Lamar University’s College of Business hosted its annual Business Week on March 23-27, featuring speakers, panels and networking opportunities designed to connect students with industry leaders and highlight programs within the college.
The weeklong series began March 23, with the College of Business Hall of Fame luncheon in the Reaud Executive Event Space in the Wayne A. Reaud Building. The invitation-only event honored Carmen Jordan, regional president for the Houston market at Origin Bank. Selected by the college’s Hall of Fame committee, the award recognizes members of the community who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and professional achievement.
The luncheon marked the return of the Hall of Fame award after being suspended from 2020 through 2024 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Members of the college’s Student Advisory Council also attended.
Business Week continued March 24, with the Dean’s Distinguished Speaker event in the Setzer Student Center Ballroom. The event, which was open to the public, featured Allen Parker, chief financial officer of Blue Origin, the aerospace company founded by Jeff Bezos.
Parker’s presentation, titled “Influencing and Leading Organizations Through Change and Dynamic Growth,” explored leadership strategies in rapidly evolving industries.
The event was coordinated by Dr. Don Warren, chair of the School of Accounting, Finance and Economics.
March 25, a career perspectives panel took place in Galloway Business Building Room 101. The discussion brought together professionals from a variety of fields, including law, human resources, healthcare and higher education, to share insights into career paths and industry expectations.
An internship panel followed March 26, also in Galloway 101. The session featured representatives from companies partnering with the college in its new internship program, along with students currently participating in the initiative.
The panel was coordinated by Dr. Gevorg Sargsyan, interim associate dean for undergraduate programs and administration, and Shannon Klutts, manager of experiential learning.
Business Week concluded March 27, with an Entrepreneurship Expo in the Galloway Business Building foyer. Organized by the Center for Innovation, Commercialization and Entrepreneurship, the event included interactive stations focused on business idea generation, pitching concepts, entrepreneurship pathways and prototype development.
To learn more about the College of Business, visit http://www.lamar.edu/business.
— April Thompson, LU Communications
