Dinner with the Industry Brings Students and Business Leaders Together

Nearly 150 students, both graduate and undergraduate, gathered in Rockhurst University’s Convocation Center Wednesday evening, Nov. 7, for Dinner with the Industry – an annual networking event hosted by the Helzberg School of Management, business and economics fraternity Delta Sigma Pi, career services and the Student Advisory Board.

Barnett Helzberg served as co-chair of the event alongside more than 22 industry leaders in fields from business to law to finance, including representatives from DST Systems, Inc., Google, Kansas City University of Medicine and Biosciences, KU Medical Center, AAFP National Research Network, Western Forms, Federal Aviation Administration, SageView Advisory Group, College Park Family Care, Bartlett and Company, Bales Pharma Consulting LLC, Madonna Rehabilitation Hospital, and more.

These leaders spent the evening mingling with students, asking questions and offering advice.

“In today’s job market, it’s not just about what you know - it’s also about who you know,” said Cheryl McConnell, MPA, CPA, CFE, interim dean for the Helzberg School of Management. “It is essential to combine high quality education with powerful connections. Tonight’s event was dedicated to making connections that lead students to success.”

The student-driven event was led by co-chairs Paulina Chavez, ’14, and Hero Balani, ’13, both members of the Helzberg School of Management’s Dean’s Student Advisory Board.

“We wanted the event to appeal to more than just business students,” said Chavez, who is seeking both a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration on international business and a Bachelor of Arts in Spanish at Rockhurst. “Through alumni and friends, Rockhurst has a huge pool of connections. Dinner with the Industry provides students with the opportunity to dive in.”

Attendees were able to view the list of professionals in advance and decide on their top table choices.

“Each table had one industry leader, one Helzberg School of Management faculty member, and up to six Rockhurst students,” said Balani, who, like Chavez, is pursuing a Bachelor of Science in business administration with a concentration on international business. “At my table, our conversations were inspiring. It was great to hear stories about first-hand experiences from the professionals, as well as learn about the career aspirations of my peers.”

View photos from the event here.