Colloquiums (Lecture Series)
Business students enjoy evening presentations by their professors and by notable business, community, and thought leaders. Students benefit by staying current on School of Business requirements and on current business practices. In addition, students learn from working professionals who bring exposure to cutting-edge issues and ideas in the marketplace. Community members are welcome to attend.
For colloquium requirements, see the syllabus.
Colloquium Schedule for Spring of 2024
April 4, 2024; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Speed Pitches (sponsored by the Business Club)
Join this fun, interactive event and learn how to give short elevator pitches, ranging from convincing a recruiter that you are the right candidate to selling a product or service.
April 17, 2024; Wednesday, 6pm; Havstad Alumni Center (across 4th St. from the Shell Station)
Spring Career Meet & Greet (sponsored by the Student Development Center)
Learn about employment opportunities and build connections. Light d' oeuvres provided.
May 16, 2024; Thursday; 7-8:30pm; Fine Arts Center Auditorium
Final U-Pitch Competition ("Shark-Tank" Entrepreneurial Presentations)
Hear student teams "sell" their most creative ideas in a competition worth more than $10,000.
June 6, 2024; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Business Awards Colloquium
Celebrate the accomplishments of business students and faculty this year (maybe you'll get an award, so come and see!).
Colloquium Schedule for Winter of 2024
January 11, 2024; Thursday, 7-8pm; CSP 154
Dave Mitchell, B.A., M.Ed.
Award-winning leadership coach and author on organizational leadership and culture. Clients have included Disney, Allstate Insurance, Bank of America, Hilton Worldwide, Trek Bikes, and the CIA. https://theleadershipdifference.com/
February 1, 2024; Thursday, 7-8pm; CSP 154
Doug Taylor, BSBA, Class of '78
Learn about the behavorial science behind advertising
February 15, 2024; Thursday, 7-8pm; CSP 154
Ask Your Professors Anything
Chance to put your profs on the hot seat.
March 7; Thursday, 7-8pm; CSP 154
Randy Haffner, '89, PhD, MBA
President & CEO, AdventHealth Florida
Hear what it's like to lead a large healthcare organization in a rapidly changing environment.
Colloquium Schedule for Fall of 2023
September 28, 2023; Thursday, 7-8pm; CSP 154
Kick-Off Colloquium
Information session with important announcements, intro to new faculty, special events, etc.
October 5, 2023; Thursday, 7-8pm; CSP 154
Internship Panel
Learn about internships from prior interns who will share their experiences.
October 31, 2023; Tuesday, 7-8pm; CSP 154
Dale Lampson, MBA, Class of '82
Hear about an interesting career path in IT and Customer Support for companies as varied as Hewlett-Packard, Google/Fitbit, and his current position at Skydio, a leading drone manufacturer.
November 14, 2023; Tuesday, 7-8pm; CSP 154
Learn about the challenges of managing a consumer goods company (grocery retailer) and an industrial goods company (battery-manufacturer); Presenters: Vicki Zanes, manager of Andy’s Market, and Brian Schaffner, CEO of Expion360.
Colloquium Schedule for Spring of 2023
April 2, 2023; Sunday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Speed Pitches (Sponsored by the WWU Business Club)
Join this fun, interactive event and learn how to give short elevator pitches, ranging from convincing a recruiter that you are the right candidate to selling a product or service.
April 28, 2023; Friday, 2-3pm; Winter Educational Complex (WEC) #209
Alumni Weekend Guest Speaker and Alum of the Year, Dr. Ann Gibson, PhD/MBA/CPA (Class of 1968)
Answering the first question you'll be asked in heaven (Hint: It has to do with business and ethics!)
May 18, 2023; Thursday, 7-8:30pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
U-Pitch Competition ("Shark-Tank" Entrepreneurial Pitches)
Hear student teams "sell" their most creative ideas in a competition for $10,000 of prizes.
June 1, 2023; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Business Awards Colloquium
Celebrate the accomplishments of business students and faculty this year (might want to show up as you may be given awards you didn't know about!).
Colloquium Schedule for Winter of 2023
January 5, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Dave Mitchell, B.A., M.Ed.
Award-winning leadership coach and author on organizational leadership and culture. Clients have included Allstate Insurance, Bank of America, Hilton Worldwide, Trek Bikes, Walt Disney World, and the CIA. https://theleadershipdifference.com/
January 19, 2023; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Paul Rhynard, MBA (class of '04)
Following a distinguished career in investment and corporate consulting, Paul recently took on the CEO role at Wilkinson Baking Company. Hear about his journey and the lessons learned along the way.
February 2, 2023; Thursday, 7-8pm; FAC Auditorium
Mindi Irvine, DPT
Regional Director of Oasis Physical Therapy LLC (part of Upstream Rehabilitation, the largest out-patient PT provider in the U.S.)
Learn about starting and managing a successful PT business, including major challenges and big decisions.
February 23, 2023; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Chase Spenst, MBA (Class of '06)
Founder of Ground Control, a consulting firm in financial strategy and support for high growth businesses.
A serial entrepreneur shares his story of discovering niche markets and helping business execs rethink their strategies.
Colloquium Schedule for Fall of 2022
September 29, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; WEC 209
Kick-Off Colloquium
Information session with important announcements, intro to new faculty, special events, etc.
October 6, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; WEC 209
Internship Panel
Learn about internships from prior interns who will share their experiences.
November 3, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; WEC 209
Chad McComas, BA (Class of 1976); M.Div.
Co-founder and former Executive Director of Rogue Retreat
Listen to a fascinating tale about creating a ministry for the homeless in southern Oregon that now shelters 500+ individuals per night.
November 17, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; WEC 209
Evan Kinne, BS (Class of 2009), MBA
Co-Founder & President of AXCS Capital; Managing Director of George Smith Partners
Hear a compelling story about life after WWU and a career in high finance (venture & real estate capital).
Colloquium Schedule for Spring of 2022
(tentative schedule, subject to change; events are listed when scheduled; check back for updates)
March 31, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
David Lopez, BBA, MS (Class of 2004)
Executive Director of the Center for Humanitarian Engagement
Hear a compelling story from our own David Lopez about his career path and lessons learned along the way.
April 7, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Ask Your Professors Anything
Opportunity for students to put their profs on the hot seat
April 28, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Justin Davis, Class of 2012
Lessons learned from a varied career at some of the the world's largest data management and communication companies, including SAP, Twitter, NetSuite, Twilio, and Tealium.
June 2, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; MS Teams Event (check emails for link)
Business Awards Program
Celebrate the accomplishments of business students and faculty
Colloquium Schedule for Winter of 2022
January 6, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Dave Mitchell, B.A., M.Ed.
Presentation entitled "Peak Performance Culture." An award-winning leadership coach and author on organizational leadership and culture/change. Clients include Allstate Insurance, Bank of America, Hilton Worldwide, Trek Bikes, Walt Disney World, and the CIA. https://theleadershipdifference.com/
January 20, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; via MS Teams (students will receive an emailed link; if you don't, please contact lana.vandorn@wallawalla.edu).
Should I get a master's or other advanced degree?
Learn about graduate degrees in business from a faculty panel
February 10, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; Rigby Hall Room #112
Creating the Perfect Resume: Important Do's and Don't's
Dr. Conna Bond will share resume tips, using current best practices
(Co-sponsored by the WWU Business Club)
February 24, 2022; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
T.J. Espinoza, MA, Class of 2005
Local entrepreneur, real estate professional, and community leader, with corporate experience at Verizon, Grainger, Unicity International, and Ensign Services
Colloquium Schedule for Fall of 2021
September 30, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Kick-Off Colloquium
Information session with important announcements, intro to new faculty, curriculum changes, etc.
October 7, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Internship Panel
Learn about internships from prior interns who will share their experiences.
October 28, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
City of College Place Mayor, Norma Hernandez
From humble beginnings, to a career in business, to the challenges and joys of leading a small city government
November 11, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Chan Shun Pavilion #154
Tyler Sherwin, Class of 2016
Hear lessons learned in a varied career path, from solar energy to wealth/investment management, to a start-up in crypto currency financial services.
Colloquium Schedule for Spring of 2021
(events are listed when scheduled; check back for updates)
April 5, 2021; Monday, 6-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
LaunchU Final Competition
Witness the battle between entrepreneurial ideas as teams compete for serious prize money in the final round.
May 6, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Peter Walker, PhD
Vice President of Architecture at Visa Inc.
Dr. Walker currently manages the shaping and transforming of innovative payment systems at Visa. He has a rich history leading tech start-ups and companies, including GameStop and JamKazam.
May 20, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Michelina Benitez, PE, PMP (Class of 2005)
President and founder of Benico, LLC. Planned and designed many impressive civil engineering projects for a variety of clients, including governmental entities and utility companies.
See https://benicollc.com/
June 3, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Business Awards Program
Come and celebrate the accomplishments of business students and faculty over this last year.
Colloquium Schedule for Winter of 2021
(events are listed when scheduled; check back for updates)
January 24, 2021; Sunday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Vern Vliet, MA, CEBS, ERPA, QPA
President of JV Associates Ltd., a retirement plan and tax consulting firm.
Learn about his entrepreneurial journey, including starting and selling several different businesses.
See https://www.401kadm.com
January 28, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Walter (Wally) Sackett, MHA, FACHE (WWU Clas of 1981)
President of Kettering Medical Center System.
Hear about what it takes to be an executive leader in today's fast-changing healthcare sector (and life lessons along the way).
See https://www.ketteringhealth.org
February 4, 2021; Thursday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Russell Wilkinson (WWU Class of 1979)
Founder and chairman of Wilkinson Corporation, a billion dollar commercial real estate investment and development firm based in Yakima, WA.
See https://wilkinsoncorporation.com
March 7, 2021; Sunday, 7-9pm; Microsoft Teams Event
LaunchU Semi-Final Competition
Witness the battle between entrepreneurial ideas as teams compete in the semi-final round
Colloquium Schedule, Fall of 2020
(events are listed when scheduled; check back for updates)
September 24, 2020; Thursday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Kickoff Colloquium
Important information about events and changes for the new school year
October 11, 2020; Sunday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Internship Panel
Student interns share their experiences
October 22, 2020; Thursday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Terry Alan Farris
30+ years of international experience as a corporate CEO, board chair, banker, wealth advisor, and educational leader
November 12, 2020; Thursday, 7-8pm; Microsoft Teams Event
Michael Kruger, CA
President of ADRA International
Learn how a career in accounting, finance, and consulting eventually led to the top leadership position at ADRA, a well-regarded global development and relief organization.
Colloquium Schedule, Winter of 2020
January 16, 2020; Thursday, 7pm; CSP154
Denzil McNeilus
Chair and CEO of Sterling State Bank, Minnesota
https://www.sterlingstatebank.com/
January 26, 2020; Sunday, 7pm; CSP154
Randall Unterseher, MBA (Class of 1979)
Vice President of Better Fresh Technology LLC
February 6, 2020; Thursday, 7pm; CSP154
Todd Fletcher (Class of 1989)
Vice President of Operations-West, Life Care Centers of America
https://lcca.com/
February 27, 2020; Thursday, 7pm; CSP154
Ask Your Professor Anything
(A fun chance to learn the hidden secrets behind your favorite professors)
https://www.wallawalla.edu/academics/areas-of-study/business/faculty-staff/
March 8, 2020; Sunday, 7-9pm; CSP154
Shark Tank/LaunchU Semi-Final Pitch
(Come and watch several teams pitch their business ideas as a run-off for the final competition in April.)
Colloquium Schedule, Fall of 2019
October 3, 2019, Thursday, 7pm; CSP154
Kick-Off Colloquium
School of Business Welcome Back (with important updates and announcements)
October 13, 2019; Sunday, 7pm; CSP154
Internship Panel Discussion
Summer interns share their experiences
November 6, 2019; Wednesday, 3-6pm; Havstad Alumni Center
Career and Graduate School Fair
Learn about opportunities available at a variety of organizations and schools
November 14, 2019; Thursday, 7pm; CSP154
Oren Williams, Business Owner and Entrepreneur (Class of 1999)
Hear exciting experiences of a serial entrepreneur
November 17, 2019; Sunday, 7pm; CSP154
Erin Wiggins-Sleeth, MS/CPA (Class of 1998)
Partner at PricewaterhouseCoopers, one of the world's largest consulting and professional service firms
https://www.pwc.com/
Colloquium Schedule, Spring of 2019
April 20, 2019; Saturday, 8pm; Village Hall
Shark Tank Competition
Which team will win the Grand Prize of $10,000?
April 25, 2019; Thursday, 7pm; CSP154
Linda A. Abdel-Malek, JD (Class of 1989)
Attorney & Partner with Moses & Singer, New York
https://www.mosessinger.com/attorneys/linda-a-malek
April 28, 2019; Sunday, 7pm; CSP154
Robert Schmidt, FSA, MAAA, EA (Class of 1988)
Principal of Milliman, Boise ID (Milliman is one of the world's largest actuarial consulting firms)
http://us.milliman.com/Consultants/?cid=82897
May 16, 2019; Thursday, 7pm; CSP154
Christopher Maravilla, CPA, M.Ed. (Class of 2012)
Audit Associate at Ernst & Young (EY), New York (one of the world's largest consulting/accounting firms)
https://www.ey.com/en_gl
June 6, 2019; Thursday, 7pm; CSP154
Awards Colloquium
Come celebrate the accomplishments of business students and faculty
Colloquium Schedule, Winter of 2019
January 20, 2019; 7pm; CSP154
Alister Hunt, PhD
Principal of Finology (consulting firm for governments and organizations around the world in financial economics and public policy)
https://www.finology.com/hunt/
January 24, 2019; 7pm; CSP154
Todd Brandenburg (Class of 2002)
President/CEO of PocketiNet Communications Inc.
(internet/broadband company)
https://www.pocketinet.com/
February 3, 2019; 7pm; CSP154
Steven Mantle, EMBA
Market Development Leader (Director of Sales Strategy, Acquisitions, and Partnerships)
Microsoft Inc. https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/
February 12, 2019; 7pm; CSP154
Jim Schultz (Class of 2005)
Manager of Business Process Optimization and IT
Key Technology Inc.
http://www.key.net/
February 28, 2019; 7pm; CSP 154
Jim Fazio, AAMS
Investment & Financial Advisor
Edwards Jones, Ft. Collins, CO
https://www.edwardjones.com/index.html
Colloquium Schedule, Fall of 2018
October 4, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
Kickoff Colloquium
School of Business update with important announcements
October 18, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
Internship Panel Discussion
Summer interns share their experiences
October 25, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
Daryl Tol, MHA (Class of 1997)
President and CEO, Florida Hospital & Central Florida Division
Senior Executive VP of Adventist Health Systems
Perspectives of a health care executive
November 1, 2018; 4-7pm; BWH Lobby
Business & Healthcare Career Fair
Come-and-go opportunity to meet with dozens of firms
November 4, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
Wendell White (Class of 1962)
Founder & Board Chair of Generations Inc.
A life-time of experience in the senior living industry
Colloquium Schedule, Spring of 2018
April 8, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
Brittney Smith, CPA (Class of 2012)
Manager, CliftonLarsonAllen
Professional services firm, Bellevue, Washington
April 26, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
Alexander Nickolatos, CPA (Class of 2001)
Chief Financial Executive, EcoStim Energy Solutions
Publicly-traded company based in Houston, Texas
May 6, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
Abel Cruz, MBA (Class of 1991)
Global Business Development Manager, Amazon.com; Seattle, WA
Former Director of Tech Strategy, Microsoft
May 17, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
Deanne Rhynard (Class of 2004)
Vice President of Olo.com
Internet startup
June 7, 2018; 7pm; CSP154
WWU Business Student/Faculty Awards Colloquium
Colloquium Schedule, Winter of 2018
January 25, 2018
7 p.m., CSP 154
George Fearing, Chief Judge (Class of 1979)
Washington State Court of Appeals, Div. III
January 30, 2018
7 p.m., CSP 154
Megan Clubb
Board Chair and former CEO of Baker Boyer Bank;
Recently retired Director of the Federal Reserve Bank of San Francisco
February 5, 2018
7 p.m., BWH 201
Harvey Crowder and Mike Rizzitiello
Mayor and Manager (respectively) of the City of College Place
February 15, 2018
7 p.m., CSP 154
Ron and Eric Wilkinson (Classes of 1978 & 2010, resp.)
Entrepreneurs; see www.wilkinsonbaking.com
February 21, 2018
7 p.m., BWH 201
Doug Taylor and David Jeffery (Classes of 1978 & 2012, resp.)
Student loan experts share secrets to getting out of debt and life after college
Colloquium Schedule, Fall of 2017
November 6, 2017
7 p.m., CSP 154
Bethany Logan-Ropa, MBA (Class of 2006)
UBS Investment Banker in New York
November 2, 2017
7 p.m., FAC Auditorium
Kerry Heinrich, JD (Class of 1980)
CEO of Loma Linda University Medical Center
October 26, 2017
12 p.m., KRH 210
Washington State Auditors
October 15, 2017
7 p.m., CSP 154
Eight Summer Interns Share Their Experiences
Panel Discussion
September 28, 2017
7 p.m., CSP 154
Kick-off Colloquium