspiring resilience and confidence through storytelling
When Hayam Alnakhli arrived in the United States from Saudi Arabia in 2014, she faced not only an uncertain career path but also the challenge of learning a new language and culture.
Today, teaching professional sales as a faculty member in the marketing, hospitality and logistics department, she calls upon lessons from her personal journey to inspire her students to realize their own potential.
“I’m very passionate about helping people find their unique strengths,” she said. “You are smart in your own way. You are great in your own way. You can succeed at whatever you set your mind to.”
Alnakhli’s courses extend beyond sales techniques; they emphasize self-confidence, open-mindedness and empathy. Her sales simulations provide a realistic arena where students build practical skills, tackle competition and make strategic decisions, preparing them for the demands of a professional environment.
“No matter what you do as a career, you have to be able to sell yourself,” Alnakhli said. “My goal is to help students succeed in whatever path they choose.”
CHRISTINE WITT
Business information systems
Giving back to the next generation of CMU Chippewas
To say business information systems faculty member Christine Witt is fired up might be an understatement. She is a CMU alumna, and her husband, parents and more than a dozen other family members also are proud CMU Chippewas.
“My parents attended CMU and met at the University Center. My husband and I met here. Between our two families, we’ve tallied 15 CMU degrees — and counting,” she said. “CMU is a special place, and being able to work here and support students is truly my calling.”
Witt motivates students to learn by using real-world simulations and project-based learning. That’s why her teachings offer a mix of learning experiences such as using SAP, an enterprise resource planning system, and giving students realworld projects to foster a deep understanding of the practical applications of the tool.
“I love teaching others how to use systems, so we start with the basics and build from there,” she said. “Students often start the semester having never logged into the system, and by course-end, they’re synthesizing what they have learned through extensive reporting and highlevel decision-making. It’s incredible to watch their deep learning and growth.”
Celebrating the
SUCCESS AND
Each year, the College of Business Administration recognizes alumni who go above and beyond in their professions, service to their communities and commitment to CMU.
Meet the 2023 inductees, who were honored at the CBA Hall of Fame and Alumni Awards celebration on campus in April 2024.
Hall of Fame Inductee ENRICO DIGIROLAMO, ’76, ’15
From Detroit to Switzerland, Enrico (Rico) DiGirolamo’s life and vast business career have taken him around the world.
DiGirolamo is the lead independent director for the board of Coherent, a $10 billion public company where he serves as chair of the ESG committee and member of the Audit and STAR committees.
For more than a decade, DiGirolamo has been a strong advocate and mentor for CMU. He has served since 2014 on the college’s Executive Roundtable Advisory Board and has been actively involved in teaching and mentoring students. He has taught the college’s capstone strategy course as an executive-inresidence, participated in Dialogue Days and judged the New Venture Challenge. He delivered the university’s commencement address in 2015 and earned an honorary doctorate.
DiGirolamo, who resides in Novi with his wife Kathleen, is known for his ‘Ricoisms,’ including,: “It’s good to have the answer to the question, but it’s better to have the answer to the right question.”
Outstanding Young Alumni Award CHELSEA HURST, ’12
Even as a student, Chelsea Hurst was giving back to CMU, serving as an SAP teaching assistant while earning her information systems degree. She leads recruiting efforts in her current role with Dow, guiding students throughout their early career paths. She is also a passionate supporter of women in STEM and is involved in numerous organizations on and off campus.
“Chelsea not only leads recruiting at CMU, she’s also been involved in many other activities,” said Steve Tracy, director of SAP University Alliance and an information systems faculty member. “She’s just been an incredible supporter of CMU. We couldn’t be prouder of her.”
COMMITMENT
OF CMU ALUMNI
Alumni Commitment Award
ERIN GENDRON, ’06 AND STEPHEN WAKELING, ’03
In addition to putting the skills they learned at CMU to use in start-ups and their own companies, Stephen Wakeling and Erin Gendron have given back on campus, too. They started the Wakeling Gendron Entrepreneurial Scholars program this academic year, serving students with mentorship, professional skills, friendships and more.
“Stephen and Erin get deeply involved,” said Julie Messing, director of the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship and an entrepreneurship faculty member. “They’re spending time with the students. They’re mentoring and coaching. They’re introducing the students to a plethora of resources that will help them regardless of the path they choose in life.”
Distinguished Alumni Award KRISTIE NYSTEDT ’90
Kristie Nystedt’s catchphrase, “make it happen,” reflects her life and career trajectory. After earning her accounting degree and working in a variety of finance and accounting roles, she ‘hopped’ to the craft brew industry, becoming president of Raleigh Brewing Company and the first woman to own a brewery in North Carolina.
In addition to the brewery, she also established a full-service brewery equipment and parts supplier, and, most recently, a piping and production fabrication company. She is dedicated to giving back to CMU through support of the New Venture Challenge and by mentoring student organizations.
CBA Executive Roundtable ADVISORY BOARD
The CBA Executive Roundtable Advisory Board brings together accomplished alumni who are successful business owners, senior executives and industry leaders. Their leadership and strategic guidance help shape College of Business Administration initiatives that prepare students to lead in their organizations and communities after graduation.
Board Executive
PENNY QUELLER, ’91 President, The Mom Project
BOB OROS, ’90 CEO, Hightower Advisors
MELANIE KALMAR, ’87 Vice President, Chief Information Officer & Chief Digital Officer, Dow
TIM MAGNUSSON, ’94 Founding Partner & Chief Investment Officer, Garda Capital Partners
Member,
Steering Committee Vice Chairperson Former Chairperson Chairperson
LEE CURTIS, ’90 Co-founder, RESIDE Worldwide, Inc.
ENRICO DIGIROLAMO, ’76 International Executive & Board Chairman, Coherent Corporation
BRIAN GIBSON, ’84 Wilson Family Professor of Supply Chain Management & Executive Director of the Center for Supply Chain Innovation, Auburn University
MICHELLE HALL, ’06 Senior Vice President & Chief Human Resources Officer, Meijer
KRISTEN HOLT, ’94
President & CEO, GreenPath Financial Wellness
KRISTIE NYSTEDT, ’90
President & CEO, ABS Commercial, Atlantic Brew Supply, Raleigh Brewing & Atlantic Process Solutions
STEPHEN WAKELING, ’03
Founder & CEO/Owner, Phobio, LLC
JAKOLAT, ‘83 CEO, BeaconView Group
POBOCIK, ’04 Executive Director, JP Morgan Chase
’94 Executive Vice President, Loadsmart
DAN WARD, ’07
Co-Founder & President, Detroit Labs
MIKE
BOB LARSON, ’88 Founding partner & President, Sharp Entertainment
PAUL MACARTHUR, ’86 Senior Director, Major Accounts, CrowdStrike
SARAH
ROBB PORTER,
LESLIE VICKREY, ‘94 Founder & CEO, ClearEdge Marketing
Central Michigan University
Mount Pleasant, MI 48859
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