College of Business Administration Volume XXXIII Spring 2015College of Business Administration Volume XXXIV Fall 2015

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MAKING MID-CAREER MOVES Dialogue Days keynote Tony Michaels, ’81, shares insights on rebranding yourself

CBA HALL OF FAME Class of 2015 inductees are Robert L. Cook and Michael F. O’Donnell, ’70, ’04

CONNECTING GLOBALLY Covisint CFO Enrico Digirolamo, ’76, provides perspectives on the worldwide marketplace  

INSIDEPG. 4

PG. 6

PG. 10

ABOVE and

SEE HOW PENSKE’S TONY PORDON, ’87, STRIVES TO EXCEED EXPECTATIONSSEE PAGE 8

BEYOND

What does legacy mean to you?

If you look up “legacy” in the dictionary you will find two meanings. One is: a gift by will of money or real property. Another is: something transmitted by or

received from an ancestor or predecessor or from the past.

If you ask your friends, family and acquaintances what legacy means, the answers you receive will vary. To some, it means their family genealogy and history. To others, it is a list of things that have been accomplished or values and lessons of life that were handed down. Yet others may indicate that it is a set of character traits or skills or a set of instructions or wishes for things to happen a certain way in the next generation(s).

Here at CMU and within the College of Business, we strive to provide our students with the skills, knowledge and real-world applications that will make them

Charles Crespy Dean cresp1ct@cmich.edu

Daniel Vetter Senior Associate Dean vette1de@cmich.edu

Sandy Sommer, ’93 Director of Development somme1sk@cmich.edu

Julie Judge Assistant Director, Development julie.judge@cmich.edu

School of AccountingChad Stefaniak, ’02, Chairstefa1cm@cmich.edu

Business Information SystemsKarl Smart, Chair Assistant Deansmart1kl@cmich.edu

College of Business Administration

EconomicsPaul Natke, Chairnatke1pa@cmich.edu

EntrepreneurshipAnil Kumar, Interim Chairkumar1a@cmich.edu

Finance and Law Nancy White, Chairwhite2nj@cmich.edu

Management Luis Perez-Batres, Chairperez1la@cmich.edu

Marketing and Hospitality Services AdministrationRichard Divine, Chairdivin1rl@cmich.edu

Isabella Bank Institute for EntrepreneurshipDebra Zellner, ’79 Executive Director deb.zellner@cmich.edu

D E A N ' S C O L U M N

DEFINE YOUR LEGACY WITH CMU’S COLLEGE OF BUSINESS ADMINISTRATION

ProductionCMU University Communications

Associate Vice President Sherry Knight, ’86

Editor Dan Digmann, M.A. ’15 WritersHeather Smith, ’02, M.S.A. ’11J.D. SterbaSamantha SmallishHalle Sobczak

CMU is an AA/EO institution, providing equal opportunity to all persons, including minorities, females, veterans and individuals with disabilities (see cmich.edu/ocrie). UComm 9397-43,000 (11/15)

Designer Nathan Jones, ’10 Photographers Claire Abendroth Robert Barclay Steve Jessmore, ’81Jeffrey Sauger, ’91

On the cover: Photo by Jeffrey Sauger, ’91

successful. Our alumni have achieved great success within the business world, some of which is highlighted in this issue. One of the best parts of being a Chippewa is that our alumni want future generations of business leaders to be successful, and they are willing to help students achieve this goal. They frequent campus as mentors, speakers and serve as role models for all current and future Chippewas.

As Pericles once said, “What you leave behind is not what is engraved in stone monuments, but what is woven into the lives of others.”

Warm regards,

Chuck Crespy CBA Dean

When you think philanthropy—think CMU!

Connect with CBA on:

Chuck CrespyPh

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e, ’81

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CONTENTS

4

12

8

Features4 Speaking of shared experiences

Tony Michaels, ’81, headlines alumni and business leaders engaging with students for Dialogue Days

6 Legends of the Hall Robert L. Cook, Ph.D., and Michael F. O’Donnell, ’70, ’04, are the newest inductees into CBA Hall of Fame

8 Above and beyond Tony Pordon, ’87, maximizes his efforts as Penske business leader and CMU family man

10 Leader to Leader Recent alumna connects with Covisint chief financial officer Enrico Digirolamo, ’76, for his thoughts on working internationally and technology trends in business

12 Dedicated to learning and to families New learning spaces offering students top-notch experiences dedicated in honor of Voigtman and Roberts-Longsdorf families

13 Résumé boosters Eight certification programs at CMU help students to stay ahead of workplace competition

Of Interest

14 Points of Pride

17 Chippewa Pride

18 Alumni Digest

10

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ALL INHis keynote address for Dialogue

Days was titled “Are You All In?,” but Tony Michaels admits he was far from fully committed when he began as a student at Central Michigan University.

“I was so not all in that I made it onto the Dean’s list – the wrong Dean’s list,” the 1981 alumnus joked.

The current president and CEO of The Parade Company said he got a wake-up call when he showed his parents his GPA. In that moment, he decided being all in was his only choice.

“We all make decisions,” said Michaels. “Sometimes we doubt our decisions and sometimes we’re happy with them. But when you make a decision to do something, ask yourself, ‘Am I all in?’”

Michaels repeatedly stressed his key tips for success: be all in, be consistent and strive for greatness. These factors are ones Michaels himself lives by in his role at The Parade Company and as executive director of the Woodward Dream Cruise.

TONY’S TIPS FOR SUCCESSBefore becoming president and CEO of The Parade Company, Michaels served as CEO of Elias Brothers Restaurants. Here are his tips for making a mid-career move and rebranding yourself.

BUILD A CULTURE OF GREATNESS “When you take on a role of responsibility, it’s not about you. You can’t just come in and dictate the culture of an organization or its people, but you can lead by example. You can explain what a culture of greatness does for people and how it will help to grow the business.”

WHEN MAKING A CAREER MOVE, TRUST YOUR GUT “There are so many factors to consider when making a mid-career move, but you will know when the time is right. The key is to take your time and think about what makes sense for your next venture.”

BE CONSISTENT AND REMAIN TRUE TO YOURSELF “Sometimes when you try to rebrand yourself it can come off as trying too hard and not being genuine to who you are. Be consistent and be confident every single day of your life about who you are and what you bring to the table.”

PORTRAY A PASSIONATE ATTITUDE “You have to understand how you appear to others when you approach a situation. You need to portray a passionate and excited attitude and make sure people know that you are all in. No matter where you are or what situation you are in, people are easy to read, and they will pick up on your passion – or lack thereof.”

D I A L O G U E D A Y S

TONY MICHAELS SHARES LIFELONG CAREER LESSONS WITH STUDENTS By Halle Sobczak

Tony Michaels, ’81, connects with students before his Dialogue Days keynote.

Photo by Steve Jessmore, ’81 Photo by Claire Abendroth

CMU’s College of Business Administration brought a whole different kind of “flipped classroom” to its

students during the 22nd annual Dialogue Days. The two-day event featured appearances from business leaders employed by a multitude of organizations, including Meijer, Nestle USA and JD Power & Associates.

“It is wonderful to be able to return to campus, connect with students and help them explore their next steps for life after CMU,” said Jackie Goforth, ’82, partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers.

Speakers, mostly alumni, ranging in graduation years from 1959 to 2013, delivered presentations and led discussions with a variety of CBA classes. The talks focused on the important lessons they learned while at CMU and the real-world knowledge they have gained since graduation.

“Hearing how CMU’s lessons have helped alumni succeed professionally and personally has been very beneficial, especially when thinking about my future career path,” said

Troy junior Blake Dagenais.

Many presenters shared they get more than they give while interacting with the next generation of business professionals.

“I was sitting in Grawn Hall’s classrooms more years ago than I care to admit – it’s a privilege to be able to tell students the story about how I got from the classroom to where I am now,” said Tim Brockman, ’83, owner of Max and Emily’s Eatery in Mount Pleasant.

BACK IN THE CLASSROOM

John Blossey, ’05Fifth Third Bank

Mary Beth BredernitzThomson Reuters

Tim Brockman, ’83Brockman Enterprises Inc.

Curt Clemens, ’78Blythefield Memorial Gardens

Gary Copp, ’83Carson City Lumber Co.

Kelcey CrossThomson Reuters

Mark DeNoyelles, ’79Isabella Bank

Kurt Feight, ’82Mount Pleasant Agency

David Gahm, ’76AmeriFirst Home Mortgage

Jackie Goforth, ’82PricewaterhouseCoopers

Todd Harter, ’94Ameriprise Financial Inc.

Michael Hartke, ’12JD Power & Associates

Melissa Hartsoe, ’13Gongos Research

Bradley Hartwell II, ’09Rockford Construction

Alan Johns, ’84Appraisal Advisory Group

Art Kubert, ’83Lakeview Capital

Brenda Meller, ’96Walsh College

Hon. Fred Mester, ’59Fred Mester PC

Bob Prevette, ’71Robert Prevette LLC

Amy Repp, ’92Nestle USA Inc.

Paul Richards, ’75Superior Automotive Group

Kevin Richman, ’93Accenture

Justin Sessink, ’08Meijer Inc.

Greg Soule, ’06Andrews Hooper Pavlik

Jason Sweedyk, ’00Hyland Software

Jason Tooker, ’01Thomson Reuters

Kim Wagner, ’83Pronexus

Mark Wagner, ’82Grant Millman & Johnson PC

Kent WilliamsThomson Reuters

ALUMNI AND BUSINESS LEADERS IMPART LESSONS AND REAL-WORLD KNOWLEDGE AT DIALOGUE DAYS By J.D. Sterba

DIALOGUE DAYS PRESENTERS

Bob Prevette, ’71, speaks about “Legal Aspects of New Ventures” during his Dialogue Days presentation.

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ROBERT L. COOK, PH.D.The late Robert L. Cook was an influential and dedicated faculty member in the College of Business Administration for more than 35 years. During his time at CMU, Cook devoted himself to ensuring his students’ success both in and out of the classroom.

Cook earned his undergraduate, graduate and doctoral degrees from Michigan State University, all in the logistics discipline. While there, he met his wife and partner, Karen.

“If you speak to anyone who knew Dr. Cook, they will tell you he was part of a team; his wife, Karen, was the other half. They functioned as a single unit,” said senior logistics major Christopher Lacourt.

With her help, Cook spearheaded CMU’s logistics program, making it one of the best in the country.

He is a two-time winner of the CMU Excellence in Teaching Award. As an educator and as the advisor of the Logistics Management Council Honor Society and the Supply Chain Management Association, he positively influenced thousands of young Chippewas and worked tirelessly to connect them with recruiters and companies.

“I have never met a professor like Dr. Cook,” said Kenneth Cherry, ’90, assistant professor of marketing and professional sales. “He showed total dedication to his students by not only giving them a real-world classroom experience, but by helping them take the next step into their professional careers.”

In 2009, a group of former students created the Dr. Robert and Karen Cook Endowed Scholarship to honor his dedication and continue his legacy.

An iconic educator and a business consultant/

entrepreneur are this year’s College of Business Administration Hall of Fame inductees.

Robert L. Cook, Ph.D., and Michael F. O’Donnell, ’70, ’04, collectively have spent more than 70 years serving the university with their expertise and dedication. A ceremony to honor their countless contributions was scheduled for Friday, Nov. 20, in the Bovee University Center Rotunda.

Established in 2013, the CBA Hall of Fame honors, preserves and perpetuates the lives and outstanding accomplishments of business leaders intrinsically linked with CMU’s College of Business Administration.

ROBERT L. COOK and MICHAEL F. O’DONNELL

COLLEGE OF

BUSINESS

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To learn more about the College of Business Administration Hall of Fame, visit: www.cba.cmich.edu.

H O N O R I N G

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MICHAEL F. O’DONNELL, ’70, ’04Michael O’Donnell embarked on a storied career after graduating from CMU with a bachelor’s degree in accounting in 1970. Throughout his career O’Donnell consistently has shared his knowledge and achievements with the university’s students, faculty and alumni.

O’Donnell joined Arthur Andersen

shortly after graduation. He earned his title of partner after a short 10 years and became head of the company’s World Oil & Gas Industry practice. In 2002, he cofounded Protiviti, a firm that exclusively deals with risk consulting and internal audit. During his tenure, the company grew from 500 employees and $17 million in revenue to more than 1,800 employees and $600 million in revenue annually.

“As I think about my successes in the business world, it’s not about the money I earned or the deals I was part of. It is all about the people. I was fortunate to have successes that allowed me to create job and career opportunities for many, many people,” said O’Donnell, who in 2004 received an honorary doctor of commercial science degree from CMU. “CMU provided me a sound education, but it really taught me to do the best you can at everything you do. That’s all I focused on.”

O’Donnell is the previous Houston-area president and national board member of the Make-A-Wish Foundation. He currently serves as the executive treasurer and an executive board member for the Boy Scouts of America. Since 2005, O’Donnell has served on CMU’s development board and has been a finals judge in the New Venture Competition.

To further help students, O’Donnell and his wife, Francy, created the Michael F. and Mary F. O’Donnell Endowed Scholarship.

“Knowing that I have the wherewithal to be able to give back to this university and help today’s students is the best part about being an alumnus,” O’Donnell said.

CLASS OF 2014ALFRED E. CAMBRIDGE, ’56, ’90

» Served nearly 40 years at Arthur Andersen, including 24 years as partner

» Helped create the Arthur Andersen Professorship at CMU

“His loyalty to CMU has been great. Anytime he is called upon or asked to do something he is always willing to volunteer his time back for the maroon and gold.” – Mike Tierney, ’77

W. LYLE WILLHITE, PH.D.

» First dean of what now is the College of Business Administration

» Prepared the then School of Business for AACSB accreditation

“His interest in you was genuine. This guy was genuinely interested in your future and your success.” – Jim Cronin, ’61.

CLASS OF 2013ROGER L. KESSELER, ’58, ’89

» Retired vice president and controller of The Dow Chemical Co.

» Served as CMU Board of Trustees chairman

“You always knew where Roger stood and it was with utmost integrity. You could trust Roger, and you could trust what he said.” – Steve Constantin

LEONARD E. PLACHTA, PH.D.

» CMU’s 11th President

» Served as dean of the College of Business Administration

“The qualities over the years that impressed me most about Leonard was his strong business leadership, his integrity, and his dedication to students, the university and the college.” – Tom Weirich

HONORED MEMBERS

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By Samantha Smallish

Tony Pordon, ’87, is a man of business.

He is the executive vice president of investor relations and corporate development at Penske Automotive Group. In this role, Pordon serves as the conduit between the company and the public.

Pordon is dedicated to his craft, living by his own motto of exceeding expectations.

“I’ve always lived my life working to exceed expectations,” he said. “Don’t do the minimum. Do whatever you can to go above and beyond.”

After graduating from CMU, Pordon became a certified public accountant working for Deloitte & Touche. In 1993, he started at Detroit Diesel, where he met the company’s founder and owner, Roger Penske.

In 2001, Penske sold Detroit Diesel to start a new venture, Penske Automotive Group, and asked Pordon to join his new company.

DESIRE TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND DRIVES TONY PORDON’S SUCCESS

Photo by Jeffrey Sauger, ’91

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Tony Pordon is more than a businessman. He’s a family man with new ties to CMU.

Both of Pordon’s daughters, Shelby Township natives Devan and Kaitlyn Alsheskie, currently attend CMU.

Devan, following in Pordon’s path, is pursuing a business degree and studies finance within the College of Business Administration.

“I do feel like I’m following in his footsteps,” she said. “I wouldn’t be anywhere without his advice. If I have trouble with something in class, I can call him, and he’ll help explain it.”

Kaitlyn, another of Pordon’s daughters, is pursuing a degree in communication disorders. Although she isn’t studying business, Kaitlyn recognizes the subject’s importance and admires her dad’s dedication and success.

“He’s definitely someone I look up to,” she said. “He’s gone so far in his career, and seeing how dedicated he is makes me want to work just as hard in my field.”

With Devan and Kaitlyn on campus, Pordon is able to return to his alma mater and relive his memories from years ago while seeing it new again through their eyes. Devan and Kaitlyn are members of the CMU dance team, and Pordon enjoys cheering them on when they perform. But for Pordon, what truly is important is knowing that his daughters are gaining valuable knowledge about their respective fields of study.

“I know they’re both getting an outstanding education and will be prepared for the real world,” he said. “I can’t wait to see what they will do in the future.”

CMU RUNS IN THE FAMILY

Tony Pordon and his wife, Heather, regularly travel to CMU home football

games to watch their daughters, Kaitlyn Alsheskie, at left, and Devan Alsheskie, at

right, perform with the CMU Dance Team. Each year the dance team competes in the

National Dance Alliance Collegiate National Championship in Daytona Beach, Florida.

With offices around the globe, Pordon has had opportunities to travel and represent Penske Automotive Group to a worldwide audience. He manages and directs the company’s presence on Wall Street, develops presentations and speeches, and works directly with Penske.

Now, with more responsibility than ever, Pordon is involved in a variety of projects and facets of the company.

“The greatest thing about my job is that each day is different – I handle many projects on a daily basis,” he said. “Even though I have a title and job responsibility, my role incorporates a lot of entrepreneurialism in it.”

Pordon attributes much of his success to his education at CMU. As a student, he was involved in university activities and worked closely with professors who encouraged him to work hard and strive for success.

“What I loved about CMU was that I was able to work with professors on a day-to-day basis who pushed me to think outside the box and not be afraid to go beyond my comfort zone to achieve my goals,” he said. “Students have to take advantage of what CMU offers. The university provides the tools and knowledge needed to succeed.”

DO WHATEVER YOU CAN TO GO ABOVE AND BEYOND.”

Dance team video

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Recent alumna Leydiana G. Gittens visited with Covisint chief financial

officer and 1976 CMU alumnus Enrico Digirolamo. Learn what he had to say about his days studying in Grawn Hall and working internationally as well as trending technology in the world of business.

Gittens: What did you do in your undergraduate studies that helped prepare you for the business world?

Actually, studying accounting. It gives you the basic foundation of any enterprise. In the end, everything maps to the financials, and you get to know the entire company. My dad always said that if you open the mail and sign the checks, you'll know everything about the business – that's accounting. Then, as I got into the senior-level classes, I took strategy courses that were as case-based as you could get at that time. I thought those classes were terrific. They provided me the basic foundation for analytical situational analysis and decision making. All that made me realize the world is not bound by the four walls of a classroom in Grawn Hall.

You were involved in the launch of Covisint. Could you tell me a little about the experience and what you learned about yourself?

One of the things I learned was that experience and background are far more transportable between companies and industries than I ever imagined. In my day, people started with a company and stayed there during their entire career. I don’t think today’s students can or should expect that. I retired from GM after 31 years, and my plan was to just retire. I ended up getting a call from somebody who said I needed to come to Allstate Insurance – the experience at GM proved to be quite relevant in

the insurance industry. I then moved to the cloud technology company, Covisint, where I am today and took it public about two years ago. The GM and Allstate experiences became foundational as I presented the IPO business case to hundreds of investors in a short period of time.

You’ve worked extensively internationally. What have been your struggles and accomplishments and what have you learned from those?

I think people make it seem more intimidating than it really is. It comes back to your personal confidence in being able to work in a place across the globe. On the other hand, there are many differences. Understanding how people explain themselves and phrase discussions is an important investment. You have to be very aware of the cultural differences. Living and working overseas really hones your decision-making skills and improves your understanding of diversity.

What technological advances have changed the way large businesses operate?

Information flow has increased almost infinitely since I started my business career. Companies were characterized by large groups of clerical folks who used desk machines and added numbers, and consequently that information often was delayed. With all the productivity and instantaneous information flow today, everything is immediate. Business decisions are much fresher and more relevant.

If, in 1976, someone would have told you that in 2015 you’d be

ENRICO DIGIROLAMO, ’76, PROVIDES A CFO’S INSIGHT INTO CONNECTING IN A GLOBAL MARKETPLACE

LEADER TO LEADER Q

& A

invited back to campus to speak, what do you think you would have had to do to receive such an invitation?

As a student I could have never imagined that. My expectations were just to one day wear a tie to work and be "a businessman." You become

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LEADER TO LEADER ENRICO DIGIROLAMO, ’76, is chief financial officer for Covisint and also serves on the board of directors of Metromedia International Group LLC. Prior to Covisint, Digirolamo served as senior vice president – sales and marketing and finance at Allstate Insurance and chief financial officer and vice president of General Motors Europe AG as well as numerous other executive-level financial and operational positions for General Motors. He completed the International Executive Program at the International Institute for Management Development in Lausanne, Switzerland, and also has served as a leading board of directors member at organizations including Saab Automobile, GM Russia, and Allstate New Jersey and Florida.

LEYDIANA GITTENS, ’15, is a payroll specialist for Kelly Services. As a student Gittens was a Magnusson Scholar and was an active member of CMU’s Society for Human Resource Management. She also had a passion for travelling and quickly became a Study Abroad Peer Advisor. Her international travels included joining a faculty-led program to the United Kingdom, attending Lingnan University in Hong Kong for six weeks and participating in the International Town at Sejong Program at Korea University, Sejong.

Photo by Steve Jessmore, ’81

involved in handling complicated business issues in different countries on a variety of topics and disciplines, and you’ve made hundreds of decisions. Next thing you know, 40 years have passed and you have walked through many career doors. My parents didn’t go to college, so I was the first in my family to graduate. CMU was a great

decision. Grawn Hall and CMU opened the doors for me, and indeed opens the doors for every student – all you need to do is walk through those doors. Your own ambition will guide you through whichever doors you chose.

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Two new learning spaces that offer students top-notch hands-on experiences were formally dedicated this year.

VOIGTMAN FINANCIAL LAB

This space offers students access to real-word technology and real-time global market data using Bloomberg terminals. Adding to the trading floor atmosphere are the large-screen news monitors and an impressive business ticker that surrounds the lab. Students now have the opportunity to build the skills necessary to excel in highly competitive business and financial markets.

“It’s so nice to see Wall Street and Mission Street now appear just that much closer,” said Jon Voigtman, ’84, and his wife, Terri (Matson) Voigtman, ’85. “Bringing this finance and trading technology is a huge leap forward for Grawn and today’s students. Seeing them using the financial lab and hearing their enthusiasm for their futures is very rewarding.”

ROBERTS-LONGSDORF ENTREPRENEURSHIP SALONLocated in the Isabella Bank Institute for Entrepreneurship, this versatile space serves as a fully mediated classroom and also hosts various college events, such as its Annual Awards and numerous workshops for both the New Venture and ERPsim competitions.

“Naming the suite after our parents allowed us to do two incredibly important things: honor our parents for all of their love and support over the years and give back to CMU, which prepared us so well for our future careers,” said Dave Roberts, ’84, and his wife, Susan (Longsdorf ) Roberts, ’83.

GRAWN:STUDENT SPACE DEDICATED TO FAMILIES AND HIGHER LEARNING

Attending the Voigtman Financial Lab dedication were, from left, CMU President George E. Ross, Hugh and Jackie Matson, CBA Dean Chuck Crespy, Terri and Jon Voigtman, Kay and Ronald Voigtman, and Hayden May.

Taking a moment to check out the Roberts-Longsdorf Entrepreneurship Salon were, from left, Dave Roberts and his parents, Joseph and Shirley Roberts, and Carmen and Willard Longsdorf and their daughter Susan (Longsdorf) Roberts.

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With a highly competitive job market awaiting Chippewas after

graduation, students are eager to find ways to set themselves apart from other candidates.

Through the college's certification programs, such as the Personal Financial Planning Program and TERP10 SAP Academy, students can receive best-in-class certifications in their respective disciplines – a highly coveted résumé builder.

CMU’s Personal Financial Planning program is organized around key objectives outlined by the Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards and utilizes experienced real-world professionals as instructors. As a result, 78 percent of program graduates passed the national CFP exam in 2013. Nationwide, only 52 percent passed the exam.

ADVANTAGES ABOUND THROUGH CERTIFICATIONS

PERSONAL FINANCIAL PLANNING PROGRAM AND TERP10 SAP ACADEMY PROVIDE STUDENTS A ‘LEG UP’ IN COMPETITION

“One thing that sets CMU’s financial planning program apart is that the instructors are both practitioners and faculty members, which is very unique,” said Greg Schink, ’05, certified financial planner and accredited wealth management advisor at Merrill Lynch. “Coming out of the program I felt like I had a leg up on pretty much everyone else.”

The university’s TERP10 SAP Academy offers benefits to employers and students alike. Undergraduates gain holistic knowledge of the Enterprise Resource Planning System by applying the function specific information they learned in other classes, while companies are guaranteed employees with in-depth exposure to the complex SAP system.

“I don’t believe I would have my job now if I didn’t have the certification, and now I can

apply the skills I learned to my everyday job,” said Sabrina Shkreli, ’13, SAP RTR Analyst at General Motors.

Here are the eight certification programs the College of Business Administration offers its students.

» Bloomberg Certification

» Carew Certificates in Professional Sales

» Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA)

» Certified Financial Planner (CFP)

» Certified Management Accountant (CMA)

» Certified Public Accountant (CPA)

» Lean Six Sigma Green Belt

» SAP TERP10 Certification

CERTIFICATION PROGRAMS

By J.D. Sterba

Photos by Steve Jessmore, ’81Exchange // 13

SUPREME COURT BRIEF CITES CBA FACULTY ARTICLE

A recent law review article authored by 1998 alumnus and law professor Ken Sanney, J.D., was cited in a United States Supreme Court brief. Sanney’s article “Balancing the Friction: How a Constitutional Challenge to Copyright Law Could Realign the Takings Clause of the Fifth Amendment” was cited by Mountain States Legal Foundation’s attorney in an amicus curiae brief in the 5th Amendment Takings Clause Case of HORNE v. USDA (2015).

The citation was offered as persuasive authority for Mountain State Legal Foundation’s argument that personal property ownership should receive the same protection as real property ownership under the Takings Clause in order to bar government from forcing some people alone to bear public burdens which should be borne by the public as a whole.

Sanney’s article was published in Columbia Science & Technology Law Review, and it aggregated and synthesized the Supreme Court’s previous 5th Amendment Takings Clause cases to support this often stated, yet rarely applied, principle of law. This principle served as the foundation to Sanney’s argument that 5th Amendment protections, which are so readily given by the court to owners of real property, should be extended equally to owners of intellectual property.

PRINCETON REVIEW NAMES CMU A ‘BEST’ SCHOOL TO EARN AN MBACentral Michigan University’s College of Business Administration is an outstanding business school for its eighth consecutive year, according to the Princeton Review. The education services company profiles the school in the 2016 edition of its annual list, “The Best 295 Business Schools,” which can be found at PrincetonReview.com.

“We recommend CMU as one of the best to earn an MBA,” said Robert Franek, Princeton Review senior vice president-publisher. “We chose the 295 schools in this book based on our high regard for their academics and our assessment of institutional data we collect from the schools.”

In the profile on CMU, the Princeton Review editors note that faculty is its biggest strength. “Well-versed in contemporary business topics, ‘the graduate-level professors in the business school contribute well-researched concepts with real-world practices to provide students with a relevant, practical skill set.’”

SALES FACULTY MEMBER RECEIVES DISTINGUISHED CERTIFICATION AND PROFESSIONAL AWARDSRebecca Dingus, a CMU sales faculty member, recently received Sales Education Foundation certification at the organization’s annual Faculty Certification Program in Dayton, Ohio. This academic workshop provides sales educators with tools to use in their curriculum. Certified faculty have preferred access to SEF’s Career Development Program, which focuses on career guidance for sales students.

“Using these new resources through the Sales Education Foundation will greatly enrich my students’ experience in the Professional Selling course,” Dingus said. “Through this program, students can assess their sales-related skills and use this information as they narrow their job

search and focus on positions where they’re likely to succeed in environments they will enjoy.”

Dingus joins the group of certified professors from CMU as well as others from over 65 universities who offer students SEF job selection tools. Three other CMU sales professors – Concha Allen, Jeff Hoyle and Ken Cherry – have received this certification.

In addition to the SEF certification, Dingus won the John Berens Best Paper in Marketing Education Award for her co-authored article “Honor Among Salespeople: Developing a Personal Code of Ethics to Promote Positive Values and Accountability in a Professional Selling Course” at the Spring Marketing Management Association Conference in Chicago. She was also the recipient of the University Sales Center Alliance’s Best Sales Teaching Innovation-method Award at the 2015 National Conference in Sales Management.

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MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF CPAs HONORS ACCOUNTING PROFESSORAccounting Professor Robert Bromley received the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants’ Accounting Teaching Excellence Award. Bromley is noted as an expert on accounting systems, internal control and corporate governance. He has developed an effective network of alumni and

professionals who share their expertise with his students, bringing real-life experience to the classroom. With more than 17,500 members, MICPA is the leading statewide professional organization dedicated to promoting and enhancing the value of the CPA profession. It represents Michigan CPAs working in business, education, government and public accounting.

MBA ALUMNUS SELECTED AS A WEST MICHIGAN BUSINESS LEADER

Josh Gibbs, MBA ’12, was selected as one of Grand Rapids Business Journal’s 40 Under Forty business leaders.

Gibbs is the president of Commercial Bank’s Greenville branch in west Michigan. He was promoted to that position five months into his tenure at the bank.

“A lot of professors in Grawn Hall poured their knowledge into my brain,” Gibbs said. “I’m just happy I was able to absorb most of it. I’ve had quite a career ride, and I’m very appreciative of what I took away from CMU.”

Gibbs is an active member of the Greenville community. He is a member of Rotary Club International and serves as a board member of the Patient Family Advisory Council at Spectrum Health United and Kelsey Hospitals. He also enjoys coaching his son, Grahm, in various sports through the local recreation department.

“Josh is a very dedicated employee,” Commercial Bank CEO Kevin Collison told the Grand Rapids Business Journal. “He has worked hard to build a network of business associates in the Grand Rapids market to build business relationships for the bank and his customers.”

CMU AMERICAN COUNCIL ON EDUCATION NAMES CBA FACULTY MEMBER WOMAN OF THE YEAR

Amy McGinnis was selected as 2015 Woman of the Year by the CMU American Council on Education. McGinnis is a fixed-term faculty member within the College of Business Administration.

“Amy truly exemplifies what it means to be a leader to others,” said Biology Chairperson Tracy Galarowicz. “She helps women succeed through active mentoring and networking, connecting individuals to one another, and opening doors for communication.”

McGinnis began her career at CMU in 1999 as an employment and compensation administrator for the human resources department. She recently earned her doctorate in higher education leadership, presenting her dissertation, “The relationship between communication, conflict, and leadership behaviors of women at varying levels of leadership in higher education.” Photo by Robert Barclay

Exchange // 15

GRAWN RENOVATION FUND SUPPORTERS

PLEASE JOIN US TODAY! Learn how you can make a difference, call 989-774-2130 or visit cba.cmich.edu.

Special thanks for your generous support. This listing includes gifts made to the Grawn Renovation Fund through Oct. 1, 2015.

16 // Exchange

A & K Real Estate HoldingsJames AitkenAldiAlliance DataFrank and Mary Jo AnderaKari Lynn AndersGrant AndersonKaren and Richard ArthurLisa AustinRagnar AveryRandy and Tonya AveryCassandra BaileyChris Bailey and Nancy WhiteRon BalchBank of AmericaDeborah BarkerRebeca BarriosSusan BaughnPatricia BeckMaryellen BecksTrisha BelmoreChris Beresford and Erin McBrienPatrick BerryRenee BianchiLauren BilaVigdis and Emil BoassonGregory BoehmerMichael BoldtSharon BoomsJohn and Tracey BorutaTom BowenDaniel BradyRichard BrozowskiJack and Gina BuchanDennis BucklerJacqueline Stephens-Burke

and James Burke IIDonald CadeauJim CappelKenneth CherryGary ChilcotePaul ChiouRay Christie and Debra

Kimball-ChristieRobert ChristophersonCommunity Foundation for

Southeast MichiganDeborah ConverseKara CookeCheryl CouretasBrent CoxChuck Crespy and Leigh

Seacord Crespy

Daniel CrociataMatthew and Stacey DaughertyLauren DavisBrandon DelandCayleigh DellerPatrick DentonRobert and Debbie DeryJudy and Kimber DeWittRichard and Colleen DivineDow Chemical Company

FoundationDow Corning CorporationRobert DubaultMichael and Tracy DuckerVicki DutcherAmy EatonGay Ebers- Franckowiak and

Michael FranckowiakAdam EpsteinPatricia FayRichard and Audrey

FeatheringhamJim and Angela FeltonDouglas FischerCindy FitzgeraldTerrence FosterAnthony and Karmen FoxMelissa FritscheGE FoundationAndrea and John GenetteMary Beth GienappJudy GilbertThomas GilliamSean and Angela GoffnettJackie GoforthDonald GolmGregory GomolakDeb GrayMichael GregoryAnthony HafnerMaureen HawkinsJeffrey and Kathy HeckelDan and Lesley HellerstedtPaul HemkerJan and Kirk HewlettLarry Hines, Jr.Douglas and Linda HirtDanielle HoffmanDouglas HoltzStanley HoppeJanis HorningLauren HotvedtBrittany HouserRon and Cindy HowardLeslie HowellZhenyu HuangJudy HudeczAmar HusseinMichael and Joan IauchDoug and Sandy Iles

Karen JbaraAlan and Kathy JohnsKatie JohnsonRandy and Martha JohnstonMatt and Julie JudgeSheryl KauppiRichard KernRichard KingKeri KinnieKathleen KirbyDonald Klein, Jr.Vickie KleinTim and Michelle KnickerbockerShantel KovarAndrea and Jason KozakIra and Anne KreftThomas KribsAlisa KruseArt and Kim KubertCurtis KubiakJohn and Carole KulhaviAnil KumarVern KwiatkowskiStephen LaceyCody and Heather LanceNicole LarueJane LaycockCharles LenkLinda LeSage and Alan HalbeisenNicholas LipscombKirk H. LoveJanet MailleyKristi MalloryBruce and Diane MarbleAmy MassadDonald Maxwell and

Betsy Sierzenga-MaxwellStephanie MayboreDana and Joe McCannLinda McClainJenny McCullochHoward and Mary McEnteeThomas McGinnisDavid and Laura McGuireRichard and Julie McGuirkMcKesson FoundationSteven McKinneyChristine MergenerCurtis MielBrian MillerRobert MillerMichael MispelonGary MitchellWilliam MorwayMichael Murray and Pamela

Wasko MurrayDanny and Mary Lou MyersAkhil NaiduMonique NobleNorth American Sales LLC

Randall NortonKyle and Brandy NothstineRosemary OmaiyeSai PaladuguLyndell PatrickCathy PearsonBrian PesolaErin PetersSandra and Ed PetykiewiczAsha PhilipkumarMike PilarzMike PisaniJames PixlerStan PopeRose PrasadPricewaterhouseCoopers

FoundationPricewaterhouseCoopers LLPSteven and Colleen PryslakMaryhelen Raciti-JonesBranden ReckerMichael and Judy ReedRobert RepaskyPaul and Barbara RichardsDave and Susan RobertsRobby Roberts and

Eric SkowronskiRockwell CollinsAlfred and Pamela RuggirelloEdward RykulskiKelly SalazarKen and Caroline SanneyPaul and Judy SareAmy ScharffeWilliam ScheeseRobert SchoenChristian SchreiberJames Schubot, Jr.Cindy SchumacherJames ScottTimothy and Jill SecenBrian SecordMartha SegerRandy and Linda ShoafMichael Siminski

We get fired up when we see alumni showing CMU pride. Send us photos showing off your Chippewa spirit, and we'll share them in future issues of Exchange. Send your digital photos to cindy.howard@cmich.edu.

Show

your

Steve Shafley, ’91, with son,

Joshua, at MSU game

Taylor Smith, niece of Danielle Leach, ’08

Richard Archer, ’66

Brooklyn Ella Pearl Bertoia, daughter of Christopher Bertoia, ’06, and Natalie (Dudeck) Bertoia, ’06

Michael Love, ’08, volunteer firefighter

Dan Hellerstedt, ’06, and Lesley (Pionk) Hellerstedt, ’06, with Carson and Nora and baby on the way!

Jill Morgan, ’02, and

friends at Comerica

Park

Home basketball court with “C” – Clay Royer, ’01, and

Sherri (Marcum) Royer, ’99

Exchange // 17

Matthew and Kim SkeelsWilliam SmelleyGinger SmietanaBrenda SmithJames G. SmithKimberly A. SmithJack SniderSandy SommerPam StamberskyMarvin StasakShelly SteeleChad and Andrea StefaniakPeter and Linda StencelFredric and Katherine StolarukCraig StottJustin StreeterLinda StreeterJon StuckeyR. Kim SummersTroy SwalwellHarvey SwanebeckCarol and Dennis SwartoutTeam Financial GroupMark and Teri TembyChristopher and Sandra TheutCathy ThompsonScott ThompsonWilliam ThompsonStephen and Elisa TracyDavid UnderwoodUnited ApartmentsKathleen UtechtMark Van VoorheesAllen and Nancy Vander LaanJack VeltemaDan and Bonnie VetterAgostino VitielloGrace VivianoJon and Terri VoigtmanLisa WalkerSally WallaceJim WantyDon WaterhouseLinda WeburgMolly WeirTom and Sharon WeirichWell EggMichael WhitemanPaul WillJeffery and Lisa WilliamsSteven WilsonSteven WittDouglas WorleyAndy Wright Sarah WrightRatna YenigallaNicole ZakemLisa ZelinskiDeb and Gary Zellner

2014Holly Hansen-Watson, B.A.A. in entrepreneurship. Holly is an employee of Aramark-Campus Dining and director of Foster Closet of Michigan-

Isabella County branch. She was honored and recognized at Aramark’s inaugural Ring of Stars celebration in October. Each winner represents the best of Aramark’s hourly associates and frontline managers from around the world who deliver on their mission. 2011Ryan Iles, B.S.B.A. in personal financial planning. Ryan passed the Certified Financial Planner exam right after graduation and began his career at Merrill Lynch as a financial advisor. He purchased his first home in 2012 and got married in 2013. This year, Ryan and his wife began building their dream home in Saginaw Township.

2010Joe Delia, B.A.A. in entrepreneurship. Joe works as a lead agent for the Delia Group and is running a top team for Keller Williams nationally.

Jason Olinik, B.S.B.A. in general management. After graduating, he was offered a position in his hometown, but chose to move to Florida, where he

worked for Ocean Properties. This led him to Albuquerque, where he was employed as a food and beverage manager. Thirteen months later, he received a promotion that led him back to Florida. Jason shared that he was the youngest person to hold a general manager position with Ocean Properties. After several promotions and positions in Florida, he proposed to the love of his life in September 2014 and moved back to Michigan. Jason currently is working as the director of operations for full service restaurants at DTW. 2009Katie (Dykehouse) Anson, B.S.B.A. in business administration. Katie and her husband, Drew ’09, are happy to share a

photo of their new daughter, Emma Grace. Emma is pictured here with her big brother, Jack.

Chris Kupillas, B.S.B.A. in marketing and logistics management. Chris was named BlueGrace Logistics Sales Person of the Year for 2015. He says the knowledge he gained in the supply chain management program at CMU has propelled him to succeed in the industry. Chris credits Robert Cook and CMU for providing him the tools he needs for success.

Steve Stier, B.A.A. in commercial recreational facility management and a minor in hospitality services administration. After graduating, Steve worked almost three

years at the Homewood Suites by Hilton in Troy, Michigan. He moved to General Motors Company in February 2013 as a district manager combined – sales/aftersales in Lincoln, Nebraka, for the Buick and GMC Divisions. In less than a year, he was promoted to district manager aftersales for Buick and GMC and transferred to Pensacola, Florida. He and his spouse were married in the Metro Detroit area and are happy to share that they have a baby boy on the way. 2008Jennifer Kramer, B.A.A. in commercial recreation and facility management with a minor in marketing. Jennifer was promoted to senior account executive at Katz Radio Group in Troy, Michigan. She joined the New York-based firm in 2009 as a sales assistant. She was promoted to account executive in 2012 and has steadily taken on greater responsibility.

Michael Love, B.A.A. in entrepreneurship. Michael has opened a new Allstate Insurance Agency in Midland, Michigan, on

Eastman Avenue. Love has more than 11 years of experience in the insurance industry, eight being with Allstate. Now, he is using his experience and opening a second full-service Allstate Agency to meet customer and consumer needs and provide insurance solutions for their household. Michael lives in Midland with his wife, Megan, and daughter, Lila. He enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, fishing and traveling abroad. 2007Robert Herrick, II, B.S.B.A. in general management. Robert was promoted to manager of procurement for North

America at Johnson Controls on July 2, 2015. He also was married on July 11, 2015, to Dr. Erin J. Bouhana-Herrick. 2006Christopher Bertoia, B.S.B.A. in management information systems. Christopher and his wife, Natalie (Dudeck), also class of 2006, welcomed their first child, Brooklyn Ella Pearl Bertoia, on April 12, 2015.

2004Michael Carlton, B.S.B.A. in accounting. Michael recently left the Pop Media Group and now is at Dick Clark Productions. He leads the forecast and budget process, implements new accounting policies and procedures, and takes the lead on financial matters for several subsidiaries and joint ventures.

2003Jill (Jeffers) Schubert, B.S.B.A. in marketing and logistics management. Jill and her husband, Jon, welcomed their second child, Logan Graeme, on July 20, 2015.

2001James Alexander, B.A.A. in broadcast and cinematic arts with a minor in entrepreneurship. James is the CEO of JITA Medical Billing & Consulting, which is based in Orlando, Florida.

JITA is a revenue cycle management and consulting firm for independent physicians and groups. The former football player credits his education for his success in business. He is happily married to his wife, Sherrita, and the proud father of two children, James II and Skyler.

Albert Hanner, B.A.A. in graphic design, and painting and drawing. Albert is employed with the Financial Planning Association since 2005 and has been the art director of FPA’s Journal of Financial Planning since 2012. In 2013 his award-winning poetry was published in “Collected Poems: 1995-2013,” and in 2015 his first full-length Michigan-based novel, “Resolving Dalton Jones,” was published. He has been married to Jessica Marie (Soliz) Hanner, ’01, B.S.B.A. in marketing, for 14 years. In 2001 they moved to New York City, where they lived for four and a half years, and in 2005 they moved Denver, where they currently reside with their two children.

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ALUMNI DIGEST

18 // Exchange

Jennifer A. Smith, B.S.B.A. in human resource management. She and her husband, David, pose with their daughter, Riley, in front of the seal for Riley’s annual dance recital for the Newman School of Dance. The recital is held each spring at CMU.

2000

Christopher Arsenault, B.S.B.A. in accounting. Christopher recently joined Gallagher, Flintoff & Klein PLC certified public accountants as a manager. He holds his CPA in the state of Michigan as well as

his CFE, certified fraud examiner, and CGMA, certified global management accountant. 1999Brandon Bissell, B.S.B.A. in marketing. Brandon and his wife, Lauryn, welcomed their first child, Beckett Davis Bissell, on Aug. 6, 2015. Alex Rogers, Jr., B.S.B.A. in productions operations management and human resources management. Alex received his MBA from the University of Detroit-Mercy in May 2009. In October 2014, he was appointed director of labor relations at Consumers Energy in Jackson, Michigan. Alex began his career at Chrysler Corporation where he remained for 10 years working in manufacturing and human resources. He later moved to a role at Automotive Component Holdings LLC, a subsidiary of Ford Motor Company, where he remained for two years. He began his career at Consumers Energy in 2011.

1994Robb Porter, B.S.B.A. in marketing and logistics management. Robb recently accepted the position of vice president of high technology and industrial for Schenker Logistics. In this position, Robb is responsible for driving the strategic direction of the verticals while providing oversight to more than 40 locations and 1,500 full-time employees. Robb resides in Dallas with his wife, Rhonda, and 7-year-old son, Beckett. 1989

Jennifer Ewing, B.S.B.A. in production operations management. Jennifer has joined the Human Resource Partners team to support the

growing demand for human resources and safety consulting services. She has more than 20 years of experience and brings with her a strong background in employee development, safety and worker’s comp, benefit administration, and wellness. Ewing is certified as a Senior Professional in Human Resource and holds her MBA from Michigan State University. Michelle Williamson, B.A.A. in health fitness, with a minor in marketing. Michelle owns a toffee company in Rochester Hills, Michigan, called Mel’s Toffee. 1988Anthony Hafner, B.S.B.A. in finance. Anthony received his M.S.A. in 2002 in Hawaii. Anthony is a retired Lieutenant Colonel from the U.S. Army Reserves. He remembers his walks from Tate Hall to Grawn Hall fondly during his campus career.

1987Robert C. Kennedy, B.S.B.A. in management information systems. Robert is president of Relapath, an IT consulting and services company in Troy, Michigan, with offices in Dallas, Texas, and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. He also joined the Board of Directors of Wayne State University Physician’s Group.

1985Anne Dragos (Levy), B.S. in merchandising and retail sales. Anne is a senior account manager at The Dow Chemical Company, where she has worked for 17 years.

1983Kirk Senkowski, B.S.B.A. in management information systems. Kirk is the COO of Blue Medora, a west Michigan tech firm that develops cloud systems management software. The company has quadrupled its sales in the past 12 months and increased its staff to nearly 50 people.

1982Charles Grimley, B.S.B.A. in accounting. Chuck is the executive vice president and chief financial officer and treasurer of JJB Hilliard, WL Lyons LLC, a large regional wealth management firm

headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, where he resides with his wife, Jackie. He has two wonderful daughters, Jennifer and Jessica, ages 22 and 20. Chuck proudly displays his framed diploma in his office.

1980Robert Christopherson, M.A. in economics and B.S. in economics and psychology. Robert received his Ph.D. in economics from Wayne State University in 1990. Christopherson recently was appointed interim associate dean of the School of Business and Economics at the State University of New York at Plattsburgh and chairs the Economics and Finance Department. He was promoted to full professor in 2005 and received the SUNY Chancellor's Award for Excellence in Teaching in 2007.

1974Bruce Moulton, B.S.B.A. in business and administration. Bruce is retired and doing patient transport on the side, which he loves. They welcomed their 10th grandchild in October. Bruce shares that the “C” proudly flies at their home in Gaylord, Michigan.

1972Michael McColgan, B.S.B.A. in business administration. Mike’s son, MJ, a National Special Olympics Golf Champion and three-time Hall of Famer, is organizing the inaugural “MJ Gift of Life” Red Cross Blood Donor Drive at their Blackhawk Country Club located near San Francisco. Mike is proud of everything MJ has done in his life.

1966Richard Archer, B.S.E.D. in business. Richard led the local chapter of the Military Officers Association of America from 52 members to more than 100 in two years. He is a former CMU ROTC graduate who married a

Baylor lady and stayed in the heart of Texas. 1950Jerry Simowksi, B.S. in commerce. Jerry just celebrated his 91st birthday. He and his wife, Barb, are enjoying their golden years in Canton, Michigan, on the 26th hole of the Pheasant Run Golf Course.

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ALUMNI DIGEST

Send us your news and CMU photosWe want to include your news in upcoming issues of Exchange. Send your graduation year and contact information to Cindy Howard at cindy.howard@cmich.edu.

Exchange // 19

College of Business Administration 250 Applied Business Studies Complex Central Michigan University Mount Pleasant, MI 48859

NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION

U.S. POSTAGE PAID

MIDLAND MIPERMIT NO. 260

Join us in enhancing the learning environment for the next generation of business Chippewas.

Support the Grawn Hall renovation project and have a tangible, lasting recognition for your gift. A limited number of bricks, which can be personalized at a cost of $200 or $400, are available for the Grawn Hall renovation project. Inscriptions to date have included:

BUY YOUR BRICK TODAY

To order your bricks today, visit cba.cmich.edu or email bricks4grawn@cmich.edu.

» Outstanding education and many happy memories! Dave and Susan Roberts

» “All dreams can come true, if you have the courage to pursue them” – Walt Disney

» In Memory of Kevin Summers

» McGuirk, Rick ’94, Julie ’94

» Tony S. Hafner, LTC (RET) USAR, AΦA

BUILDING FOR CBA’S FUTURE