Business of School UPDATES
Dean’s message
I was recently perusing the garden section in Home Depot and noticed something peculiar. Unlike most packaging that contains pictures of what’s inside, the pictures on the vegetable seed packages were not of seeds but of beautiful grown vegetables.
Similarly, here in the School of Business, we see our students not just for what they are but what they are becoming. This is truly a transformational place, one of life-changing experience. I am privileged to have a front-row seat in watching students grow into confident, articulate, thoughtful, and faith-filled professionals.
In this annual report, we catch a glimpse of the various activities and initiatives that make this place so special. We covet your prayers as we continue our long legacy of preparing students to spread their proverbial wings and fly to amazing heights.
—Bruce Toews
BizBuddies
School launches new peer mentorship program
The BizBuddies program was created for freshmen and sophomore business students looking for help in navigating their academic journey, building connections, and developing professional skills.
According to Johanna Attoh, associate professor of economics and finance, the junior/senior business mentors have already helped mentees gain confidence in their academic and professional paths. Mentors have also benefited as they further develop their leadership and communication skills.
The focus of student discussions includes important topics such as building a resume, job interviews, study strategies, and more. The students also enjoy social events like root beer float and ice cream parties, and a game night at President Alex Bryan’s house.
Northern lights
Bowers Hall glows against the colors of the Aurora Borealis
The School of Business is proud of its remodeled home (2018), which has proven to be a great blessing. Thank you to all the architects, builders, fundraisers, and donors who made this wonderful space possible.
Why study business here?
Small class sizes
Our students enjoy lively discussions and active involvement facilitated by small classes, enhancing learning effectiveness.
In-demand degrees
Our degrees and certificates cover most of the top 10 indemand business specialties (per a NACE survey).
Award-winning faculty who care
Our faculty win awards in teaching and advising, and seek to support students’ academic and personal success even outside teaching hours.
Superior preparation to succeed
Our students consistently score higher than 8-out-of-10 other business schools in a comprehensive national business exam.
Photo by Caleb Snarr, May 10, 2024
U-Pitch—encouraging student innovation and professionalism
Every year the School of Business sponsors an entrepreneurial competition called U-Pitch. It is a unique opportunity for students to collaborate with their professors and peers from across campus. Participants gain important experience creating a comprehensive business plan and learning how to confidently present in front of a critical panel of knowledgeable judges.
The 2024 U-Pitch finals resulted in Purecomfort taking first place (and $5,000) for a functional and fashionable tank top for mastectomy recovery patients. Vault-X took second place (and $3,000) for a product that makes handling X-Acto knife blades safer. WiseBites took third place (and $2,000) for an app that would scan food barcodes for immediate nutrition information.
Student teams moved through several stages in the U-Pitch competition, starting with a written submission, followed by a
$10,000+
U-Pitch teams were awarded more than $10,000 for their innovative business ideas.
promotion video, and ending with an in-person pitch to a panel of successful, independent entrepreneurs.
The U-Pitch funds became available thanks to the late Fred Cornforth. After graduating from WWU in 1984 and becoming a successful businessman, he went on to fund numerous clinics, orphanages, and other charitable initiatives all over the world. Bruce Toews, dean of the School of Business, said, “Suffice it to say, Fred lived the true meaning of his faith in comforting the afflicted and feeding the hungry.”
Sadly, in 2024 Cornforth lost his battle with cancer. At the U-Pitch finals, Toews said of Cornforth, “Although Fred can’t be with us tonight, I know that he would be very proud
The 2024 U-Pitch finals resulted in Purecomfort taking first place.
“Although Fred can’t be with us tonight, I know that he would be very proud of each of our budding entrepreneurs.“
of each of our budding entrepreneurs.”
U-Pitch is all about developing and encouraging students’ creative and professional skills. This coming spring, this annual competition returns to do just that with allnew student innovation and dedication.
WWU welcomes the first cohort of its online MBA
In January Walla Walla University launched an ambitious online master of business administration (MBA) program to equip working professionals with skills to become strategic, tech-savvy, ethical leaders in today’s business environment.
Lessons from accomplished business leaders and industry experts play an integral role in the flexible, asynchronous, online program. For example, last month, Johnny
“The professors are supportive and do an amazing job of integrating collaboration into the program. This allows me to connect with and learn from both instructors and peers, despite my busy schedule.
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Jesson, WWU and MIT Sloan School of Management graduate who has served in important roles at Walmart and Google, shared his experience in finance and analytics. And more recently, Rachel Ruggeri, WWU alumna and former executive vice president and chief financial officer of Starbucks, offered insights on character, integrity, and business ethics.
“This MBA program at Walla Walla University has been amazing so far,” says current student Mikey Stewart-Tapasco. “The professors are supportive and do an amazing job of integrating collaboration into the program. This allows me to connect with and learn from both instructors and peers, despite my busy schedule. Based on the quality, flexibility, and cost of this program, I highly recommend it to anyone seeking to further their education with an MBA.”
Launching the program has been “on the drawing board” for some time, says Bruce Toews, professor of accounting and finance and dean of the School of Business. The consistent success of the university’s undergraduate business seniors, and considerable expertise among WWU business alumni, provided a strong foundation for a master’s-level program. “The timing finally felt right to introduce this virtual ‘third floor’ to Bowers Hall,” he says.
WWU’s MBA program emphasizes ethical principles, strategic decision-making, and real-world applications. The virtual learning community connects students with their professors and peers through colloquium events, guided book readings and discussions, and networking events with highly accomplished business leaders.
Students can enroll in September, January, April, or June, and the general MBA degree can be completed in one year. Starting in fall 2025, students may choose to add highdemand specializations that include business analytics, artificial intelligence, finance, healthcare administration, and cybersecurity.
Earning an MBA distinguishes graduates as strategic business leaders, prepares them
The virtual “third floor” of Bowers is a place for MBA students to connect and learn from industry experts.
to confidently deal with continual change and complex challenges in the business environment, and broadens their global perspective and professional networks. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects a faster growth rate for overall employment in management occupations than the average for all occupations until 2033. While many employers do not require MBAs, the BLS notes that some employers prefer to hire candidates with MBAs.
Learn more about the MBA program at wallawalla.edu/mba.
Enactus at Walla Walla University
This past year saw tremendous growth and achievement for the WWU Enactus team. In collaboration with the newly formed Entrepreneurship Society of WWU, the Enactus team has solidified its role as a hub for creative problem-solving and leadership development on campus.
A highlight was participating in the Alaska Airlines Environmental Innovation Challenge at the University of Washington. Competing against 32 other teams, our Biogas Project stood out, earning the Spark Award. The Enactus team developed an innovative solution that converts animal waste into biofuel, providing a sustainable and costeffective household energy source.
The Enactus team also attended the HYVE Competition held at Southern Adventist University. Competing with sister Adventist schools, our Biogas Project again impressed judges, securing third place and a $2,500 prize.
accountability app that would provide users with customized nutritional recommendations and tracking tools. WiseBites secured third place in the competition, earning a $2,000 prize.
The team also participated in the Loma Linda University Health Business Case Competition, where they tackled a real-world healthcare business challenge. The team finished second, showcasing their strategic thinking and innovative approach to problemsolving.
In addition to these competitions, the team actively engaged in Service Day, helping benefit the community by completing a cleaning and restoration project. Events like the Enactus-sponsored Shark Tank Episode Night combine fun and learning. In a landmark moment, the Enactus team members presented their projects and initiatives to the WWU’s Board of Trustees.
The WWU Enactus team allows students to flex their business pitching muscles and build leadership skills.
Closer to home, the annual WWU U-Pitch Competition showcasedour WiseBites project, an innovative health
Enactus continues to inspire the next generation of leaders and changemakers. These achievements and initiatives would not have been possible without the support of generous alumni, donors, and community partners. For questions or comments, please contact us at enactus@wallawalla.edu.
Strengthening professional skills in summer internships
For Walla Walla University business majors, completing an internship not only fulfills graduation requirements, but it also strengthens resumes, confirms career interests, and often leads to full-time employment.
Over the last three years, WWU business majors completed over 240 internships at an amazing variety of organizations, from investment banking firms to state legislatures. Last summer, senior business majors Vinicius Silva and Heloisa Sarli developed their professional skills in real-world settings. Here are their first-hand accounts of their experiences.
Both Silva and Sarli were offered fulltime positions after graduation by their internship employers.
VINICIUS SILVA:
“As an intern at the General Conference Auditing Service, I performed hands-on financial audit tasks under the guidance of an experienced audit team. This internship was an incredible experience, allowing me to travel to places like Washington, D.C., Boston, and the Bermuda Islands. It offered a comprehensive introduction to the auditing profession in a supportive and dynamic environment, and I am excited to be a part of it!”
HELOISA SARLI:
“I just finished a service rotation and am now starting my sales rotation at Toyota’s regional office in Portland, Oregon. This past week, I had the privilege to help plan and coordinate our sales excellence ceremony, a dinner to celebrate those who excel in vehicle sales at Toyota dealerships in our districts. The theme was the Olympics, and we even had a guest Olympian, Tony Vito,
Real-world learning
What our students are gaining beyond classroom theory
The business faculty continue to be intentional about making learning come alive with practical applications. So far this school year, students have participated in many real-world projects and experiences.
Student teams in George Perez’s advertising class completed advertising plans for six local organizations, including Andy’s Market, Wild Willow Flower House, and the ABC Christian Bookstore. The students then made professional presentations to the organizational owners and managers. In Joanna Nelson’s market research class, students completed a comprehensive marketing plan for the university auto shop, which provides services to the public.
In Brian Schaffner’s managerial accounting course, students enjoyed a field trip to Expion360, a publicly-traded company that produces lithium-
Alumni, you can help!
Please let us know if your organization could use an intern. Not only can interns tackle the backburner projects on your to-do list, but they can provide a pipeline of potential new employees who have already been tried and tested. To discuss hosting a WWU intern, email busnschool@wallawalla.edu
iron phosphate batteries for recreational vehicles and energy storage markets. The students got a personalized tour by the CEO who happens to be Brian Schaffner himself! Students also toured Stratos Aircraft, which manufactures carbon fiber single-engine jets.
Stephen Pilgrim’s students enjoyed a tour of Key Technology, Inc., a manufacturer of agriculture and pharmaceutical processing machines. A large portion of the world’s french fries are made on these machines! Students also heard directly from the marketing directors at Key Technology and at Baker Boyer Bank.
In Steven Forbis’s information systems class, students had
the chance to interact directly with Derrick Holder, a leader in cybersecurity at Cisco Systems. Forbis’s operations management students applied course concepts to the design and operations of The Atlas, a campus beverage shop.
This is just a partial list of the opportunities business students have had this year to see how textbook knowledge is used in practice.
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS
(509)527-2951
204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324 busnschool@wallawalla.edu
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Leaders are learners
Serving in Guatemala teaches Rutendo Taruwinga what true leadership looks like
Rutendo Taruwinga, a junior business administration major, was one of six students to go on the Guatemala mission and cultural trip in 2024. Taruwinga reflects on her experience:
“Our Guatemala trip was the second annual business service trip led by Johanna Attoh, associate professor of economics and finance, and David Lopez, director for the Center of Humanitarian Engagement.
“The aim was to collaborate with local small businesses through workshops and presentations in a way that helped meet their needs from a business standpoint. Serving these communities required us to step up and lead by teaching business practices learned in WWU classes. In sharing skills and concepts, I quickly realized the need to remain open-minded and adaptable.
“Spending a week working with small business owners in Guatemala was not without challenges. I was challenged by the language barrier but also struck by how much can be communicated when people have patience and a desire to learn.
“Leadership is an incredibly important skill to practice. Participating in service learning, like we did in Guatemala, is an excellent way to grow as a leader and is something I hope to do much more of in the future.”
far left, joins other WWU students in teaching key skills to small business owners in Guatemala.
98%
98% of WWU business graduates are placed in careers or graduate schools within 12 months of graduation.
100%
One hundred percent of business majors complete internships in a variety of settings around the world.
$57,800
500
On top of the significant scholarships granted by WWU, the School of Business awarded $57,800 of its own scholarships this year.
With nearly 500 members, the Business Club and Investment Club are some of the most popular on campus.
Taruwinga,