THE WEBER LEADERSHIP REPORT
McGraw
I S S U E #2 | 2021
School of Business
MCGRAW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ENACTUS: TOP 5% NATIONALLY AMONG 450 COLLEGIATE TEAMS.
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this edition:
ide LETTER FROM THE DEAN | P3
SCHOLARSHIP & HONORS | P4
BRIDGE OF TRANSFORMATION | P5
LEADERSHIP & PROFESSIONAL STUDENT ENGAGEMENT | P6 MCGRAW STUDENT PRESIDENTS | P7
ONU HEALTHCARE MANAGEMENT CLUB | P8
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT: MADEIRA SHERWOOD | P9 GA SPOTLIGHT: SOLOMON JOTHI | P10 STUDY ABROAD | P11
ONU INVESTMENT CLUB | P12
PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT: BRAD THOMAS | P13 VOICES OF OUTSTANDING STUDENTS | P14 DISCIPLESHIP BIBLE STUDY | P15 MCGRAW FACULTY | P17
MCGRAW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS VISION
A HEAD FOR BUSINESS
A HEART FOR GOD
AND HANDS FOR HUMANITY
LETTER FROM THE DEAN Dear Friends, Greetings! Today’s business leaders are responsible for more than just the bottom line. At Olivet, we challenge our business students to take what they learn in the classroom and use it in the various business arenas, giving them the practical experience they need. We challenge our students to be part of the light. In Him was life, and the life was the light of men. John 1:4 When Jesus came to a world that was in to darkness and dead in its sin, He came as light and life. His light dispelled sin’s darkness wherever He went, for the forces of evil could not withstand Him. The life He brought was abundant and free, available to all who were dead in their sin. (Eph. 2:1; John 10:10) If you are a Christian, Jesus lives in you, and His light is within you. Christians are called to dispel darkness (Eph. 5:11). The light of Christ ought to shine so brightly through you that those practicing darkness are uncomfortable when they are around you. The light within you should dispel darkness from the lives of your friends, coworkers, and family members. “The fullness of life found in Christ dwells within you as a Christian (Col. 1:27). The life that Jesus offers is available to others through you. Don’t discount what you have to give to those who are hurting. Christ’s life within you is more than sufficient to meet every human need. When people encounter you, they encounter Christ within you. You do not know all the answers, but you have Someone within you who does! You will not carry the burden of the needs of others. Christ will. Be aware that just as many resisted Jesus, so there will be those who resist the truth that you offer (John 1:11). Be thankful, however, that God chooses to express Himself through you, giving light and life to those around you.” – Henry Blackely Please join in our vision of equipping students to have, “A A Head for Business, A Heart for God, and Hands for Humanity.” We invite you to share in the mission to make transformational leaders in this ever-changing world. Thank you for your prayers and support. Sincerely, Glen F. Rewerts II, J.D. M.B.A. Glen Rewerts has led Olivet’s business program since 1993. He is a licensed attorney in the State of Illinois, a local businessman, and a community leader with a passion for the cause of Christ and the integration of faith into Christian colleges and universities.
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The Bridge OF TRANSFORMATION McGraw School of Business Mission
Connection Opportunities to connect with peers and industry mentors through membership in professional organizations.
Concentration Various concentrations allow students to find their niche and play to their strengths.
Career There are a wide variety of business majors and areas of study for in-demand and rewarding career options.
2020-2021
SCHOLARSHIP & HONORS The McGraw School of Business seeks to provide recognition to both students and faculty for their scholarship accomplishments in each of their unique areas of study.
Rachel Carlassare
Paul Koch
Brennan Carter
McKayla Lockwood
Madeline Harrison
Nicole Lynch
Grace Klein
Ellie Murphy
Outstanding Marketing Senior
Outstanding Business Administration Senior
Outstanding Accounting Senior
Outstanding Management Information Systems Senior
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Published “Whose Community? Market Economics and the Concept of Solidarity” in Fall, 2020 issue of Faith & Economics
Outstanding Accounting Senior
Outstanding Accounting Senior
National President of Phi Beta Lambda, Outstanding International Business Senior
Certification Industry specific professional certifications that give students resume-ready skills.
Competition Opportunities for students to put what they are learning into practice through regional and national collegiate competitions.
Calling Students are required to complete an internship and take part in spiritual development activities to connect to God’s calling.
Barnabas Award
Jonah Posthumus
Outstanding Economics/Finance Senior
Kate Rogers Lydia Award
Madeira Sherwood
Completion of ONU Senior Honors Thesis, McGraw Leadership Award
Brooke Whetstone
Completion of ONU Senior Honors Project
6 T H E STATS
Matthew Poortenga
STUDENTS PASSED
THE CERTIFICATION OF
AMERICAN SOCIETY FOR QUALITY
SIX SIGMA
YELLOW BELTS
Students recieved their
HubSpot Marketing Software Certification
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Students were titled MICROSOFT OFFICE EXPERTS
(Access Experts & Excel Specialists).
STUDENTS RECEIVED A
SAP STUDENT
RECOGNITION AWARD
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Leadership & Professional Student Engagement One of the key, distinctive characteristics of the Olivet business program is the emphasis on leadership and the pursuit of professional standards and certifications. Below are just a few statistics that highlight the beyond-the-classroom experience:
7 18 24 6 95 6
intercollegiate teams competing nationwide
regional and national professional competitions & scholastic conferences
highly recognized professional certifications offered
international pre-approved study abroad programs
percent job placement rate for alumni within six months of graduating
2020-2021
MCGRAW STUDENT PRESIDENTS Kevin Gard
Janelle Skinner
Samson Sabu
Susan Shin
Mattie Buller
Heather Perry
Steve Ringstrand
Martin Manosalvas
Accounting Club President Faculty Sponsors: Dave Horton, Tricia Mills
Discipleship Bible Study President Faculty Sponsor: Glen Rewerts
Enactus Co-President Faculty Sponsor: Lynda Allen
Enactus Co-President Faculty Sponsor: Lynda Allen
Marketing Club President Faculty Sponsor: Chris Perez
Phi Beta Lambda/Future Business Leaders of America President Faculty Sponsor: Brad Thomas
Philanthropy and Non-Profit President Faculty Sponsor: Glen Rewerts
Society of Human Resource Management President Faculty Sponsor: Glen Rewerts
Emma Hayes
Investment Club President Faculty Sponsor: Douglas Nielsen
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Program Excellence ONU Healthcare Management Club Olivet’s Healthcare Management concentration has continued to excel each year bringing in more students and increasing the pass rate of the Lean Six Sigma Certification exam. This semester 6 out of 8 students passed the exam to earn this highly valued designation. “Once I heard that I could become certified in Six Sigma, I knew that I needed to take the Health Lean Process Improvement course,” student, Joel Brawly says. “It is extremely helpful in developing one’s knowledge of healthcare while also bringing a prestigious title to a resume,” he reflects. “Olivet’s healthcare division will definitely challenge you, but it will also set you up for a very bright future.” Professor Alexandria Harris, faculty sponsor of the Healthcare Management Club believes that now, more than ever, people should be encouraged to enter into the healthcare field. “On the bright side of this pandemic, students pursuing healthcare management were reaffirmed of their decision,” she says. “We need strong leaders in Healthcare Management. Even during this semester, we were able to meet with profound leaders in healthcare and take the Lean Six Sigma certification exam. I am so proud of my students.”
Professor Alexandria Harris
Although COVID-19 put a halt to some of the normal semester activities of the Healthcare Management Club, it has given the students who control the club the opportunity to prove who they are in the face of adversity.
The Healthcare Management Club hosted a meeting via Zoom with Dr. James Forshee who is the Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer of Priority Health. Dr. Forshee leads clinical and pharmacy programs, the development and coordination of population health programs, and chronic disease management strategies. He provided great insights into the most rewarding aspects of working in healthcare, what students should know going into the workforce, the power of connection, and professional goals. Briana Bolser, co-president in the Healthcare Management Club says, “Even though we were unable to meet as a club, we were constantly planning and preparing events for this upcoming semester. Throughout the fall 2020 semester, we worked hard to find guest speakers and volunteer opportunities for the students who plan on getting involved in our club this spring!”
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STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
MADEIRA SHERWOOD Madeira Sherwood embodies the spirit of the McGraw School of Business. She is a model of excellence in the classroom and lives a life of service to God and humanity. As a freshman, Madeira joined Enactus and has served as the co-president the past two years. Her passion to serve others and natural leadership ability is a shaping force on the team. Additionally, Madeira was one of the key students who initiated the Food Recovery Network at Olivet. Our FRN team partnered with our foodservice Sodexo, and Madeira led the effort to win the Unilever Bright Future Project Accelerator grant to fund this work. Because of this grant and her initiative, we have collected and delivered over 20,000 pounds of food to our local Salvation Army over the past three years. This translates to over 16,000 hot meals for people in need in our local community.
In addition to her involvement in Enactus and the Food Recovery Network, Madeira has served as an ambassador for Institutional Advancement and has volunteered through VITA as a tax-preparer for low-income families in Kankakee County. She is a servant leader. This year, while preparing for the CPA and maintaining a 4.0 GPA as an Accounting and Business Administration student, Madeira chose to complete her research project for the Honors Program by developing a model that could be used at other universities to fight waste and feed people. Because of her deep commitment to this initiative, the success of our Food Recovery Program will be duplicated on other university campuses. Congratulations to Madeira Sherwood, the recipient of the 2021 McGraw Leadership Award. - Lynda Allen
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GRADUATE ASSISTANT SPOTLIGHT
ELIAS SOLOMON JOTHI I’m Solomon Jothi, a former graduate assistant for the McGraw School of Business, and my life has been a series of events that led from one to another to where I am today. My life is not just about events, it’s about people who were the dominoes in my life. I always saw my life as a set of isolated events but God was moving people to this very moment, to prepare me for ministry. These dominoes are people who did not just give financially, but contributed to my faith and spiritual development as well. I was born into a humble family in India. My father, who had grown up through many difficulties in life, learned that the best way to rise from poverty is through education. In India, education is not seen as a necessity but as a privilege. In order to afford a good education, one needed to have money— something my family didn’t have. It was during this time that we met Eva Schoon through Nazarene Compassionate Ministries, who came to India when I was 3 years old and graciously sponsored my education.
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I’m now a recent graduate with a master’s degree in Divinity from Olivet. I set out in life wanting to be a businessman, but God had different plans. When I came to Olivet in 2018, I was wrestling with God about His call on my life to a career in ministry. Despite hesistation, a desire and passion for God’s people was laid on my heart. In obedience to the call, I committed to full-time preparation in pastoral ministry. In January 2021, I was installed as the senior pastor of Crystal Lawns Church of the Nazarene. It’s been an honor to pay it forward as I’ve have been at the receiving end of numerous missionaries. I hope and pray to be a domino in someone’s life. The McGraw of Business is one such place in my journey. It is once again a miracle I ended up with this job and I have been truly blessed to be able to contribute to some specific marketing needs and meet some amazing people who have shaped the way I think. This has given me an opportunity to serve the student body at Olivet.
Study Abroad PRE-APPROVED PROGRAMS Australia Studies Centre (ASC) International Business Institute (IBI) Korean Nazarene University Program Study Abroad Lithuania Tokyo Christian University Program B Global Immersion Study Abroad Program
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Program Excellence ONU Investment Club The Investment Club of the McGraw School of Business performed outstandingly during a pandemic, presidential election and recession. Initially starting with $250,000 dollars, the club hit an all time high managing a portfolio of $801,000 dollars. This growth gives students a unique opportunity to not only learn about investments and how to invest a company’s assets but gives them an opportunity to put their knowledge to practice.
+13.3% benchmark return as opposed to the benchmark of +6.69%.
This semester the Student Scholarship Fund produced a positive rate of return and beat the club’s benchmark at a +13.3% return as opposed to the benchmark of +6.69%. The students believe this is due to the shift from defensive equities to cyclical equities.
Jonah Posthumus says, “We have learned how to invest in a pandemic, an election, and a recession all in one year. I have learned how important it is to have strong foundational principles that are informed and logical. Fortunately, due to these principles, we have made progress in leaps and bounds this semester and even hit an all-time high in our student-managed portfolio during one of the most volatile periods of our lifetime.” The Student Engagement Fund also had a great quarter—not only posting gains but outperforming the benchmark by 27%. They believe it is because of their focus from defensive equities to cyclical equities that they believed would outperform with the pandemic and promote the shift to working from home and lockdown. “Many other schools have investment clubs in which students are able to learn about the stock market and investing, but oftentimes these clubs do not manage a real fund of money. Olivet’s investment club was able to receive many generous donations that we have invested and plan to use as a scholarship fund for students!” says student Emma Hayes.
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PROFESSOR SPOTLIGHT
DR. BRAD THOMAS MANAGEMENT INFORMATION SYSTEMS D.B.A.
Education, and Theology/Christian Ministry. I have integrated lessons on Emotion Intelligence and how it could help students in their future careers and relationships.
Dr. Brad Thomas, professor of Management Information Systems pursued his doctorate at the Falls School of Business at Anderson University and his degree was conferred upon him in August 2020. He shares with us this research, area of expertise, experience, teaching, and learning. His dissertation centered on the emotional intelligence of students and was titled: “An exploratory study of Emotional Intelligence characteristics between disciplines in higher education and suggested curriculum adjustments.” Daniel Goleman, Harvard social psychologist stated that Emotional Intelligence (EI) may be more important to the future success of individuals than cognitive intelligence and technical skills combined. I created a model and survey to show the level of exposure and variances in Emotional Intelligence of students in various field of study. The data showed significant statistical EI differences of majors such as Nursing, Business, Engineering,
After earning my Master of Business Administration, I worked in industry before transitioning into academia utilizing a diverse set of experiences and technical skills to engage and challenge my students. My experiences have taught me that the one constant in any industry or position is that technology changes, validating the importance and necessity of being a lifelong learner to remain relevant in your field and area of study. I teach all levels of management and Management Information Systems (MIS) courses in the McGraw School of Business. I enjoy working with freshman all the way up to graduating seniors “I use my experience – it is humbling to see the growth in and education to coach students as they students as they prepare mature. I also for professional careers.” thoroughly enjoy advising students and working with them in the Future Business Leaders of America – Phi Beta Lambda (FBLAPBL). The McGraw School of Business celebrates and congratulates Dr. Brad Thomas for his educational accomplishments, contributions, teaching, and passion. 13
2020-2021
V O I C E S O F O U TSTA N D I N G ST U D E N TS Mackenzie Hock “There are so many people in the world that can really change the world if they’re just given the chance.”
Luke Tuttle “I am excited for the future and opportunities to mentor others.”
Lal Piang “I would love to have an impact in the lives of others in whatever I do.”
Watch each student’s story on Olivet Business’s Instagram page.
Kelsey Stang “The best way to make the most of your college experience is by joining a club, serving in a community project, and participating more in class.”
Aaron Chenoweth “Dr. Koch and Professor Nielsen have been selfless in the way that they have taught me.”
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Program Excellence Discipleship Bible Study Discipleship Bible Study, as the name suggests, focuses on practicing the spiritual disciplines to grow close to God and to share His love with others. While it is important for us to raise the future leaders of the business world it goes without saying the need for Christian leaders is of paramount importance. Dr. Glen Rewerts, faculty in charge of this club initiates and takes a personal interest in meeting almost every student in the class and invites them for an hour of intentional time where we deliberate on the Word of God, and the heart of Jesus. What we do here is very important. Because of COVID, we had to move the timings from 7am to 6:45 am on Wednesdays so that this time together did not get in way of any classes or any other practice time for athletes. It is quite unconventional for students to wake up at that time but we had roughly 25-30 students who faithfully showed up every Wednesday to work through a book on Revival that focuses on important topics like conscience, honesty, forgiveness, love, Holiness etc. The beauty of this Discipleship Bible Study is that while the church may not have the time and resources for such programs, the McGraw School of Business is open not just to Christians but to anyone who is curious to know about Jesus. We have had people who will come to us and say, “I do not know much about Jesus, or I don’t even to go to church, but I’d liked to learn, may I please join?” This is why we do what we do. The club’s mission is to share the gospel to those who are searching and make disciples out of them so that their life, school, and work is centered around not just a materialistic vision but a spiritual one: a head for business, a heart for God, and hands for humanity. The Discipleship Bible Study Club is open to the entire University to anyone who might be willing to join. This way, Discipleship Bible Study becomes a ministry to the rest of the University embracing anyone who wants to learn more about what it means to be a true Christ-following disciple. We’re often critical of the youth these days. We see them as those who set new cultural trends and see they are drifting from the church. I remember one student who prayed, “God, this generation is searching for you.” I believe that God is working through His Spirit creating desire and drawing these young people to something more meaningful and deeper. Here at Discipleship Bible Study we take these seekers and equip them for a life long journey with Christ. - Elias Solomon Jothi
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A R E AS O F ST U DY AT A G LA N C E Accounting Degrees • • • •
Corporate Accounting Generalist Staff Accounting Government Accounting Public Accounting
Activities & Competitions
• Accounting Club • Accounting Human Resources Panel • Institute of Management Accountants Student Chapter (IMA) • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Professional Organizations and Certifications • Illinois Board of Examiners • Institute of Management Accountants • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners • Intuit QuickBooks Examiners
Business Administration Degrees • • • •
Management Philanthropy and Non-for-Profit Healthcare Management Human Resource
Activities & Competitions • • • •
Enactus Student Philanthropy Council Healthcare Management Club Society of Human Resource Managers
Professional Organizations and Certifications • International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) • Lean Certification Association
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Economics & Finance Degrees
• Applied Economics • Personal Finance • Corporate Finance
Activities & Competitions • College Fed Challenge
• Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) Consortium • Chartered Financial Analyst Research Challenge
Professional Organizations and Certifications
• Bloomberg Market Concepts Certification • Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards • Student Managed Investment • Fund Consortium • Chartered Financial Analyst Association (CFA)
International Business Pre-Approved Study Abroad Programs • • • • • • • •
American Studies Program Australian Studies Centre International Business Institute Korean Nazarene University Latin America Studies Program Northern Ireland Semester Study Abroad Lithuania Tokyo Christian University Program
Management Information Systems Degrees
• Information Technology Management • Data Analytics
Activities & Competitions
• The Paper Game • ERPsim Competition • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA/PBL)
Professional Organizations and Certifications • Microsoft Office Specialist • Microsoft Advanced Specialist • SAP University Alliance
Marketing Degrees • • • •
Marketing Management Corporate Relations Commercial Graphics International Marketing
Activities & Competitions
• National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) • American Advertising Federation Regional Competition • The Marketing Club
Professional Organizations and Certifications • • • • • • • • • •
American Marketing Association American Advertising Federation HubSpot Certifications Hootsuite Certification Twitter Flight School Google Digital Garage Certification AdWords Display Certification Bing Ads Accreditation Facebook Blueprint Certification Project management for Development Profesionals Certification
M C G R A W F A C U LT Y Lynda Allen
Chris Perez
Doctor of Management, 2009, University of Phoenix M.B.A., 1988, Olivet Nazarene University B.S., 1982, Olivet Nazarene University Enactus Faculty Sponsor
M.B.A., 2002, University of Phoenix B.A., 1999, Columbia College Chicago Marketing Club Faculty Sponsor American Advertising Association Sponsor
Business Administration & Marketing Faculty
Dave Horton Professor
M.S., 1994, Walsh College B.S., 1984, Olivet Nazarene University
Alexandra Harris
Internship Program Coordinator Healthcare Management Faculty Graduate Assistant M.B.A., 2018, Olivet Nazarene University B.S., 2018, Olivet Nazarene University Healthcare Management Club Sponsor Six Sigma Certification Sponsor Lean Process Improvement Certification Sponsor
Paul Koch
International Business & Economics/ Finance Faculty Ed.D., 1994, Illinois State University M.S., 1984, Illinois State University B.S., 1979, George Fox College Federal Reserve College Challenge
Marketing Faculty
Glen Rewerts
Business Administration Faculty J.D., 1987, Southern Illinois University M.B.A., 1987, Southern Illinois University B.S., 1984, Eastern Illinois, University Discipleship Bible Study Faculty Sponsor
Jana Shear
Administrative Assistant Employed by ONU: May 2013
Elias Solomon Jothi Graduate Assistant
MA., 2020, Olivet Nazarene University BBA., 2018, Kristu Jayanti College
Brad Thomas
Management Information Systems Faculty
Tricia Mills
Assistant Professor M.S., 2017, Western Governors University B.A., 1992, Governors State University
Douglas Nielsen
Economics/Finance Faculty M.B.A., 2012, Olivet Nazarene University B.S., 2009, Olivet Nazarene University Investment Club Faculty Sponsor SMIF Director Chartered Financial Analyst Sponsor
D.B.A., 2020, Anderson University M.B.A., 1990, Olivet Nazarene University B.S., 1986, Olivet Nazarene University Certified Netware Engineer (CNE) Microsoft Certified Systems Administrator (MCSA) LAN Certified Engineer (LCE) Microsoft Certified Professional (MCP) Phi Beta Lambda Faculty Sponsor
Mark Williams
Accounting Faculty Ph.D., 2006, Capella University M.A., 1992, University of Missouri-Kansas City B.S., 1981, Emporia State University VITA Faculty Sponsor
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McGRAW SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
