Dave Stadelmyer '91, BS finance, decided to give back to current students during these uncertain times caused by the coronavirus pandemic. On April 16, Stadelmyerheld a virtual presentation for members of the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology College of Business Student Advisory Council and cohort members of the Eberly College of Business and Information Technology Business Honors Program.
Stadelmyeroften reflects on his time at IUP and the experiences he had at the university. He attributes his successful career to the education and opportunities he received while at IUP in the Eberly College. He met his wife, Gianna, in a co-ed service fraternity, Alpha Phi Omega, and returned in 1992 to propose to her in the Oak Grove.
He graduated with a bachelor's degree in finance and a minor in economics. During college,he accepted an internship with the Central Intelligence Agency as a finance resource officer. It was this experience that opened the doors for a successful 30-year career with the agency.
Stadelmyer started his career as a payroll technician and continuously advanced to positions of greater responsibility in finance. This included several overseas tours, enabling him to live on four continents and visit over 30 countries. Ultimately, he was promoted into the Senior Intelligence Service and served in executive leadership roles at the CIA. Throughout his career he continuously developed his passion for people and leadership through learning opportunities; studying strategic leadership at Center for Creative Leadership, leadership coaching at George Mason University, and leadership and organizational change at University of Michigan. He retired with distinction in May 2018, receiving the Career Intelligence Medal for mastery of resource management and being a gifted manager of people and programs in complex assignments and times of conflict.
Today, Stadelmyer is a consultant and leadership coach with his own company, Acorn Coaching and Consulting, LLC. The name is a nod to where it all began for him here in the IUP Oak Grove. He guides organizations through changes and challenges, coaches and mentors individuals through their self-assessment journey as they work towards their future goals, and presents and facilitates leadership seminars for clients seeking guidance.
During his presentation,Stadelmyer shared three things we all can control even during an unexpected pandemic. These include your attitude, your response, and your actions. He explained to students that although there will be times in life where we are faced with challenges, we maintain the ability to control our attitude and response to whatever we are facing, and we can dictate the outcome of a situation.
This presentation was beneficial for students since there is a lot of uncertainty during these unprecedented times. Following the presentation, one student shared a takeaway, "I learned the importance of having a positive mindset to achieve greatness." Another said, "I learned to not let failures get you down, because they're actually great learning experiences."
Stadelmyerrecommended to students, "Find a mentor that doesn't look like you, talk like you, or think like you."
He explained the value of guidance throughout life in any task you come across. Receiving insight from someone of a different industry or culture truly changes your way of thinking.
Dave Stadelmyer's presentation was one that students will always remember, and the insight provided during these uncertain times will help both students and faculty push through. The Eberly College of Business and Information Technology is thankful to have an alumnus like Stadelmyer, and we hope to work with him again soon.