Fall 2011
WWW.BUSINESS.UND.EDU
The Next Big Adventure:
European Business summer Study Abroad “Nous devons aller en France!” The Potato Project Would you like to Manage a Million dollars? Beyond the classroom Finding your yellow brick road
From the Dean The College of Business and Public Administration has been known for exceptional faculty, extraordinary students and the continued pursuit of academic advancement.
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ur vision for the future includes being innovative in experiential learning, a leader in faculty contributions to intellectual advancement and to provide resources to enhance and build effectiveness in career advisement.
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ur students are provided with a variety of experiential educational opportunities outside the typical classroom. Through this approach, we have developed innovative programs including study abroad opportunities, student organizations and unique internship opportunities many of which are provided by our extraordinary alumni.
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ur faculty continue to enhance their research efforts, thus providing the CoPBA with world-class recognition. Through their visionary efforts, we have achieved academic advancement in curriculum and programs, such as the development of the Graduate Certificate in Social Entrepreneurship, developed by Dr. Jason Jensen, Associate Professor of Political Science and Public Administration. For example, Dr. Sean Valentine, Professor of Management, continues to publish national research collaborating with scholars around the country. Our research success continues to put UND on the map, assisting us in recruiting and retaining champion faculty.
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ur future graduates are prepared as we enter into the second year of the Pancratz Career Development Center. We have experienced tremendous growth in this program. More students are utilizing the career center on a regular basis and taking advantage of the many opportunities for career advisement. Throughout the country, there is an expanding trend and we at UND were among the first of career centers being developed specific to their colleges. We are pleased that the CoBPA is moving with this trend and developing the essential resources needed to prepare our students for their future careers in business. Academically, the CoPBA continues to produce exceptional graduates. For example, the Accountancy Dennis J. Elbert, Ph.D. department continues to produce Dean and Professor of Marketing excellent CPA exam results across the College of Business & Public Administration state, region and nation. Our graduates’ pass rates on the CPA Exam overall are at 71.5% with the national average of 48.9%. During the 2010 testing period, our graduates Andrea Eckenrode, Brandon Kreitinger and Stephanie Aker earned the top three scores in the state of North Dakota. We are proud of these accomplishments and look forward to another great year of exceptional students, faculty, staff and alumni.
Dennis J. Elbert, Ph.D. Dean and Professor of Marketing
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The Potato Project
The Next Big Adventure
Dakota Venture Group
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Dean’s Message
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Alumni Spotlight with Kurt Mueller
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Potato Project: Where are the Potatoes?
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Adapting to the Chinese Business Market
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The Next Big Adventure: European Study Abroad
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Beyond the Classroom: Education Outside the Box
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Technology Department Student Rankings
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Finding Your Yellow Brick Road
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Social Entrepreneurship: What Will Your Legacy Be?
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The Truman Tradition
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Dakota Venture Group: Experiential Learning
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North Dakota State HR Games
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SMIF: Would You Like to Manage a Million Dollars?
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Faculty Research Profiles & Awards
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ENTR Dept. Growing: Three Budding Professors
College of business & Public Administration Advisory Council members Rick Duquette, ‘94, ‘96 Mark Jackson, ‘75 Al Royse, ‘‘72, ‘73, ‘76 Jeff Gendreau, ‘90 Rick Lowenberg, ‘88 Mary Fischer, ‘90 Bob Olafson, ‘72 John Knapp, ‘71 Mike Hamerlik, ‘84, ‘88 Robert Foley, ‘54 Carolyn Becraft, ‘66 Karn Jilek, ‘89 Sadie Ripley, ‘99, ‘05 Monica Musich, ‘82 Catherine Rydell, ‘71 Jay Neppel, ‘86 Pat Remfert, ‘72 Scott McKee, ‘98, ‘99 Dean Bachmeier, ‘79 Jules Kotrba, ‘07 Paul Korus, ‘78, ‘80 Scott Stinar, ‘75 Duane Feragen, ‘78 Keith Reimer, ‘73 Peggy Kuhn, ‘85 Terri Zimmerman, ‘85 Duane Krohn, ‘68 Kevin Moug, ‘81 Phil Gisi, ‘82 Victoria Beard, ‘93 Gary Lloyd, ‘70 Kurt Mueller, ‘62 Randy Newman, ‘75 Jan Heidinger, ‘91 Larry Wiken, ‘69 Dennis J. Elbert, Ph.D. Dean and Professor of Marketing
Business@UND is published by the College of Business & Public Administration at the University of North Dakota.
Steven B. Moser Associate Dean and Professor of Management
Please send address changes to : College of Business & Public Administration Gamble Hall Room 110 293 Centennial Drive, Stop 8098 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8098.
Design & Layout Laura Dvorak Writers Laura Dvorak, Callie Hall, Preston Page Copy Editors: Laura Dvorak, Shannon Smidt, Callie Hall, Steve Moser, Michelle Garske, Pam Burkes Photography
Visit our website : www.business.und.edu UND is an equal opportunity/affirmative action institution.
Jackie Lorentz, Ryan Laffen FALL 2011 business.und.edu | 3
Mellem Business Symposium
October 18
Keynote Discussion & Dessert Social EERC Topic: “The Business of Energy” 7PM Speaker: Susan Preston
Join the College of Business & Public Administration as they explore the booming energy industry. Hear from industry experts on the science behind the evolving research and how business professionals and students can gain knowledge of the business opportunities and future career paths in this field.
Mellem Business Symposium
October 18 Break-out Discussions Gamble Hall, Room 7 8:30 Topic: An Introduction to Energy and the Environment 8:30AM - 3:15PM 9:30 Topic: The Business of Oil Production in North Dakota 11:00 Topic: The Business of Electricity Production 2:00 Topic: The Business of Renewable Energy
Olafson Ethics Symposium
November 17
Topic: “Speaking of Ethics” Memorial Union Speaker: Patrick Kuhse 7:30PM Former Professor, Harvard Business School Patrick Kuhse will take you on his own personal journey from successful stockbroker with a loving family and home in the suburbs of San Diego, to the jungles of Costa Rica as an international fugitive and incarceration in two countries and back again. After spending four years in prison, he now devotes himself to speaking to audiences worldwide about the importance of ethical behavior. The purpose of the Olafson Ethics Symposium is to provide a platform for students and the business community to explore the importance of both personal and professional ethics. This annual event is funded through the support of UND Alumnus Robert Olafson and his dedication to ethical business practices and the University of North Dakota.
Hultberg Lectureship February 7 For the past 24 years, successful women alumni from UND have Memorial Union
brought their professional experiences to the University community 7:30PM through this unique event. The event includes classroom visitations during the day and a panel discussion in the evening. This event was established 24 years ago with a gift from Clara E. Anderson (Hultberg) in memory of her parents Hans and Suzanne Hultberg. More information coming soon on this year’s featured speakers!
For more information on events visit us at: www.business.und.edu 4 | Business & Public Administration
Alumni Spotlight Kurt Mueller
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Hometown: Grand Rapids, MN Current Residence: Liberty, Missouri
UND Alumni Kurt Mueller, ‘62, has been making significant contributions to experiential learning at the University of North Dakota for the past 14 years. In 1997, Kurt worked with Bruce Gjovig at the Center for Innovation to create a student-based program to encourage and stimulate student ventures and learn entrepreneurial skills to expand the knowledge base for young entrepreneurs. Through this program, Kurt and Bruce then developed the Mueller Entrepreneur Internships that serve over 110 entrepreneurial minded students to date. Students involved in this program are expected to complete a business plan, develop a viable business model for a venture or test the market during their internship. Students are provided office space at the Center for Innovation and access to staff expertise and consulting. A stipend of $1,500 is provided to students to assist in the development and time in their ventures. “Entrepreneurs need to be able to work 24/7 on their endeavors, and this program gives them some funds to be able to focus on this,” says Mueller.
Education: University of North Dakota BSBA 1962
Mueller’s interest in entrepreneurial thinking Career Achievements: • Sr. VP of Ewing Marion Kauffman started back when he Foundation developed his own • CoBPA Advisory Council Member consulting firm, Financial • Former UND Alumni Association & Credit Consultants in Center for innovation Board Member 1976. In 1981, Mueller • Successful investor in start-up went to work for Ernst Companies & Young LLP and became a partner in the firm in 1984. In addition, he became the National Director Mueller is always impressed with the for Entrepreneur Services building the success that students have with the Mueller entrepreneurial services practice for the Entrepreneur Internships. He enjoys firm. coming to the University of North Dakota yearly to talk with students in the program After retirement in 1996, Mueller became and hear about their accomplishments, as Chairman and President of the Center for well as reading their letters explaining their Entrepreneurial Leadership at the Ewing projects. Marion Kauffman Foundation in Kansas City, MO. This foundation is the largest Mueller’s advice to students interested in foundation supporting entrepreneurship, entrepreneurship is to not be afraid of providing millions of dollars in support the risk to start something. He also says for innovative entrepreneur initiatives to make sure the project is something nationwide at all levels, from students to that is not too good to be true and is high-growth entrepreneurs. In October one in which you have a passion. “You 2003, Mueller retired from the Kauffman need to weigh the risk and the reward as Foundation and now serves as a consultant you cannot predict who is going to be a with entrepreneurial firms in the Kansas successful entrepreneur,” says Mueller. City area. FALL 2011 business.und.edu | 5
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Potato Project: Where are the Potatoes?
One morning Dr. Mary Loyland, Associate Professor of Accounting for the University of North Dakota College of Business & Public Administration, visited the Salvation Army food shelf and asked, “Where are the potatoes?” Loyland, having experience in the potato industry then began to wonder what happens to the potatoes that don’t make grade? Not making grade means that the potato may have a nick or be shaped differently. These potatoes (or culls as potato growers call them) are typically fed to the buffalo, but they are perfectly acceptable to be consumed.
“There are hungry people in Grand Forks. The fact that they were gone within days gives me chills,” says Loyland. Scheving has enjoyed her internship with the Salvation Army. She works in the office of Accounts Payable/Receivable and also does employee paperwork for the Grand Forks and the Minot Salvation Army. Loyland said she is very proud of the Salvation Army for making this work, as well as the hard work from Scheving. “It is so nice to see students blossom and I find it very rewarding.”
Passionate about making a difference, Loyland encouraged accounting student and Salvation Army Intern Brianna Scheving to write a letter to Associated Potato Growers (APG), which is a group of individual potato growers, to see if they could get potatoes donated to the food shelf. Following the letter, Loyland and Scheving decided to make a trip out to APG to discuss the possibility of getting donated potatoes. This meeting was successful. The Accountancy department at UND also received a call from a Cargill representative who wanted to do a food drive. They challenged the students to collect 100 lbs of food, and in return, they would donate $1000 to St. Vincent de Paul. The students and department not only met this goal, but surpassed it by collecting 557 lbs of food. This large amount was collected due to a very generous donation from APG of 400 lbs of potatoes. Students collected an additional 157 lbs of canned goods. Loyland and Scheving then approached APG for an on-going donation to the Salvation Army which will last from late August to Mid-May. Through this partnership, they will donate all of the potatoes needed as requested by the Salvation Army. For the first pick-up, Scheving and the Salvation Army staff brought a truck out to APG and loaded the potatoes into the truck with a lift. 4000 lbs of potatoes were donated during the first pick-up!
“Opportunities are there if you are willing to look for them.”
- Brianna Scheving
The potatoes were gone before the end of the week and were also delivered to additional agencies including St. Anne’s, the Mission, St. Vincent de Paul, Red River Valley Community Action and East Side Food Shelf.
Accountancy Department Internships
The Accountancy department at UND has a legacy of a strong internship program. Students complete internships over the summer as well as full-time or part-time internships during the academic year. Internships include positions in public accounting as well as the non-profit and private sector. Some students relocate for their internship, and many have completed internships in states such as Colorado, Alaska, Pennsylvania, New York and Iowa. The department has relationships with public firms and private companies, and students often receive job offers following their internship experience. In this industry, it is not uncommon for students to receive a job offer two years prior to their graduation. By completing an internship, it allows the company and the student to see if that organization will be a good fit. To learn more about how your corporation can recruit UND CoBPA Accounting students for internships, contact the Accountancy department Internship Coordinator, Dr. Mary Loyland at 701.777.4680. Photo Captions: Left - Brianna Scheving, UND Accounting Student Above - Brianna Scheving & Associate Professor of Accounting, Dr. Mary Loyland
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Adapting to the Chinese Business MArket: MBA Student, Alexandra Naastad’s Research in China It is evident that the business system in China is extremely different from that of the United States. The “Introduction to Business in China” course, which is offered in part by the University of North Dakota Chinese Studies Department and College of Business and Public Administration, presents the major distinctions in business between China and the United States. Students are exposed to tools that assist in conducting cross-cultural business with China. Students travel to China for one month at the completion of the course to carry out fieldwork in their business topic of choice. This course is unique in that it allows students to customize their learning opportunities while traveling abroad. Alexandra Naastad, a second-year MBA student, completed the “Introduction to Business in China” course and traveled to China with twelve other UND students in May of 2011. Naastad decided to research the methods of business consulting in China as her fieldwork. Brand management and product placement are of great interest to her, and she was able to study how Western companies adapt their brands when they move into the Chinese market. Throughout her fieldwork, Naastad was able to see examples of brand transformations first-hand. “It was interesting to see how a western company changes their brand placement and image to fit within the unique Chinese market,” Naastad said. While traveling throughout Beijing, Xi’an and Shanghai, Naastad visited several private business consulting firms, advertising firms and the United States Commercial Services office. When companies need brand management services as they move into Chinese business, they may look to private firms or US Commercial Services. Both offer great resources for companies, but Naastad learned that the US Commercial Services office has more contact with the Chinese government.
Many western companies enter into the Chinese market and are initially successful, but eventually, the companies get “lost” within the market. Because international copyrights do not exist, many Chinese companies model their ideas and products after western companies. By using consulting services, western companies can better address these problems and distinguish their products to ensure success in China. Naastad experienced a surprising encounter at the US Commercial Services office in Shanghai. She did not have an appointment with anyone at the office, but she decided to see if anyone there would be willing to talk with her. Naastad said the security guard turned her away, but a man walking by asked her what she needed. This person happened to be William Brekke, the US Principal Commercial Officer for East China. Naastad explained that she was an MBA student from the University of North Dakota and looking to learn more about the US Commercial Services operations. Mr. Brekke indicated that he was originally from Fargo, North Dakota and exclaimed his admiration for North Dakota and UND. Naastad was able to then sit down and converse with Mr. Brekke, which she believes was a one-of-a-kind experience. Before traveling to China, the “Introduction to Business in China” course provided Naastad and other students with knowledge of the Chinese culture and the country’s approach to business. The program also exposed students to potential job opportunities and networking. “By taking this course and traveling to China, I was able to further my background in international business and diversify my MBA studies,” Naastad said. As China is becoming a prominent world power, Naastad believes her experience inside and outside of the classroom will benefit her future in the business world.
It was at the various site visits where Naastad learned of the many implications western companies confront when they enter into the Chinese market. In China, western companies face extensive government regulations. The Chinese government is also heavily subsidizing Chinese companies in an attempt to create brand loyalty.
L to R: Nikolaus Butz, Alexandra Naastad, and Tomas Solc 8 | Business & Public Administration
International Study Programs CHINA This exciting study abroad opportunity offers UND students an in-depth examination of China, a region growing in global importance. With a special emphasis on the practical development of cross-cultural business skills, the China Study Program helps students to gain an understanding of China, its language, history, politics, customs and culture. For more information please contact Dr. Colleen Berry at 777-6307 or jc.berry@und.nodak.edu TAIWAN Study abroad opportunities are available at the undergraduate and graduate levels to Chung Yuan Christian University, which is one of the twenty best universities in Taiwan. Students will be able to study in a variety of areas while networking with other international students and experiencing the culture of Taiwan. UNITED KINGDOM – LONDON SCHOOL OF ECONOMICS The internationally renowned summer school offers short courses taught by leading LSE Faculty. The program was established in 1989 and now has more than 3,000 participants. Courses range from traditional core economics and finance subjects to contemporary politics and management practices. Residents and visitors enjoy the combination of old and new architecture, elegant streets scapes, parks, gardens and beaches. FRANCE – ICN BUSINESS SCHOOL The ICN program offers an exciting opportunity for students to study business in the context of the European Union. Students will take French language courses in addition to business courses taught in English. Fall/Winter courses will take place in the city of Nancy and students participating in the summer program study in the city of Metz. The summer program offers students the opportunity to travel to Luxembourg and Belgium as part of the summer courses. NORWAY At the BI Norwegian School of Management students will gain hands-on knowledge of international business with a distinct Scandinavian approach. MBA Students may study international business for two quarters at BI. AUSTRALIA The UND-University of Sunshine Coast study abroad program offers students an opportunity to study a wide range of academic programs in a beautiful and exciting location. The University, with approx. 7,000 students, is located less than one hour north of the city of Brisbane, in the heart of the Sunshine Coast, one of the most beautiful and rapidly developing regions in Australia. GREECE The American College of Thessaloniki (ACT) campus is beautifully positioned on a hillside overlooking the city of Thessaloniki and the Thermaic Gulf. With an enrollment close to 800 Greek and international students, ACT offers an intimate learning environment. Students live off campus in the Thessaloniki area. Classes are taught in English, offering students access to the full catalog of classes.
Study abroad is AFFORDABLE. Exchange programs are available and students pay UND tuition and fees for their study abroad experience. As a UND student, most financial aid and scholarships may be applied to study abroad. At the College of Business & Public Administration student scholarships are available to assist with international experiences each semester. Visit www.studyabroad.und.edu for all study abroad opportunities, or contact the Office of International Programs 701.777.4231 or studyabroad@mail.und.edu.
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Nous devons aller en France! Let us go to France!
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The Next Big Adventure: European Business Study Abroad There are many opportunities at the University of North Dakota for students to study abroad and gain valuable insights on international business as well as enhance their marketability to employers upon graduation. The European Business Summer Study Abroad opportunity is sponsored by the University of North Dakota College of Business and Public Administration. The UND-ICN Summer program is taught in English and is open to all UND students regardless of major, (with permission of their department) and offers an exciting opportunity for students to study business in a setting that combines the business environments of France, Belgium, Germany and Luxembourg. With a special emphasis on the practical development of competency in Supply Chain Management, B to B Marketing and Purchasing Management, the program helps students gain an in-depth understanding of European business together with its language, history, politics, legal system, customs and culture. Students from UND meet other students from many other countries and cultures who are also taking this course.
“The students truly learn how to think about European business in its cultural and historical context,” says Program Director and Associate Professor of Marketing, Dr. Connie Bateman. The Metz program is three credits in the summer and one credit in the spring. With the program designed as only a month in Metz, France during the summer, it can be more convenient for some students then semester study abroad programs. The program starts out in the classroom during the spring semester for eight weeks with the focus being to understand context first then, the students travel to France and develop a cultural understanding. Metz is approximately 200 miles east of Paris and is the capital of Lorraine. With a population of 125,000, it is known for its international affairs and is conveniently located next to the borders of Luxembourg, Germany and Belgium. “Studying abroad was something that I never thought I would be able to afford or have the opportunity to experience. Traveling around Europe felt like I was dreaming.
The classes that I took in Metz taught me a lot about their culture, history and how they do business. This experience is something that I will be talking to people about forever and one that I will never forget. Deciding to pursue this opportunity changed my perspective on life and made me more aware and humble to other cultures and their past,” said Bethany Betsch, Senior Marketing Student fall ‘11. Summer 2010 Study Abroad “Studying abroad broadens your horizons and shows you what you can do and where you can go. I wish I could do it all over again,” said Skye Mausch, English Major, fall ‘11. Bateman began serving as the director of the program in fall of 2009 and started marketing and creating awareness among students about the European Study Abroad Program. This program originated in 2006 and was directed by Dr. Assion Lawson-Body. “As a faculty member, the experience was fantastic. Everything from the promotion of the program, processing student applications, and teaching pre-requisite courses, have been a great experience for me both here at UND and internationally at ICN,” said Bateman. Bateman says of the impact of the program “the proof is in the pudding,”as all of the 2010 students who were still at UND in 2011 offered and helped out with promotion of the program. Students assisted at informational booths/tables, and shared stories at special events and prerequisite classes. They also created Facebook accounts where they all could continue to keep in touch with each other and other students. “The students felt that it was a life-changing experience and they wanted to do anything they could to help spread the word to future students,” said Bateman. FALL 2011 business.und.edu | 11
Beyond the Classroom: Education outside the box Non-traditional teaching methods are the new trend in higher education. This practice is providing students with practical hands-on learning along with the traditional text book style classroom experiences. At the College of Business and Public Administration, teaching methods focused on application are incorporated in numerous classes throughout the curriculum. “We attempt, at the College of Business and Public Administration, to be very applied, and we do that through the use of experiential learning methods including case studies,” said Dr. Steve Moser, Associate Dean of the College of Business and Public Administration. Executive-in-Residence Matt Winjum provided students in ENTR 366 with many practical insights as he instructed this course in the spring of 2010. Winjum was the 2009 Young Entrepreneur of the Year which was awarded by the Small Business Association. Matt is a successful business owner and entrepreneur of Rhombus Guys Pizza. “My expertise in the business world and as an entrepreneur really brings a lot to the classroom,” said Winjum. Winjum shares with students his experiences of being self-employed, as well as his successes and failures in the business world. “I try to really show students that it’s ok to fail in business; in fact, many of us fail and you can’t be afraid to fail,” said Winjum. In addition to providing practical applications in the classroom through the use of a Executive-In-Residence, many of the CoBPA Faculty are incorporating new ways of learning. Sheryl Broedel, Information Systems and Business Education (ISBE) lecturer, instructs ISBE 320: Business Communications for Professionals. Through this class, students started to incorporate team service learning projects. 12 | Business & Public Administration
This was created to provide a way for students to practice communication skills in real life situations. Students get together in groups of 8 to 10 people and work as volunteer consultants for charitable organizations, non-profit organizations or community service groups. “They are doing it in a real-world environment that has real-world consequences for both the students and the host,” says Broedel. Broedel explained that it takes learning out of the classroom and puts it back where it belongs, providing third and fourth year students with an experience out in the real-world and not just in the same structured environment that they would normally have in the classroom. Some of the projects included the Big Splash project (YMCA Little Brother/Little Sister) in which students worked with CanadInn to put together a pool-party recruiting program to match potential Little Brothers/Little Sisters with UND students. Students also have worked with the Huntington’s Disease Society putting on their first annual (and subsequent) Hoop-a-thons. The ISBE 320 students helped grow the “Backpacks for Brilliance Project” which provides school supplies for students receiving special education, initially serving 12-15 students annually, now providing backpacks to over 200 students each year. “Every item in the class is designed to enhance and build their resume so that when students leave UND, they leave with not only the kind of education we value but also the social principles we value,” said Broedel. After graduation, Broedel has had students return to encourage students in the class to continue their projects.
In Management 410, Assistant Professor Clare Francis incorporates projects where students select companies to work with and discuss details about their positions and their career field. “Students are able to find out what problems they have, what they think about and what professionals do each day in that field,” says Francis. Students then have the opportunity to compare what they learn in class to what they also have learned through their experiences in the field. Francis expressed that through this process it brings home the fact that business and management decisions can be very organic. Students learn that there are not silver bullet types of answers and that decisions vary based on the company, industry and size, so they need to learn how to carefully analyze the particular business in which they are looking. The CoBPA has many more examples of how they are bringing in more teaching methods that focus on application. Through this approach students are provided with a diversified learning experience beyond the classroom and will be the best prepared for their careers following graduation.
Technology Department:
Students Rank Higher than National Average In April 2011, 11 Industrial Technology students took the prestigious national Certified Technology Manager (CTM) and Certified Manufacturing Specialist (CMS) exams sponsored by the Association of Technology, Management, and Applied Engineering (ATMAE). 10 of the 11 students passed the exams, and in fact they ranked higher than the national average, according to ATMAE. Becoming ATMAE certified means these students have met certain professional standards and have recognized expertise in a specific field, a distinction that sets them apart from others. ATMAE certification provides external validation of their knowledge and competence among others not familiar with the profession, which improves their marketability. In addition, passing the rigorous ATMAE certification exams shows students’ commitment to the profession and their own professional growth, factors that can affect career advancement.
Congratulations to the following individuals who successfully passed the CTM and CMS exams:
Certified Technology Manager Will McConnell James Williamson Rakesh Tennamthotam Dustin Patterson
Certified Manufacturing Specialist Joe Sagaser Derek Fast Tyler Radi Kasey Fingarson Ricky Seydel Ben Lauer
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Finding your Yellow Brick Road: Pancratz Career Development Center As many new graduates begin their journey into a career in business, they may find that it can be an interesting road ahead to find their dream job. This road will be filled with many curves and obstacles, but through the help of the Pancratz Career Development Center, they will find an easier path to establishing a business career. But how do you get to the Emerald City? Al Royse, UND Alumnus, thought of UND as his Emerald City. Growing up in a small town and going to UND was his first step in establishing a successful career with Deloitte and Touche. At the College of Business and Public Administration we strive to make each student experience at UND be their Emerald City. Through a strong educational experience filled with experiential opportunities, students will have the essential tools to follow the path to their future. In 2009, the United States experienced the greatest decline in new hires since the recession in 1982. This posed many challenges for career centers around the country as they had to begin to get creative with job placement, internships and employer campus visits for their students. Students need to not only have successfully completed a degree, but they need to have the skill set to interview well and take advantage of a multitude of networking opportunities to give them the cutting edge in a competitive workforce. Business schools around the country have started to acknowledge that students need better preparation for establishing their careers after graduation. To best serve their graduates, we have begun to see an increase in the establishment of career centers across the country. Based on a survey from AACSB (Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business) International, career centers at the undergraduate level have increased dramatically from 18.8% of AACSB schools housing their own centers in their college in 2005 to 31.6% in 2010. The CoBPA joined this number through the establishment of the Pancratz Career Development Center in the fall of 2010. This center was established through the generous support of Linda and Mark Pancratz, who greatly believe in providing our students with the building blocks to assist them in establishing their career following their time at UND. “While some industries are reporting growth over the past year, the job market continues to be increasingly competitive. Therefore, it is doubly important that we ensure our students are provided with experiences and services that can develop the skills to market themselves and the world-class education they receive at UND. By providing these skills and tools, we not only help students prepare for the best job opportunities following graduation but for continued success throughout their 14 | Business & Public Administration
careers,” said Curtis Jefferson, Career and Academic Advisor and Assessment Coordinator. Since the grand opening of the center last fall, the Pancratz Career Development Center has launched two new initiatives designed to help our students prepare for, and succeed in, meaningful careers following graduation. These initiatives include InterviewStream and Distance Interviewing.
InterviewStream
InterviewStream is an online service that allows students to conduct practice interviews using a computer and a webcam. Students can watch their responses to self-assess their answers and build confidence in the interview process. Through this software, students have the ability to email their practice interviews to others through a secure link to receive additional feedback on their interview skills. Career Center staff will also have access to saved interviews, allowing for more practical discussions with students regarding their interview skills and preparation. A number of pregenerated interviews are available within InterviewStream for each CoBPA major.
Distance Interviewing
The Career Center has also purchased a distance interviewing solution that allows us to connect our students with employers who typically do not travel to campus for interviews due to their geographic location. This feature not only expands the number of companies available to our students but also the types of opportunities they may be able to pursue following graduation. The goal of the center is to use this service to augment possible career connections for our students and graduates. “Launching these initiatives is just another way that the College of Business and Public Administration is giving us a “leg up” over students at other universities. I am completely confident that I will be prepared for an interview when the time comes, because of the InterviewStream service and Distance Interviewing, students are exposed to many more employment opportunities than ever before,” said Lauren Fischer, Senior Marketing major. As alumni for UND, what did your yellow brick road look like? Who did you meet along the way? All of these paths and interactions pave the way for a successful future for our new graduates and build a stronger College of Business and Public Administration. As a student, alumni, or friend of UND we invite you to stop by to share your journey and help us develop the tools to provide our students with a successful path to their future.
Discover prepare market enhance
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Leading the Future Today’s students need a better understanding of the diversity and dynamics that business leaders face on a daily basis. Through the support of McCain Foods, we are able to begin student leadership initiatives in our college in conjunction with the Pancratz Career Development Center. McCain Foods made a generous gift in honor of Dale Morrison, former CEO of McCain Foods and UND Alumni, and through experiential student learning, we can provide new opportunities for our students that will make an immediate impact. In the 2011-2012 academic year, the CoBPA will host the 1st Annual Morrison CEO Summit. This program will provide the CoBPA an opportunity to bring in well-respected CEO’s and leaders of industry to share their views on leadership, current business trends and personal strategies for success. In addition to a formal lectureship, students will have the opportunity to network with visiting CEO’s to discuss current issues in business and society, as well as receive guidance towards their future careers. The second feature to this development program is the CEO Shadow program. A select number of students will have the opportunity each semester to shadow a CEO at various locations across the country and travel to their business to learn key leadership skills. This unique experiential learning opportunity will provide students with opportunities to network around the country and gain a once in a lifetime opportunity to walk in the shoes of a leading CEO. Through this experience, our anticipated outcome is that a student will have gained key insights into that field and established connections that can lead them into their future career.
If you would like to hear more about how you can get involved in this program as a CEO or as financial contributor please contact: Kim Woods, ‘82 Development Director College of Business & Public Administration KimW@undfoundation.org 701.777.4106
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Student Success Story: Josh Jaster, ‘10
The Pancratz Career Development Center is pleased to announce our first student success story. In December 2010, Josh Jaster graduated from the College of Business and Public Administration with a major in Entrepreneurship. Josh had interacted with the staff and resources at the Pancratz Career Development Center numerous times since the opening of the center that fall. The center staff helped Josh prepare for graduation, and assisted him with polishing his resume and drafting his first cover letter in preparation for the fall 2010 Career Fair on campus. Through the Career Fair, Josh was able to develop prospects for employment following graduation. Josh had never participated in a formal interview for a job and was seeking advice from the Career Center staff on what to expect, what types of questions would be asked, and what he should be thinking about while formulating his answers. After his first interview, Josh reported back to the Career Center staff that it went very well and through his preparation at the center he felt more confident and prepared. Josh received a phone call from the employer and was called back for a second interview, so Josh returned to the center to discuss additional items with the staff. Josh had been offered a full-time position in Seattle at a site where he completed his internship in the summer of 2010. While it appeared to be a good offer, he did not want to just accept the first full-time offer that he received, so he wanted to discuss the pros and cons of the position as well as other prospects he could pursue in the regional area. After visiting with the career center staff and weighing variables, Josh decided to accept the position in Seattle and began his new position in January, 2011.
“I think the Pancratz Career Center is a great addition to the College. For me personally, looking for jobs is very stressful, and the staff at the Career Center were able to help take the stress out of the hunt by providing the proper tools. Utilizing the Center was a great experience for me and I hope that students continue to utilize the facility, as it is never to early to plan for your future.” Josh Jaster, UND Alumnus ‘10 Entrepreneurship
Interested in Becoming a Mentor? The CoBPA is in the process of launching a new Mentorship Program. This unique and individualized program will allow current CoBPA students to connect with UND Alumni. Students will have the opportunity to be mentored by successful alumni, as well as gain excellent networking opportunities in their desired field. This program is being developed through a web-based application developed by the Pancratz Career Center Staff and the CoBPA Technology Team. It will allow students to log into a website where they can surf through profiles of UND Alumni. After reviewing the profiles, students can click on a profile and request a mentor. Career Center staff will then facilitate that connection and the student and mentor can begin their communication process through the website, as well as through
phone communication, interactive webcams and in-person shadowing experiences. For alumni to become a mentor, we have them complete a short questionnaire and then conduct a brief video interview for their profile. This video shares some of the professional experiences that the mentor has had, as well as the industry in which they are working. Each mentor will only be paired up with one mentee at a time and their profile will be locked after they are paired up so that only one student can access them. The Career Center staff will assist with facilitating the mentor and mentee interactions as they begin establishing their mentorship relationship.
The Career Center has been diligently working to build this database to enable them to launch this program in the spring of 2012, and is currently seeking interested alumni to sign on as mentors. We have had many alumni jump on board at the opportunity to share their skills and provide students with valuable knowledge to pave the path to their future.
“Always wished I could have had a mentor while I was at UND. If I can be of any help to a current student, I’m glad to do it.” - Gary Lloyd, BSBA ‘70 UND Alumnus
To become a mentor please contact: Curtis Jefferson, Career and Academic Advisor and Assessment Coordinator Email: cjefferson@business.und.edu Phone: 701.777.3702.
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Social Entrepreneurship: What will your legacy be? Become a change agent.
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T
oday in society, our next generation of leaders are beginning to see the world differently. They are challenged as young adults to not only develop a successful career, but to incorporate a philanthropic focus into their lifestyle. Many find that through volunteerism and financial support they are able to meet this personal and professional expectation, but for others this approach does not seem to be enough. For those people, the emerging field of Social Entrepreneurship has become a more fulfilling outlet.
think about if they want to just live in the world or whether they want to change it for the better,” said Dr. Jason Jensen.
What is a Social Entrepreneur?
Students obtaining this certificate will work on the development of a portfolio and learn how to become a change agent. They will work through the appropriate steps to learn the process of starting a social enterprise, while crafting the portfolio toward their specific area of interest. For example, student portfolios may include business plans, strategic plans, marketing plans, needs assessments, political analyses, etc.
A Social Entrepreneur is a creative person dedicated to social cause, creating and managing ventures and social enterprises, which may be nonprofit or for-profit organizations. In either case, the mission is pro-social. This practice of Social Entrepreneurship is rapidly evolving, defined by addressing a social problem with a creative solution. Dr. Jason Jensen, Director of the MPA program at the University of North Dakota, has identified this new trend and has diligently worked to develop a Social Entrepreneurship Graduate Certificate Program, housed in the College of Business and Public Administration. This program was approved in the spring of 2011 after three years of development, evolving from a cross-disciplinary partnership at UND. Students are provided coursework from diverse academic backgrounds in the areas of business entrepreneurship, sociology, nonprofit management, political science and public administration. Through this diversified curriculum they will be provided with the necessary skills to succeed as a social entrepreneur. “This is a very exciting time for the College, as we embark in this new direction. Students are often very socially conscious and are looking for academic offerings that allow them to pursue this interest. This new certificate is hopefully the seed of something bigger at the University and for the CoBPA. Focusing on Social Entrepreneurship allows us to match a students interest with societal needs. We want tomorrow’s leaders to
The program provides a regionally-unique educational opportunity to students at all points in their career paths. At the CoBPA, we are uniquely situated in that we offer majors or courses in Entrepreneurship, Political Science, Public Administration and Nonprofit Management. Social Entrepreneurship is a relatively new emphasis in higher education.
Many Americans are deciding to increase their commitment to improving their communities. The number of charitable organizations have grown over 60% in the United States in the past few years to over 1.1 million charities. Americans have also continued to financially support charitable organizations with estimated giving of over $290.89 billion donated in 2010, which was a 2.1% increase from 2009 (National Employment Trends Survey 2010, University of San Diego). Social enterprises tap into this trend, but go beyond the traditional charity in the pursuit of creative approaches to raise revenues for social causes, including forprofit business approaches. Through this program, the CoBPA continues to provide the cutting-edge education that supports educational development and national business trends, providing students from the University of North Dakota the key skills needed to become a change agent in the world.
This program can be a standalone credential or an add-on for New Courses Required graduate students, and is available for Certificate: to both local and distance students, through “hybrid” • POLS 561: Creation and classrooms. Management of Social Enterprises Hybrid learning, involves distance students taking • POLS 562: Political Advocacy live courses simultaneously with and Social Entrepreneurship local students, through the use of high-speed internet, a video • SOC 538: Seminar in Social camera and an audio headset. Organization • ENTR 580: Seminar in Social Entrepreneurship
To accommodate working professionals, one course per semester will be offered, in the evening (7:00p.m. – 10 :00p.m. CST).
For further questions regarding the Social Entrepreneurship Certificate, contact us: Email: soc.ent@business.und.edu Phone: 701.777.3831
Photo the left: Dr. Jason Jensen, Director of the MPA Program & Associate Professor Political Science & Public Administration. FALL 2011 business.und.edu | 19
The Truman Tradition
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he College of Business and Public Administration has a long tradition of acclaimed Truman Scholarship winners dating back to 1978. Most recently, UND students were awarded scholarships in 2010 and 2011. The Truman Scholarship Foundation was established by Congress in 1975 as the federal memorial to our 33rd President. The Foundation awards scholarships for college students to attend graduate school in preparation for careers in government or elsewhere in public service. The activities of the Foundation are supported by a special trust fund in the US Treasury. There have been 2,730 Truman Scholars elected since the first awards were made in 1977. Students are elected by 16 independent selection panels on the basis of leadership potential,
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intellectual ability and likelihood of ‘making a difference.’ Each Scholarship provides up to $30,000 for graduate study. Scholars also receive priority admission and supplemental financial aid at some of the premier graduate institutions, leadership training, career and graduate school counseling and special internship opportunities within the federal government. Recipients must be US citizens, have outstanding leadership potential and communication skills, be in the top quarter of their class and be committed to careers in government or the nonprofit sector. The College of Business and Public Administration is proud to acknowledge the great accomplishments of our most recent Truman Scholarship winners as well as the well-established tradition from our distinguished Alumni.
Erin Barta, 2011 Truman Scholar Erin Barta, a 2011 native of Langdon, ND, was selected as a 2011 Truman Scholar. Barta is a junior at UND majoring in Political Science and Honors with a minor in English. When asked what it means to be awarded with a Truman Scholarship, Barta said, “I have a steady peace that I am going to go to graduate school. All of my aspirations have become more legitimate because now I will have a way to pursue them.” Part of Barta’s application included the development of a five year career plan post graduation. This process allowed Barta to really think about the next steps of her future. Barta would like to work with a federal agency or international agency on violence against women. Barta said, “I want to do something to make a tangible change.” In Barta’s sophomore year she was taking a women’s right course and international politics simultaneously and
became drawn to the combination of them. “This was my ‘this is it’ kind of moment,” says Barta. Following graduation, Barta would like to attend graduate school at the University of Denver in the area of Human Rights. She hopes that her writing can play a role in her career and that someday she could complete her Ph.D. to give back to others after she has gained experiences in the field.
“We have been very lucky to have two outstanding students win the Truman Scholarship in the last two years. Their accomplishments made them stand out. Their work on campus and in the community provides a model of how students can balance academics and service.” Dr. Mark Jendrysik Professor & Chair of Political Science & Public Administration
grant Hauschild, 2010 Truman Scholar Grant Hauschild, a 2010 Truman Scholarship winner, attended a week long program in Missouri in May 2010 called the Truman Scholar Leadership Week. During this week, he met many of the other Truman Scholars from across the United States. The scholars had seminars regarding leadership, running for political office, scholarship opportunities and a “College Fair” where many prestigious universities told them about their programs. In addition, they had a service day where they went as a group and volunteered. Hauschild’s group went to a local food bank and helped sort food items. “Overall, the week was extremely gratifying and I met a lot of awesome people and learned a lot about my options for the future,” said Hauschild. During summer 2011, Hauschild attended the Truman Institute in Washington D.C., which is the summer internship program provided by the Truman Foundation. Hauschild worked at the Council of State Governments, which researches how federal policy affects states differently. Hauschild is currently working in Washington DC as a Community & Economic Development Specialist for the
Department of Agriculture Rural Development. Hauschild plans on applying to graduate school for a Masters in Public Policy or Public Administration and potentially attaining a joint law degree. “The Truman Scholarship Foundation has provided me with the greatest avenue to pursue my passion for public service and I am extremely grateful to be given the opportunity to represent North Dakota, as well as the University of North Dakota as a Truman Scholar. I couldn’t have done it without the Political Science department’s support, as well as my advisor Mark Jendrysik and former Truman Scholar Mac Schneider who helped me as well. I hope to continue to advocate for a better North Dakota through whatever capacity given to me in the future,” said Hauschild. FALL 2011 business.und.edu | 21
Truman Scholars: Where are we now? 1978 Karen Rehwaldt – Sand 1981 BA Political Science/Economics Employer: Sand Iron & Steel, Treasurer - Grafton, ND 1979 Michael Liffrig 1981 BA Economics 1985 JD University of Michigan Ann Arbor Employer: First Court, Inc. - Bismarck, ND “The Truman Scholarship has kept my mind focused on public service and government affairs for many years. As a result of that focus, I was willing to make a long shot bid for the United States Senate in 2004. Also, as a direct result of the Scholarship, I was willing to run for and serve as States Attorney in Oliver County from 2006 until 2010.” 1982 1983
Cynthia Beyer-Ulrich 1984 BA History/Political Science 1988 JD University of North Dakota Employer: CH2M Hill –OMI, Municipal Service Contract Manager - Littleton, CO Peggy Kuhn 1985 BA Economics Employer: Self Employed – Public Policy Consultant Formerly, US Senate Banking Committee/ Sr. Financial Economist - Arlington, VA
1984 Jenifer Urff 1986 BA Journalism/Political Science Minor Psychology 1989 JD University of Michigan Employer: Advocates for Human Potential, Inc Florence, MA “Being awarded a Truman Scholarship encouraged me to go to law school, and it inspired me to explore ways that I could use my law degree outside of a traditional legal practice to shape policy and improve people’s lives. It also helped open career doors for me; many employers, especially in non-profit organizations, saw that I was a Truman Scholar and knew that I was committed to their mission.” 1984 Kathy Hill 1988 Denise Flanagan 1990 BA Public Administration/Political Science, UND 1991 MPA with a concentration in Public Finance, Maxwell School of Citizenship & Public Affairs at Syracuse University 2007 MS in National Resources Strategy at the Industrial College of the Armed Forces, National Defense University Employer: Director of Budget for the US Department of Interior - Washington, DC
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1990 Sarah Fugleberg – Flatness 1995 BA Journalism 1992 Mark Ewen 1992 BA Political Science & Economics - UND 1995 MPP University of Michigan Employer: Industrial Economics – Principal and Managing Director - Cambridge, MA “The scholarship certainly cemented my interest in matters of public policy, and was important in my acceptance into graduate school. The scholarship also facilitated professional networking opportunities and a wonderful summer internship experience at the U.S. Congressional Budget Office. All of this contributed to the arc of my professional career, which involves consulting with various federal and state agencies on the economic effects of environmental policy.” 1998 Jonathan Sickler 1999 BA Political Science/Minor Criminal Justice 2002 JD Harvard Law School Employer: Weil, Gotshal & Manges – Lawyer Washington, DC “UND has a wonderful tradition of winning Truman Scholarships and it’s a credit to the entire University and the Political Science and Public Administration department.” 2001 McLain J. ‘Mac’ Schneider 2002 BA History/Minor Political Science Employer: Attorney, Schneider Law Firm State Senator – District 42 - Grand Forks, ND “I would say the best thing about being a Truman Scholar is the chance to meet so many bright, kind-hearted people. Beyond that, the Truman Foundation’s summer program allowed me to work in Washington, DC, which opened the door to a full-time job with former Congressman Earl Pomeroy, who helped me tremendously in becoming involved in public service in North Dakota.” 2010
Grant Hauschild 2011 Political Science & Public Administration Employer: Community & Economic Development Specialist, Department of Agriculture- Rural Development - Washington D.C.
2011 Erin Barta Senior, University of North Dakota Political Science and Honors/Minor in English Note: UND had finalists in 2003, 2005, and 2009
Dakota Venture Group: Experiential learning
I HEAR AND I FORGET I SEE AND I REMEMBER I DO AND I UNDERSTAND This quotation from Sophocles illustrates the difficulty of classic education. Hands on education, or experiential learning, is defined as learning by doing or learning from the “real-world.” This philosophy is embraced by the Dakota Venture Group. The Dakota Venture Group (DVG) is a University of North Dakota student-run venture capital investment fund deeply rooted in experiential learning. DVG is the first completely student run venture capital fund in the United States. It is unique because DVG is the only fund where students research potential investments, make the final investment decision and negotiate the terms of the deals. By participating in the DVG, UND students receive an exceptional opportunity for experiential learning in the field of venture capital and angel investing. DVG is designed to provide young investors and business people with the hard lessons of investing without the personal risk. The organization conducts regular professional business meetings, listens to presentations from investors, researches business concepts, evaluates ratios and feasibility to decide how DVG funds should be invested. Over the last year, DVG has been thriving and great developments have taken place. Currently, there are 19 members in DVG and over 75 have been Back Row (L-R): Landon Fuhrman, Austin Schweer, Matthew Volkmar, Michael Carlson, Dustin Ramage, Tyler Monda, Sam Hager, involved with the fund since Ryan Shane it started in 2006. In the first Middle Row (L-R): Andrew Diephius, Paul Duerre, Brandon Pulst, Kristin Heck, Mickayla Zinsli, Josh Rosard, Preston Page, Tyson Page quarter of 2011, DVG has had Front Row, Seated (L-R): Alexandra Naastad, Dan Horak, Megan Talley, Jonathan Musselwhite, Meridith Narog over a dozen companies directly applying to the DVG for equity funding and three have come to formally present their business. Out of the nine companies that DVG currently holds in their portfolio, eight have been successful in gaining traction in the market and consistently beating previous sales records. This is a major accomplishment considering the lack of spending in markets over the last two years. Randy Block, COO of Larada Sciences and one of DVG’s portfolio companies said, “We have had great interactions with DVG people. We are always impressed with the students and quality of questions and ideas that come from the group.” FALL 2011 business.und.edu | 23
Alumnus Phil Gisi
creating Experiential Learning Opportunities
Left to Right: Jonathan Musselwhite, Phil Gisi, and Alexandra Naastad
P
hil Gisi, a 1982 graduate from the College of Business and Public Administration recently provided a $100,000 gift to the DVG. Gisi serves on the CoBPA Advisory Council, where he had the opportunity to learn more about the DVG and to meet a number of DVG members.
“I was impressed with the concept, but even more impressed with the quality of the students who ran it,” said Gisi. About the same time Gisi was introduced to this group, he was planning a new venture, Edgewood Real Estate Investment Trust, which would be a public REIT focused on investing in real estate in the senior housing and health care industry. Gisi shared his early thoughts about who their outside directors would be, which led him to think about the experience students would have on the board, and even more intriguing to Phil was the thought of bringing them in during the initial start-up phase of the company. At an Advisory Council meeting in 2009, Gisi mentioned the idea of the DVG investing in Edgewood REIT, granting them a board position and that he would be interested in providing them 24 | Business & Public Administration
the funds for their investment through a gift. Soon thereafter, Gisi received a call from the DVG wanting to learn more about Edgewood REIT. Gisi said, “I agreed to a meeting in my office and was visited by a group of six professional-looking, eager young men and women. They showed a high level of initiative, and their questions were intelligent and pointed. Because of their initiative and the way they handled themselves in this meeting, I decided at that moment we would proceed. I can think of no better way to provide experiential learning at this level, and I am confident Edgewood REIT and all of its future investors, will benefit from this relationship.” Experiential learning must not only be hands-on but it must also be repeatedly applied, participative, interactive and focused on the whole person while maintaining contact with the learner’s environment. DVG offers just one of many experiential learning opportunities available at the College of Business and Public Administration as we continue to partner with outstanding alumni.
North Dakota State HR GAmes Since the launch of the new Human Resource Management major, students have been actively involved in the UND Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM) Group. The UND SHRM Group is an official chapter affiliate of the Society for Human Resource Professionals, which is an international organization of over 250,000 HR Professionals in more than 120 countries. The organization involves a growing group of students who take an active interest in current human resource topics, events and discussions. It is sponsored by the local chapter of practicing HR Managers and the Northeastern Dakota Area Human Resource Association, based in Grand Forks, ND. “Being involved in UND SHRM has given me the opportunity to network with local HR professionals and hear directly from them how what I learned in school will be applicable in the “real-world.” Each had different experiences and perspectives. They were excellent resources for school projects and also now as mentors,” says Laura Holland, UND Alumnae ’11, Human Resources. The UND SHRM group hosts local HR professionals for open discussions and lectures and participates in HR events, such as the annual regional HR games and the annual ND SHRM Conference. In the spring of 2011, the group attended the ND State HR games, which were the first state games in North Dakota. The games took place at the University of Mary in Fargo and were hosted by the ND State Council for SHRM. “This is a great opportunity for students to network with HR professionals and learn about the profession,” says Faculty Advisor and Assistant Professor of Management Clare Francis.
Bridget Martinson (HR major). The first place award included a check for $250 for the UND SHRM chapter and a $50 Visa gift card given to each of the three students personally. The group had previously attended the Regional Games at Purdue University in West Lafayette, Indiana in 2009 and 2010, so they had gained experience on what to expect for this year’s event. In both 2009 and in 2010, the UND SHRM group held true to the “North Dakota nice” mentality, by winning the Collegiality Award two years in a row. This award is given to a team that exemplifies sportsmanship, professionalism, a positive attitude and respect for fellow competitors and volunteers. This award is voted on by attendees of the conference. “The HR games were another opportunity to meet HR professionals but also other students interested in the field. Preparing for the games tied in with studying for the PHR test (Professional in Human Resources), which several UND students passed in the December-January testing window,” says Holland. Dr. Francis said that students found the round-table discussions at the conference a great experience. They were able to talk directly with several professional HR managers at once which allowed the students to see how HR managers interact and rely on each other across companies. To learn more about how to get involved with the UND SHRM Organization visit them on Facebook at UND SHRM. The club is open to all majors and encourages diversity within the club to gain a broader perspective on HR applications.
Each team was comprised of three members and they competed in a jeopardy-style format based on human resources questions. These questions are based on topics that will likely be covered in the certification exam to qualify as a “Professional in Human Resources” (PHR), of which UND has had five current and former students qualify this year. The competition was a two day event. The first day involved five rounds of games. The second day consisted of breakout discussions, the semi-final round and final round for the teams, as well as a keynote presentation from respected human resource practitioner, Raymond B. Weinberg. UND SHRM brought two teams to the event, of which both made it to the semi-finals. The first place team included Laura Holland, Aletha Orwick, and Anya Frohling all HR majors, and Aletha is a double major in Accounting. The third place team was Haley Desjarlais (HR major), Aubrey Schulz (Mgmt major) and
Front: David Flaten, Anya Frohling, Aletha Orwick, Anne Palmer Back: Laura Holland, Julie Ohnstad
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Would you like to Manage a million dollar portfolio?
Photo Caption left to right: Brandon Heider, Lee Stenehjem, Sue Stenehjem, Knut Lindaas, Lisa Wunderlich, and Sam Hager.
Have you had the opportunity to manage over a million dollar portfolio?
Benefits to being a member of the Student Managed Investment Fund
For many people the answer to this question would be NO, but for students at the University of North Dakota, they can proudly answer YES!
The benefits to being a member of the SMIF group are enormous. In addition to improving quantitative and qualitative research skills, SMIF members gain experience that is certain to be a valuable tool in advancing career opportunities and employment options in the investments field.
The College of Business and Public Administration offers amazing opportunities with the multitude of student organizations available in which to get involved. In the Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) organization, students receive hands-on experience in the field of finance by allowing them to actually manage a $1,000,000+ portfolio of equity and bonds.
After coming off a big year in 2009 with fund investment returns of over 42%, SMIF once again outperformed the broad-based markets (S&P 500) in three out of four funds in 2010 with returns of 15%.
Students work in small groups conducting research and analysis, and prepare investment decisions. Students are responsible for managing all aspects of the investment fund. This includes research, investment management, administration and client services.
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In 2009, the SMIF fund took 1st place at the Redefining Investment Strategy Education (R.I.S.E. X) competition in Dayton, Ohio outperforming over 300 Universities from around the world.
“Only 20% of professionally managed investment funds outperform the markets on any given year, and SMIF has outperformed the market 3 out of 4 years,” said Dr. Steve Dennis, advisor to the SMIF Group.
Not only does SMIF give students an unprecedented opportunity to manage over $1 million, SMIF also has a track record of placing students in great job opportunities all over the country. Employers give great merit to students that have the experience of managing an investment fund at the beginning of their career. Dr. Dennis consistently has employers contacting him looking for SMIF students. Students have started their careers at local banks such as Bremer Bank and Choice Financial, and larger companies like US Bank and Cargill.
So what made this opportunity possible? Through the support and vision of numerous donors, this program has evolved and continued to expand. SMIF has provided valuable experiences to an increasing number of students, and is gaining worldwide recognition for the College of Business and Public Administration. In the fall of 2005, the CoBPA joined a growing number of business schools by providing students the opportunity to manage and administer an investment portfolio. Thanks to the generosity of A. Kirk Lanterman, the Lanterman Investment Center was built, exposing students to portfolio construction, risk management, financial engineering, trading strategies and corporate governance issues. The high-tech, realtime investment center transports UND students to the fastpaced world of financial markets. The fund started with an initial gift of $100,000 from the UND Alumni Foundation. Currently the portfolio has grown to over $1M with gifts from Jim and Nancy Seifert, Robert Foley, A. Kirk Lanterman and the Stenehjem family. In February 2011, the fund hit its all-time high of $1.1 million. As the program continues to grow, the organization would like to develop a Graduate Portfolio Fund and pursue facility upgrades to the Lanterman Investment Center. The CoBPA continues to look to the future and the exciting growth within this organization. Our students will continue to grow as they are provided with this unique experiential learning opportunity that prepares our students for successful careers following their time at UND.
In the spring of 2011, SMIF went to Minneapolis to compete in the Global Investment Research Challenge (GIRC). The GIRC is an equity research competition sponsored by the CFA Institute featuring student teams from the world’s top 240+ university business programs. Students write an equity research report on a publicly traded company, and present their findings to an expert panel. UND’s SMIF team took 2nd place in this competition, closely behind the University of Minnesota. Other universities competing were North Dakota State University, Bethel University, University of Minnesota Duluth and the University of St. Thomas.
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Business Relationships Assistant Professor of Marketing Dr. Brent Baker prefers to define himself as a business to business researcher. He says that this broad definition allows him the freedom to explore many business issues that exist in many different areas of marketing. Baker has conducted research in the areas of franchising, sales and relationship marketing and has recently published research that examines relational issues that exist between franchisors and franchisees. He is currently working on a piece that investigates what can go wrong with business relationships as well as other relational pieces in the franchising context. He is even investigating business to consumer relationships in the services context with Marketing Professor William Lesch, another marketing faculty member at the University of North Dakota. Another area of particular interest to Dr. Baker is that of professional sales. Baker has presented research that investigates the extent professional sales people internalize the business relationships they are charged with managing. Though this research isn’t yet complete, he believes that the salespeople, who help manage their firm’s business relationships, will tend to view these relationships at the interpersonal level. Dr. Baker is drawn to the area of sales for several reasons. First, he believes that nothing happens in the world of business until someone sells something and thus, the paramount importance of the professional salesperson. Second, as someone who is currently teaching the sales and sales management courses he recognizes the synergy that exists between teaching and researching the same topic. “Being able to teach what you research allows you to bring in (very) new knowledge to the classroom”. It also provides a level of expertise that exceeds that of someone who just teaches the subject. “You research what you’re passionate about which means you’ll know as much about that topic as anybody out there, your curiosity makes you keep up with the state of the discipline”. The marketing department has expressed an interest in developing a full-fledged sales program that will eventually credential students as versed and knowledgeable in the area of professional selling far past the sales and sales management course currently offered. “Publishing research that is relevant to the sales domain adds credibility to any sales program. It tells the students, as well as potential employers, that the people teaching the sales courses are also on the leading edge of the discipline. 28 | Business & Public Administration
Dr. Tim O’Keefe
Dr. Brent Baker
Faculty Research
Textbook Writing Professor of Information Systems and Department Chair and MBA Director, Dr. Tim O’Keefe has recently completed his first textbook. O’Keefe was one of six co-authors that recently completed the textbook: “Your Office – Microsoft Office 2010.” Dr. O’Keefe had spent a lot of time reviewing textbooks over the years and had talked with many textbook company representatives about things he would like to see in a text such as this. “For years, I’ve thought writing a textbook like this would be a way to make a contribution,” said O’Keefe. In April of 2010, Dr. O’Keefe was asked by Pearson Publishing, one of the largest publishers of higher education textbooks, to meet with an acquisitions editor in Minneapolis to discuss writing for the textbook. He was then asked in September to join the team of writers and to write the first two workshops for Microsoft Excel. “Writing this type of textbook is intense, the level of detail is incredible. Every key stroke in the exercises is scripted, so I spent a lot of time writing, and re-writing, working problems and re-working problems,” said O’Keefe. “There was a lot of work with editors to determine what would be included in the workshops, as well as a lot of research time required to learn different program functionalities. A project like this requires a strong dedication to students’ education. There have been a lot of sleepless nights and weekends.” Pearson is marketing “Your Office” nationwide and it has already been adopted by several institutions for fall semester. Feedback from several pre-publication test groups found that out of 449 students whose class tested “Your Office,” 81% of them recommended that their professor use this textbook in his/her future classes. A test group member from Ball State University summed up the feedback of the Excel portion of the text by stating it “explains everything better.” Dr. O’Keefe just finished contributing to a second textbook, “Your Office – Microsoft Excel 2010 Comprehensive,” which will be in print in September. O’Keefe is responsible for four workshops--a total of 1/3 of that textbook.
Dr. Bo Wood
Faculty Awards & Recognitions 2010
Global Climate Change Associate Professor, Dr. Bo Wood is trying to understand how and why local governments in the Great Plains Region respond to the potential impact from global climate change. This study came about in response to a previous survey conducted by Rebecca Romsdahl, Assistant Professor & Graduate Program Director, Earth System Science & Policy Department, University of North Dakota. Romsdahl’s initial survey sampled anybody at any level of government involving natural resource management, seeking information on whether or not they were planning for Global Warming. The results indicated that 80% of those surveyed were not planning. Wood was originally approached by Prof. Romsdahl because she had heard that the Bureau of Governmental Affairs conducts polling on North Dakota issues, and asked for assistance in drawing the sample and gathering the data. As the project unfolded, it became apparent that Wood and Romsdahl were interested in many of the same questions, and that they each brought different perspectives to the table. They collaborated on a paper that grew from that first round of Great Plains surveys, and that led to the seed money grant that is funding the current project. The goals with the survey are to conduct a more methodically sound survey, and interview only mayors. Through this survey they will look at the great plains ecological region and determine if they are planning for global warning, and the different between who is planning and who is not. Wood’s hypothesis is that 1) places that are more vulnerable (such as on a river or coast), are planning for it and 2) Global Warming is a framing issue. Wood stated that places that are more successful in getting plans/ policy in place avoid the term global warming, and focus on different areas such as “water conservation” when selling the policy to the public. Wood and Romsdahl expect to begin the data collection this fall and will continue through late spring. They will be contacting around 900 cities from Grand Forks to Texas and hope to visit a few of the cities for in person interviews that will supplement the survey data. The first article is expected to be written next summer, as well as presenting a preliminary paper on the project at the APPAM (Association for Public Policy Analysis and Management) in Washington DC in November.
ND Spirit Award Winners Dr. Sean Valentine, Dr. Pradosh Simlai, Dr. Yilei Zhang, Dr, Paul Sum, and Dr. Yanjun (Frank) Zuo Junior Faculty Research Award Dr. Pradosh Simlai Established Faculty Research Award Dr. Peri da Silva Charles & Betty Corwin Established Teaching Award Dr. David Flynn Non-Tenure Track Teaching Award Tom Clement Staff Awards Marsha Oss - Administrative Secretary, Department of Accountancy Corrine Iverson - Administrative Secretary, Department of Marketing Michelle Garske - Graduate Advisor/Accreditation Coordinator Endowed Faculty Fellowships, Professorships & Exellence Awards Clow Banking Fellow Dr. Pat O’Neill Langemo Faculty Fellow - renewed Dr. Glenda Rotvold Morrison Faculty Fellow - renewed Dr. Mary Askim-Lovseth Pancratz Faculty Fellow- renewed Dr. Duane Helleloid Dean’s Excellence Junior Faculty Fellowship Dr. Yilei Zhang Suda Karnik Faculty Fellowship Dr. Patrick Schultz UND Alumni Leadership & Ethics Professorship Dr. Sean Valentine Economics Faculty Excellence Award Dr. Cullen Goenner Robert Page Professorship - renewed Dr. Nancy Beneda Endowed Chairs Aarestad Chair of Financial Services Dr. Steve Dennis The Burwell Chair of Entrepreneurship Dr. Larry Pate
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Entrepreneurship Department Growing: Three Budding Professors The College of Business and Public Administration launched its major in Entrepreneurship in the fall of 2000, and created an Entrepreneurship department in 2009. The entrepreneurship program is designed to help prepare students for new venture creation and management by providing them with a comprehensive set of entrepreneurial skills along with a business foundation. National statistics show that increasing numbers of university graduates choose to be entrepreneurs, and entrepreneurship students are in high demand with traditional business employers (Sommars 1998). As the Entrepreneurship department has been continually developing, so have the faculty and staff in this area. Currently three of the faculty, Craig Silvernagel, LaRoyce Batchelor and Tom Clement are part of a cohort working toward a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership at the University of North Dakota. All three began this cohort in the fall of 2009 under the direction of Jeff Sun. Their common interest in entrepreneurship has shaped their research and writing in the program to focus on the topic area of entrepreneurship.
“It has been fun to have a common entrepreneurship interest with others while working through the program,” says faculty member and Entrepreneurship department chair, Craig Silvernagel.
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Each of these faculty members have taken an interesting road that ultimately led them to their current research and educational pathway in entrepreneurship.
Craig Silvernagel earned a Bachelors’ Degree in Marketing
from the University of North Dakota in 1992 with a minor in communication and music. He came to UND from the Twin Cities with an intent to study music. He began to have a growing interest in digital graphic design and thought he might like to start a business venture in this area so he transitioned into the business college to study marketing, which led him to pursue his MBA 1995 and work as a graduate assistant in the Marketing department. Silvernagel’s first venture started in 1994 with the creation of Ad Monkeys, an advertising agency. The company developed its niche by being a “creative boutique” and was on the front end of digital design. In 2001, Silvernagel decided to sell his half of the business to his business partner and pursue new avenues in his career. He took a one year teaching appointment at the University of Minnesota, Crookston (UMC) teaching Marketing and Entrepreneurship and really enjoyed the work and was convinced that this was the next direction for his career. Following his appointment, at UMC, an opportunity opened up at the University of North Dakota for an Entrepreneurship Director. After working in this position for a few years, Craig started thinking that if he wanted to pursue a career in academics; he needed to get his Ph.D., which led him to his current pursuit of a Ph.D. in Educational Leadership.
Silvernagel began his first research projects with the late Dr. Richard Schultz, former Chair of the Electrical Engineering department of the University of North Dakota. “Richard Schultz was my first mentor on writing and scholarship,” said Silvernagel. Silvernagel and Schultz started working in the area of student generated intellectual property, which is the focus of Silvernagel’s Ph.D. research. He is interested in studying the attitudes/expectations/beliefs of people and organizations involved in the creation and development of intellectual property at the university. The premise is that expectations are different and that this is important to understand in order to create an environment where everyone can flourish. Silvernagel has presented his research at several national conferences, and has published one peer reviewed article with Dr. Steven Moser (Associate Dean of CoBPA), and Schultz. In his dissertation research, Silvernagel plans to use “expectancy theory” to study student motivation related to the creation of intellectual property.
Tom Clement is also a UND graduate with an Industrial
Technology degree in 1995. His business ventures began with opening a motorcycle dealership, which he operated for six years. “In college I took accounting and bombed it, when I started my own business I had to learn the hard way,” says Clement. Perry Mattson, Clement’s accountant for the business helped explain these principles to him and they worked together growing an active interest in accounting for Clement. After selling the business in 2002, Clement decided to pursue his MBA at UND. During this time he was asked to teach Entrepreneurship 301: Accounting and Finance for Entrepreneurs. Originally Clement wanted to pursue a Ph.D. in Accounting but began to steer more towards the area of entrepreneurship. “My heart was in entrepreneurship. As the department grew it became clear that this is where I belong,” said Clement. Clement’s dissertation research is focusing on families of entrepreneurs. Additional research has been done on grief counseling for entrepreneurs. “When a business dies it is like a death,” said Clement. Through Clement’s research he would like to take it a step farther and look at how the families are affected. He would also like to conduct studies on why there are not more female entrepreneurs. Recent research conducted by Clement and Silvernagel involves entrepreneurial finance. Their research was focused on how entrepreneurs find money to fund their ideas.
LaRoyce Batchelor came to the University of North Dakota from California on a speech and debate scholarship in 1987. Following her undergraduate degree she started a consulting business with five other UND graduates. The consulting business focused on streamlining businesses and downsizing. They would spend two weeks in each area of the business and then develop a report on their findings. If the company bought the report they would make money. Batchelor indicated that one business saved
$3 million by using their recommendations on revising their complaint system. Batchelor’s interest in this area started back in college when she worked for the Golden Cue Billiard. “The manager always was asking how to do things better, and I was always aware of people’s dialog with customers,” said Batchelor. After her consulting ventures, Batchelor was persuaded by Dr. Raymond Fisher to come back to UND to help the speech team and work on her Masters in Communication. Batchelor then stayed and taught for a few years until she went to Red River College where she taught until 2009. Then Batchelor found herself returning to UND to work on her Ph.D. in Educational Leadership in a cohort with Silvernagel and Clement. Throughout Batchelor’s career she has always been very entrepreneurial developing new concepts and small businesses. One of her ventures included developing curriculum packets/ activity packets centered on music that she would sell to daycares and homeschools. She also developed a business called “A Mothers Touch”, were she mended and provided alterations and would turn mementos people brought her into quilts. “Everyone comes with skills, it is just a matter if you choose to use them,” says Batchelor. In 2009 Batchelor pitched a course to Dean Elbert and Associate Dean Moser on entrepreneur communication. They both liked the idea and students indicated that this had been a missing piece in the curriculum. Starting the fall of 2011, Batchelor is now working part-time for the Entrepreneurship department and halftime for the Center for Innovation. In addition, she was awarded the first Entrepreneurship Fellow established by a gift from Tom & Gayle Clifford through the Center for Innovation. The endowment was set up to support up-and-coming entrepreneurminded leaders on campus who wish to build innovative programs on campus. Batchelor’s research is currently focused on two tracks: student success, and classroom management.
“I love looking at innovation and creativity in a habitual way,” says Batchelor. With three budding professors, the Entrepreneurship department at the University of North Dakota continues to grow with new and fresh ideas. Silvernagel said that the department is focused on maintaining and building on the things they already do well while focusing development efforts on faculty lines for the department, creating more experiential learning opportunities for students, and enhancing the entrepreneurship business competition. Silvernagel’s long term goals include developing additional offerings in the areas of technology entrepreneurship, and social entrepreneurship. The future continues to look bright for the Entrepreneurship department at the University of North Dakota as three faculty are on their pathway to success with the culmination of their Ph.D.’s anticipated in Fall 2012.
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Take advantage of a North Dakota tax credit! Do you pay taxes in North Dakota? Do you have a desire to make an enduring impact at the UND College of Business and Public Administration? With a minimum $5,000 endowment gift to the UND Foundation, you may benefit from both a federal tax deduction AND a North Dakota income tax credit equal to 40% of the federal deduction, thereby significantly reducing the cost of your gift.
For more information on the North Dakota tax credit opportunity, please contact Kim Woods, Director of Development, College of Business and Public Administration at kimw@undfoundation.org, call 701.777.4106 or 800.543.8764 or visit spirit.und.edu.
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Partner Today | Impact Forever B. John Barry Family Challenge Grant
“I have a personal belief in the power of philanthropy and the educational and economic impact it can have in North Dakota. At the College of Business & Public Administration there is an energy and excitement that I feel will make a global impact. Establishing the gift as a challenge grant is my way of not only supporting the College, but encouraging others to do the same.� - B. John Barry
Goals Donor Commitment:
$30 million
Matching Support:
$10 Million
Resulting Impact:
$40 Million
Impact to date Endowments Established:
35
Qualifying Gifts + Open Pledge Commitments:
$8.71 million
Impact with Challenge Grant:
$11.62 million
Students: 15 endowments
$2.0 million
Educators: 8 endowments
$4.9 million
Programs: 12 endowments
$4.72 million
Totals do not reflect endowment minimums or goals established.
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Olafson Ethics Symposium
Patrick Kuhse
Thursday, November 17, 2011 7:30 pm Memorial Union Ballroom Patrick Kuhse became an expert on ethics the hard way - by taking part in his own criminal acts and suffering the consequences. He originally worked as a successful stockbroker, but he kept his clients in the dark about a number of important issues. The situation got worse when a friend offered Kuhse a position as the investment advisor for the multi-billion dollar investment portfolio of the state of Oklahoma. He accepted, and with his “greed goggles� on, illegally bumped up his commission. After being caught, Patrick Kuhse spent four years on the lam in Costa Rica, trying to avoid the FBI and the federal government. Eventually, he decided to turn himself in and take responsibility for his actions. He spent four years in prison, and now devotes himself to speaking to audiences worldwide about the importance of ethical behavior.
The purpose of the Olafson Ethics Symposium To provide a platform for students and the business community to explore the importance of both personal and professional ethics. This annual event is funded through the support of Robert Olafson and his dedication to ethical business practices and the University of North Dakota. 34 | Business & Public Administration
Homecoming 2011
College of Business and Public Administration
Homecoming week - Department Events Monday, October 17 - Saturday, October 22
Tuesday, October 18 Mellem Business Symposium “The Business of Energy” Panel Discussions - Gamble Hall 8:30am - 3:15pm Keynote Presentation: Susan Preston EERC 7 PM More details at: www.business.und.edu Thursday, October 20 Sioux Awards 5:30PM - Alerus Ballroom CoBPA Young Alumni Award Winners: Amanda Bentow, ’04 BSBA, ’06 MBA John Kutch, ’93 BSBA CoBPA Sioux Award Winner: Gary Marsden, ’63 BSBA
Friday, October 21
CoBPA Awards & Recognition Ceremony Memorial Union Ballroom - 12:00PM
Accounting Alumni Reunion Alerus Mtg Room #8 & #9 - 6:00-9:30PM
Homecoming Celebration! Alerus Parking lot - 7:00PM - ND Steel Pan Band - Address: President Kelley/Mayor Brown Athletic Director Faison/Tim O’keefe - Varsity Bards - Door prizes - Downtown horns/Celebration Dance
Saturday, October 22 Hot Chocolate at the Parade 10:00AM Tailgating Tent at the homecoming game 11:00AM
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Business & Public Administration
Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage Paid Grand Forks, ND Permit #10
College of Business & Public Administration 293 Centennial Drive, stop 8098 Grand Forks, ND 58202-8098
Where others see problems...
Social Entrepreneurs see opportunities! The College of Business and Public Administration is now cooperatively offering a new graduate level certificate in social entrepreneurship with the College of Arts & Sciences making students and faculty agents of change.
www.business.und.edu