vtpamplin-blog-blog

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Full Swing Summer: Through the Eyes of Donna Wertalik

"Things have been in Full Swing in the Marketing Department and Summer Session I.  The new introductory course, "Marketing The Experience-Introduction to Marketing, Branding & Social Media" has taken off online with 114 students, each taking the course journey!  Students have been posting, analyzing Ted Talks videos, creating Linked In accounts and connecting with real world events and aligning with class concepts.  This class is the "ramp-up" to the new 3104, which will launch this Fall, and include alumni speakers from ESPN, NBC, Apple, etc.  It is going to change the students experience through an interactive class approach.  

In addition, I am also teaching a live marketing communications summer course, in which we are working with Virtual U, a new start-up which focuses on 3D scanning like no other.  The students are busy building a strategic social media marketing plan.See more information on Virtual U on the attached link. http://www.virtualu.co/

Finally, I will have some time off and look forward to spending it with my family and friends.  We will venture out of the country for a cruise, which will bring me back refreshed and ready to continue to THINK BIGGER  with the Pamplin College of Business."

Donna Wertalik, M.S., Marketing

Associate Professor of Practice, Marketing

Get ready for your Fall at Virginia Tech! Check out great opportunities to learn from Professor Wertalik and other esteemed Marketing Department Faculty this upcoming school year! 

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Student Entrepreneurs Develop "Snapchat for Music"

  Written by Communications Team Member Blair Purdy

The process of sharing music has changed majorly in recent years. It has evolved from burning and sharing CDs with friends, to sending YouTube links over text message, to following others on Spotify. So what is the next big thing in this ever-transforming space? It could be Riff, a mobile-based music-messaging app created by Virginia Tech students Dennis Lysenko, Drew Meeks, Andriy Katkov along with M. Anthony Lang III and VT alum Ryan Rutherford.

After meeting purely by chance at an Entrepreneurship Club meeting, the students co-founded a software development company called Riff Digital. “We found out that our skillsets all complemented one another,” said Lysenko, referring to the winning combination of entrepreneurship, programming and business experience the founders possess.

Riff Digital is a startup focused on creating innovative mobile applications. After it’s creation, the business partners immediately began work on the Riff app, their company’s first major project. According to Meeks, the app will give users the ability to, “select music clips of twenty seconds or less, add an optional picture and/or text message, and send it to selected contacts. Upon receiving a Riff, recipients are able to access one replay, after which the Riff deletes permanently - leaving only artist and track information available for viewing.”

The concept for this app spurred from Meeks’ realization that music discovery is currently very inefficient. He noticed that most people are exposed to new music through the radio or through largely ineffective attempts to share music over existing social media platforms. “The most common instances I find are people simply quoting songs and/or posting a YouTube video of the music,” he said. But all of this could soon change if their venture is successful.

The app is set to launch on both Android and iOS platforms within the next year. Some of Riff Digital’s other proximate goals include launching marketing campaigns and raising capital. As they head down this path, the co-founders have already found that many of the skills they have learned in business classes at Virginia Tech have been useful. “From capital raises to resource management to incentive-driven initiatives, my foundation in economics from Virginia Tech has helped me successfully address and streamline the business-related tasks associated with founding a company,” said Meeks who is an economics major.

For updates on both Riff Digital and the Riff app visit: https://www.facebook.com/RiffDigital

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Meet Erica Jeffries: Embodying True Pamplin Determination

                                 Written by Barbara Micale

"Stellar" is a good way of describing Erica Jeffries' academic achievements, military service, and professional resume when she enrolled in Virginia Tech's Executive Master of Business Administration program in January of 2012. Jeffries will complete the Executive Master program in July 2014. 

Jeffries had earned a bachelor of science in international relations and systems engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and a master of arts in national security studies from the School of Foreign Service at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C.

As an active duty Army aviation officer, Jeffries had served as a UH-60L Blackhawk helicopter pilot and as the assistant secretary of the general staff for all of III Corps.

From 2010 to 2011, she was a White House Fellow, working at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and focused on building public/private partnerships and developing investment strategies with domestic and international corporations. Jeffries later received a political appointment to serve as the senior advisor to the chief financial officer at the Environmental Protection Agency.

To all of that, add strategic advisor for operations and management in the Office of the Administrator on the Joint Initiative for Urban Sustainability for Rio de Janeiro and Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and consultant with Booz Allen Hamilton, where she specialized in defense, strategic policy, and national security, supporting government clients both domestically and internationally.

Yet, in the fall of 2011, Jeffries felt strongly that something important was missing from her credentials. "If you really want to be a business leader in today's global environment, it is absolutely necessary to have an MBA," Jeffries said emphatically. "And I knew that is what I would need to further my career."

Determined, Jeffries began looking at a number of master of business administration programs offered in the Washington, D.C., area. Jeffries said she wanted a program that would offer her an understanding of business operations, investing, and strategic planning that would go beyond what she might learn in a day to day job. "I felt that an MBA would strengthen my portfolio as I pursued leadership roles that would further my career," she said.

Ultimately, Jeffries applied to the Virginia Tech Executive MBA program in the National Capital Region. "The Virginia Tech program met all my requirements," Jeffries said. "Not only would I be getting a degree from a well-respected, great name university that offers an impressive network, but it was close to home [she lives in Alexandria, Virginia], could be completed in 18 months, and was affordable."

Since joining the program, Jeffries is moving forward on the leadership track. In June of 2012, she joined Exelis Inc., a diversified, top-tier global aerospace, defense and information solutions company. Just one year later, she was named the chief inclusion and diversity officer. In this role, Jeffries is responsible for all training, learning, and development relating to diversity and inclusion in the Exelis workforce.

Throughout the course of the program, she has found the Executive MBA curriculum relevant, she said, and especially appreciates the knowledge she has gained from a diverse adjunct faculty. "They are entrepreneurs, business leaders, former and active military personnel, and non-profit professionals who add an important mix of practical information to the curriculum," said Jeffries. "Another great plus of the program is how much the cohort learns from each other’s backgrounds and experiences in the workplace – they are even more diverse than the faculty."

Students in the program are also required to participate in a 10-day international residency designed to illustrate strategies that have led to business success outside the United States. This will be a new experience for Jeffries and one she is looking forward to. "I have worked overseas but only for the U.S. government and American companies. This opportunity to see foreign companies thriving will provide me with a new, different, and valuable perspective," she said.

Jeffries also noted that the program’s executive director, Maureen Hall, "takes the time and makes a deliberate effort to learn about the students in the cohort to ensure the program meets the changing needs of the students."

Making these kinds of adjustments to the curriculum really makes a lot of sense, offered Jeffries, who will complete the program in July after a residency in Germany and Croatia. "Our current project includes an assessment of how the program can be improved; this is just one more indicator of how much Virginia Tech cares about making this program the best it can be for its students," Jeffries said.

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Internships Instill Confidence: The Power of Experience

Written by Communications Team member Kristen Miller

Listen up as Pamplin Business Management and Marketing Management student, Kristen Miller discusses her work experience and starting up her family's coffee shop. 

As a senior in college, almost daily I am asked either “What do you want to do after college?” or “Oh, what are you going to do with that degree?”  I used to shyly admit I wanted a coffee shop but now, I say it with full-bodied confidence. My family and I have always considered ourselves a “restaurant family”. What does that mean? Well, growing up we had two restaurants from before the time I was born up until I was nearing the age of 12. When my parents told me we were closing the restaurants I was devastated. Those restaurants were my second homes, my playgrounds and those employees were my family. I think about Mellow Beach and Kitty Hawk Grille, our two restaurants, nearly every day because they are such a big part of my childhood memories, and influenced who I am today. After they were sold, the seed of owning a coffee shop was planted in my head. Ever since, this idea has been my dream, my goal and my passion.

My junior year of college, I confirmed Business Management and Marketing Management as the two degrees I would graduate with from the Pamplin College of Business at Virginia Tech. Having confirmed these, I soon realized I needed an internship to earn credit for a class. This was a little nerve-wracking considering I planned to study abroad all of spring semester. This would mean I would be responsible for finding an internship while in Europe. I didn’t know what I was going to do. In the midst of my so-called “quarter-life crisis” (what I was going to do with my life and how was I going to fulfill my senior year requirements before graduation), I received a call from my parents saying they would like my assistance in opening a small espresso café in our hometown. It could have been my imagination but I think that the skies cleared up at that moment, the sun shined a little brighter and the birds started singing the sweetest songs I had ever heard. This was the most incredible opportunity! In my mind, I imagined that this could possibly be a practice run for my own future business and I couldn’t have been more honored to take part.

Fast forward to May. I arrived home from Lugano, Switzerland and just a few days later Mom and Dad are insisting I meet with the bank to open an account, call ShopKeep, Inc. for our POS (point of sales) system software, and order inventory and equipment from suppliers. At the same time, it was also my job to research mainstream coffee successes such as Starbucks, Dunkin Donuts and Coffee Beanery to become aware of competitor’s prices and products. I went to work nearly every day and I am still investing so much of my time and person into this passion of mine, treating it as if my own. Sure, there have been some really challenging days where I, having little knowledge in this field, have become frustrated and felt lost and confused. But, ultimately I have learned so much about what entrepreneurs go through when they start a business from scratch. I have just merely scraped the surface when it comes to tough decision-making but I am soaking in every second of it. I still have so much to experience and learn and I am undoubtedly willing to go through the trials of this project because it is so rewarding to see the tiniest of details thread together to form something real, tangible and valuable for society.

In the past, when people used to ask me “What are you going to do after college?” or “How are you going to use those degrees?” I used to answer shyly because I couldn’t actually picture myself opening a coffee shop and being successful. But, after committing to my Pamplin degrees and embracing the requirements of my internship, I can truly say that this practice has become one of the most impactful experiences thus far and has given me a taste of what is to come. I now answer: “I want to create and run my own coffee shop” with confidence, a smile and 100% volition to give myself a shot at fulfilling my dream. 

For further reading, check out Kristen's personal blog about the experience: http://kristencreatesacoffeeshop.wordpress.com/

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Pamplin Professor Lands NerdScholar "40 Under 40"

Written by Communications Team Member Jayme Katis

Did you ever have a candid conversation with a professor that changed your life forever? Have you had coffee with an instructor that truly guided your post education decisions? Remembered that one Professor who takes the time to learn your name in oversized lecture halls? Recently, Virginia Tech’s Alan Abrahams was nominated and elected as one of NerdScholar’s “40 Under 40”. NerdScholar’s first selection centered itself on celebrating professors who exert passion for their subject matter onto their students. Selections were chose based off of personal nominations and rankings from the crowd based sites of RateMyProfessors and CourseRank.

Alan Abrahams has changed the Virginia Tech community through his interaction with students at the Pamplin College of Business. Encouraged by the challenge and knowledge found in education, Abrahams hopes to share these same motives onto his student body. Educated in South Africa, his hometown and at the University of Cambridge, Professor Abrahams enjoys the benefits found in learning and development. Abrahams has taught business information technology at the university level for the past seven years and believes that “each of us is measured not just by what we can do, but what we can do to help others.” Energized by the community at Virginia Tech, Abrahams centers himself on business and entrepreneurship endeavors as he truly lives the Virginia Tech tagline, “Invent the Future”. Professor Abrahams has continued to support development of both business students and the university student body.

Check out Professor Abraham’s profile and the awarded class of professors from across the country at: http://www.nerdwallet.com/nerdscholar/40-under-40#alan-s-abrahams

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

All Just Stepping Stones for Brett Simone

Written by Communications Team Member Megan Myklegard

On Sunday April 27th, a Pamplin Alumni by the name of Brett Simone had an advertisement featured on the front page of the New York Times. Subsequent to graduating from Tech in the class of 2013, Brett became an Assistant Account Executive at Publicis Kaplan Thaler in New York City. Brett is steadily climbing up the ladder to success in this company, and his current triumph promises even further prosperity. My interview with Brett provides details about his New York Times featured advertisement, as well as why he ascribes his success to his experience at Virginia Tech.

Q: “Can you begin by telling me some background on the advertisement and what it promotes?” 

A: “I work for Publicis Kaplan Thaler and they have a big portfolio of clients, one of which is Citibank. They always have an ad on Sunday and having just hired a chief marketing officer who happens to be LGBT, they wanted to welcome him to the team and show they are in support of pro-lgbt policies in the workplace.” 

Q: “How did you get involved with Publicis Kaplan Thaler as well as this advertisement?”

A: “So basically I started out while I was in PRISM (Pamplin Reinventing Social Media) on the communications team and I took an internship with Publicis Kaplan Thaler in New York. After my internship, I got hired full time as an account manager, which is the person who manages the clients, handles the budgets, and does a lot of the strategy. However all the other cool stuff in advertising- making the ads and doing commercials- was what I was really interested in. But it’s hard to break into those jobs within the agency. So I did about ten months as an account manager and approached my boss about making the change. They gave me permission to try out for it so they would give me the same projects as people with the creative jobs and let me compete against them. They never told the clients I was creating the content, and the line I wrote for the ad in the Sunday edition of the New York Times was chosen. Little did they know I wasn’t on the creative team, but since that got picked it’s looking more likely that I will get to make the transition.

Q: “How do you think being in Pamplin and PRISM got you to where you are today?”

A: “Pamplin gives you the building blocks, and I felt I was very prepared coming out of Pamplin. PRISM is so specialized and has students with such diverse backgrounds, so the club remains very up to date with what’s going on in the marketing industry. I feel like it had a big effect on why I am in the ad agency now. It wasn’t easy, but coming from Pamplin and PRISM made it a little bit smoother and if you want to go into the more innovative and competitive ahead of the curve agencies, I think PRISM is a really good place to start.

Brett continued to tell me that he is still learning and getting better everyday. While this is a big win for him, it only drives him to achieve more.  This advertisement is what he calls “a stepping stone towards [his] dream job”, and from the looks of it, he isn’t too far away.

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Uncommonly Gifted Gives Students Shining Moment

Written by Communications Team Member Blair Purdy

Virginia Tech students enrolled in a special-study social media class taught by Professor Donna Wertalik, recently stepped in to help local business, Uncommonly Gifted, launch marketing campaigns on Facebook and Twitter.

Uncommonly Gifted is located on Main Street in downtown Blacksburg and aims to provide unique gifts to Blacksburg residents and visitors. It is owned and operated by locals Laureen and Mike Blakemore, who opened the store just six months ago. Because it is so new to the downtown community, the owners needed help devising a way to advertise themselves to potential customers in the area.

  Wertalik's course was designed to give students real world experience by providing them the opportunity to help local businesses build or enhance their social media presence. Four of her students took on Uncommonly Gifted as a client and did just that. They originally set goals of reaching 500 Facebook friends and 100 Twitter followers, both of which were surpassed. They  tried to increase interactions on both platforms and started the hashtag #GIFTIT on Twitter to gain publicity. "Hopefully in the future they'll be able to build and be able to implement things like Instagram," said marketing student Lindsay Stewart who worked on the project, "I'm glad I had the chance to help them promote some of their products."

For more information check out the news coverage on the standout students at http://www.wdbj7.com/news/local/virginia-tech-students-offer-social-media-advice/25482114

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Passion and Success: A Conversation with Pamplin Alumna Bridget Ryan Berman

Written by Communications Team Member Becca Toser

Bridget Ryan Berman has made a name for herself in the competitive world of retail and she credits Virginia Tech and Pamplin for giving her the foundation to succeed. Throughout her career, Bridget has made an impact at companies including Giorgio Armani Corp, Apple Computer Retail and Polo Ralph Lauren. She currently holds the position of CEO of Victoria Secret Direct. Not only is Bridget a successful businesswoman, but she is also the co-founder and a director of miraclefeet, a non-profit organization, as well as a dedicated wife and mother. I recently had the opportunity to ask Bridget a few questions about her experience at Virginia Tech, her career, her non-profit and her family life.

 Q: How did you end up attending Virginia Tech and what were some of the activities that you were involved with while in college?

A: I grew up in Richmond, VA and I think I always knew that I wanted to go to a state school. Certainly, my parents encouraged me to do so knowing that Virginia had some of the best colleges and universities in the nation. When I went and visited Virginia Tech, I felt at home immediately. In addition to being a beautiful campus, I was impressed with academic rigor and loved how passionate and engaged the students seemed to be with all the school had to offer. As well, the college of Pamplin had a very solid reputation.

As far as activities, my freshman year I tried to stay focused on academics. My sophomore year was when I rushed and joined Kappa Delta Sorority. Kappa Delta was fairly new at the time and it gave me an opportunity to help build its presence not only locally, but also nationally. I was the PanHellenic representative for Kappa Delta, which gave me the chance to meet other leaders on campus. In addition to KD, I was the bat girl for the Hokie baseball team, which was fun because I loved supporting athletics. I also participated in the Student Alumni Association where I volunteered and supported various activities on campus.

 Q: At Tech, you got a degree in Business Administration. How did that prepare you for the fashion industry?

A: I had started in retail when I was in high school and I had an opportunity to work in a major department store in Richmond. Through that experience I met several executives in merchandising, who encouraged me to focus on a business degree.  Knowing that I wanted a career in retail meant that eventually I would want to grow into leadership positions.  General Business would provide the right aggregate of courses to help me learn the critical aspects of management and administration.  Retailing is a wonderful balance between the art and science of business.  It’s requires strategic thinking, analytics and cross-functional partnering.  It also challenges one’s creativity and intuition as you develop a product and brand experience that excites and motivates the consumer.

Q: How did you end up at Victoria Secret and what are some interesting experiences that you have had there?

A: I have known Victoria Secret my entire career as my first buying job was in Intimate Apparel. I have always admired the brand and the company. I joined VS two and a half years ago to run it’s digital, online and catalogue business. I would say the most interesting experience is that when I joined, the website was 13 years old and had not had any kind of major upgrade since it had been launched. The company allowed me to re-think all of our digital strategies and operating systems inclusive of the website, mobile and tablet. Today, the expectations shopping a brand has shifted dramatically.  Customers are extremely savvy.  They leverage technology for emotional engagement, research, information and comparative pricing. Therefore, retailers have the responsibility to use technology to provide an ease and effortlessness to the experience.  As well, digital platforms can assist through personalization supporting what can be an overwhelming when someone is shopping online.  We also simplify when a customer likes to visit both stores and the website. I’m fortunate in that Victoria’s Secret is a world-class brand. It’s all about giving to the customer!

Q: As a busy corporate executive, how have you been able to balance work and family life? What should young women know about what to expect?

 A: I think if you have a well-rounded balanced life, both personally and professionally, it makes you better at each. Losing that balance, over time, will begin to wear on the thing that you give more of yourself to. It’s not just family life, but also your personal life. Taking care of yourself and giving to yourself as much as you give to others is important. You are more effective as a professional when your life is enriched. I am fortunate in that my family respects and supports the fact that I love what I do.

Q: Could you tell me about your family and your foundation miraclefeet and how many children it has served?

A: I have been married for almost 18 years. I have a son who is 13 and two step-sons who are 30 and 24. We live outside of New York City.  My office is in New York near Central Park.  I travel to Columbus, Ohio several weeks a month as that is where our corporation is based.

My son was born in 2000 with bilateral clubfoot, which is a birth defect that is highly correctable. We chose a non-surgical method to correct the issue.  It began when he was an infant and by the time he was a toddler, you could not tell that his feet had been challenged. If properly addressed, clubfoot is completely correctable.  We prefer the non-surgical approach as the likelihood of issues related to the treatment are minimized.

My husband and I started miraclefeet to help children in developing nations who struggle with clubfoot all of their lives because they don't have the resources to correct it. Miraclefeet has helped over 4000 needy children in twelve countries since we began five years ago. It has been a tremendous passion of all of us on the team. The hope we offer costs $250 per child to fully correct their feet through casting and braces. Without this help, the child would have great difficulty walking, which often leads to a life of desperation.  In partnership with the Design School at Stanford University, we have also recently created an inexpensive brace that will allow easy access and a streamlined process for one of the most important aspects of the treatment. (For more information go to www.miraclefeet.org)

Q: You have been an active alumna. Why do you think it’s important for alumni to support Tech and Pamplin?

A: My years at Virginia Tech were four of the most valuable years in my personal and ultimately, professional life. I support the vision of the university. I also am incredibly proud of the school’s culture, it’s ethical values and the ongoing focus put towards the quality of academics, research, innovation and diversification.  I believe Virginia Tech strives to continually remain current in this fast-changing world.  I am impressed with the direction Pamplin is going and I hope to always demonstrate my commitment to the school’s future through my actions and support.

Bridget’s success is truly an inspiration to me and I hope to the students of Pamplin. Her story is a great example of what each and every one of us should aspire to personally, as well as professionally.

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Pamplin Leadership Series: Joyce Roché

                                                                           Written by Communications Team Member Megan Myklegard

As a part of the Pamplin Leadership Speaker Series, the college welcomed Joyce Roché at the Inn at Virginia Tech to speak on her trailblazing career and her new book, The Empress Has No Clothes. Joyce served as COO and president of Carson Products Company, was the first female African-American vice president of Avon Products, and is the current CEO of Girls Inc. Though the talk was primarily aimed at woman in business, her remarkable experience accrued many eager listeners of all backgrounds.

The Empress Has No Clothes  is a book that provides a look at the “imposter syndrome” and it’s many facets. Joyce defines the imposter syndrome as the feeling one encounters when they find they are suffering from self-doubt in the wake of success. Despite all achievements, one cannot help but feel they are destined to stumble and are underserving of promotion. Joyce remarks, “We give everyone license to be perfect except for ourselves”. She explained these feelings arise often due to a trigger of race, gender, or economic status; if one is different from their colleagues they feel the pressure of inferiority no matter the actuality of their talent.

In the concluding remarks of her speech, Joyce gave motivational tips for how to tackle the imposter syndrome. She encouraged the audience to not censor themselves when they speak about their feelings, because when you vent truthfully you are allowed the realization that your beliefs are actually irrational. Moreover, when people compliment you, soak it in as opposed to deflecting it. Joyce also commented “we can voice our weaknesses like that (insert snap here), but we have trouble voicing our strengths”.

Hanna Wiberg, a freshman with Business Undecided major, commented, “As someone who is unsure about the business route, [Joyce’s] speech was really helpful for giving me confidence in pursuing a leadership position in business. Listening to successful woman always reminds me that I am unstoppable”. Consequent to her speech, I also felt empowered and even got Joyce to sign a copy I had of The Empress Has No Clothes. Joyce is truly an inspiration to not just women and minorities, but everyone who has a dream. 

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Virginia Tech Chapter Wins Big at Pi Sigma Epsilon National Conference

Virginia Tech’s Pi Sigma Epsilon chapter competed for the Top Silver Chapter award on Wednesday morning at 8 AM at the PSE National Conference in Miami, Florida among various other competitive events. The Top Silver Chapter award is given to a chapter that reaches silver standing through chapter operation guide points that are continually submitted throughout the year, based off completed chapter tasks, and demonstrates excellence in all aspects of a PSE chapter. These chapter elements include strategic planning, chapter goals and performance, member development and financial stability. Each of the eight members that traveled down with the PSE team spoke in our 30 minute presentation and 20 minute Q&A session in front of a panel of 5 judges. At the formal awards banquet on Saturday evening, it was announced that the Virginia Tech Delta Epsilon chapter had placed second for Top Silver Chapter over so many other chapters throughout the nation. Pi Sigma Epsilon could not be more enthused and excited for what the chapter has accomplished and to improve the VT chapter even more for next year's national conference in Houston, Texas!

After the outstanding weekend for Pi Sigma Epsilon, President Colleen Howell expressed great hope for the team’s future after returning back to Blacksburg. "This was my first PSE Nationals Conference and there's no doubt in my mind I will be back next year. The week was filled with an exciting array of key note speakers, fierce competition, professional development opportunities, and networking with over 80 companies and over 400 fellow Pi Sigma Epsilon members from all over the country. I gained so much in just 5 short days, 5 of the most rewarding and exciting days I've ever experienced...all in sunny Miami! I am so very proud of my chapter and only look forward to what more we can bring to the table at the conference next year."

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Project Impact: Raise Awareness

Project Impact's mission is to revolutionize student impact with innovative projects. It was started this semester by six Virginia Tech students, including four Pamplin students! Impact has utilized a business mindset with planning this project which has helped us acquire over $1400 in gift donations, which is all going towards our raffle! Next year Project Impact is opening up membership to other Hokies who want to make a difference!

Donor Week (April 14th-April 18th) is the group’s project this semester to increase the number of registered organ and tissues donors in the community as well as dispel some of the myths about donation. Project Impact wants to reward previously registered and newly registered donors with prizes such as athletic department gifts, restaurant gift cards, acapella tickets and more! If you are a newly registered donor, you have the opportunity to vote for a VT Club on campus to win a catered event from TOTS ($500), Olive Garden ($250), or Macados ($125)! The Athletic Department is hosting a cause game in our honor and giving one lucky winner a special prize (separate from their raffle)! 

Project Impact’s overall goal is to increase the number of registered organ/tissue donors and raise awareness!

Check out Project Impact’s Promotional Video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qiFbPD5ysIk

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Pamplin Appoints Fresh Faces to Ambassador Program

  Written by Communications Member Blair Purdy

Pamplin Ambassadors- a group of involved business students who host information sessions, participate in special events, and visit high schools in order to help recruit prospective students to the Pamplin College of Business- recently welcomed eleven new members to their program.

The organization initially received 87 applications for a very limited number of slots, and held both individual interviews and a large group interview to aid in the selection process. “I was really excited when I found out I got into the program because I knew that I was one of very few applicants who were chosen,” said Morgan Sherrill, a freshman marketing major, “I can’t wait to become more involved with Pamplin.”

With Hokie Focus, Virginia Tech’s admitted student’s day, this past weekend, the new Pamplin ambassadors were put right to work. They helped with the set-up in Hancock Hall and Pamplin Hall, and served as greeters for the College of Business information session. During the presentation, some members had the opportunity to share their personal experiences with Pamplin in order to provide a student perspective. The Ambassadors later had the chance to interact with students and families as they escorted them to major-specific breakout sessions.

New member Katie Smucker, a freshman marketing and finance double major, is eager to share her love for the College of Business with these potential new students through similar events in the future. Smucker enthusiastically stated,“I am so excited to answer prospective student's questions and help them see Virginia Tech through my eyes. The fact that I could potentially play role in helping someone decide to come to Virginia Tech is such an honor".

Hannah Johnson, a junior accounting and finance double major who is also a new member, held a similar sentiment, saying that she hopes Pamplin Ambassadors will give her the chance to share why she is so passionate about the College of Business. “Choosing Pamplin is honestly one of the best decisions I have ever made,” Johnson said.

The addition of these eleven new members to Pamplin Ambassadors will result in a total of 21 active members in the program after graduation in May.

To read more about some of the current members visit: http://www.undergrad.pamplin.vt.edu/ambassadors/biographies.html

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Young Professionals Summit Unites Next Generation's Leaders

Written by PRISM Marketing Team Member & Innovate Student Michael Vitak

I recently had the pleasure of attending this year’s Virginia Young Professional Summit with six fellow members of the Innovate living-learning community. This fantastic opportunity enabled us to network with and learn from industry professionals.

Featured speaker Justin Graves opened the summit with enthusiasm by telling the audience about his goal of meeting one hundred people that day and by emphasizing the importance of building lasting relationships. He was followed by Professor Donna Wertalik, who energetically discussed the importance of telling your personal story. She left the audience with a comprehensive strategy for planning a personal, business and/or non-profit social media presence.

Jack Andraka, a high school junior, then told us about his research and development of an inexpensive and accurate cancer detection device. He detailed the trials and tribulations of doing cancer research with only the knowledge from his freshman biology class. Jack continued by nonchalantly telling us about his numerous grants, patents and awards, which left us all amazed. This inspiring story carried the audience into the dynamic speech by Senator Mark Warner. His focus on entrepreneurship and higher education seemed to dominate the discussion, but after a rapid-fire session both domestic and foreign policy were addressed as well.

During the hour-long lunch break, groups started to network and build professional relationships. Afterwards, the afternoon began with two sets of breakout sessions, covering topics such as social media, personal branding, resume and interview tips, and campaigning for public office. The energy-packed summit closed with remarks from Professor John Boyer, who described the role international events play on domestic economies and our lives.

I cannot wait for next year’s Young Professional Summit. I feel sorry for all of the Hokies that were unable to attend because it was, by far, the highlight of my spring. 

(Photos Supplied by Whitescarver Photography)

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Elizabeth Lazor, Tuna Shankar to Lead Student Government

                                  Written by VT News Staff Writer

Ballots in last week’s Student Government Association election have been cast and counted, and Virginia Tech undergraduates have selected their president and vice president for the 2014-15 school year.

Elizabeth Lazor of Centreville, Va., a junior majoring in finance in the Pamplin College of Business, is president-elect. Tuna Shankar of Rockville, Md., a sophomore majoring in communication in the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences is vice president-elect.

Lazor received 56.2 percent of the vote for president; Shankar received 93.3 percent of the vote for vice president.

Lazor is currently serving as Student Government Association treasurer and as Class of 2015 treasurer. She is a resident advisor for West Eggleston Hall, a member of the Pi Sigma Epsilon Professional Marketing Fraternity, and is a member of the Student Alumni Associates.

Shankar is currently serving as the Class of 2016 female member at large officer and the Student Government Association director of membership development. She is also a member of Gamma Phi Beta Sorority, a Hokie Ambassador, and is a member of the Student Alumni Associates. 

The Student Government Association is the voice of undergraduate students at Virginia Tech, and is advised by Student Centers and Activities within the Division of Student Affairs. It is structured similarly to the federal government, with executive, legislative, and judicial branches. The association also has directors for different issues, such as directors of transportation and sustainability. These directors work with their university counterparts.

Aside from meetings of the judicial branch, all meetings are open to university students. Undergraduate students may also serve in the Senate, or in the House of Representatives, which is comprised of one representative from each of the more than 700 registered student organizations.

Dedicated to its motto, Ut Prosim (That I May Serve), Virginia Tech takes a hands-on, engaging approach to education, preparing scholars to be leaders in their fields and communities. As the commonwealth’s most comprehensive university and its leading research institution, Virginia Tech offers 215 undergraduate and graduate degree programs to more than 30,000 students and manages a research portfolio of $450 million. The university fulfills its land-grant mission of transforming knowledge to practice through technological leadership and by fueling economic growth and job creation locally, regionally, and across Virginia.

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Listen Up to Captivating Ad Man Mark Grieco

Experience is everything in the world of advertising. Mark Grieco embodies a true advertising life stemming from 25 years of experience and knowledge. In his role as Client Service Director at THAT Agency located in West Palm Beach, Mark Grieco leverages his years of marquee brand building experience accrued at agencies such as Ogilvy and Saatchi & Saatchi in NYC, and award winning digital agency Modea in Blacksburg, VA.

Over his years of experience, Grieco has partnered with countless clients to drive innovation and to land the perfect creation. Mark has had numerous opportunities to build some large brands such as KRAFT, Cheerios, Wheaties, Lucky Charms, Ford, AT&T, Air Tahiti Nui, Seagram’s, Yoplait, Chiquita, and Estee Lauder.

Laidback and ever-knowledgeable, Mark Grieco sat down with Pamplin Reinventing Social Media members Lou Sciortino and Jordan Jacobson to discuss his experience in the industry and a real perspective on the collaborative nature of advertising. For all students interested in launching themselves into Ad World, listen up and be amazed by the great Mark Grieco.

Check out the recorded Podcast from Virginia Tech Marketing and Pamplin Reinventing Social Media: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Wvftnu3zEAw&feature=youtube_gdata_player

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

A Bright and Promising Pamplin Future

Written by Communications Team Member Megan Myklegard

Last Tuesday, following a celebration in the Pamplin atrium, Dean Sumichrast held his second open mic session in the College of Business. The celebration provided a chance for students and faculty to engage in productive conversation while admiring the new atrium furniture, and the subsequent open mic session gave students the opportunity to voice their opinions on Pamplin advising.

Since his appointment as Dean in 2013, Sumichrast has been eagerly enacting changes to the College in an attempt to create a culture that better fits students and alumni. The Dean is committed to bringing student opinions on Pamplin affairs to light, and hopes to provide as many modes for input as possible.

The Dean’s opening remarks highlighted his vision for procuring more feedback from the student body, “We are trying to get input from students on things we do well and things we can improve on.” The Dean was curious to hear students’ thoughts regarding the success of current academic advising in Pamplin and what moves could be made to develop a more effective system. 

The Dean commented that in surveys sent to students concerning their experience with academic advising, results showed a general dissatisfaction with the program. As such, the Dean first asked students in attendance at the open mic if they found any pressing issues with the program. Problems that were addressed included the inability of advisors to assist students with double majors, appointment-making system, and the accessibility of information to students. Students and faculty discussed and brainstormed ways in which these issues could be resolved or improved upon.

Students seemed satisfied and surprised with the productivity of the session. Gretchen Pitcairn, a senior and hospitality and tourism management major, comments, “[The open mic session] was extremely helpful. I thought the topic of academic advising wasn’t relevant to me, but I soon realized it’s something that affects everyone and our faculty is trying to make a change”.

Michelle Jones, senior and business information technology and management double major, was pleased by the accessibility of the faculty who were present. She remarks, “ I loved how [the faculty] paid attention to me and were receptive to ideas.”

Dean Sumichrast’s vision for Pamplin’s future is bright and promising, with a guarantee to think bigger. Candice E. Clemenz, Associate Dean for Undergraduate Programs, commented to the group that the Dean is, “Challenging us to do more, and be more.” Subsequent to the open mic session, it is evident that the Dean is doing just that. 

[vtpamplin-blog-blog]

Fulfill Ut Prosim: Join Hokies in The Big Event

One Big Day. One Big Thanks. One Big Event.

The Big Event at Virginia Tech is a student-run community service effort that has grown into the second largest event of its kind in the nation.

Every spring, thousands of students, faculty, and staff come together to complete nearly one thousand community service projects throughout Blacksburg, Christiansburg and the New River Valley.

This year’s Big Event will be on: April 5th

Volunteer registration closes April 1st, so get your yard tools and help Hokie Nation! For sign-up information: http://vtbigevent.org/