3 minute read
Alumni Connection
Mavericks Leading the Way
Two College of Business alum were recently honored with Distinguished Alumni awards from the University.
MICHAEL JORDAN ’16
Owner/CEO, UNRL 2021 Outstanding Young Alumni
Michael Jordan’s athletic clothing company UNRL started with an idea and a phrase Jordan had heard peers using while he was still a student at Minnesota State Mankato—“that’s unreal!” Today, the company produces athleisure clothing out of its headquarters in St. Paul. The brand recently released its first collaboration with the Minnesota Vikings.
“I got a lot of support from not only students, but faculty when I was attending Minnesota State Mankato, and all were very great supporters of what I was trying to accomplish. But the faculty really went above and beyond in helping me get my ideas off the ground and open up doors with connections that I would have otherwise never been able to get. … When I first started it, I guess I didn't fully know if it was going to catch on the way it did and grow to this extent, but that was always a dream in the back of my head. So, seeing it come to fruition has been nothing short of amazing for myself, and for the people that are involved in my team. … My advice for current students at the university is invest your time wisely while you're in school, develop your craft, get started, fail and try again.”
DEB SCHONEMAN ’90
Managing Director/President, Piper Sandler 2021 Achievement Award
When Deb Schoneman started in the accounting department at Minnesota State Mankato in the late 80s, there was a single personal computer; and she was among a few who knew how to use it. Schoneman ended up teaching her peers computer skills. She was also involved in extracurricular activities, like dance line, that instilled confidence and leadership skills. Schoneman started at Piper Sandler, an investment firm headquartered in Minneapolis, as an intern. Thirty-one years later, she’s in the president’s chair.
“Many of the roles that I went into as I was progressing through my career, I got to create. So, it was fun to build a finance function, be able to think outside the box that was allowed and frankly rewarded. So, between the opportunities I've been provided over the years, as well as just the unbelievable people that I get to work with here, that's what's kept me. … When I moved into the CFO role, I was struggling because I felt like I needed to act and be a certain way. But it was a lot like I needed to be more all business, tough, and that really wasn't me. And so, I wasn't liking my job, it didn't feel right. …Once I started showing up authentically every day, my career actually moved forward much quicker. My advice for current students on how to make the most out of their college experience is, first and foremost, be curious. This is your time to learn, to take classes you might not otherwise take. I would also say, give it your all. Don't just do the bare minimum. It's important that you get good grades and succeed while having fun.”
