Annual Report 2022

Business ofSchool UPDATES

Incoming professor

Steven Forbis comes to WWU after working for over two decades as an information systems manager and network engineer, including 16 years at a Fortune 100 company. He will teach classes in information systems, data analytics and visualization, operations management, and more. He has a master’s degree in business and recently completed a doctorate degree.

Forbis, his wife, Kathy, and their teenage son, James, have a new family dog, Latte. In his spare time, Forbis enjoys cooking, sports, and piloting private airplanes. We are thrilled that Forbis is joining our faculty family and will be able to share his expertise with our students.

Dean’s message

Despite the headwinds in higher education, the School of Business is going strong. We experienced a 14-year high in business enrollment last year and are now the largest undergraduate program at WWU (in student-credit-hours). On average, our seniors continue to score higher than 92% of seniors at more than 500 other business schools on the Major Field Test. Students give our professors excellent evaluations, we have a very active internship program, and our placement rates in jobs and graduate schools are strong.

Yet our greatest satisfaction comes from the accomplishments of our 3,000-plus alumni who left these humble halls to contribute in amazing ways to their communities, churches, and the wider world. I once watched balloons released at a wedding and was surprised that, despite starting from the same place, they eventually spread out across the sky. Over there was a large group huddled together, the career conventionalists, as I call them. High overhead were some prodigy super-achievers. Scattered here and there were the free-spirited entrepreneurs. As I watched the balloons fill the sky, I thought of our many graduates over my 28 years at WWU who have spread their wings and soared to incredible heights.

A new school year is about to begin. We covet your prayers as we continue the legacy of graduating mission-driven leaders and professionals who use their skills and talents to bless others. They personify WWU’s core values and the School of Business honor code by exhibiting excellence in thought, generosity in service, beauty in expression, and faith in God.

With gratitude for our WWU community, Bruce Toews

Building impact

WWU launches new certificate to engage students in lifelong service

Walla Walla University has launched a new certificate program to prepare students for lives of impact through an introduction to humanitarian issues, intercultural work, and meaningful service. The Community Impact Certificate will be available to students from all areas of study starting in fall 2022.

The new certificate focuses on classes that build the skills and knowledge necessary for impactful service, including Christian ethics, multicultural communication, and principles of global development. Students will also engage in at least 80 hours of service to a community–either locally or abroad–through the robust service programs already available on campus.

“A part of the program is making sure students continue being relevant, working members in the community,” said Jonathan Simons, associate director of the Center for Humanitarian Engagement at WWU. “When we ask what we want our graduates

to be known for, this should be a part of that conversation.”

Simons also notes that nonprofits, international development agencies, and church organizations have expressed a growing interest in students who are prepared to succeed in community impact careers. “This certificate sets us up to be a leader among our sister institutions by allowing us to graduate students who are uniquely prepared,” said Simons.

When the requirements for the emphasis are met, students will receive a certificate on their transcript and diploma that can be seen as representing a degree of expertise in impacting the communities around them.

Whether students plan to head into the start-up world or go on to medical school, be an accountant or an artist, a Community Impact Certificate can critically inform both their personal lives and professional practices.

A new certificate program will teach tangible skills needed to make a difference.

Candid professors answer student questions at colloquium event

they received in college, businesses that professors have run after college and lessons they had learned from them, and keeping God a priority in busy times.

One student asked the professors why they stay at WWU when they could make more money elsewhere.

The students and faculty in the business school are grateful to the distinguished alumni and guests who enriched our program this past year by sharing their life experiences in our colloquium series. We are always looking for presenters, so if you would be willing, please let us know.

Previous colloquiums

Fall 2021

September 30

Kickoff Colloquium

Students learned important information about events and changes for the new year.

October 7

Internship Panel

Students shared what they learned from their summer internship experiences.

October 28

Norma Hernandez

Businesswoman and City of College Place Mayor

November 11

Tyler Sherwin ’16

In early April, the School of Business held a colloquium event entitled, “Ask Your Professor Anything: Putting Your Prof on the Hot Seat.” Eight faculty and staff answered the student questions. Over 130 students attended the colloquium event, filling the lecture hall, the aisles, and even spilling into the hallway.

Emma MacLachlan, senior accounting major, said that she enjoys events in which the professors share about themselves and their backgrounds. “The knowledge we gain from the classroom is great, but I especially appreciate time to listen to the professors talk about their personal lives and experiences,” she said.

Student questions explored career paths and goals, advice professors wished

Bruce Toews, dean and professor of business, said that the various professors’ answers “reflected the mission-minded commitment that WWU professors have about continuing to make a positive and lasting impact in the lives of their students.”

Professors were also asked what their least favorite class was in college. Faculty who specialized in management, marketing, and economics unanimously said that accounting was their least favorite class in college. Toews chuckled that accounting was “unsurprisingly, the favorite class for the three accountants, who marveled that anyone could dislike accounting.”

MacLachlan said, “Events such as this one remind me of how blessed we are here at Walla Walla University. The professors are truly top tier professionals and people. I am sure you don’t find the same level of hard work and devotion to the students and God at other places.”

Help launch a career!

Alumni contribute to our program in many amazing ways.

• Enrich curriculum through classroom presentations

• Launch meaningful careers through sharing job openings

• Equip students with internship opportunities

• Support our student scholarships

Partner with us as we prepare students for careers of distinction and a lifestyle of service. Visit wallawalla.edu/partners

Varied experience from solar energy to wealth management, to a start-up in crypto currency financial services

Winter 2022

January 6

Dave Mitchell, B.A., M.Ed.

Author and leadership coach for clients such as Bank of America, Hilton Worldwide, Trek Bikes, Walt Disney World, and the CIA

January 20

Master’s info session

A faculty panel shares about graduate degrees in business.

February 10

Conna Bond, M.A., J.D.

Students learn current best practices for creating a resume.

February 24

T.J. Espinoza ’05, M.A.

Local entrepreneur, real estate professional, and community leader

Spring 2022

March 31

David Lopez ’04, B.B.A., M.S. Executive director of the Center for Humanitarian Engagement

April 7

Ask Your Professors Anything

Opportunity for students to put their profs on the hot seat.

April 28

Justin Davis ’12

Varied career in data management and communication companies, including SAP, Twitter, NetSuite, Twilio, and Tealium.

June 2

Business awards program

The school celebrated the accomplishments of business students and faculty over this last year.

During a tour of Starbucks headquarters, Rachel Ruggeri ’95, Starbucks global chief financial officer and executive vice president, spoke with students about the importance of curiosity.

Stepping into business

Senior business majors connect with alumni at Starbucks headquarters and Rosario.

Early on a Friday morning in April, about 30 business seniors and faculty boarded a bus for the annual senior trip. Arriving in Seattle, they enjoyed a leisurely walk along the city waterfront before heading to Starbucks Center for a tour of the global company’s office headquarters. They were warmly greeted by Rachel Ruggeri ’95, Starbucks chief financial officer and executive vice president, who shared her life story and lessons learned along the way.

Originally from the Walla Walla area, Ruggeri studied business at WWU from 1992 to 1995. Benjamin Wexler, senior business administration major, said Ruggeri’s presentation included “a lot of gems about career help and her journey to the top.” In her presentation, Ruggeri discussed several attributes that helped her achieve success in the business world, including having a healthy dose of curiosity. Bruce Toews, School of Business dean and one of Ruggeri’s former professors, remembers that curiosity. He said that he “vividly recalls her sitting in the front row of the classroom, diligently taking notes, and having lots of perceptive questions.”

After the presentation, Ruggeri and several co-workers (called “partners”) provided a guided tour through key parts of the massive headquarters building, which covers 2.1 million square feet. The group enjoyed learning about the history and culture of Starbucks. Several exhibits illustrated the current global pursuit toward environmental sustainability, including beta versions of reusable cup kiosks and various green initiatives being implemented by coffee bean farmers. At the end of the tour, Ruggeri gave each visitor a gift bag that included valuable Starbucks-branded mementos and gift certificates. Toews said, “Rachel and her co-workers were such thoughtful and generous hosts! It is clear that we got the royal treatment at Starbucks and experienced much more than most visitors will ever see or hear.”

The group left Seattle in its mid-day bustle and headed for the calm of WWU’s Rosario Beach Marine Laboratory near Anacortes, Washington. Upon arriving at Rosario, the students settled into their beachside cabins before dinner and a presentation. The evening speaker was Abel Cruz ’91, a long-time

It is clear that we got the royal treatment at Starbucks and experienced much more than most visitors will ever see or hear.

technology executive at Microsoft and more recently at Amazon. With transparency and humility, Cruz shared with students the highs and lows of his career experiences. He powerfully emphasized the importance of never letting devotion to one’s job interfere with relationships with God and family. At the conclusion of the day, the Sabbath hours were ushered in with a gorgeous sunset on the beach.

The next morning, students heard from Jeff Weijohn ’86 and his son, Spencer ’16, who manage a large farm that has been in the family for three generations. The farm, near Yakima, is well-known for its blueberries, hazelnuts, and other products including Sorbatto, a healthy frozen berry product that you might find at the grocery store. Each summer, the family business team, which includes at least a half-dozen WWU graduates, hires business interns from WWU who learn how to manage people and business operations. In their presentation, the pair shared the importance of seeking God first for the other parts of business and life to fall into place. At the end of their presentation, they made available a large cooler of tasty Sorbatto, which the students enjoyed.

After a short break, students heard from Paul Rhynard ’04 and his wife Deanne (Maschmeyer) Rhynard ’04, both business grads with many years of corporate and consulting experience. The Rhynards have been very supportive of the university and the School of Business over the years, and Paul currently serves on the WWU Board of Trustees. The Rhynards shared many lessons learned about navigating life after college with purpose and integrity. Wexler said he benefited greatly from their presentation: “It was super personal, and they really came prepared with some points that were valuable for us as we graduate. They stayed to eat lunch with us, so we were able to converse and get to know them personally. That was a highlight for me.”

When not soaking up knowledge from successful WWU alumni, the students listened to special music and explored the beach by going on hikes, relaxing by the campfire, and watching dolphins swim by. The students had a lot of fun playing table games until late Saturday night. Everyone was a bit reluctant to load the bus the next morning and face homework, papers, and tests again. Wexler enjoyed the weekend immensely and encouraged future senior business majors to take advantage of this annual trip.

Alum in the news

In February 2021, Rachel Ruggeri was named chief financial officer and executive vice president at Starbucks Corp. in Seattle. Her appointment adds to the growing number of women who hold top finance jobs at Fortune 500 companies. Ruggeri completed postbaccalaureate studies in accounting at WWU in 1992-1995 and later earned an M.B.A. from Washington State University. As a 16year veteran at Starbucks, Ruggeri worked in a variety of roles with increasing responsibilities before being appointed as the chief financial officer. She has also served as controller or finance head at J.R. Simplot Company, PRCN, and Continental Mills. WWU students were privileged to have Ruggeri share her story during their tour of Starbucks headquarters.

Alumni support business students in amazing ways, including by sharing their hard learned lessons with graduating seniors before they step into the business world.

Left to right: Ben Wexler, Matt Negley, Paul Nehvatal, and Josh Beaudoin spend valuable time networking and connecting with each other at Rosario.

He powerfully emphasized the importance of never letting devotion to one’s job interfere with relationships with God and family.

Full-time business faculty, 1960-2022

If you are a WWU business alum, do any of the faculty names below trigger memories? Over the last three score years, the business program at WWU/WWC has been blessed by nearly five dozen faculty who have sacrificed to make a difference professionally, academically, and spiritually in the lives of their students. The faculty list also includes teachers in the Office Administration program.

Clarence Anderson

Duane Anderson

Norman Anderson

Johanna Attoh

James Aulick

Conna Bond

Lynn Boyd

Michael Buck

Jody Carlisle

Glenn Carter

Sam Chuah

Nancy Cleveland (office adm.)

William Dassenko

Fred Davis

Andrew Dressler

Eileen Emori

Steven Forbis

Ray Fowler

Ann Gibson

Gertrude Gobson (office adm.)

John Haney

Fred Harder

Rebecca Hendricks

Paul Joice

Ralph Jones

Robert Kappel

Richard Kegley

William Key Ben Khoo

Jae Kim

Monty Knittel

Ralph Koorenny

1993-2009 2002-2007 1987-2012 20141984-1988 2013-2017; 20192003-2006 1987-1994 2012-2013 1995-1997 1991-1998 1980-1981 1979-1982 1986-1987 1968-1974; 1997-2021 1991-1993 20221970-1978 1983-1986; 1991-1992 1969-1974 1990-1999 1982-1983 1988-1995 1971-1992 1960-1964; 1967-1974 1973-1980 1976-1977 1966-1968 2021-2022 1989-1993 1985-1987 1972-1975; 1981-1984

Lee Loewen (office adm.)

Virginia Mabley (office adm.) Ron Manuel Robert McChesney Jakob Mehling William Messer Mihail Motzev

Josefer Montes Jack Paulman

George Perez Prakash Ramoutar Lee Reynolds Norman Rudolph Brian Schaffner

Sheila Schroeder (office adm.)

Robert Schwab

Julie Scott

Kevin Stokes

Patience Taruwinga

Norman Thiel

Dana Thompson

Bruce Toews

Steven VanOrden

Robert Weaver

Rodney Wehtje

Arthur White JoAnn Wiggins Lenard Wittlake

Yew Chong Wong

Sheila Yates (office adm.)

Licci Zemleduch

1974-1987 1972-1987 1983-1987 1988-1989 1947-1978 1977-1985 2005-2021 2011-2017 1977-1986 20182021-2022 1977-1980 1970-1971 20211982-1987 1985-1993 1993-1998; 2000-2002 1987-1990 2017-2021 2007-2011 1998-2013 19942012-2018 1989-1991 1979-1981; 1982-1983 1959-1960; 1963-1971 1987-2012 1996-2001 1992-1995 1982-1983 2018-2019

Not too early

Opportunities abound for undergraduates to experience the working world

Jake Freedle is a junior business and math major. His summer has been an interesting dive into the world of finance—one he didn’t originally think he would be exploring in college. Freedle began as an engineering major, sure he would use his analytical mind to solve complex technical problems. However, last year he decided he was more intrigued by the investment industry and switched to studying business and applied math. Now with a new career path before him, Freedle decided that the sooner he jumped into the field, the better.

Freedle looked to intern at Buckley Investment Group, LLC, an investment consulting and financial planning firm in Walla Walla. He had enjoyed working with the firm as a client and thought they would provide a great learning space.

His initiative paid off and Freedle spent several weeks this summer working as a wealth management intern. “I worked very closely with my manager on client meetings, asset allocation, rebalancing, and portfolios. I was right there and got to participate in a lot of it.” Freedle was also given access to Bloomberg Terminal, a key software used across the financial industry. “Being able to play around with that software was a huge asset. It’s almost as useful as Excel,” said Freedle.

In the parts of the job that he couldn’t directly undertake, due to not holding certain licenses, he was still able to learn a lot through observation and participation. “I got to have conversations with my manager and give input that was actually listened to,” he explained.

While Freedle had never really considered wealth management as his first choice of career, working at the firm allowed him to learn more about investing and the language around it. Freedle says that being directly involved in discussions with both money managers and clients honed his interpersonal skills, ones he sees as a big asset for the road ahead. “I’m looking for a career that requires me to have the analytical knowledge from the math background, but I want to have those client or people interactions at the very least.” For now, Freedle is hoping that his career might be on Wall Street and eventually in venture capital. But with a strong mix of analytical and communication skills, the future is wide open.

Students earn exceptional marks on the Major Field Test (MFT) in business

What is the MFT? The MFT is a comprehensive exit exam over all core areas in business, including accounting, economics, finance, information systems, international business, law, management, marketing, and quantitative analysis. The test is administrated by the Education Testing Service, the same organization that administers the GRE exam.

Who takes the MFT? All WWU business seniors sit for the test as part of their degree requirements. In recent years, nearly 140,000 business seniors at 532 business schools took the MFT. This list includes many elite business programs, state schools, and sister SDA schools.

How well do WWU seniors perform on the MFT? Our students are clearly learning business concepts exceptionally well. On average over the last decade, they have outperformed seniors at nine out of ten other business schools (92nd percentile on average). In 2020, they scored at the 99th percentile, which put us among the top few business programs.

These scores are impressive. Why do you think WWU students do so well? We believe these stellar results reflect the quality of our students and our program. We are fortunate to have a strong curriculum, dedicated professors, and awesome students!

I got to have conversations with my manager and give input that was actually listened to.

(509) 527-2951 204 S. College Ave. College Place, WA 99324 busnschool@wallawalla.edu

Sherwin shares best return on investment

Tyler Sherwin ’16 recently connected with current business students at his alma mater to present his professional expertise in an exciting, expanding field: cryptocurrency. Sherwin is currently based in Maine, where he works at Cross River Bank, a digital infrastructure bank which is building crypto technology in connection with financial technology companies like Coinbase.

Following graduation, Sherwin worked in finance for a few years. However, he soon realized that he wanted to work directly with customers and gain sales experience, so he moved to Southern California to work as a solar panel system salesman. One of his sales contacts put him in touch with a hedge fund manager who was mining Bitcoin, and this interaction got him thinking about the expanding world of cryptocurrency. That interest quickly turned into a passion and Sherwin set about making crypto his career.

His presentation to Walla Walla University students focused on how they can get involved with cryptocurrencies and find jobs in the field, as well as defining crypto, decentralized finance, and other similar subjects. It was an opportunity to share

what he wished he could tell his college-age self. “This whole macroeconomic environment is positioned in such a way that if millennials, Gen Z, and others don’t pay attention to crypto, they could very easily be left behind. That’s part of the reason I’m so passionate about crypto,” Sherwin explains.

Sherwin adds that the foundation for his interest in decentralized finance and cryptocurrencies was born out of macroeconomics and finance classes he took at WWU. Bruce Toews, dean of the School of Business, and other professors played instrumental roles in his understanding of the values that make cryptocurrencies work. To return the favor and pass on his own bit of wisdom to those at WWU was very exciting for Sherwin. “I just really enjoy sharing my passions.”

As a student at WWU, Sherwin was instrumental in drafting the School of Business Honor Code that is permanently etched in a glass display in Bowers Hall. The Honor Code captures the values that professors seek to instill in business graduates.

While WWU prepared him for the exciting and fulfilling career Sherwin now has, that isn’t what he considers his biggest takeaway from his time at WWU. “I met my wife Trinity in the library and we’ve been married for four years now. That has been the best return on investment.”

98% Top 8th

98% of WWU business graduates are placed in careers or graduate schools within 12 months of graduation.

100% 3k+ grads

One hundred percent of business majors complete internships in a variety of settings around the world.

The first business grad was Herbert Flowers in 1909. Since then, thousands more have left these humble halls to bless their communities and the world at large.

On the Major Field Test, WWU seniors score higher than 92% of seniors at other business schools, on average.