SIUE Athletics Hosts Inaugural Cougars Career Networking Night
On March 25, SIUE Athletics hosted the inaugural Cougars Career Networking Night, presented by Northwestern Mutual Fairview Heights-Clayton, in First Community Arena. This hybrid event included over 130 student-athletes and 40 business professionals and provided a platform where the high achieving student-athletes at SIUE had the chance to network with the companies that support and enhance their student-athlete experience.
"This night was one of my favorite nights of the year at past institutions, and we were thrilled to host our inaugural Cougars Career Networking Night here at SIUE," Director of Athletics Andrew Gavin said. "I share my appreciation for Northwestern Mutual Fairview Heights-Clayton for their support and investment in this initiative. We are also extremely grateful for the sponsors, alumni, and panelists that joined us, and generously poured into our student-athletes. Finally, thank you to our high achieving student-athletes for continuing to display commitment and excellence in all aspects of your experience."
The event began with a keynote welcome from the Managing Partner at Northwestern Mutual Fairview Heights-Clayton, Chris Lowery, and was followed by a networking dinner which was provided by Moe's Southwest Grill of Edwardsville.
Following dinner Assistant AD/Student-Athlete Success Ashley Beaton Simpson moderated an alumni panel which included four SIUE alumni. The panel included Justin Rossmiller '21 (Northwestern Mutual Fairview Heights-Clayton), Savannah Sullivan '22 (Energizer Holdings), Danny Ratulowski '20 (Northwestern Mutual Fairview Heights-Clayton), and Grace Hurst '22 (Granite City School District).
Following the alumni panel, the student-athletes and business professionals in attendance heard from the business panel which included Alonzo Byrd (Director of Business Development and Community Engagement – Ascension Charity Classic), Kathy Federico (Dealer Operator – Jack Schmitt Dealerships), Erin Flecke (Group Talent Acquisition Manager – Enterprise Mobility), Rusty Ingram (Director of Business Development – BJC HealthCare), and Lisa Kopis (Vice President – US Bank).
This exclusive event had 11 companies in attendance: Ascension Charity Classic, Bank of Springfield, BJC HealthCare, Energizer Holdings, Enterprise Mobility, First Mid Bank, Granite City School District, Jack Schmitt Dealerships, Northwestern Mutual Fairview Heights-Clayton, US Bank, and Washington University Physical Therapy.
Interested in getting your company involved with this event next year? Email Jake Sutter at jaksutt@siue.edu to learn more!
