Table of Contents
Business Proposal
Business Plan
SWOT Analysis
Notes From Meetings
Group Responsibilities
Faye Finnegan
Meet the Panelists
Projected Timeline
Budget
Promotion Tactics
Photos
Emails
Student Evaluation
Recommendations for the Future
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Business Proposal
The National Alumni Board is made up Loras alumni from all over the country. The members of
this board come to Loras to speak to students and build a community of networks for students during their Loras experience as well as after graduation. This is an important community of business
leaders and professionals from a wide variety of majors and employment. This community helps
graduating students enter doors that would normally be closed, if not for the Alumni. Faye Finnegan
is the head of this organization and has created a networking event for students the opportunity to sit
in and hear discussion among the alumni, seek advice, and ask questions related to life during and
after their time at Loras. Our team was put in charge of promoting and organizing this event along
with helping to facilitate on April 25th. The event was planned for Friday, April 25th from 3-5pm in
the Wahlert Curriculum Library. The reception that followers the panel discussion will be held in
the Pub. Food and drinks will be provided free of charge to the students. Our focus will be to come
up with creative and effective ways to get students interested in the event and insure that the event
runs as smoothly as possible. We will collaborate during team meetings and communicate through
email and class time to track our progress and keep up-to-date on changes and tasks.
Pictured above: Alumni panelist, Tom OBrien, shares his knowledge with current Loras
College students.
Business Plan
Introduction
For our Business Speaking and Writing course in the Spring of 2014, our class was assembled into
groups and given a semester long assignment to work on throughout the course. The assignment was
to select a group project and to help plan and execute a social event within our community either on
or off campus. This project was a course long assignment to help strengthen group communication
skills and team building experiences. The idea for the assignment is to gain a better understanding on
the group communication process and help to sharpen our skills in event execution and team building. This book is design to highlight our achievements, and document our progress and work along
the way.
Group Formation
The beginning of the semester we conducted a personality assessment and were placed in groups by
our instructor, Professor Mary Lynn Neuhaus, according to our results. The idea behind this is to create a team that consist of a mixed set of personality traits that when cohesively combined, result in
success. This insures that team members are not selected based on friendship circles and cliques, and
are not made up of too many leaders or none at all. Our well rounded and diverse group of age, gender, and strong personality characteristics allowed for a greater mix of diversity and contributions to
the project.
Decision Process
Professor Neuhaus mentioned in class that Faye Finnegan was looking for a group of students to help
coordinate and assist her with an event with the National Alumni Board. Without much debate our
group decided to select this opportunity because it would help eliminate the decision process of
choosing an event which could be very time consuming and potential conflict. We took the opportunity immediately and contacted Faye for the details and role descriptions.
Goals
The mission of our project is to help build and strengthen our team building and communications
skills. This is a tool that is highly effective in the work place. Taking on this project, we knew that
we are representing Loras College and want to be the best agents for the institution. This project is
important to the students, staff and faculty. Insuring that the event was a success was the ultimate
mission. In the process we hoped to gain better sense of what works, what does not, and how to be
better members in a group setting. As business majors, marketing and promotions are key to having a
successful business and getting people interest in what you want. Networking is also a fundamental
skill and great asset to have in your pocket upon graduating from Loras College. However, networking is something that you want to start well before graduation and there is always opportunity for it!
This is the overall purpose of the event that we chose, and we wanted to make that issue aware to the
rest of the student body.
SWOT Analysis
Strengths
Faye is a great asset to our group project, she contributed to making sure this event is a success.
Faye is very experienced in networking events, facilitating, and planning. The quality of alumni
panel that are volunteering to participate in our event makes it easy to promote. There is also a
large diversity of majors that will be represented in the panel which should help interest students
from all fields of study. The variety of advertising we will be using to promote the event will allow us to reach a greater number of people for promotional purposes.
Weakness
Spring break falls just a week before the event. Not knowing what to expect since this is our first
time as National Alumni Board Members. Scheduling conflicts make it difficult for all of us to
get together. Faye is out of the country for the first two weeks before Spring Break. Coordinating
the set up for the event and the layout of how we will have the event. The reception that follows
the event is in separate building (Wahlert Curriculum Library & The Pub).
Opportunities
Making great networking connecting with alumni all over the country, gaining valuable team
building and organizational planning skills, having a large amount of interest due to our large
marketing skills, having the event free will make it easier to promote, having a budget already in
place to provide food and beverages at no cost to the students
Threats
A major threat, and our biggest fear, is having those who have RSVP not show up. In addition to
that and not be able to accurately predict the outcome of people that will attend the event. This
will allow for poor judgment and planning for food and venue set up. If weather or flight delays
occur on the day the out of town panel speakers may not be able to attend. Dance Marathon is the
day after, which has a huge support and following among the campus. Also Marketing club has a
tour to John Deere Quad City that day that is open to Business Major. This may make it difficult
for some to attend. Our reception that will follow the event will be in the pub which will be open
to the public which can be hard to predict the outcome of students that will be using that space
for other purposes. There have been past issues with getting the right chairs and tables and having them moved across campus to where our event is located. Unsuccessful event will be if the
panel does not relate to the audience and the audience does not want to participate with the panel
by asking quality questions and networking with them at the reception.
Group Responsibilities
We were lucky to have a group of dedicated and intelligent students that were willing to do whatever it took to get the job done. From our innovative promotion tactics, that the college is now
adapting, to putting in the extra hours to make sure our event was perfect, we had a great group.
Here is an overview of our individual tasks and accomplishments:
Nick Coleman: Nick was a dependable wor ker who showed up to all meetings/pr omotion
events (EX: tabling outside the cafeteria) and participated. He was among the members that were
at the first meeting with Faye and created the outline and job duties. Nick also had the idea, as well
as executed the idea, of interviewing the panel members and email their stories to the students in
an effort to encourage more students to sign up. In the time leading up to the event Nick received
the permission to hang posters around campus and received permission to table outside the cafeteria. At the event he helped to make the alumni board members feel welcomed and excited to be
back at Loras College.
Connor Schreck: Connor was a gr eat gr oup member . He was the member of the gr oup that
was not the most out-spoken, but when he did speak it was insightful and important, people listened to him. He also created the LinkedIn event for the alumni panel. At the event Connor was
also in charge of greeting and talking to the alumni panel participants. He was fantastic at getting
to know them and making them feel welcome.
Nathan Maiers: Nathan, without it being official, seemed to be the pr oject leader . He took
control of the meetings with Faye and did a lot of extra work. He got the sign-up sheets made and
kept track of who had signed up, helped get the interviews recorded, helped at our tabling event,
sent the email out to students, faculty and staff, and much more. Nathan was very dependable. He
checked people in at the event and networked with the alumni at the reception.
Kira Stephenson: Kir a was another solid gr oup member . Thr ough her par ticipation at meetings and willingness to do outside work, she was a key player in our success. Kira took the time to
write our business plan for this booklet. She had a lot of great insight and ideas on how to promote
our event. Kira also created the Facebook event for us. At the panel she stepped up and was the
MC.
Christina Ney: Chr istina was a ver y cr eative member of our team. At meetings she shar ed a
lot of great ideas. We needed the person that was constantly thinking of what else we could do in
order to have a variety of ideas to choose from. Christina had the important role of creating the
flyers that we hung around campus. We had some troubles getting it approved but she continued to
work to make it perfect and it turned out very successful. We were able to hang the posters in seventeen places around campus. At the event she checked people in, took pictures, and networked
with the alumni.
Faye Finnegan
Faye Finnegan was our facilitator for the National Alumni Board Panel and Networking Event.
She is the Internship and Career Services Coordinator in the Center For Experiential Learning at
Loras College. Faye oversees internship programs, develops relationships with employers resulting
in internships and full time positions for students. She also created and developed alumni and CEO
network programs for undergraduates in collaboration with alumni and development department.
She earned her BA in Social Work from Loras College in 1978. Faye is also a 2005 graduate of
Iowa State University where she earned her MA in Educational Leadership and Policy Studies.
Faye was a the recipient of the Loras College Staff Recognition Award in 2013. She was recognized based on her dedication to Loras, its students and the Dubuque community. She is a great
asset to Loras College and was a great facilitator for our group.
Christina, Connor, Kira, Nathan, and Nick were excellent in their organization and time management
with this event. In addition, they demonstrated their professionalism while interacting with the alumni
on the day of the event. I enjoyed my time with them and appreciated their work. I hope they see the
services the CEL provides and utilizes them in the future.
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Projected Timeline
Date and Time
Location
Content
March 18 , 2014
9:00 AM
CEL Office
ACC Ballrooms
CEL Office
th
th
April 7 , 2014
Spring Break
CEL office
Cafe
Invite students to sign up for the event and hand out reminders
Inform Professor Garretts students of the event and invite them to sign up
CEL office
Inform Professor Garretts students of the event and invite them to sign up
CEL office
Hoffman
Hoffman
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Budget
Food
Qty.
Price
Ext.
$5.85
$17.55
$29.99
$59.98
Scotcharoosper dozen
$9.09
$27.27
Beverages
Qty.
Price
Ext.
$5.00
$10.00
$3.09
$15.45
2 Diet Pepsi
2 Pepsi
1 Sierra Mist
Order Summary
Food
Beverages
$104.80
$25.45
Order Totals
Sub Total
$130.25
Campus Discount
-$13.03
Order Total
$117.22
Balance Due
$117.22
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Promotion Tactics
Marketing the event was our biggest goal and we used several different strategies to promote the
event on campus. The flyers that we designed and hung all over the campus are shown in this booklet. In addition to the flyers, we created a Facebook and Linkedin event page to get the information
out on social media knowing that this form of contact is a great way to reach the students. On April
22nd, just a few days away from the event, we set up a table outside the cafeteria to encourage people to sign up. Many emails were sent out in our efforts to get people interested long before the date
of the event as well. We sent out a script to all the faculty and staff to offer an opportunity to relay
the information to their classes. For our event, we encouraged both students and faculty members to
attend. In addition to the email that contained the script we also shot a video of two of the panelist,
Tom and Lori, to give short promotional information about what the event will be like and why the
students, faculty and staff should attend. This gave the receivers of the email a good idea of what the
National Alumni Board is all about and how it would be a great networking opportunity.
Above: Jen Medina, Tim OBrien and Jordan Burkholder enjoy a conversation with Loras alum, John
OBrien. Students were encouraged to ask the alumni questions regarding Loras experiences or career
information. This event was a great way for students to make connections for future internships and/or
positions regarding their time after Loras.
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Facebook Event
LinkedIn Event
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Meet and hear alumni career stories, career advice, and life after Loras suggestions from members of the
Loras College National Alumni Board.
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
*RSVP by Tuesday, April 22nd
FREE TO ATTEND
(Drinks and snacks will be provided!)
Lori Thielen 87
Peter Streit 77
President of EDSB
Business Major
Accounting Major
Mathematics Major
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Meet and hear alumni career stories, career advice, and life after Loras suggestions from
members of the Loras College National Alumni Board.
Time: 3:00-5:00 pm
*RSVP by Tuesday, April 22nd
FREE TO ATTEND
(Drinks and snacks will be provided!)
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Click Here
Next, Lori Thielen explains what Loras has done for here and why this is a good event.
Click Here
Friday, April 25th
FREE for all to attend
Panel & Discussion: Wahlert Hall Curriculum Library; 3-5 pm
With Reception in the Pub to follow, snacks provided
All majors are invited to attend. RSVP by joining our Facebook Event or e-mailing Nathan.Maiers@loras.edu. Business casual attire is recommended.
National Alumni Board Panelists
Tom OBrien 82 (English): COO, M edical A ssociates Health Plan
Lori Thielen 87 (Accounting): President, East Dubuque Savings Bank
John OBrien 84 (Business): President and M anaging Partner, Sales T alent Group
Tom Onan 57 (Economics): R etiree, A bbott L abs
Peter Streit 77 (Mathematics): Executive Director, Business Solutions, M ayo Clinic
Bill Burns 62 (French): R etired, M ississippi Coast M edical Group (also Phoenix Film
Inc.)
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Photos
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Photos
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Photos
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Photos
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Emails
From: Faye A. Finnegan
Sent: Tuesday, Mar ch 25, 2014 10:45 AM
To: J ackie Baumhover (Pepin)
Cc: Bobbi Ear les; Kir a E. Stephenson; Nicholas M. Coleman; Nathan R. Maier s; Connor J .
Schreck; Christina M. Ney; Jeffrey D. Roberts
Subject: Reser ve the Pub
Jackie,
Can I please reserve an area in the Pub for Friday, April 25 4:30-5:30 p.m. for a reception following the Loras College National Alumni Board Networking Panel.
We would anticipate about 60-70 people. I will be ordering food too.
Thanks.
Faye
From: Faye A. Finnegan
Sent: Tuesday, Mar ch 25, 2014 10:50 AM
To: Mar y Love
Cc: J effr ey D. Rober ts; Nicholas M. Coleman; Kir a E. Stephenson; Connor J . Schr eck; Nathan R. Maiers; Christina M. Ney
Subject: Cater ing
Mary,
On Friday, April 25 from 4:30-5:30 we will be holding a reception in the Pub following the Loras
College National Alumni Board Networking Panel. We are expecting 60-70 people.
We would like the following. Can you give me an idea of the cost?
Assorted pop, water in carafes, choc. chip cookies, scotcharoos, taco dip, chips
Thanks
Faye
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Emails
From: Bobbi Ear les
Sent: Tuesday, Mar ch 25, 2014 12:08 PM
To: Nicholas M. Coleman; Kir a E. Stephenson; Connor J . Schr eck; Nathan R. Maier s; Chr istina
M. Ney
Subject: NAB Panel-Peter Streit
Kira, Nicholas, Connor, Christina & Nathan,
Peter Streit just called and said he was able to change his plans and participate in the Alumni Panel on
Friday, April 25! He will be a WONDERFUL addition to this already dynamic group. Since you will
be promoting, I wanted to make sure he was included as I think he will be a great draw!
Peter Streit 77
Executive Director-Business Solutions
Mayo Clinic
Rochester, MN
Mathematics Major
Also if you want to put in John OBriens class year, he graduated in 1984.
Please dont hesitate to call or email me with any other questions. As Faye mentioned, I will also keep
you in the loop as I hear from another alumni that can attend.
Go Duhawks,
Bobbi
From: Bobbie Ear les
Sent: Tuesday, Mar ch 25, 2014 12:08 PM
To: Nicholas M. Coleman; Kir a E. Stephenson; Connor J . Schr eck; Nathan R. Maier s; Chr istina
M. Ney
Subject: NAB Panel-Bill Burns
Bill Burns 62 has also indicated he will be able to participate in the alumni panel, below is his information.
Bill Burns 62
Retired
Mississippi Coast Media Group (also Phoenix Films Inc., Ohana Foundation and Phoenix
Learning Group)
Maricopa, AZ
French Major
He will bring with him a wealth of knowledge in the media and educational industries, he spent equal
time in both throughout his career!
Bobbi
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Emails
From: Chr istina M. Ney
Sent: Wednesday, Apr il 2, 2014 1:13 PM
To: J effr ey D. Rober ts
Cc: Faye A. Finnegan; Nathan R. Maier s
Subject: NAB event Poster s
Hello Jeff Roberts,
My name is Christina and I am a part of the group working with Faye on the National Alumni Board
Event on April 25th.
Attached are the 2 finalized posters we would like to hang around campus to promote our event.
Since Faye is currently out of the country, I would like to know what our next step would be to
getting the posters printed and hung. If you could get back to me at your convenience, it is much appreciated.
Thanks,
Christina Ney
From: J effr ey D. Rober ts
Sent: Wednesday, Apr il 2, 2014 2:39 PM
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Emails
From: Faye A. Finnegan
Sent: Sunday, Apr il 27, 2014 11:56 AM
To: Chr istina M. Ney; Kir a E. Stephenson; Connor J . Schr eck; Nathan R. Maier s; Nicholas M.
Coleman
Subject: NAB Event
Thanks to all of you for your efforts on Friday. You did a great job of being creative, planning, follow
up, and making things happen. I am confident those individuals who attended walked away with information that may be helpful to them.
The alumni were very complimentary of you as individuals and of course I was very proud!!
As I mentioned I have an 8 am meeting on Tuesday so wont be able to meet with you at 8:45. Christina suggested we could meet at 10:15 or 10:30 if it was ok for you to leave class early. (I do have another meeting at 11 a.m.) I do think it would be advantageous to meet sooner than later so we could remember things.
I am going to block off 10:15/10:30 to 11 a.m. Tuesday with the hope that it will work. Ask your professor ahead of time and let me know.
I will have the evaluations compiled by Tuesday.
Thanks
Faye
From: Faye A. Finnegan
Sent: Monday, Apr il 28, 2014 5:20 PM
To: Chr istina M. Ney; Nathan R. Maier s; Nicholas M. Coleman; Connor J . Schr eck
Subject: Tomor r ow's 10:30 meeting
Hi Everyone,
I thought I would send a few questions for our discussion tomorrow. I will have the evaluations compiled for you to have.
Overall impressions
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Very Satisfied
Satisfied
Neutral
Dissatisfied
Unsatisfied
Introduction of Panelists:
5- 18
4- 4
5- 19
4- 3
Reception:
5- 14
4- 8
Was there something that you would have liked to know about the panelists but wasnt given the
opportunity to ask?
Nine people responded to this question. There was an assortment of questions that students
were hoping to have the opportunity to ask. Some included more information about their time at Loras, what they were involved in and personal stories. Some wanted advice about stress and the job
search. A few people said that the questions that were asked were very good!
What did you find to be the most beneficial about the alumni panel?
The most common responses about what the students found to be most beneficial were the tips
for building your resume and how to handle the interview process. A lot of people liked the resume
advice and the tips that came along with the advice.
Have you had an internship while at Loras?
Yes- 5
No- 17
If not, are you interested in an internship, study abroad, or service learning as a result of the
alumni panel?
Yes- 17
N/A- 5
Did you learn anything in particular from the alumni that you are going to take action on based
on their comments?
Many people indicated that they were going to take action based on the advice they heard at the
panel luncheon. Students said they were going to join LinkedIn and build up their resume. A few responses included more networking and taking advantage of networking. A few more responses included making calls to companies and developing two resumes.
Is there anything you would change with the way the alumni panel was structured?
Many students said they would not change anything about the event and they thought highly of
the event. One thing that was mentioned a few times was to have all the alumni, panelist and others
too, up front. This way they can all have the opportunity to say something. It was difficult for the
alumni in the back to talk and for the students to turn and watch as well.
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Having our meetings before class in the Alumni Campus Center would cause conflict with getting
to our scheduled Business Speaking and Writing class on time. Often a member would have to
leave the meeting early if they were presenting that day. It may have served us better to have the
meetings earlier so that we allowed ourselves enough time go over everything we needed to and
still allow us enough time to get to Hoffman Hall for class.