The program was started in 1996
on a very small scale. It was a joint idea between a colleague
and I to recognize our top marketing majors and give them
a leg up in connecting with the business community for career
positions, internships and special projects.
In the very beginning, special projects were an important
part of this program - actually more so than networking,
and we had some very fine projects that were done by students
for different companies. One that I remember in particular
was with Day Timer. It was a site location study to find out
where Day Timer should be locating their distribution centers.
Three of our really outstanding marketing students worked
on it. When they went to deliver the study, the company was
holding a board meeting and the company president said to
the students, “we want you to come in and present your
findings to the board of directors.” The students did
make the presentation and the company doubled their fee.
Another student did a study for Helpmates, which is one of
our corporate partners. This study resulted in a comprehensive
marketing plan to start a new business. Helpmates ended up
implementing the plan. |