Stetson Alumni & Student News
Feb 13th, 2012 by wlowe
You know that Istanbul and Budapest are Cohort 9′s destinations for the international trip in June, and you know that you’re invited to join the cohort on a special alumni/guest trip. But what else do you know about them? Here are great videos about these two beautiful cities.
Istanbul
Budapest
Jan 23rd, 2012 by Stetson Executive MBA
Nutritional therapist Alli Godbold has made it her mission to educate people about food and how it affects their bodies — brains included! She compiled the following list of “Brain food for business executives” for students like you. What follows is an excerpt of the Top 10 brain foods and a link to the full article.
As a busy executive, you’ll know the importance of making the most of each hour of the day. But when you add studying for an Executive MBA to the mix of work and family commitments, there’s an even greater need to make every hour count.While studying for an Executive MBA is an exciting time of your professional career, it can also be stressful. There are the challenges of meeting deadlines, organizing time into an already busy schedule for group projects, and for many students, the requirements of travel as part of the Executive MBA program. Looking after your health and well-being is therefore paramount. Getting regular exercise and eating a healthy diet will ensure your body – and mind – are in good shape to cope with the challenges of the Executive MBA. QS Top Executive gets top tips from nutritional therapist Alli Godbold on the best foods for busy executives.
Eat good quality protein foods at every meal. Ideally eat eggs for breakfast and chicken or fish for lunch and supper. Protein helps to keep blood sugar levels balanced which sustains energy.
Snack on raw nuts and seeds instead of biscuits and crisps. Nuts and seeds provide important nutrients, essential fats, protein and fibre – a far more nutritious alternative.
Drink herbal teas and water rather than caffeinated drinks. Tea, coffee and cola drinks cause energy levels to yo-yo up and down.
Drinking lots of water (including that in herbal teas) helps you to stay hydrated which is essential for good focus.
Eggs provide good levels of the nutrient choline. This is needed for the manufacture of acetyl-choline which is the neurotransmitter in the brain involved in memory.
Tags: Alli Godbold, Blood sugar, brain food, Colleges and Universities, Education, Health, Johannesburg, Master of Business Administration, Nootropic, nutrition, Snack food, Stetson University
Dec 21st, 2011 by Stetson Executive MBA
The Roland George Trading Room permits students to make stock trades in real time.
Stetson University Executive MBA Cohort 8 just returned from DeLand for the program’s annual trip to the Roland George Trading Room and got to tour Stetson University’s picturesque campus.
The trading room is home to the Roland George Investments Program, where students learn the ins and outs of stockroom trading. Once a year, as part of their Advanced Financial Management class, Executive MBA students make the trek from Celebration to DeLand to experience the real-time stock ticker — and to see the main campus where they’ll be graduating in May 2012.
“I didn’t know the trading room is the caliber that it is,” said Cohort 8 executive Torrance Johnson. “It’s not until you go that you realize how well-equipped it is.”
The students also enjoyed seeing Stetson University, Florida’s oldest private university. Most of them were seeing it for the first time.
“I loved seeing the main campus, very much the traditional ‘university feel,’” said fellow executive Larry Flory.
Raul Herrera, another of Johnson’s classmates, was reminded of the group’s international travels. The cohort’s visit to Vodacom in Johannesburg, South Africa, was fresh in his mind when the group took a tour of Stetson’s main campus and saw the boardroom.
The Stetson main campus welcomed Executive MBA Cohort 8.
“The school looked pristine,” added Herrera, “well-kept and very inviting. I am looking forward to being back for graduation!”
Graduation must be strong on the students’ minds, especially now that it’s only five months away. Herrera’s classmates, Johnson included, echoed his sentiments.
“It was a special moment being there with my cohort,” said Johnson. “It was great to be at the main campus and to know that is a few months, we’ll be back there for graduation.”
Tags: Deland, DeLand Florida, Johannesburg, Larry Flory, Master of Business Administration, Raul Herrera, South Africa, Stetson University, Student, Torrance Johnson, Vodacom
A homeless family in Central Florida captured the attention of Stetson University staff, students and alumni.
This past week has been an extraordinary one for Stetson University. If you’ve been following CBS and the 60 Minutes segment on the homeless in Florida, which aired Nov. 29, you know the story of the Metzger family of Sanford. Watch the CBS 60 Minutes video segment here.
Arielle Metzger, 15, was wearing a green and gray Stetson T-shirt during her interview. Arielle, who lives in a truck with her brother Austin, 13, and father Tom, talked about how important education is to the family and how she eventually wants to become a lawyer to help children and homeless people.
Stetson reached out to the Metzger family with the following:
Dr. Wendy Libby, right, appeared on the CBS Early Show with Arielle and Austin Metzger.
The Bonner Scholars Program — Supporting students who are actively engaged in service to people in need
The Student Coalition to End Homelessness — Stetson University student organization that works directly with the homeless in Volusia County
The Opportunity Stetson Scholarship – Providing scholarship suport for students in extreme need
The Annual Fund – Providing scholarship support each year for students with financial need
Law General Scholarship Fund – Supporting law students with financial need
Public Service Fellows – Providing resources for law students who work with the indigent
For more information, call the Office of Development at 386-822-7455 or e-mail development@stetson.edu.
Tags: 60 Minutes, Arielle Metzger, Austin Metzger, Bonner Scholars Program, CBS, Dr. Wendy B. Libby, homeless, Stetson University, Tom Metzger, Zeta Tau Alpha
Travelers on the Alumni/Guest trip will take a cruise on Istanbul's Bosphorus. Photo courtesy of GoToTurkey
Dublin, Johannesburg, Dubai and other cities invoke happy memories or warm feelings for alumni of the Stetson University Executive MBA program. Now, alumni have an opportunity to relive their international travel experience with the first Alumni/Guest Executive MBA International Trip!
You are invited to travel to Istanbul, Turkey, and Budapest, Hungary, with Stetson University Executive MBA program’s Cohort 9, this summer, June 17-23, 2012.
Enjoy guided tours of the two cities, a culinary expedition, a visit to Parliament, a Bosphorus cruise and a full day on the Danube Bend. Plus, you can sign up for additional excursions visiting the Turkish or Szechenyi baths or the House of Terror.
While Cohort 9 is busy learning about company operations, economic challenges and cultural considerations for international businesses, travelers on the Alumni/Guest trip can be taking in the view from Galata Tower, haggling for souvenirs at the Grand Bazaar or sipping wines at Castle Hill.
This trip is the first time since the program’s inception that Stetson University has included alumni and guests as part of the experience. Dr. Stuart Michelson, Executive MBA program director, and Wendy Lowe, program coordinator, chose to add the alumni/guest component because of the relationships that are built during adventures like these.
Students and alumni on international trips form bonds that can last a lifetime.
“Each year, Executive MBA alumni have the opportunity to gather at the annual Stetson University Alumni Event to reconnect, establish new relationships and hear from like-minded professionals shaping business in Central Florida,” said Lowe. “The camaraderie at these events is always a plus, and many alumni reveal that learning from other cohorts is extremely valuable.
“This trip will provide several opportunities for students, alumni and guests to spend quality time with one another, further strengthening the Executive MBA bond at Stetson University,” added Lowe. “For Cohort 9 to be able to share cultural experiences with Stetson Executive MBA program alumni will be extremely meaningful and further enrich their learning.”
Two years ago, Michelson added a second destination to each international trip. “Visiting two countries allows our executive students to see the polarity in cultural and business operations first-hand,” explained Michelson, “and provides an exciting way for our students to analyze how these different countries grow their business operations and resolve challenges that exist.”
“Incorporating alumni into the 2012 International Trip will provide our current students with program mentors, will provide hearty discussions and will allow all participants to be exposed to the Istanbul and Budapest way of life,” said Lowe. “These findings will shape our executives professionally and personally as they continue to grow and prosper.”
People gather in the streets of Istanbul for food and fun. Photo courtesy of GoToTurkey
If you are interested in joining the Alumni/Guest International Trip, contact Wendy Lowe by phone (321-939-7603) or e-mail (wlowe@stetson.edu). Also, note the following details:
Tags: Alumni/Guest Executive MBA International Trip, Bosphorus, Budapest, Castle Hill, Danube Bend, Dr. Stuart Michelson, Galata Tower, Grand Bazaar, House of Terror, Istanbul, Johannesburg, Master of Business Administration, Parliament, Stetson University, Szechenyi baths, Turkish baths, Wendy Lowe
Dec 6th, 2011 by Stetson Executive MBA
Juliana Trujillo, left, and Yvonne Chang are active in Central Florida's Hispanic business community.
Yvonne Chang, an alumna of the Stetson University Executive MBA’s Cohort 5, was a runner-up for the 2011 Don Quijote Award for Professional of the Year. Chang was a finalist with peers José Costa, vice president of Nodarse, a Terracon company, and Jaime Piñero, director of sales for CenturyLink. Costa won the Professional of the Year award.
The Don Quijote Awards are the most prestigious honors within the Hispanic business community in Central Florida, presented by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida. The Don Quijote awards are a celebration of success, courage and determination. They recognize the hard-working, innovative entrepreneurs who have exhibited the spirit of Don Quijote — that is, visionaries, dreamers and businesspersons who are willing to take risks in order to achieve their dreams.
In attendance at the awards banquet, Dec. 3, was Stetson University Executive MBA Cohort 8 student Juliana Trujillo.
“It was such an inspirational event surrounded by successful, dedicated and humble professionals,” Trujillo said.
Trujillo was recently appointed president of Walt Disney World’s Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement (HOLA), in which she leads a committee that seeks to provide business insight to internal operations through engaging the Hispanic employee community at Disney while providing social, cultural and career advancement exposure for that key workforce segment.
Tags: Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, Hispanic Organization for Leadership Advancement, Jaime Pinero, Jose Costa, Juliana Trujilio, Nodarse, Terracon, Walt Disney World, Yvonne Chang
Students and alumni formed assembly lines to package meals for children in Guatemala City.
More than 5,000 children in Guatemala City will receive a nutritious meal because of students, alumni and friends from Stetson University in Celebration.
More than 75 volunteers donated two hours on Saturday, Dec. 3, to assemble meals for malnourished children abroad. Friends of Stetson packed 5,200 meals and donated $1,300, which will aid starving children in Guatemala this holiday season.
“This philanthropic effort at the Celebration Center was a success,” said Wendy Lowe, Stetson University Executive MBA program coordinator. “We re-evaluated our goals early on, and based on the participants’ infectious joy, we feel fortunate to be able to proudly say that Stetson University contributed to feeding more than 5,000 starving children and raising more than $1,300.”
Volunteers helped the Feeding Children Everywhere staff unload the truck and set up five assembly lines. With holiday music and Christmas spirit filling the room, each assembly line packed meals that consisted of rice, protein (lentils), vegetables, vitamins and minerals. The meals are scientifically formulated to combat the effects of hunger on the human body. All that recipients need to do to cook each meal is to add it to boiling water.
Children were handy helpers, too, during the food packaging event.
Younger family members helped by flattening the meal pouches for shipping purposes and adding personal messages and drawings to the outside of the shipping containers for the Guatemalan children to enjoy. Executive MBA students Duane Trumble and Glorimar Hefner of Cohort 9 and Raul Herrera of Cohort 8 brought their entire family, children included, to share in the experience, as did Cohort 6 alumna Melania Lavezzi. “Their smiles said it all,” said Lowe.
Those who donated their time included current students and alumni, along with their friends and family members, from Stetson University’s Executive MBA program, Professional MBA program, Passport Degree Completion program and the School of Education/Counseling.
The school’s programs worked together to organize this philanthropic activity. “We learned that our students and alumni were interested in participating in an activity that would have a meaningful impact,” explained Lowe. “We selected Feeding Children Everywhere because it has both a global and local presence, factors our students noted were important.”
The volunteers' efforts will be felt more than 1,000 miles away in Guatemala City.
Lowe pointed out that alumni from Executive MBA program cohorts 1, 4, 5, 6 and 7 participated or made donations, as well as current students in Cohorts 8 and 9. Other Stetson University faculty and staff, including Professor Peggy Stahl, Dr. Chris Tobler and Dr. Becky Oliphant, also participated and enjoyed the opportunity to interact with students and alumni in a social setting.
“It’s always a more meaningful feeling when I’ve reached out to support a reason that’s greater than myself,” said Monica Jordan, a student in Cohort 9 who volunteered to pack meals.
Kathy Hannon, assistant director of the Professional MBA program, said she enjoyed the stories shared by the Feeding Children Everywhere staff throughout the event. “These stories allowed us to understand the impact that we were making globally,” added Hannon.
“I am grateful for the outpouring of support and generosity,” said Lowe, “and I wouldn’t be surprised if this is the beginning of continued philanthropic efforts in Celebration.”
Donations will still be accepted online until Dec. 7.
Tags: Dr. Becky Oliphant, Dr. Chris Tobler, Duane Trumble, Feeding Children Everywhere, Glorimar Hefner, Kathy Hannon, Melania Lavezzi, Professor Peggy Stahl, Raul Herrera, Stetson University Executive MBA, Stetson University Passport, Stetson University Professional MBA, Stetson University School of Education/Counseling, Wendy Lowe
Dec 1st, 2011 by Stetson Executive MBA
Yvonne Chang is in contention for Professional of the Year in the Don Quijote Awards program.
Yvonne Chang, an alumnus of the Stetson University Executive MBA program, has been honored by Orlando’s Hispanic community.
Chang is a finalist in the Professional of the Year category of the upcoming Don Quijote Awards. The program, now in its 14th year, recognizes “business excellence, dedication to serve the community and outstanding professionalism among Central Florida’s Hispanic community.”
Chang was named one of three finalists for the Professional of the Year award. The native of Cuba began her career as an electrical engineer working on missile guidance systems. Today, she is the director of Operations Integration for Disney Vacation Club, serving 500,000 members in nearly 100 countries.
“The Don Quijote Awards truly bring to light the tremendous perseverance and business success of Central Florida’s Hispanic community,” said Augusto Sanabria, president and CEO of the Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida (HBIF) in a statement. “We honor each of these finalists for their hard work, dedication and community involvement.”
The Don Quijote Awards were created to recognize and celebrate the entrepreneurial spirit of individuals who have shown character of great strength, courage, conviction and determination, just as the beloved character of Spanish literature.
Winners will be announced this Saturday, Dec. 3, by the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando and the HBIF, during a gala at Disney’s Contemporary Resort.
Tags: Augusto Sanabria, Cuba, Disney Vacation Club, Disney's Contemporary Resort, Hispanic Business Initiative Fund of Florida, Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, Yvonne Chang
Nov 14th, 2011 by Stetson Executive MBA
Danielle VanCola joined the Stetson University Executive MBA program in August 2011, and she has already earned a promotion at Wyndham Vacation Resorts. VanCola is one of many Stetson Executive MBA students and alumni who have recently been promoted. Stetson University congratulates these Hatters and proudly recognizes their accomplishments.
Danielle VanCola was recently promoted to Account Executive, Wyndham Vacation Resorts.
Danielle VanCola was promoted from Junior Representative to Account Executive at Wyndham Vacation Resorts. The Cohort 9 student was inspired by her colleague Shariq Khan, who is a member of Cohort 8. Khan also works at Wyndham and was recently promoted to Director, Product Yield Management at Wyndham Vacation Ownership.
Khan’s classmate Harley Wentzel was promoted to Operations Manager of Ticket Fulfillment at Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts when his application, during the screening process, was elevated because of his MBA education.
Other promotions for Cohort 8 include Jason Plas to Integration Analyst, Time & Deployment, Strategy & Standards, Walt Disney World; Jacob Walters, Communications Technology Specialist, Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts; and Juliana Trujillo, Market Area Sales Specialist, Partners Federal Credit Union.
Kelly Glassburn and Susan Golinsky were both recently promoted within Disney.
From Cohort 7, Susan Golinsky has recently been promoted to Labor Administrations Manager, Operations Area Manager and Project Manager at Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts. “Obtaining an MBA degree has opened more doors and opportunities than before, not to mention adding numerous networking channels,” said Golinsky.
Golinsky’s former classmate Kelly Glassburn was also promoted to Manager of Marketing & Communications for Disney Photo Imaging. “Completing the Stetson Executive MBA program had a tremendous impact in both my personal and professional life, and I continue to reap the benefits on a daily basis,” Glassburn said. “I secured a promotion and found that often topics discussed in class on Friday would resurface in a Monday Steering Committee meeting, making me more strategic and effective in my new role.”
Norbert Dean is now the Chief Procurement Officer for Sea World.
Other promotions from Cohort 7 include Darcy Clark to Digital Marketing Manager, Disney Destinations; Norbert Dean, Chief Procurement Officer, Sea World Parks & Entertainment; Terry Tasior, Finance Manager, Walt Disney World; Lourdes Mola, Manager, Minority Business Development, Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts; and Penny Miller, Operations Human Resources Business Partner, Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts.
From Cohort 6, Jennifer Small has been hired as Executive Director/CEO at The Grove Counseling Center. She was also recently nominated for Orlando Business Journal’s Forty Under 40.
Justin LaFoe is now Director, Global Retail Development for Disney.
Justin LaFoe of Cohort 4 was promoted this fall to Director, Global Retail Development at Walt Disney World Parks & Resorts. “The Stetson Executive MBA program helped refine my strategic decision making skills which gave me the advantage I needed to grow at Disney,” said LaFoe. “Completing the program at Stetson was one of the most rewarding experiences of my professional career.”
Other promotions from Cohort 4 include Geoffrey Pointon to Digital Marketing Manager, Disney Destinations; and Cathy Martin, Director, Career Development, Stetson University College of Law.
Stetson University will celebrate each success as Executive MBA students and alumni continue to excel in their careers. Onward and upward, Hatters!
Students and alumni, please report any promotions and job changes to wlowe@stetson.edu so we can recognize your accomplishments!
Tags: Cathy Martin, Chief Procurement Officer, Danielle VanCola, Darcy Clark, Forty Under 40, Geoffrey Pointon, Harley Wentzel, Jacob Walters, Jason Plas, Jennifer Small, Juliana Trujilio, Justin LaFoe, Kelly Glassburn, Lourdes Mola, Master of Business Administration, Norbert Dean, Orlando Business Journal, Partners Federal Credit Union, Penny Miller, Project Manager, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Shariq Khan, Stetson University, Stetson University College of Law, Susan Golinsky, Terry Tasior, The Grove Counseling Center, Walt Disney World, Walt Disney World Resort
Nov 11th, 2011 by Stetson Executive MBA
Children in other parts of the world could get a nutritious meal because of the time or money you donate. Photo courtesy of Feeding Children Everywhere
Alumni and students of the Stetson University Executive MBA, Stetson Executive Passport and Stetson University MBA programs who would like to give back to their community this holiday season now have the perfect opportunity.
On Saturday, Dec. 3, at 4:30 p.m., alumni, students and their friends and families are invited to Stetson’s Center at Celebration to package 10,000 meals for children in need all over the world.
“A few of us have been working with Wendy Lowe to try and extend our desire to stay connected with like-minded professionals,” said Kelly Glassburn, a Cohort 7 graduate. “We decided it would be best to rally the alumni as a group to participate in existing philanthropic efforts that make their way to Stetson.”
“This will be a great opportunity to reconnect with your cohort and give back simultaneously,” said Wendy Lowe, program coordinator for Stetson Executive MBA. “Come spread holiday cheer while enjoying the after-class atmosphere that you likely remember from your days in the program!”
Stetson has partnered with the organization Feeding Children Everywhere to make a difference in thousands of hungry children’s lives. Volunteers will form assembly lines and hand-package nutritious meals, and Feeding Children Everywhere will add them to one of its outgoing containers and ship these meals to those in need.
The reception begins at 4:30, Dec. 3. After that, Stetson will run two shifts: 5 to 6 p.m. and 6 to 7 p.m. Over those two hours, Stetson’s volunteers will package food that will serve 10,000 children at a cost of only 25 cents each, make the cost for the food at this event $2,500.
“We’re asking for one hour of your time and a donation of $5 to $25,” said Lowe. “Five dollars feeds 20 children, and $25 feeds 100 children! I’m confident that your participation will significantly impact those in need.”
Donations can be submitted online (http://www.feedingchildreneverywhere.com/stetson/), by text (text stetsonisfce to 85944 to donate $10), and in person (by cash or check). Contributions are 100 percent tax deductible.
“We are looking for 150 volunteers to help package these meals,” said Lowe. “All ages will be able to partcipate.”
If you have questions or if you’d like to RSVP, call Lowe at 321-939-7603 or e-mail her at wlowe@stetson.edu.
Tags: charity, donations, Feeding Children Everywhere, Kelly Glassburn, Master of Business Administration, Stetson Executive Passport, Stetson University, Stetson University Executive MBA, Wendy Lowe
