Fields Jackson (MBA ’95), will join the Perspectives on building lives and careers with meaning — NIU College of Business Online Speaker Series 6 to 7:30 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, Feb. 17
NEWS
For Immediate Release
Perspectives on building lives and careers with meaning —
NIU College of Business Online Speaker Series
DEKALB, Ill. — What does career success look like? How do I find meaning in my job? The next NIU College of Business Wednesday Night Wisdom online speaker event will explore these and other topics around finding purpose in your work. Join us from 6 to 7:30 p.m. (CST) Wednesday, Feb. 17. All are welcome to register for free (go.niu.edu/wnw).
William McCoy, English ’92, director of the Rutland Institute for Ethics at Clemson University will moderate this Wednesday Night Wisdom discussion among professionals who’ve followed their passions to become true difference-makers in the area of diversity, equity and inclusion.
Our four panelists are NIU alumni who have built their careers based on their passions:
Elois Joseph (MBA ’15), co-founder, Greenwood Project and senior examiner, Financial Industry Regulatory Authority.
Fields Jackson (MBA ’95), founder, publisher, CEO, chief cheerleader and talent scout, “Racing Toward Diversity” magazine and CEO, College Diversity Network.
Nathaniel Rouse (English language and literature ’94), director of Equity, Race and Cultural Diversity Initiatives, Barrington 220 School District.
Orlando Bowen (MKTG ’98, MIS ’00), executive director, One Voice One Team.
Join these change-makers for a fascinating discussion on finding value in your work.
The NIU College of Business in June launched an online speaker series, Wednesday Night Wisdom, to keep students, alumni and friends learning and connected in this unprecedented time.
When the rapid spread of the coronavirus (COVID-19) sent NIU students home in the middle of the spring semester, the College of Business quickly pivoted to remote teaching and learning strategies for in-class learning, and virtual activities for supplemental, out-of-class learning through the Business Passport Program.
“We were very pleased at our business students’ willingness to engage virtually in the spring,” said Amy Buhrow, senior director of Strategy, Student Success and Accreditation. “Connectivity is the core of the college experience. We launched the Wednesday Night Wisdom series to keep our students, alumni and friends connected to one another and to learning, wherever they may be.”
Each year, the College of Business hosts nearly 500 alumni and business professional visits. With limits on face-to-face interactions, the Wednesday Night Wisdom online speaker series taps our valued alumni and friends virtually to share knowledge in a safe, interactive way.
“The NIU College of Business has an expansive and highly informed base of alumni and faculty — any one of whom could be described as an expert in any number of fields,” said Cassandra Young, College of Business director of Alumni Relations. “Time and time again, they have proven the value of their knowledge as consultants through publications, to students and to other alumni. We are proud and delighted to feature their expertise and perspectives in the Wednesday Night Wisdom series.”
“We launched the series slowly in June and have completed a few events each month,” said Rachel Schmit, senior event coordinator for NIU’s College of Business. “The live event is recorded and then edited for a downloadable future podcast.”
College of Business Dean Balaji Rajagopalan said he’s grateful to alumni for sharing their knowledge on topics, such as tapping into networks during this challenging time, managing finances through retirement and leadership through a crisis.
“Our alumni and faculty members have stepped up to provide a wealth of information and are helping others to stay focused and productive on their business, school assignments, projects and personal lives,” Rajagopalan said.
About the Northern Illinois University College of Business
NIU’s College of Business is nationally recognized in academic and industry circles for its teaching, research and public service. We are distinguished by our ability to narrow the gap between thinking and achieving. Among the ways we demonstrate this is by providing students with broad academic excellence combined with hands-on learning situations in actual organizations. We are recognized for our active engagement in the Chicago business community, as well as for our nationally and world-renowned faculty, the majority of whom served as business professionals before earning their Ph.D.s. Our prominent alumni include those who hold leadership positions in Fortune and global companies, as well as numerous successful entrepreneurs in a multitude of industries. Fully accredited by AACSB International since 1969, we have ranked continuously among the best undergraduate business schools in the nation, with our graduate program continuously ranked among the top MBA programs in Chicago. We serve the Midwest, nation and global business community by fostering intellectual and character development in students, as well as addressing business and societal issues through the transfer and application of knowledge. For more information on the NIU College of Business, visit cob.niu.edu.