Around the World: Global Programs

AROUND THE WORLD Global Programs

CENTER CELEBRATES GLOBAL BUSINESS GRADUATES

GLOBAL LEADERSHIP FELLOWS

MCGL is honored to recognize eight outstanding IB students that graduated with the Global Leadership Fellows (GLF) distinction in May: Annie Cowen ’22 VSB, Danniela Estrada ’22 VSB, Alyssa Hogarth ’22 VSB, Sydney Karpowich ’22 VSB, Henry Kreisl ’22 VSB, Alicia Langan ’22 VSB, Diya Sharma ’22 VSB and Colette Termaat ’22 VSB. Each of the GLF graduates has benefited from a mentor relationship with an MCGL Advisory Council member. They have all completed the requirements for an International Business co-major and a functional major, two required international experiences, and at least one international internship.

Collectively, GLF graduates have achieved a 3.7 GPA; speak six different languages; and have studied or interned across eight countries including China, Chile, Ireland, Italy, Malaysia, Singapore, Spain and the UK. Six students majored in Accounting and two triple majored in Business Analytics, with one each completing degree requirements for MIS and Marketing in addition to International Business. Six GLF graduates also completed minors in Business Law, Computer Science, Spanish, Latin American Studies, and Peace and Justice.

Cowen earned a 3.97 GPA and received the Bartley Medallion for Excellence in Accounting—the highest distinction VSB can bestow—in recognition of outstanding achievement. She was a semi-finalist for a Fulbright English teaching assistant (ETA) in Indonesia and completed four internships during her college career. Kreisl earned a 3.92 GPA, received the Bartley Medallion for Excellence in International Business, was awarded a Fulbright ETA in South Korea and will then join BNY Mellon as a business analyst in NYC. Karpowich was awarded a Fulbright ETA in the Slovak Republic and will then join EY Financial Services in an audit position in Philadelphia. Langan will participate in KPMG’s Global Internship Program in Malaysia this summer and she and Sharma will return to VSB next fall to complete a Master of Accounting with Data Analytics. Sharma’s graduate degree has been sponsored by KPMG and she will join their Business Tax Services team in Philadelphia. Estrada has accepted a position with PwC International Tax Consulting in Chicago. Hogarth will be joining Johnson & Johnson Consumer in Fort Washington to participate in their Sales Leadership Development Program, and Termaat will join PricewaterhouseCoopers Audit as PCS associate in Seattle.

The GLF program completely changed my Villanova experience by introducing me to people who share similar values, passions and aspirations. Kim Cahill, MCGL director, has been my biggest source of support, advice and comfort throughout these past four years. Finding my place and purpose through the GLF program, and my mentor Deb Affonsa, is truly the reason I have become confident in who I am and where I am going!

— Annie Cowen ’22 VSB

MCGL was an impactful part of my college experience because of the connections I created during my time as a Global Leadership Fellow. MCGL influenced my career by connecting me with a GLF mentor, Bill Tozzi. He had experience working abroad and advised me on interview preparations, internship hunting and what to look for in a company when accepting a fulltime offer. I am so thankful for the resources that have been provided for me through the GLF program.

— Danniela Estrada ’22 VSB

With the support of MCGL, I have not only been able to study and travel abroad but gain a deeper understanding of how business and culture differ across the globe. Being a Global Leadership Fellow has trained me to think critically to prepare for work abroad during my professional career. — Alyssa Hogarth ’22 VSB

GLF and MCGL enabled me to apply the global trends and experience the foreign cultures that I learned about in VSB classrooms. My experiences abroad allowed me to immerse myself in new cultures, engage in local customs and explore unique destinations that I would not have otherwise encountered. The skills I gained as a GLF will guide me as I interact with people from diverse backgrounds in my future endeavors. — Sydney Karpowich ’22 VSB

MCGL and the GLF program were integral in my transformation from a small-town kid to a global citizen. The opportunities I was afforded through Villanova changed the course of my life, and I am excited to take what I have learned out into the world.

— Henry Kreisl ’22 VSB

The GLF program introduced me to like-minded individuals within Villanova, many of whom I traveled with abroad. This fellowship allowed me to maintain and grow those friendships beyond individual experiences. In addition, the GLF program allowed me to develop global leadership skills and network with established global leaders through conferences and events. — Alicia Langan ’22 VSB

MCGL and the GLF program have helped me immensely throughout my entire college experience. My mentor, Steve DeRose, has given me very beneficial career and life advice on several occasions. I am so grateful for him and the GLF program.

— Diya Sharma ’22 VSB

Participating in the GLF program has encouraged me to look outside the normal path of an accounting major in my education and career considerations. I’ve been able to network with people abroad and realize the importance of having a global mindset and cultural awareness, combining what I learned in the classroom. The program is great for students that want to expand their global mindset!

— Colette Termaat ’22 VSB

AROUND THE WORLD Global Programs

CENTER CELEBRATES GLOBAL BUSINESS GRADUATES

GLOBAL BUSINESS CONCENTRATION

Rachel Jennings ’21 CLAS

THE GLOBAL BUSINESS CONCENTRATION (GBC) program was created and launched by MCGL in 2020 and has generated more than 50 applications in two years. The GBC program encourages interdisciplinary scholarship and leverages VSB’s extensive global resources to the benefit of IB co-majors and students from other schools across the University interested in a global business credential. Previously, students outside of VSB did not have access to business classes unless they were pursuing a business minor.

Three seniors from CLAS graduated in 2022, completing all requirements to earn the Global Business Concentration: Mark Oddo II, Bobby Sanderson and Ciaran Stephens. Oddo majored in Economics with a minor in Spanish and is a Private Equity apprentice at Star Mountain Capital in NYC. Sanderson majored in Economics with a minor in Psychology and has accepted a position as an E-Commerce Strategy associate at Wayfair in Boston. Stephens majored in Economics with a minor in Chinese. He will join AIG in their Manhattan office as an Underwriting analyst in their Financial Institutions Group.

One of the inaugural GBC graduates, Rachel Jennings ’21 CLAS, was awarded a Fulbright grant to pursue a master’s degree in Marketing and Research and Consumer Behavior from the IE University of Madrid. Following her graduation from Villanova, Jennings spent a year with Morgan Stanley as an Operations analyst in NYC.

“The GBC program helped round out my Economics major in CLAS and the added international business curriculum brought a wider set of global business perspectives to my studies. Additionally, GBC gave me access to innovative international management classes that I could not have taken otherwise.”

— Mark Oddo II ’22 CLAS

“The GBC program gave me access to a wider range of classes in the business school, which have propelled me towards a future in international business. As a small-business owner who depends on global relationships, the Moran Center has prepared me for many international scenarios where understanding multiple perspectives is an essential skill.” — Bobby Sanderson ’22 CLAS

“Joining the GBC program was a defining moment for me during my time at Villanova. Having taken introductory coursework in Chinese and an interest in pursuing a career in business, the GBC program greatly supplemented my ability to succeed in the global marketplace. It taught the ins and outs of foreign markets/economies whilst also equipping me with necessary knowledge of customs, values and international business practices in order to thrive in a global environment.”

— Ciaran Stephens ’22 CLAS

RAMMRATH FUND SUPPORTS INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES

THE HERBERT G. RAMMRATH ENDOWED FUND for

Global Initiatives and International Scholarships was established in 2008 to provide financial resources to support global programs and underwrite student scholarships for business students. Scholarships support international students attending VSB as well as outgoing VSB students’ participation in a study abroad or global internship experience.

In the last 14 years, Herbert G. Rammrath ’57 has provided nearly half a million dollars in scholarship funding for 225 students, including 43 international scholars from 11 countries and students studying abroad in 26 countries. Rammrath commented, “Villanova helped me have a fruitful life. Now, I am simply giving back some of the benefits I received from my time at Villanova.”

MCGL oversees and administers this fund and is grateful for Rammrath’s generous philanthropy. This year, $45,000 in Rammrath Scholarships were awarded to 21 students. Six international students from India, Pakistan and Vietnam received funding for the academic year. Fifteen undergraduate students completed international experience requirements in six different countries including Australia, Denmark, France, Italy, South Africa and Spain.

Herbert Rammrath with Rammrath students: Madhav Pandya ’23 VSB, Loretta Bobb ’17 MBA, Jenny (Shiyu) Su ’21 VSB, Janelle Fritz ’18 MBA and Thomas Rodriguez ’16 VSB

MCGL Director Kim Cahill stated, “It is an honor and privilege to work with Herb and oversee the student scholars. His humility, kindness and generosity are an inspiration to me. His treasure and shared knowledge— he personally meets with scholarship recipients and regales them with stories of his international adventures—have made a lasting, personal and meaningful impact on these students’ lives.”

AROUND THE WORLD Global Programs

REBUILDING STUDY ABROAD

MAYMESTER PROGRAMMING

After MCGL’s successful 2019 launch of the University’s first Maymester Intensive Course Abroad in Sydney, preparation was underway to deliver the program again in Australia and expand the initiative to Germany for 2020. MCGL was able to resume the program in Sydney and finally launch the new Berlin Maymester program in 2022. For rising VSB seniors, many of whom experienced two years of cancellations, this meant they would have their only opportunity to participate in a study abroad program before completing their undergraduate careers.

Ahighlight of both programs was engaging a number of Villanova alumni in Berlin and Sydney. Villanova graduates served as presenters and hosted corporate site visits to share their knowledge and experiences living and working internationally, significantly expanding the students’ global network. Students met with the following alumni overseas: Francis Felice ’98 VSB, CFO, Bonial International Group; Savannah Trifiro ’15 VSB, SEO team lead, US Market, Nexern GmbH; Ryan Weikert ’12 VSB, senior corporate development manager, Omio; Amanda Gilmore ’12 VSB, country manager, Peloton Interactive Australia; John Aloisa ’02 VSB, chief financial accountant, Lendlease; Kiki Peterson ’02 VSB, partner, KPMG Australia; and Michelle Mutchnik ’02 VSB, deputy CFO, Magellan Asset Management Limited.

In Australia, students completed the required Global Political Economy course with a focus on the Asia-Pacific Region. Led by MCGL Co-Faculty Director Michelle Casario, PhD, students attended lectures and business meetings, participating in corporate site visits with Salesforce, Pfizer, Nestlé, Costco, KPMG, Lendlease and Peloton. Cultural activities included a visit to the iconic Sydney Opera House and a trip to a wildlife sanctuary where students learned about eco-tourism, aboriginal artifacts and traditional bush medicine. Students took a guided walking tour of the historical Rocks area, including the Royal Botanic Garden, and climbed the famous Sydney Harbor Bridge.

Madeleine Sateri ’23 VSB shared, “Through traveling to Australia and understanding the economic drivers of the Asia Pacific region, I am a more well-rounded global citizen and leader. This international experience helped me move one step closer to VSB’s mantra of developing business leaders for a better world.”

The Berlin Maymester was developed by MCGL Director Kim Cahill and Sue Metzger, professor of practice, Information Systems, featuring a required course in Strategic Information Technology. Cahill and Metzger secured a $5,000 grant award from IES Abroad to subsidize student fees and leveraged their personal and professional networks in Berlin to enhance the program. Cahill received a Fulbright award for International Education Administrators in 2015 to travel throughout Germany, creating connections with senior higher education professionals in both countries. Prior to coming to Villanova, Metzger was a director of Global Support for SAP America—including a two-year assignment at headquarters in Walldorf, Germany—managing teams and processes that provided large scale, global support to critical customer situations. MCGL Assistant Director Gloria Angel stepped up at the last moment to assist, supporting Metzger and the students on the ground when Cahill was unable to travel.

While in Berlin, coursework was complemented by company site visits that included SAP, Deloitte Consulting, Adlershof Technology Park and Bonial International Group. Cultural activities featured the Reichstag, Technik Museum, Barberini Museum and Palace Sanssouci, among others. Students heard from a local PhD student and toured Freie Universitat, learning about the university’s rich history of continued representation of freedom, openness and transparency.

Matt Catalano ’25 VSB stated, “Berlin is a hub for innovation and seeing their cutting-edge technologies in action was really exciting. We learned about blockchain and quantum computing and this experience made me decide to add a Management Information Systems double major.”

AROUND THE WORLD Global Programs

REBUILDING STUDY ABROAD

GLOBAL PRACTICUM

For the first time in two years, MBA students traveled as part of the required Global Practicum spring class. One group visited Chile and the other traveled to the United Arab Emirates (UAE). In Dubai, graduate students met with representatives from Emirates airlines, advertiser Wunderman Thompson, property developer Nakheel, and innovation and entrepreneurial hub Dtec. They engaged in a quasi-consulting project with IQ Robotics, an automated supply chain and logistics solutions provider. The students also visited the Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, an architectural masterpiece that combines Islamic architecture and design.

In Chile, students visited multinationals, such as Michelin, as well as startups like Yoy Simulators. These companies provided mini consulting projects for the students. Students working with Michelin offered solutions to pending recycling regulations while students working with Yoy presented an entry strategy for US expansion. Other company visits included a custom wooden door factory, a social entrepreneur who recycled denim into new garments providing opportunities to indigenous women, and an NGO that creates park space for low-income communities. The group enjoyed wine tasting at a vineyard and learned about the challenges facing Chile’s wine industry.

Andrew Criner ’23 MBA said, “Participating in the MBA Global Practicum course in Chile allowed me to view the world from a different cultural perspective. We were tasked with helping a Chilean tech company break into the US market and met with the CEO and his staff at their Valparaiso headquarters, where we tested the technology and conversed with the firm about its market strategies. This experience allowed me to gain a new perspective and understanding of the business cultures that exist throughout the world. Lastly, the relationships and experiences made from this trip are something that I will cherish forever.”

ALTERNATIVE INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCES CONTINUE

ALTHOUGH THE GLOBAL PRACTICUM TRIPS resumed in March of 2022, innovations initiated during the height of the pandemic continued to inform the domestic version, in which virtual international consulting projects are now an integral component. In summer 2021, students worked with Yoy, located in Valparaiso, Chile (a company that later engaged with the traveling Global Practicum students as described above). Yoy improves people’s learning capacity by applying immersive technologies and virtual and augmented reality to industrial safety, education and training. Students provided a consulting engagement and due diligence for future global expansion in Brazil, Germany, the UK and the US.

In fall 2021, students served on a consulting project with EvoluSun, a French company that designs and installs distributed photovoltaic generation solutions and that is seeking to expand into other global markets of Mexico, Colombia, Ecuador and Brazil. In spring 2022, students worked with Grupo Delia Flores in Argentina, a leading provider of customs brokerage services, logistics, global supply chain and international cargo transportation. The students evaluated the company’s potential expansion in Brazil, Chile, Uruguay and Bolivia. Another group worked on a comprehensive project involving business challenges facing Axur in Brazil, a digital risk protection platform powered by AI that helps companies track and eliminate online risks and cybercrime. Axur is seeking to expand its business to Colombia, Mexico, the UK, Turkey, Spain and the US.

At the undergraduate level, MCGL Co-Faculty Director Michelle Casario offered a Special Topics course on the Economies of the Asia-Pacific Region. The course, designed to provide an alternative international experience to fulfill the study abroad requirement of the International Business co-major, attracted a diverse group of students from VSB and CLAS. Combining academic coursework with a virtual global consulting project, students worked in groups with companies across multiple industries in Australia, New Zealand, Indonesia, Malaysia and Singapore.

Consulting projects included work on digitization and cost-saving strategies for Alliance Bank in Malaysia, guided research on Singapore’s vulnerability to trade shocks for Hill and Associates’ Asia Viewpoint report, mapping value chains and stakeholder relationships in the pharmaceutical industry for Previsior in Australia, and preparing a report on the business issues of a US-New Zealand digital Free Trade Agreement for the American Chamber of Commerce in New Zealand.

Global Leadership Fellow Colette Termaat ’22 VSB worked on the New Zealand consulting project. This experience stimulated an interest to delve more deeply into the US-NZ digital Free Trade Agreement (FTA), inspiring her to travel to NZ to learn about their economy and the issues preventing the US and NZ from reaching a digital FTA. While there, she met with AmCham Executive Director Mike Hearns and attended the AmCham-DHL Express Success and Innovation Awards.

Termaat added, “My experience in New Zealand was one of a kind and the class was essential to my ability to navigate culturally significant conversations and bring an American perspective to US/NZ business and trade deals. The project emphasized the importance of bringing together information from both sides of the agreement in evaluating the impact of trade deals and the issues that will need to be addressed in the future. It was an incredible opportunity to expand my global network and apply what I learned in the classroom to contribute to a real-life global challenge.”