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Fall 2023
A Letter from the MBAA President
Greetings Friends,
I am pleased to be reaching out as we enter the new academic year. Campus is bustling as students return for the start of the fall semester and we wrap up an active summer across BW.
With more ways than ever to earn a graduate degree at BW, the program is strong and our network vibrant. There are nearly 200 graduate candidates in the Carmel Boyer School of Business, each with the opportunity to take in-person, via simulcast or even asynchronous courses. Faculty members are leaning heavily into the technological upgrades in the Kamm Hall classrooms to deliver a next-gen experience. Associate Dean, Graduate Business Programs Dale Sheptak said the students have embraced group work via video conferencing: “We’re able to work through our lesson objectives and immediately go into break out sessions without skipping a beat. It’s truly how the experience will be going forward.”
Further, the Accreditation Council for Business Schools (ACBSP), a specialized accreditation association embracing education excellence, announced in June its formal accreditation of the BW Carmel Boyer School of Business for its strength as a business school. The rigorous application process and self-study spanned much of the past year and was championed by Dr. Christian Nsiah, professor of finance and economics, and dean Dr. Susan Kuznik.The MBA Association was privileged to participate in the self-study with a focus on the continued relationships maintained with program alumni.
Last, we’re looking forward to hosting the annual Master’s Masters golf tournament at Fox Meadow Country Club on Monday, September 11. It’s the perfect opportunity to enjoy the course and network with the MBAA community. It’s also our organization’s sole fundraiser with proceeds supporting content we deliver throughout the year and resources for School of Business students. It's not too late to register your group for a foursome or sponsorship!
As always, I encourage you to connect with the MBAA if you’re interested in serving as an advocate for our team. There are any number of ways to represent the MBAA across the BW network. Further, if you have an idea, are starting a new initiative, or would like to catalyze a conversation please reach out to me at scott.monaco@bw.edu.
Looking forward,
Scott Monaco '10
President, BW MBA Association
 
Notes from the Dean: Carmel Boyer School of Business Achieves Accreditation
We are pleased to announce that a business accreditation was awarded in April 2023. The Carmel Boyer School of Business has operated under a continuous improvement model, and we were recognized by the Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP) for our teaching excellence!
ACBSP ignites a standard of excellence with an accreditation process based on the Baldrige Education Criteria for Performance Excellence. By evaluating aspects of leadership, strategic planning, relationships with stakeholders, quality of academic programs, faculty credentials, and educational support, ACBSP assesses whether or not business programs offer a rigorous educational experience and commitment to continuous quality improvement.
It is my honor to work with the business faculty to implement enhanced quality improvement models and methods, maintaining this accreditation for years to come.
Read our accreditation page for more information.
Dr. Susan Kuznik
Dean, Carmel Boyer School of Business
Mentoring Program Kicks Off Another Year
Following a successful pilot in the spring, the BW MBA Association in collaboration with the School of Business and the Accounting Advisory Board is continuing a mentorship program for current business graduate students this academic year.
We need graduate business alumni to serve as mentors from September 2023 to May 2024. This program offers one-on-one professional-to-student mentoring to graduate business students with three gatherings for all program participants (a “Meet your Mentor” kickoff, mid-program meet-up at the fall End of Semester gathering at Mike's Bar and Grille, and program conclusion at the Spring End-of-Semester Celebration).
Mentors may work in any business area and do not need to live in Northeast Ohio, as interactions between mentors and mentees may be virtual. Mentoring strategies, resources, and a month-by-month topic list are available to help you support your mentee in their development. Read more here.
To apply to be a mentor, complete this quick questionnaire by Friday, September 8. Following announcement of mentor/mentee pairings, a “Meet Your Mentor” kickoff is scheduled for Tuesday, September 19 from 5:00-6:30 pm at the Carmel Boyer School of Business. Attending the kickoff is required for mentees, but optional for mentors; a virtual connection option will also be arranged.
Know a current business graduate student who could benefit from having a mentor? Send them this link to apply to be a mentee in the program. Deadline for mentees is also September 8.
Questions? Contact MBAA coordinator Gwyn Klamer '19 at gwynmklamer@gmail.com.
Calendar Corner: Don't miss these 2023 events
Monday, September 11
Master's Masters Golf Outing
This all-inclusive outing welcomes BW alumni, Carmel Boyer School of Business students and friends. Golfers will enjoy meals, drinks, on-course contests including a long putt contest, prizes, celebrations, and more! Can't golf this year, but still want to stop by? Attend as a "Dinner & Drinks Only" guest mid-afternoon following play to celebrate, network, and cheer on the winning teams. Join the tradition and register today!
Wednesday, September 20
Pre-Event Reception
Join current graduate students, alumni, and faculty for a pre-event reception before A Look Beyond: AI The Next Frontier for Business, as part of Enduring Questions: The Mark Collier Lecture Series, featuring Paul Roetzer, CEO, Marketing AI Institute. Register here.
Friday, September 29
'80s and '90s REWIND Reunion
Gather with your BW friends from the Classes of 1980 through 2000 on campus to reconnect, see what's new, and mingle with other alumni and friends. Scheduled the evening before Homecoming (part of BW's Bold & Gold Festival). Register here!
Saturday, September 30
Bold & Gold Homecoming Festival
Come home to Baldwin Wallace for our annual Bold & Gold Homecoming Festival. Students, alumni, parents, and the entire community are invited to join us for a Celebration of Champions. For more details & to view the festival schedule, click here.
On the Move: Member News & Notes
MARC STEFANSKI '80 (MBA), Chagrin Falls, has been named to Crain’s Cleveland Business Power 150 List for his work as chairman, president, and CEO of Third Federal Savings and Loan. He was also featured in the Crain’s Cleveland Business Magazine’s Crain’s List for Banks as Third Federal’s Top Local Executive.
PAUL CLARK '81 (MBA), Cleveland, was the keynote speaker for Baldwin Wallace University's Spring Commencement ceremony Saturday, May 6. He formerly served as regional president for PNC Bank in Cleveland.
BRIAN HALL '87 (EMBA), Cleveland, has been named to Crain’s Cleveland Business Power 150 List for his leadership in the Cuyahoga County Community Improvement Corp.’s diversity and inclusion efforts.
DARRELL McNAIR '88 (MBA), Aurora, has been named to Crain’s Cleveland Business Power 150 List for his position as president and CEO of MVP Plastics. He was also named a member of the ERIEBANK Ohio Board of Advisors.
STACY EHMAN KILGORE '97 (MBA '02), Avon, was named one of 50 women Breaking the Mold for 2023 by Plastics News. During the pandemic, Kilgore went from health care business manager of Avient Corp.'s Specialty Engineered Materials segment to heading a North America-based team as global strategic sourcing leader.
GREG FLANIK '97 (MBA ’10), Bay Village, was promoted from chief information officer at Baldwin Wallace University to BW’s vice president of operations. In addition to IT oversight, Greg will lead BW dining services, bookstores, building and grounds, safety and security, and conference services.
SEAN O’MALLEY '09 (MBA), North Royalton, was promoted to vice president of finance at the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Prior to this, he was director of financial planning & analysis.
LOREN ANTHES '15 (MBA), Cleveland, was named head of policy and programs for Yuvo Health, a New York startup providing value-based contracting and administrative services. He also serves as a visiting fellow for the Center for Community Solutions.
AMBER LEWIS '16 (MBA), Cleveland Heights, was featured in the Crain’s Cleveland Business Magazine as a 40 Under Forty honoree. She is the owner of New Era Real Estate Group.
VICTORIA FARLEY BURNS '17 (MBA), Canton, was promoted to lead analyst – finance EPM at JM Smucker Co. in January. She started in 2022 as senior financial analyst in sales finance.
Check out BW's Class Notes Quarterly for even more good news & updates! Have an update to share? Submit using our Alumni Update Form!
In Memoriam: Varsha Vydyula
The MBAA is saddened to learn of the tragic passing of our friend Varsha Vydyula from the MBA Class of 2017. Varsha was an active member of the MBAA and longtime supporter. We fondly remember the popular Dessert & Dialogue event Varsha hosted alongside Dr. Param Srikantia exploring the history and Eastern framework of yoga and meditation in a conventional business setting, as well as relaxation techniques she brought to the Master’s Masters Golf Outing. For many, Varsha's programs were the first exposure of MBAA members to these techniques and approaches.
Without question, her entrepreneurial spirit will live on. Our sincerest condolences and prayers go out to all that hold Varsha dear.
Ways to Engage
   
Purchasing Carmel Boyer School of Business apparel benefits experiential learning opportunities for current students, including field trips to locations and events as diverse as Wall Street and the Super Bowl. This sale of of custom, made-to-order items continues through September 27.
Network, post jobs and internships, and recruit BW students on Handshake! BW Handshake is a web-based platform with 24/7 access to job and internship opportunities, career related events, and relevant resources based on your career goals.
The BW Career Closet is a free resource for students which allows them access to professional attire to prepare for interviews and internships. Contact the BW Career Center to donate today!
Thank you to this year's MBA Association Sponsors!
We are grateful to the following companies that are sponsoring the 2023 Master's Masters Golf Outing.
Their support of the outing makes programs and opportunities possible year-round for the BW MBA Association and Carmel Boyer School of Business students. Thank you!
Sponsorship has real benefits! Aside from ample recognition at the outing and in broadcast communications like this one, sponsors get special BW ticket offers. Think sitting on the 50-yard line at Homecoming or enjoying a world-class music theatre production up close and personal on the Kleist Mainstage. For more information, contact Senior Philanthropy Advisor Lisa Judge.
MBA Association Executive Council
Officers
President: Scott Monaco '10
VP of Operations: Mike Gill '12
Treasurer: Alexis Becker '18
Executive Council
Pamela Baird '99
Shelly Barth '22
Bob Buchanan '87 - Ex-Officio, Alumni Council
E. Rita Camardo
Gwyn Klamer '19
Andrew Lang
Matthew Nichols '23
Liaisons
Center for Philanthropy & Alumni Engagement:
Lisa Judge '00
Soledad Vasquez-Turner
Chloe Opperman '20
Carmel Boyer School of Business:
Carmen Castro-Rivera
John Fuehrer '91, '96
Beth Ehrbar
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