College of Business

College of Business Alumni Inspire Students in the Classroom

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Leslie Thole ('05) gives an executive lecture as part of Executives on Campus 2017.

On April 13, 2017 the College of Business hosted its third annual Executives on Campus event—bringing some of its most successful alumni back into the classroom. Executives on Campus gave students a chance to meet and network directly with CEOs, vice presidents, partners, and other exemplary alumni who have grown to be experts in their fields since graduating from California State University, Chico.

Among the attending alumni were Todd Hauschildt (BS, Business Administration, ’82), senior vice president chief information officer for Veritas Technologies LLC, who studied finance while attending Chico State. Students said they found the opportunity to meet with such successful alumni a refreshing and motivating experience.

“I was really inspired by Todd’s presentation because I could personally see myself holding his position in a similar company one day,” said business administration and computer science student Zimrri Gudino. “I was able to relate with him because I personally love technology and have been studying computer science for a while. Mixing both computer science and business is a great combination in the real world. Seeing someone do what I’m planning to do in the future is just an amazing experience.” 

Students walk through the First Street Promenade as a thunderstorm brought in a lot of hail, rain and small flooding on campus on Thursday, April 13, 2017 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/University Photographer)

A huge hail storm broke out during Executives on Campus.

Other students found a new appreciation for their option through the alumni guest lectures. Executive guest Ron Knapp (BS, Business Administration, ’80), vice president for Toyon Associates, Inc., inspired students by describing the benefits of a demanding field.

“I understand the industry is complex, but complexity leads to job security. Complexity also lends its hand nicely to ample routes for innovation. This is at the core of where I would like to be professionally,” said student Peter Kooi in Professor Bob Sprague’s business administration class.

Alumnus Dave Filomeo speaks to students during Executives on Campus

Dave Filomeo ('78) gives an executive lecture as part of Executives on Campus.

Executives on Campus left students with a feeling of satisfaction after seeing firsthand that their hard work can pay off. Following the classroom lectures, the day was finished with Biz Talks, a TED-Talk style event hosted by professional business fraternity Delta Sigma Pi. Several visiting alumni such as Scott Bedford (BS, Business Administration, ’82) and Mark Pellowski (BS, Business Administration, ’86) gave lively and impactful eight-minute talks about their successes to a crowded Performing Arts Center. 

Other alumni guests included: David Filomeo (BS, Business Administration, ’78), retired vice president of Total Rewards & Performance Management, Lockheed Martin; Jeff Gutsch (BS, Business Administration, ’87), partner for Moss Adams; Paul Huntzinger (BS, Business Administration, ’67), retired partner for J.C. Bradford & Company NYSE; Rachel Manke (BA, Journalism, ’97), vice president for Ogilvy Public Relations; Phil Rogers (BS, Business Administration, ’77), with Systems Architecture Plus, Inc.; and Leslie Thole (BS, Business Administration, ’05), principal and finance leader with K-Coe Isom. 

Mark Pellowski talks about Finance as College of Business and its esteemed alumni speak in various fields through 8-minute speeches on an aspect of their professional experience during Biz Talks on Thursday, April 13, 2017 in Chico, Calif. (Jason Halley/University Photographer)

Mark Pellowski ('86) gives an 8-minute talk as part of Biz Talks

Every spring the College of Business invites a group of its most successful alumni and friends to share their talents and knowledge with hundreds of students in and out of the classroom. While faculty do an amazing job preparing students for real-world challenges and professional opportunities, there is no replacement from hearing from CEOs, CPAs, and corporate directors about business concepts, case studies, and best practices for advancing up the career ladder.

If you are interested in giving back by sharing your knowledge, please contact Development Officer Ben Witt at 530-898-6365 or email at bpwitt@csuchico.edu


Kelsey Horne
College of Business
Executives on Campus(opens in new window)
530-898-4255
bus@csuchico.edu 

Glenn Hall

More Information

Business Student Advising 
530-898-4480
Degree Programs
MBA Program
businessadvisor@csuchico.edu 

Dean’s Office 
530-898-6272
bus@csuchico.edu

Giving Questions
Dean's Office
530-898-6272
bus@csuchico.edu


Accessibility Information

Persons with disabilities who need accommodations or have questions about physical access may call the program sponsoring the event or call Accessibility Resource Center at 530-898-5959.