The following press releases have been submitted to local papers. The complete press release can be read by selecting more....
The Princeton Review, known for its college rankings based on how students rate their schools, recently released the current data in the 2007 edition of its annual guidebook, Best 282 Business Schools.
Fewer than 15 percent of business schools worldwide have earned the prestigious AACSB accreditation, a seal of approval that the SIUE School has earned each year since 1975. SIUE’s accounting program also is accredited through AACSB. Less than 33 percent of AACSB-accredited business schools hold an accounting accreditation.
According to School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino, the ranking reflects the excellence of the MBA program, as well as the School of Business as a whole. “This recognition is the result of the collaborative efforts of our talented faculty, dedicated staff and high-quality students,” Giamartino said.
“We offer our students a rigorous and challenging curriculum, as well as numerous opportunities for foreign study, business internships, work-study programs, and interactions with regional business leaders.” School of Business alumni can be found leading corporations in the St. Louis region, nationally, and around the globe.
The rankings, according to The Princeton Review, were compiled based on results of surveys of students and on institutional data from those schools. Survey respondents described SIUE business professors as “very knowledgeable and well-prepared for classes” and “very interested in providing an excellent learning environment.” Students said they are drawn to the SIUE School of Business because of its excellent reputation and AACSB accreditation.
Headquartered in New York, The Princeton Review is known for its test-preparation courses, education services, and college and graduate school admission services.
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The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business will host a Bike Ramble on Saturday, Oct. 7, beginning at 9 a.m. This event is part of Homecoming Weekend activities planned by the University.
Participants may enjoy SIUE’s colorful fall foliage as they bike the 5-, 10-, or 15-mile routes with family, fellow alumni, students, and friends. In addition to the bike ride through campus, participants also may enjoy other Homecoming activities including the Custom and Classic Car Show, the sounds of Sh-Boom, novelty attractions and the first SIUE Club Football game against the Effingham Panthers.
The Fall Bike Ramble is being organized by School of Business alumni and students. Registration is $5 per person, which includes a free T-shirt and refreshments. A registration form is available here. Parking is available near the Vadalabene Center in Lot F. For more information or to register, contact Gale Hoedebeck, (618) 650-3363, or, by e-mail: ghoedeb@siue.edu.
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As development in China increases, China’s influence around the world is growing exponentially. “A partnership with Soochow University would greatly enhance SIUE’s international programs,” explains Giamartino.
Established in 1900, Soochow University has an enrollment of nearly 40,000 students on six campuses. More than 80 colleges and universities around the world actively participate in international exchange relationships with Soochow University.
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Dean Gary A. Giamartino said, “The Wall Street Journal Student Achievement Award is recognized by our faculty and students as representing outstanding student accomplishments. Molly’s future is bright and we expect her to continue to be a leader in her profession and her community.”
Anderson has received numerous honors throughout her college career including the title of student laureate in the Lincoln Academy of Illinois, an honor only 48 students received in the State of Illinois. She states, “It’s a great feeling to be recognized for your hard work and accomplishments at your university.” In addition, Anderson has been on the Dean’s List, received the American Marketing Association Student Organization Scholarship, the Darrell Lee Davidson Honors Award in Marketing, and the Undergraduate Award in International Marketing. She served as president of the American Marketing Association student organization at SIUE, and was a member of the School’s ELITE Student Organization (Emerging Leaders Influencing Things Everywhere). She currently is an associate for Nies/Artcraft, a Consolidated Graphics Company in St. Louis, Mo.
The Wall Street Journal presented Anderson with a complete student award package including a commemorative award medallion made of sculpted brass and embedded in a Lucite paperweight; a one-year subscription to The Wall Street Journal; a congratulatory letter; and a published listing of Anderson’s name in a full-page announcement in The Wall Street Journal.
The SIUE School of Business is among an elite 15 percent of business schools worldwide that have earned the prestigious seal of approval from AACSB. The SIUE School of Business has been AACSB accredited since 1975. This assures that students are receiving the highest quality standards relating to strategic management of resources, interactions of faculty and students in the education process, and achievement of learning goals in degree programs.
On Tuesday, February 23, a reception was held for exchange students and a visiting professor from Hannover, Germany. The reception, hosted by the SIUE International Business Association, was held in the Dean’s Suite of the SIUE School of Business. On Thursday, February 21, the University community was invited to a presentation entitled "Can you Compete?" Dr. Stephan König from Fachhochschule Hannover in Hannover, Germany, current exchange students visiting SIUE, and recent study abroad participants shared many insights on business education at SIUE School of Business partner institutions.
Visitors from the local business community included Terry Arndt, President of Success Consulting, Tom Borcherding, Senior Vice President, Global Medical Sales at the ROHO Group, Robert Greene, Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Gannon International, Eric Herrera, Manager of Midwest Language Specialists and Consultant to firms wishing to do business in Latin America George Hibbard, former Director of the Industrial Offset Group at Boeing, Larry Kirschner, Senior Vice President of Foreign Exchange at Wells Fargo, Larry Taylor, consultant to firms wishing to do business in Asia Aziotics, Kyle Woolsey, Contract and Pricing Administration at Boeing. Each speaker brought unique perspectives and experiences to the classes they visited.
The School of Business at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an active participant in international exchange programs, sending SIUE faculty and students each year to its exchange partners in France, Germany, Mexico, Hungary, The Netherlands, and China. Please visit the International Program website at http://www.siue.edu/BUSINESS/internationalprograms for more information about International Programs.
The first three days of the trip were used building the new home. Materials and local experts (maestros) awaited the group, who dug into the project. The cinder blocks were quickly organized and the team began mixing the cement and mortar by hand. As the participants formed the walls, some of the Spanish-speaking students took the opportunity to converse with the curiously observing family and local children. The group helped pour the cement floor and assemble a solid roof, replacing a wooden pallet and cardboard structure with one of cinder block for the family to live in.
Midway through the week, the group had the opportunity to visit a manufacturing facility of the type in which one of the family members worked. The trip to the maquiladora of Johnson Controls, an international company that offers interior design services and temperature control devices, among other products and services, included a round table discussion with the Human Resources Director, a tour of the facility, and some Q & A time with the Director of Operations. This was a great opportunity for everyone to gain first-hand experience with seeing the factory conditions, learn about the government’s environmental regulations, and the conditions of the border economy.
After experiences building the home and exploring the border economy, the group took a day trip to downtown Juárez for a taste of the local culture. A local museum provided an exhibit of information and artifacts from the Spanish Revolution, which started in 1936. The downtown also held a cathedral, many shops and street vendors, and outdoor eateries. The air was filled with the sounds of a large band, the smells of the local fare, and bustling energy. The group trekked throughout the town and ended up at an indoor market, where they bartered for gifts and souvenirs. Their final dinner together was at Viva Mexico, a restaurant that provided music, a simulated cockfight, cultural dances, and a very lively and interactive atmosphere.
One student participant, Petra Flores, commented on her experience, “I absolutely gained a great deal of perspective on the trip…I think most of us expected poverty and sadness, to a certain extent, but we didn't really find that. People were happy; they were thankful for what they have, not mournful for what they lack.” When asked if she would recommend the trip to other students, she replied, “I would wholeheartedly recommend a study abroad trip to anyone considering it. You not only learn about the world and its people, you learn about yourself and your abilities. It made me realize not just how lucky I am for what I have, but that I need to use what I have been given to make changes in the world, and I am capable of doing so.” The group recently met at La Fonda restaurant in Edwardsville for a reunion to share new-found perspectives, pictures, new friendships, and to relive the stories of their adventure.
Sarbanes-Oxley was enacted July 30, 2002, as a means to increase the public’s confidence in big business in an era of corporate scandals. It established new and enhanced standards for corporate responsibility and accountability. Sarbanes-Oxley pertains to all public companies in the United States. The compliance with Sarbanes-Oxley is a lengthy process that involves many aspects of the organization. However, Accounting and Information Technology are two areas that work heavily in the compliance process. For these reasons, this Symposium was both groundbreaking and important for both professionals and future professionals.
The day-long event included presentations in the morning regarding Sarbanes-Oxley and its impact on information technology. In the afternoon, participants took part in a FAQ panel and breakout sessions. The blending of information and interaction led to many interesting and important discussions.
Presenters included Ann Ficken, general partner at Edward Jones and an SIUE School of Business alumna, Steven Newstead, partner at RubinBrown, Greg Smith, manager at RubinBrown, Bev Palmer, principle of internal audit at Edward Jones, David West, internal SAP consultant at Monsanto and an SIUE School of Business alumna, and Sheila Burkett of Edward Jones. Participants in the panel and facilitators included Dave Mayo, director of information systems at Edward Jones, Kirk Skiles, IT compliance consultant at Ameren, Rebecca Jordan, analyst at Royster-Clark, Vince Kutzera, information security manager at Smurfit Stone, Brian Ashworth, HR director – IT division at Edward Jones, Mark Ward, Assistant Professor of CMIS at SIUE, and Rich Barron, director of IT at IBM Global Services. The planning committee included representatives from Edward Jones, RubinBrown, Royster-Clark, Monsanto, and SIUE. In addition, IT and Accounting students played a large role in the symposium. Students introduced the speakers and served as recorders and reporters in the sessions. The program gave SIUE students a valuable opportunity to learn about the industry and interact with business leaders in their field.
The symposium was sponsored by Monsanto, Edward Jones, RubinBrown, and Southern Illinois University Edwardsville.
Photo - 1 Students, alumni, and visitors will readily identify the SIUE School of Business from the new signage that will be installed over the holiday break this year. A flat, cut-out, aluminum sign will be installed on the wall between the first and second floor of the main stairs in Founders Hall.
Photo - 2 Students will be able to receive the latest business information from this continuous feed DLP front projection television. The 90” diagonal screen will project news broadcasts, stock quotes, weather, and School of Business events. A new student lounge area also will be created by the television screen.
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The event is based around the premise of managing a mock manufacturing company. The training leading up to the competition took place throughout the semester. The team was required to submit a decision set via the Internet each week from February through early April. The culmination included teams making 10 more business decisions during an intense three-day competition in California. Finally, the team was responsible for a strategic business plan, an annual report, and one formal oral presentation to judges sitting as the firm’s Board of Directors. These judges are senior business executives at Cisco Systems, Ernst & Young among other firms.
The participants competed against 27 other business teams from the United States, Canada, Great Britain and the United Arab Emerates to capture the title for Best Business Model. In addition, the SIUE students were awarded the Best Reports designation.
The competition is an important exercise in preparing students for the corporate world by enhancing classroom knowledge with real-world experience. Michlitsch said, “The competition provides an almost life-like opportunity for the students to apply all that they have learned to the many aspects of management of a business. This includes application of discipline-related knowledge as well as interpersonal skills.” He went on to say, “The formal presentation (report on company results for a specific year) to the judges/board of directors was especially good. All team members were prepared. The presentation was based on evidence and reasoning and was informative to the board of directors.”
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The program was developed by an industry steering committee. The instructors include practitioners, industry experts and university faculty who can apply theory to practical problem- solving and decision-making skills. The program focuses on managing risk factors of construction projects in order to maximize profitability and minimize costs. Participants learn key management strategies important to their futures as corporate leaders, including legal issues, human resource issues and financial issues; aligning the organization to identify new business opportunities; and anticipating and responding to future developments, including economic and workforce trends. For information about the program, please contact Mary Sumner at 618-650-2093.
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(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) ¬— The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business accounting students will offer income tax preparation through the VITA program, Volunteer Income Tax Assistance. Students and low-income citizens are eligible to receive assistance from qualified SIUE students under the supervision of instructor James Dixon. Over the past several years, the VITA program has aided hundreds of local taxpayers.
Tax returns will be prepared at the SIUE Accounting Department offices located in Founders Hall, room 2114 at the SIUE campus. Services are available Monday, Wednesday, and Friday from February 12 through April 9. Times of operation are Monday and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 10:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. No service is available the week of March 6 through 13.
In addition, SIUE students will prepare tax returns at the Edwardsville Public Library each Saturday beginning February 12 through April 9 from 9:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. Services are not available Saturday, March 12.
Individuals should bring social security cards and driver’s licenses for themselves and all dependents, along with exemptions that are being claimed. They also should bring all supporting documentation such as Forms W-2 and all relevant 1099s. Individuals are encouraged to provide a copy of the previous year's tax return.
VITA student volunteers prepare tax returns for U.S. citizens filing Forms 1040 EZ and 1040A only. Students do not prepare Form 1040, known as the long form. No dual state income tax returns can be prepared. A state return is prepared only if the individual worked and resided in a single state for the entire year. VITA personnel reserve the right to refuse to prepare any return based on their review of the situation.
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(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) The School of Business at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is holding its first Alumni Reunion that will give special recognition to the 25th anniversary class of 1979. Special reunion events for the School kick off Saturday, October 16 with a timely lecture, An Economist Looks at the 2004 Election, presented by Garett Jones, Ph.D., at 1:30 p.m. in the Korte Classroom located in Founders Hall, room 2407. Alumni can then renew friendships and network with former classmates, faculty, and the Dean of the School of Business at the Reunion Reception that same day at 6:00 p.m. in the Art Gallery at the Morris University Center followed by a dinner at 7:00 p.m. The weekend festivities end with a School of Business Alumni Brunch Sunday, October 17 from 11:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. at the Dean’s Suite in Founders Hall, Room 3307. Cost of the dinner is $35 per person; the brunch is $15 per person.
For more information or to make reservations, contact Cheryl Camp at 618.650.3363 or email chcamp@siue.edu.
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The SIUE School of Business is pleased to announce the names of the following finalists for the 2004 Mississippi Valley Family Business of the Year Awards.
Illinois Small Category finalists are Freer Auto Body & Accessories and White’s Greenhouse, Inc. both located in Godfrey, Ill., and SUNCON, Inc. in Alton, Ill. Illinois Medium Category finalists are Fischer Lumber Company in East Alton, Ill., and Korte & Luitjohan Contractors in Highland, Ill. The Illinois Large Category finalist is Luhr Bros. Inc. in Columbia, Ill.
Missouri Small Category finalists are Nikco Sports Memorabilia in Chesterfield, Mo., Branneky Hardware in Bridgeton, Mo., and Lackey Sheet Metal in St. Louis, Mo. Medium Category finalists in Missouri are Da-Com Corporation in St. Louis, Mo., Salon De Christe in St. Peters, Mo., and Commercial Letter, Inc. in St. Louis, Mo. The Missouri Large Category finalist is The Western Group in St. Louis, Mo.
The Mississippi Valley Family Business of the Year Award is presented to a company with a strong commitment to both business and family. In addition to business success, those recognized demonstrate positive family business values, have multigenerational family business involvement, use innovative business strategies, and make personal contributions to their industries and communities.
Winners in each category will be announced at the 10th Anniversary Dinner held Friday, November 5, 2004, at the SIUE campus. Tickets can be purchased in the amount of $125 per person and will include a reception with the finalists and sponsors, dinner, and awards presentation. Contact Cheryl Camp at 618.650.2317 or email chcamp@siue.edu for more information.
Sponsors supporting this year’s awards program include Colarelli Meyer & Associates, Lexow Financial Group, MassMutual Financial Group, Moto, Inc., Partners Bank, Polsinelli Shalton Welte Suelthaus PC, Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab, Inc., St. Louis Business Journal, TheBANK of Edwardsville.
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) -- On April 22, the SIUE chapter of Tau Alpha Chi, a national honorary tax association, held its inaugural installation ceremony for new student members. According to the chapter sponsor, Dave Mason, associate professor, Department of Accounting, this new honorary tax association will provide important benefits to the students at SIUE who have an interest in pursuing a career in taxation. Membership is open to both undergraduate and graduate students in accounting with an interest in taxation.
The inaugural members inducted into Tau Alpha Chi were Jeremy Bearth, Donna Bock, Jill Branch, Kristen Buehrer, Sara Coulter, Jason Finke, Dave Forth, Amanda Heusinkveld, Cindy Holesko, Andrew Kenny, Lacey Langenfeld, Karen Maske, Ken Shepard, Suzanne Sherman, Au Vicharnakorn, Adam Ward, and Cassie White. Officers for 2004-2005 are Cassie White, President; Jason Finke, Vice President; Cindy Holesko, Secretary; and Andy Kenny, Treasurer.
The School of Business at SIUE leads the region in preparing students and business professionals by creating high quality innovative programs to serve Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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Seniors: Lesley Anne Barker of Belleville, Illinois, Brandi Nicole Bunn of Gillespie, Illinois, Leora Christina Clapp of Edwardsville, Illinois, Erin Louise Donnay of Glen Carbon, Illinois, Donna Marie Eilerman of Batchtown, Illionis, Laura Ann Ellner of Prairie Dr Rocher, Illinois, Drew Alan Hesker of Okawville, Illinois, Amanda Louise Heusinkveld of Alton, Illinois, Cynthia M. Holesko of Gillespie, Illinois, Andrew Joseph Kenny of Alton, Illinois, Tina Louise Klostermann of Breese, Illinois, Jamie Mae Kruckeberg of Edwardsville, Illinois, Robert Joseph Leifeld, Jr. of Waterloo, Illinois, Courtney Renee Mowen of Quincy, Illinois, Jarrod Lee Rhodes of Junction City, Illinois, Rachel Magdalene Salanik of Swansea, Illinois, Jacqueline Annette Straube of Highland, Illinois, Jodee Marie Stroud of Belleville, Illinois, Vaniece Vincent of Granite City, Illinois, Garrett Damien Wagner of Chicago, Illinois, Nathan Alvin White of Waterloo, Illinois, Vincent Richard Zehme of Lansing, Illinois.
Graduate Students: Karen Lynn Buescher of Edwardsville, Illinois, William Raymond Eernisse of Granite City, Illinois, Burcu Eke of Istanbul, Turkey, Pelin Guven of Ankara, Turkey, Rayna Michelle Mercer of Belleville, Illinois, Troy James Pingsterhaus of Germantown, Illinois, Brandi Susanne Tuggle of Waterloo, Illinois.
Second Certificates: Jennifer Ann Deem of Summerfield, Illinois, Patricia Ann Nash of Jerseyville, Illinois, Linette Warnecke of Troy, Illinois, Keri Ann Wieduwilt of Highland, Illinois.
The School of Business at SIUE leads the region in preparing students and business professionals by creating high quality innovative programs to serve Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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The awards will be presented on Friday, November 5, 2004, at the Morris University Center at the SIUE Campus. This recognition event supports the goals of the SIUE School of Business to educate future business and community leaders.
Sponsors of the 2004 SIUE School of Business Family Business of the Year Awards include Colarelli Meyer & Associates, Lexow Financial Group, Mass Mutual Financial Group, Moto, Inc., Partners Bank, St. Louis Business Journal, and TheBANK of Edwardsville.
Applications for this year’s awards can be obtained by calling Cheryl Camp at the SIUE School of Business 618-650-3363, or visit www.siue.edu/BUSINESS for more information.
The Southern Illinois University Edwardsville School of Business leads the region in preparing students and business professionals by creating high quality innovative programs to serve Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
The Homer Jones Memorial Lecture honors a man who was pivotal in monetary economics and policy. Homer Jones (1906-1986) was the research director and senior vice president at the St. Louis Federal Reserve Bank, and he was a major contributor to the Bank’s leadership in monetary research and statistics. Jones worked at Rutgers University, the University of Chicago, The Brookings Institute, and the Federal Deposit Insurance Corp. before beginning his appointment at the Federal Reserve Bank in St. Louis. The memorial lecture series began in 1987, shortly after Jones’s death. The Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, Gateway Chapter of the National Association for Business Economics, St. Louis University, Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, University of Missouri St. Louis, and Washington University co-sponsor this annual lecture.
For more information about the 2004 Homer Jones Lecture, contact the SIUE School of Business at 618-650-2317 or email jwoodru@siue.edu. The School of Business at SIUE leads the region in preparing students and business professionals by creating high quality innovative programs to serve Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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The idea appealed to Günter, and the process of applying for the prestigious Fulbright grant began in earnest during the spring of 2003. He began by completing the application and developing a detailed research outline along with collateral materials to submit to the Fulbright Program. At SIUE, through Pug, a pledge of support was provided and a place for Günter and his family to stay was arranged. Also, Pug issued an official letter of invitation and made preliminary contacts to facilitate Günter’s research once he arrived. By mid September of 2003, the groundwork was laid and the application submitted.
Their work paid off when it was learned Günter was one of only two people selected in February to receive the honor and recognition of becoming a “Fulbrighter.” Günter arrived at SIUE in March to begin his research, “Member Relationship Management in Trade Associations,” studying a services marketing approach to comparative analysis of trade associations in the United States and Germany. During his four-month stay in the United States, in addition to his research, Gunter will speak with students in a variety of classes including GBA300 – a required, entry-level business and liberal arts class that covers the foundations of business knowledge – International Marketing and Management, Public Administration and Policy Analysis, and German.
Günter earned a Ph.D. in Economics from Westfälische Wihelms – Universität Münster (Germany). He serves as professor of Business Administration Services Management and Entrepreneurship at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Hanover, Germany. He also is the International Coordinator for the School of Business in Hanover, which means he coordinates the student and faculty exchanges for the school.
While at SIUE, Günter and his wife, Monika, will reside in Clayton, Mo., with their three sons Sebastian (10), Felix (9), and Dominik (7). The children attend school in Clayton while Monika keeps up with the family business long distance. When asked how he likes the St. Louis area, Günter replied, “It is not so different from Hanover. We have one and a half million people in the city of Hanover, which is surrounded by farmland and rolling hills much like the area surrounding St. Louis.”
Günter is the epitome of what it means to be a Fulbrighter…”Fostering these – leadership, learning, and empathy between cultures – was and remains the purpose of the international scholarship program…It is a modest program with an immodest aim – the achievement in international affairs of a regime more civilized, rational and humane than the empty system of power of the past…” (Senator J. William Fulbright). Günter is very clear about what he wants to accomplish while at SIUE, and he is striving to meet three objectives: “first and foremost, to conduct my comparison research project; second, to encourage more students and faculty to travel to Germany through the International Exchange Program; and finally, to enhance the relationships between my home university and SIUE through building relationships among the two universities and area businesses.”
Sidebar . . .
The Fulbright Progam is the U.S. government’s flagship program in international education exchange. It was introduced in 1945 by Senator J. William Fulbright of Arkansas. In the aftermath of World War II, Senator Fulbright envisioned a program that would promote “mutual understanding between the people of the United States and the people of other countries of the world.” The program is sponsored by the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs. Fulbright Visiting Scholar Awards are granted to approximately 800 foreign scholars annually. Since the program began, more than 250,000 participants from 140 countries have been able to observe each other’s political, economic, and cultural institutions.
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The answers to these and other challenges faced by leaders in the construction industry are tackled in a new and innovative program created cooperatively by the School of Business and the School of Engineering at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The Construction Leadership Institute is an executive program designed to help managers in the construction industry develop and enhance their leadership skills, and to provide the knowledge, frameworks, and strategies individuals need to lead in a dynamic business environment. "We in the School of Engineering are very pleased to work with the School of Business and with our construction industry colleagues in developing and presenting this very successful program," stated Paul A. Seaburg, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Engineering.
The first session of the program began January 16, 2004, and ran for 10 weeks on alternating Fridays and Saturdays, ending March 27. Twenty-five participants attended from 23 area construction firms including Sachs Electric, McCarthy Building Companies, Guarantee Electrical, Tarlton Corporation, Johnson Controls, Inc., Rhodey & Son Construction, J.F. Electric, Inc., Fred Weber Inc., Alberici Constructors, TM2 Construction, BRK Electrical Contractors, LLC, C.E. Jarrell Contracting Co., ICON Mechanical, Kozeny-Wagner, Inc., The Korte Company, BSI Constructors, Inc., Mosely Construction, S.M. Wilson & Co., The Kilian Corporation, Clayco Construction, Kwame Constructor LLC, Affton Fabricating & Welding Co., Inc., and The Legacy Building Group.
The Construction Leadership Institute was developed by an industry Steering Committee, and course instructors include practitioners, industry experts, and university faculty. “Working with our partners in the construction industry to help educate its next generation of leaders has been an outstanding opportunity for the School of Business to serve the metropolitan business community,” stated Gary A. Giamartino, Ph.D., Dean of the School of Business.
Instructors apply theory to practical problem-solving and decision-making skills, focusing on managing risk factors of construction projects in order to maximize profitability and to minimize costs. Participants learn key management strategies important to their futures as corporate leaders, including how to align the organization to identify new business opportunities and anticipating and responding to economic and workforce trends. Dean Seaburg stated that, “Comments from the participants indicate they have gained knowledge and skills that will be very useful to them as they advance their careers in construction.”
The Association of General Contractors of St. Louis, the Southern Illinois Builders Association, and the Southern Illinois Construction Advancement Program were sponsors of this inaugural program at SIUE. For more information about future Construction Leadership Institutes, contact the Office of the Dean, SIUE School of Business at 618-650-3822 or email camanni@siue.edu.
Those not able to attend the open house are invited to call 618-650-3363 or visit www.siue.edu/BUSINESS to learn more about earning a bachelor’s or master’s degree in business.
The School of Business at SIUE leads the region in preparing students and business professionals by creating high quality innovative programs to serve Illinois and the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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The Wentz scholarship is awarded each spring to an SIUE MBA student in their last semester of study. The award is sponsored by Charles Alvin Wentz, Jr. of Edwardsville, Ill. Wentz earned an MBA from Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 1986 and a Ph.D. in Chemical Engineering from Northwestern University. Wentz’s philanthropy extends to other local high school and college scholarships.
Maedge is proud to receive this honor recognizing her work ethic and academic achievement. Maedge said, “By being a student in the MBA program, I have gained the knowledge and tools I will need to have a successful professional career.” She receives a $1,000 stipend and recognition at the University’s annual Honors Convocation.
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The Associated General Contractors (AGC) of St. Louis provided scholarship support to three minority contractors attending the Construction Leadership Institute at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. The recipients of the scholarships were Marion Hayes III of BRK Electrical Contractors, LLC; Terry Hampton of TM2 Construction; and Todd Weaver of The Legacy Building Group. Each scholarship covers the cost of tuition to the Construction Leadership Institute. The AGC offered this assistance to promote the growth of underrepresented contractors in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
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“International Business Week” Has Events for Students and the Community
(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) ¬— The School of Business and the International Trade Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) are proud to present “International Business Week” March 1-6. The week provides an opportunity to bring international education and regional business leaders to the community. Events are sponsored, in part, by a grant from the Excellence in Undergraduate Education fund.
Four international faculty members will be visiting SIUE from its exchange partners in France, Germany, Mexico and China. Albrecht Sonntag is from Angers, France and is a member of the faculty at the École Supérieure des Sciences Commerciales d’Angers. He specializes in the political economy of the European Union. Hans Gühlert comes from Fachhochschule Hanover University of Applied Sciences and Arts in Germany, and specializes in marketing and marketing research. Sara Isabel García of Toluca, Mexico is on the faculty at the Institute Tecnológico Y De Estudios Superiores De Monterrey. Her expertise is in marketing, with specialties in advertising, sales promotion, marketing planning, and business ethics. Chen Yan is from Xiamen, China, and is Associate Professor in the International Trade Department at Xiamen University.
These experts in international business along with Rick Dreyer, vice president of international sales at T.J. Gundlach Machine Company in Belleville, Illinois, and Stewart Dahlberg, manager of export sales at J.D. Streett & Company, Inc. in St. Louis, Missouri, will lead a panel discussion Monday, March 1, 2004, in the Maple-Dogwood rooms in the Morris University Center at SIUE. A reception begins at 6:30 p.m. with the panel discussion beginning at
7:30 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Topics will include international trade and the state of international business.
Admission is free to the general public, but reservations are requested. Please contact Vivien Shao at yshao@siue.edu or (618) 650- 2452 to register and reserve seating.
The international faculty members also will speak to faculty, staff, and students from 11:00 a.m. to 12:15 p.m. in Alumni Hall Room 2401 on Tuesday, March 2, 2004. This focus on International Business will take place during the normal “Business Hour” time slot and is sponsored by the SIUE School of Business. This will provide students with a greater knowledge of and appreciation of the global business environment and how social, legal, political, cultural, and economic forces shape business practices in various countries.
The School of Business at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville is an active participant in international exchange programs and sends SIUE faculty and students to its exchange partners each year.
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Tax returns will be prepared at the SIUE Accounting Department offices located in Founders Hall at the SIUE campus, room 2114. Services are available Monday, Wednesday and Friday and begin February 9 through April 5. Times of operation are Mondays and Wednesdays from 11:00 a.m. to 4 p.m. and Fridays from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. No service is available the week of March 8 through 14.
In addition, SIUE students will prepare tax returns at the Edwardsville Public Library each Saturday beginning February 7 through April 3 from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. Services are not available Saturday, March 13.
Individuals should bring social security cards and driver’s licenses for themselves and all dependents, along with exemptions that are being claimed. They also must bring all supporting documentation such as Forms W-2 and 1099. Individuals are encouraged to provide a copy of the previous year's tax return.
VITA student volunteers prepare tax returns for U.S. citizens filing Forms 1040-EZ and 1040-A only. Students do not prepare Form 1040, known as the long form. No dual state income tax returns can be prepared. A state return is prepared only if the individual worked and resided in a single state for the entire year. VITA personnel reserve the right to refuse to prepare any return based on their review of the situation.
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WHO Five family businesses from 11 finalists were selected to receive the 2003 Family Business of the Year awards.
The winners are:
Large
More than 250 employees ----
Four Seasons Group, Lake Ozark
Medium
More than 50 to 250 employees Budnick Converting, Inc., Columbia R. J. Liebe Athletic Lettering Company, Chesterfield
Small
Less than 50 employees Lynn Furniture Company, Sparta Lutesville Motor Company, Marble Hill
WHY The annual event honors the growth and success of outstanding Missouri and Illinois family businesses creating opportunities for these individuals, civic and community leaders to network and celebrate together. This recognition event supports the goals of the SIUE School of Business to educate future business and community leaders.
WHEN Winners were announced Friday, November 7, 2003, at a black tie awards dinner and program at the Starlight Roof at the Chase. Each finalist received an inscribed medallion. In addition, winners received specially crafted crystal trophies depicting family members holding a diamond in up reaching hands.
OTHER Several Missouri and Illinois businesses provided sponsorship support to recognize these family businesses. They include:
Patron Edward Jones
Donors TheBANK of Edwardsville
Colarelli, Meyers & Associates
D&K Healthcare
The Korte Company
MotoMart
Partners Bank
Sheppard, Morgan & Schwaab Engineers
SIUE School of Business proudly announces the following winners of the 2003 SIUE School of Business Family Business of the Year Awards:
ILLINOIS MEDIUM COMPANY WINNER
Budnick Converting, Inc.
When Mark and Ann Wegmann purchased a lathe slitter for their company, Budnick Converting, Inc., in 1986, they quickly discovered a niche market for specialty converting of adhesive tape products. The company, that began in 1952 as a distributor of tools and accessories, has grown in that niche market ever since, expanding in locations, technology, and staff to meet the demand. Budnick operates a 50,000 square foot manufacturing facility and employs 115 people. The company plans to open a new 100,000 square foot facility in 2004.
Lance Schneider, Budnick’s e-commerce manager, said he and the Budnick staff were thankful to SIUE and the voting committee for the distinction. “It is truly a great honor,” he said. “The family and employees of Budnick Converting look toward a bright future of growth and innovation in the specialty converting of dhesive-backed materials.”
Contact information: Lance Schneider, 618-281-8090, ext. 182ILLINOIS SMALL COMPANY WINNELynn Furniture Company
In 1914, two brothers from Sparta, Illinois took a risk — they quit their jobs with the railroad and opened a furniture and funeral business. When the brothers divided the businesses into separate operations in 1938, Wyman Lynn became the sole owner of Lynn Furniture Company with his daughter, Lucille, and her husband, Klondis Pirtle. Pirtle ran the business for 40 years. Lucille, 90, sold furniture for 60 years.
Lynn Furniture is Sparta’s oldest family business. Three generations have continued the commitment to service that made Lynn Furniture successful. Today, Pirtle’s son, Klondis T. (Konnie), is president of the company, and his daughter, Carole Anthony, is vice-president.
Carole said it was nice to be recognized as an outstanding family business. “We are customer-oriented and we are proud to be recognized for that. We know our customers could shop at larger stores but they choose us because we provide excellent service. It’s nice to know others think we are doing a good job as well.”
Carole, upon accepting the Family Business Award, dedicated it to her grandfather, who started the business 89 years ago. Contact information: Carole Anthony, 618-443-2129
MISSOURI LARGE COMPANY WINNER
Four Seasons Group
Four Seasons Group at Lake Ozark, Missouri, began when Harold Koplar, son of St. Louis hotelier Sam Koplar, opened The Lodge of the Four Seasons in 1964. In 1989, Susan Brown, Harold’s daughter, became president of The Lodge of the Four Seasons. Together with her husband, Peter, they slowly built the business into a thriving, year-round resort and development company. They are one of the largest employers in the community, supporting more than 600 employees in six businesses.
Peter and Susan Brown accepted the award along with Peter, Jr. They said they were deeply honored to have received this award. “It is a very positive contribution to the local communities that SIUE goes out of their way to put together such a first class recognition program for family owned businesses," Susan said.
Contact information: Nancy Adams, 573-365-8530
MISSOURI MEDIUM COMPANY WINNER
The R. J. Liebe Athletic Lettering Company
No photo available
The R.J. Liebe Athletic Lettering Company was founded in 1923 in the basement of a St. Louis home. Robert Liebe and his wife started out with a pair of Singer sewing machines embroidering letters and sewing them onto jerseys. The Liebe Company now manufactures lettering for nearly all of the Major League Baseball teams as well as professional basketball, hockey and football organizations.
Robert Liebe’s son, Robert Jr., developed and patented the first fusible high-gloss vinyl used for lettering, making the names and numbers on jerseys easier to read on television. Robert III and his brother, Bill, have continued the tradition of quality and innovation. Robert III heads the lettering division that uses lasers and computers to design and cut lettering, and Bill leads the Webster Fabric division that developed poly-pro twill, the sport garment industry’s standard of excellence for years.
Contact information: Rob Knoll, 636-532-1914
MISSOURI SMALL COMPANY WINNER
Lutesville Motor Company
Roy B. Underwood, owner of Lutesville Motor Company of Marble Hill, Missouri, died suddenly in 1957, and the entire family rallied to save the business. Roy’s wife, Margie L. Underwood, went to work at the dealership making her one of the first female Ford dealers in the country. In 1972, Margie turned the dealership over to her children, Rick Underwood and Mary Thomas. The family knows of no other Ford dealership passed from mother to daughter and son.
The dealership employs more than 26 people. Mary’s husband, Dave Thomas, has been general manager for 38 years. Other family members involved with the business include Mitzi Thomas Rhodes who handles advertising and customer relations and Nick Underwood who is the parts and service director.
Lutesville Motor Company has won 25 distinguished service awards since 1996 and is a six-time winner of the president’s award, the highest honor Ford bestows on dealerships.
Contact information: Mary Thomas, 573-238-3381
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The Economic Summit is designed to help solicit ideas on ways to help create jobs and economic growth for every region in the state. The daylong conference focused on approaches to help the Illinois economy move forward.
Participants at the conference represented a host of industries, government entities, non-profit institutions, and civic organizations, covering topics such as technology, manufacturing, entrepreneurship, and logistics and transportation.
The conference began with a brief address from Governor Blagojevich, and then broke into sessions.
The entrepreneurship session opened with an introduction from Giamartino.
“Governor Blagojevich knows that small businesses have a big impact on the diversity and strength of the Illinois economy, which is why he is creating entrepreneurship centers around the state to foster the growth and development of small businesses,” Giamartino said. “The Governor’s plan calls for 20 such centers to be up and running by 2005.”
The SIUE School of Business received a $150,000 grant for its Entrepreneurship Center provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity in August.
As part of a network of centers throughout the state, the SIUE Entrepreneurship Center will serve as a catalyst for creating an entrepreneurial climate in the region by delivering specialized services to businesses with high-growth potential. The center will enhance SIUE’s business resources already available to the region through the School of Business.
The new Entrepreneurship Center’s will focus on offering assistance to high-growth potential companies. The centers plan involves networking with small business service providers in Illinois.
“Entrepreneurship is a vital key to economic development through job growth and wealth creation in Southern Illinois,” Giamartino said.
“The Illinois Economic Summit has made more of us aware of issues facing entrepreneurship in our state. That awareness will guide the strategy as we develop our centers.”
Panelists at the entrepreneurship session included Ed Williams, chief executive officer of Firefly Energy; David Ahmari, co-founder of EpiWorks, Inc.; and Thomas Allen, owner and manager of American Fiber Comm, LLC.
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The SIUE School of Business received second place in the Mid-Continent East AACSB Innovation in Leadership of Business Education Award 2003. The regional arm of AACSB International sponsors the award to recognize curriculum innovation in university business education. SIUE was cited for its graduate level course, “Ethics and Corporate Responsibilities in the World of Enron, Andersen, and Worldcom: An Innovative Graduate Business Curricular Enhancement.” The course was offered during the Spring 2003 term.
The multifunctional and interdisciplinary course provided an overview of recent corporate misconduct and ethical lapses and discusses their implications for individuals’ personal business ethics, managerial decision making, and areas of corporate accountability.
“It’s not just a matter of teaching our future executives to make wise choices,” said Gary Giamartino, dean of the School of Business. “We need to teach students to better recognize an ethical dilemma. It could be that we’ve taken for granted that people know an ethical dilemma when they see it.”
The course received funding from SIUE’s Excellence in Graduate Education, a program that funds innovative graduate program initiatives.
Professor Madhav Segal organized the course with assistance from Professors James Wilkerson, and Joseph Michlitsch. The full faculty team included Professors Bijoy Bordoloi, Chris Dussold, Ralph Giacobbe, John Gilbert, Thomas King, David Mason, Brad Reed, Jacky So and Susan Yager.
“We intentionally took the multi-disciplinary approach,” Segal said. “It gives us a chance to see the issues from multiple angles and with the benefit of varied backgrounds. It’s not only an issue of what the regulations say, or how to properly develop an economic forecast. It is all those things and more. Most especially, it is a managerial issue.”
The award included recognition at the October 12-14 meeting of the Mid-Continent East Association to Advanced Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB) in Chicago, and a prize of $1000.
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(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) – Jo Ellen Moore, associate professor of Computer Management and Information Systems at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, was appointed in September to the Editorial Board of MIS Quarterly as an Associate Editor.
Moore’s research focuses on the management of MIS professionals and technology. She has been published in scholarly journals such as the Academy of Management Review, the MIS Quarterly, the Academy of Management Learning and Education, and Communications of the ACM. She has also co-authored chapters in Strategies for Managing IS/IT Personnel.
MIS Quarterly, a peer reviewed scholarly journal, publishes research concerning both the management of information technology and the use of information technology for managerial and organizational purposes. It is considered one of the world’s premier academic journals in information technology.
Moore obtained her Ph.D. in Management with a concentration in MIS from Indiana University. She has extensive experience as a MIS Manager, Project Leader, Systems Programmer, and Applications Programmer and Analyst. She has been on the faculty of the SIUE School of Business since the fall of 1997.
Moore’s new position as Associate Editor involves several responsibilities, including disposition decisions on manuscripts submitted and annual attendance to the International Conference on Information Systems to participate in strategic decisions on the direction of the journal. The term of the appointment will start January 1, 2004, and last a maximum of three years.
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(EDWARDSVILLE, Ill.) Illinois Gov. Rod Blagojevich today announced at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville that the state would fund an Entrepreneurship Center through the SIUE School of Business. A $150,000 grant for the project is being provided by the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity.
As part of a network of centers throughout the state, the SIUE Entrepreneurship Center will serve as a catalyst for creating an entrepreneurial climate in the region by delivering specialized services to businesses with high-growth potential. The center will enhance SIUE’s business resources already available to the region through the School of Business.
The new Entrepreneurship Center will focus on offering assistance to high-growth potential companies. The center’s plan involves networking with small business service providers in Southwestern Illinois.
School of Business Dean Gary Giamartino said the new center will provide a valuable resource. “Through this effort, the School of Business will have an opportunity to deploy its resources and intellectual expertise to enhance entrepreneurship in the region,” Giamartino said.
Giamartino said the center will utilize student teams led by faculty members to provide various services. “These projects might include development of business plans, market research, feasibility studies, and research and development for high-growth, high-market potential ventures.”
Blagojevich said the SIUE center is the third of six that have been officially opened throughout the state, the first at the University of Illinois–Chicago and the U of I at Champaign-Urbana. Other centers are planned at SIU Carbondale, Western Illinois University, and at Rock Valley College.
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Pursuing a bachelor of science in the SIUE School of Business, Peebles is active in the university’s Student Leadership Development Program and Joint Neighborhood Ministry. She also is a recent recipient of SIUE’s Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Scholarship and Humanitarian Award. While at Roosevelt High School in South St. Louis, she was a member of the National Honor Society and named to Who’s Who Among American High School Students.
“I chose to attend SIUE because I needed to stay somewhat close to my support system in St. Louis,” said Peebles, referring to former teachers and a late relative. “Without their support, I don’t know how I could have made it.”
Peebles is currently in Durban, South Africa, for the summer as part of an overseas study program through SIUE. “Receiving the Messing Scholarship was truly a blessing,” Peebles stated. “The scholarship has helped me pay my student loans and made it possible to attend this study- abroad trip, with a little living money.”
The Messing Scholarship Fund was created to honor commitment to business and education, as well as to encourage underrepresented populations to pursue a degree in higher education. Through the generous contributions of the Messing Charitable Foundation, the SIUE scholarship is granted each year to a business major who ranked in the upper 25 percent of his or her high school graduating class and who has made a contribution through community service or activities in high school.
A qualified full-time student must have a cumulative GPA of 2.75 or better, as well as a similar GPA in business courses. The Messing Scholarship provides tuition and fees, books and supplies, and campus room and board for two semesters in a single academic year. This one-year scholarship may be renewed annually for up to 4 years.
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The responsibilities and title of Mary Sumner, Assistant Dean and professor of Computer Management and Information Systems, have been enhanced. She is now the Associate Dean for Executive and Continuing Education, and will lead initiatives of the School of Business to expand non-degree educational services to the business community. She attained a Ph.D. from Rutgers University, New Jersey. She has published numerous texts and research papers on electronic communications systems, the management of end-user computing and electronic commerce.
Sumner also serves as director of the undergraduate program in Computer Management Information Systems (B.S. in CMIS), and coordinator of the MIS Advisory Board.
Associate professor Joseph Michlitsch was appointed Chair of the Department of Management and Marketing. Michlitsch obtained his Ph.D. in Strategic Management from the University of Minnesota. His expertise is consulting strategic planning and strategy development, and strategic management implementation.
Michlitsch is the recipient of 2001 SIUE Teaching Excellence Recognition Award and the Outstanding Reviewer Service Award from the Academy of Management, Management Education, and Development Division.
John F. Schrage, associate professor, was appointed Chair of the Department of Computer Management and Information Systems. Schrage received his Ph.D. from Michigan State University. He has extensive information technology experience in education, business, and government settings. He has worked with the U.S. Government on computer planning, design, programming, fund accounting, personnel management, and budgeting.
Schrage holds several certifications with CSP (Certified Systems Professional). He continues to work on the development of a software portfolio for use in the beginning business environment.
Marketing and Marketing Research professor, Madhav N. Segal was named the new director of the Master of Marketing Research (MMR) program. Segal is a graduate of the University of Texas at Arlington with a Ph.D. for Marketing and Marketing Research and a MBA for Marketing. His extensive experience includes expertise in consumer and industrial marketing research and strategic market planning.
Segal has previously served a director of the MMR program from 1985 to 2000. He received the 1997 Paul Simon Teaching Research Laureate award, honoring his success in linking outstanding research with excellence in teaching, and the 2000 Great Teacher Award.
Gertrude P. Pannirselvam, associate professor of Management, was appointed as coordinator for the School of Business GBA 300 program. Pannirselvam received her Ph.D. in Operations Management from Arizona State University. Her research and teaching interests include quality management, operations strategy, process analysis, facilities design, and scheduling. She is especially interested in the measurement of quality and customer satisfaction.
Pannirselvam is involved with several professional organizations, including the Decision Sciences Institute, Production and Operations Management Society, and the Institute for Operations Research and Management Science.
