The Eberly College of Business and Information Technology Women's Leadership Program sponsored a Galentine's Event on February 13, 2020, in the Allenwood. The event included 22 professionals from across the campus who each brought a student as their guest.
In 2013, the Eberly College received a gift from a Baltimore-area family foundation to enable the Eberly College Women's Leadership Program. Over the years, this gift has helped to support scholarships, create programming to support our female students, support conference participation, and host many alumni, business partners, and panels for leadership speaking engagements.
In fall 2019, Eberly partnered with Women's and Gender Studies for a breakfast program, and in spring 2020 is partnering with the President's Commission for Women for the leadership awards program.
Cyndy Strittmatter, associate dean for the Eberly College and coordinator for the Eberly Women's Leadership Program, thought this would be a good time to celebrate friendships and campus camaraderie. "We wanted to take our program out of the Eberly College to bring together women from across the campus to network, expose our students to our team, and to showcase just a few of the many directions that women can take for careers in higher education."
Professionals were present from across the campus, including from the Eberly College, Enrollment Management, Research Institute, Natural Sciences and Mathematics, Graduate Admissions, Grant Accounting, Institutional Research, Human Resources, Career and Professional Development, Purchasing, Communications Media, Nursing, Safety Sciences, Vocational Personnel, Public Safety, University College, Marketing and Communications, Kovalchick Convention and Athletic Complex, Graduate School and Research, University College/Provost's Office, and Alumni and Friends.
Students participating were from Communications Media, Psychology, Management Information Systems, Marketing, Student Affairs in Higher Education, PhD in Administration/Leadership Studies, Master's in Public Administration, Human Resources, General Management, Marketing, MBA, Music Education, Biochemistry, Spanish, Hospitality Management, Student Affairs in Higher Education, Finance, Accounting, Economics, Safety/Health and Environmental Applied Sciences, and Art Studio.
In talking with the group, Strittmatter said, "Every professional in this room has worked to make a positive difference in the lives of students and have supported each other in that effort. Every student is this room is valued, and we are looking forward to continue to support you and to learning about what you accomplish after you graduate."
During the program, each of the professionals in attendance introduced themselves and shared information about their education and current position. Students each talked about their major/s and next steps in their career paths. Special guests included Gabbi Myers, Barbara Norton, and Lauren Osborne. Gabbi, a 2013 graduate of IUP's Small Business and Entrepreneurship program, spoke to the participants about her business, Bella Spa and Beauty, located in Indiana, Pa. She shared information about starting a business, the value of her education at IUP, and challenges and rewards of running her own business. She and Barbara also provided the attendees with tips regarding skin care.
Lauren graduated from IUP in 2013 with a BS in exercise science. She shared her story since graduating from IUP and her work with people of all ages in the area of exercise and yoga. Lauren is a yoga instructor and personal trainer for individuals of all ages. She currently works at Sunflower Yoga and does work privately in the community. She spent some time with participants showing them some helpful stretches that could be done while working at a desk.
Kelsey Thompson, associate director of the Career and Professional Development Center, appreciated the opportunity to participate in the program. "I was thankful to be part of the first Galentine's Day Lunch hosted by the Eberly Women's Leadership Program. Having the opportunity to be surrounded by so many committed colleagues from across the university and getting to spend time with our students really made it special.We all have so much going on, so to have the chance to come together to take a few hours to celebrate each other, enjoy a meal, and network was fantastic," said Thompson.
Nicole Fisher, a student in the Master's in Public Administration program, attended the event. "I really appreciated the opportunity to spend time with other students across the campus and to learn about the diversity of leadership roles held by females on our campus. It was interesting to learn about the different paths that the professionals have taken to get to this point. I felt very encouraged by hearing that I could achieve a leadership role in my field and could do this in my own way and would have the support of other woman."
At the end of the program, Chef Josh Truitt from the Allenwood and the students from the Hospitality Management program were recognized by the program participants for their outstanding service and excellent meal.
The Eberly College of Business and IT Women's Leadership Program will host Sabrina Saunders Mosbypresident and CEO of Vibrant Pittsburghon February 25 from 4:00 to 6:00 p.m. in room 121 of Eberly. Vibrant Pittsburgh is an organization established by the leadership of the region to grow the diversity of the region's workforce.