OPEN FOR BUSINESS

10 Years And Counting

Concordia’s Offutt School of Business began offering classes in January 2013 as one of just a few business schools rooted in a liberal arts education.

“Offutt School of Business students begin learning experiences in liberal arts and continue throughout their four years by reducing roadblocks and streamlining course offerings,” says Chris Mason ’84, dean of the Offutt School of Business. “The Offutt School strongly encourages business students to add other traditional liberal arts programs to round out their education.”

BY ANNA BENSON ’19

Throughout the past 10 years, Offutt School has helped shape future business leaders by providing conversations and education through four core pillars: transformative leadership, global engagement, ethical decision-making, and entrepreneurial mindset.

Students are equipped with the necessary mindset to uplift others and challenge the process in the business sector. With academic programs ranging from accounting and finance to international business and entrepreneurship, there is a concentration for any student who considers joining the world of business.

A Look Back At 10 Years Of The Offutt School Of Business

Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates visits Concordia as part of the dedication festivities for the Grant Center, home of the Offutt School of Business.

Offutt School Presents begins welcoming speakers from Fortune 500 companies to speak to alumni, friends of the college, and students.

2014

The BREW, a student-run coffee shop, opens in the Grant Center. The BREW allowed students to understand what it means to run a business from all aspects such as inventory, balancing the books, and marketing a product.

The Business Commerce course begins trips through the finance program, with explorations to Hong Kong, Ireland, and Switzerland. Students become familiar with governmental regulations and practices in business and commerce.

The James Parke Technology Lab is added to uplift the finance program, offering students new finance software, a live stock ticker, and state-of-theart technology to help gain real-world experience.

The accounting program begins competing in the Deloitte Case Competition.

The Innovation Lab is added for the computer science program, giving students access to updated technology and software.

The Entrepreneurship Mindset Undergraduate Academic Certificate and entrepreneurship minor launch, welcoming 65 students to the program the following year.

Concordia names Bree Langemo, J.D., the first director of the Center for Entrepreneurship. The center provides services for profit and nonprofit organizations, academic institutions, and government agencies to empower others with an entrepreneurial mindset through workshops, training, and consulting.

Chris Mason is appointed dean of the Offutt School of Business after serving as the interim director since 2018.

Donuts With the Dean launches and is held every second Friday of the month for students to connect with Dean Mason.

The Hollstadt Women in Leadership Program celebrates a decade of providing networking and mentorship opportunities between female students and alumnae.

The Cobber Collective, a pop-up space in the former BREW location, opens for student creators, makers, and entrepreneurs to sell and promote their business and services. Learn more: ConcordiaCollege.edu/CobberCollective

Alumni Features

Zahra Banks ’20

Major/Minor: Computer Science; Business

Current Job: Technology Consultant, Metis Strategy

The Offutt School of Business prepared me for my first role outside of college by ensuring I had real-world experiences during my time there. I was encouraged and provided with resources for internships, mentorship programs, trips to organizations’ offices, speaker sessions, etc. Listening and learning about these real-world skills made for an easy transition to the working world even during COVID.

My advice for someone considering computer science is to be open-minded to not knowing, commit to continuously learning, and not be afraid to make mistakes or ask for help. Being open-minded ensures that you can continue to learn, keep up with the ever-changing world of technology, and develop the skills needed to advance your knowledge and career.

Andrew Johnson ’18

Major: Accounting

Current Job: Senior Consultant for Mergers and Acquisitions at Deloitte

When I first started college, I knew I liked numbers but didn’t know what I wanted to major in. I became more interested in my business classes and began exploring what that path could be like. The Offutt School of Business opened up both accounting and finance paths to me, which I appreciated.

I now work with clients in both private equity firms looking to expand their business portfolio and corporate clients with a more strategic motive to acquire a business or product line. I moved to Los Angeles to specialize in the Telecommunications, Media and Entertainment, and Technology group at Deloitte. I was involved in music at Concordia and my current position and location provide countless opportunities to align my personal interests with my day job.