Past Speakers GS300: LA Influentials
Fall 2008
August 29 - Class Introduction by John J. Contreni, Justin S. Morrill Dean of Liberal Arts
September 5 - Emily Smirga (BA, 2003, Communication), Media Director, Haan Marketing and Communications.
"A copywriter with writer's block is an out of work copywriter."
September 12 - Ron Carpinella (BA,1991, History), Team Leader (VP) ID Management .
"Follow your passion."
September 19 - Joann DiGennaro (BA, 1965, Communication; MS, 1976, University of Maryland; 1978, Oxford University Law Program; JD, 1979, George Mason University)
President, Center for Excellance in Education
"It's all about the message."
September 26 - Amy Neubert (BA, 1999, English), Communications and Marketing Specialist, University News Service at Purdue University.
"Sound byte yourself."
October 3 - Donald Bain (BD, 1957, HSSE), Author
"Say no to nothing, try everything."
October 10 - Kim Koeller (BA, 1978, FLL), President/CEO, Allergy Free Passport
"Do you want to be a specialist or a generalist?"
October 17 - Leon Schweir (BA, 1974, History), Executive Producer/Vice President of Production, Big Ten Network
"Think intuitively, think creativly, everything is not blank and white."
October 24 - Members of the Dean's Advisory Council
Jay Fehnel (BA, 1984, Communication) VP, Entertainment Products
" Work for good people."
Andy Maner (BA, 1991, Communication), CEO, National Interest Security Co., LLC
"Get out of the group think."
Sheri Rahdert (BA, 1990, English),
"The ability to communicate is vital."
Barbara Frye (BA, 1972, HSSE), VP, Frank N. Magid Associates
"You cannot wait until someone comes to you."
Chuck Jones ( BA, 1981, Interior Design), Corporate VP, Global Product Design, Whirlpool Corp.
"Take ownership of your opportunities."
Carolyn Wurm ( BS, 1961, HSSE), Director of Psychology Program, HSC Pediatric Center
"Maintain an ethical base."
October 31 - Bart Peterson (BA, 1980, Political Science), Senior VP, Corporate Affairs & Communication, Eli Lilly and Company.
"My point is…you can change the world through public service."
November 7 - Wally Brant (BA, 1971, History), President, Indiana Oxygen Company, Inc.
"With a degree in liberal arts and a vast array of classes and information, you are building stock in yourself for your career."
November 14 - Matt Booty ( BSCEE, 1988, Electrical and Computer Engineering; MFA, 1992, Theatre); Interim CEO and President, Midway Amusement Games LLC
"What is one thing that you are better at than others?"
November 21 - Rusty Rueff (BA, 1984, Communication; MS, 1986, Education/Counseling), former CEO SNOCAP,Inc.
"You have a brand and you are a brand."
November 28 - No Class (Thanksgiving Break)
December 5 - Vanita Banks (BA, 1977, Political Science), Counsel, Corporate Law, The Allstate Corporation
"Never underestimate the value of your liberal arts education."
December 12 - Steve Godeke (BA, 1984, FLL; BS, 1984, MGMT), Consultant, Godeke Consulting
"Networking is like a sport…you have to practice and the more you do it, the better you get."
Spring 2009
January 30-Matt Smith (MA, 1992, PhD, 1997, English), Director of General Education, University of St. Francis.
"Life is not a major....but, rather, a habit of mind"
February 6-Sara Howe (BA, 1997, MS, 1999, Health and Kinesiology), CEO, Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association (IADDA).
"What you are doing today may not be what you are doing tomorrow"
February 20-Ted McDougal (BA,1977, Communication), Senior VP, Ketchum Public Relations
"Take advantage of every resource available to you"
February 20-Jeff Bodzewski (BA, 1998, Communication), Account Director, Zocalo Group
"Every contact you make is an opportunity"
February 27-Heath Abram Davis (BA, 2006, Political Science), Pre-K teacher, Little Green Tree House, also enrolled in the masters program at UIC.
"The (internship) experience is more valuable than money"
March 6-Karen Korellis Reuther (BA, 1979, Industrial Design, AAS, 1977, Computer Graphics), Global Creative Director, Nike, Inc.
"Have passion and enthusiasm for whatever you do"
March 13-Kathy Tighe (BA, 1976, Political Science), Deputy Inspector, US Department of Agriculture.
"Do network, but do so thoughtfully"
March 27-Katie Lineweaver (BA,2001, Political Science), Director of Life Sciences and Community Relations, Indianapolis Economic Development, Inc.
"As a liberal arts student, you have skills that you probably don't even know about"
April 3-Caitlin Tiller-McCready (BA, 2007, Fine Arts, General), Graphic Design Specialist, Indiana University, Residential Programs and Services.
April 10-Brad Dancer (BA, 1995, Communication), Senior Vice President for Research and Digital Media, National Geographic Channel.
"Sometimes you are going to have to take risks"
April 17-Catherine (Kay) Pierce (MA, 1964, History; HDR, 2005) Director, United Nations Population Fund (Retired), Professor, New York University.
"The only constant in all of our lives is change"
April 24-Thomas John (BA, 1991, Political Science), Partner, Ice Miller.
"True leaders say 'what a great job the team did'"