PNW College of Business Alumni Week Strengthens Career Connections and Celebrates Student Confidence

Chad Hunter, a College of Business alumni

The Purdue Northwest College of Business brought alumni back to classrooms across campus for its annual College of Business Alumni Week, creating opportunities for students to learn directly from business professionals who once sat in their seats. The result was a week filled with honest conversations, practical career guidance and meaningful inspiration—especially for first-generation students.

For many faculty, the value of Alumni Week comes from the power of visibility. Jane Thomas, Associate Professor, Human Resource Management and Organizational Behavior, who invited four alumni to speak to her Human Resource Management courses, said the experience resonated deeply.

“All four alumni who visited were first-generation college graduates,” Thomas said. “That mattered tremendously to my students. One junior shared with me, ‘Thank you so much for bringing alumni who are first-generation college students—it makes me feel more motivated as well.’” That student, Brooke Bubash, a Human Resources major and president of the Human Resources Club, said hearing alumni stories helped her visualize her pathway more clearly.

“It definitely motivated me to keep going,” Bubash said. “They shared how they networked, how they built their careers, and it reminded me that they were once in our shoes. I want to take what they said and bring it back to my classes and the HR Club.”

Associate Professor of Management and Strategy, Wei He, invited Gina Fezler, a 2007 graduate in Human Resources Management, whose career spans the banking industry, community leadership and nonprofit service. He said her visit offered a rare blend of professional insight and personal authenticity.

“Gina connected with students naturally by sharing her real-world experiences,” He said. “Her cross-disciplinary background showed students how a broad skill set can shape a dynamic career. She also emphasized community involvement, which helped students understand how personal growth and professional development intersect.”

Fezler shared how balancing full-time work and school pushed her to develop discipline and time management. Skills she now uses in both her career and volunteer leadership roles. She stays active in Northwest Indiana through organizations such as Girls on the Run, Meals on Wheels and the St. John Dyer Chamber of Commerce.

“Re-engaging with the College of Business these past couple years has been extremely rewarding,” said Fezler. “I want students to stay curious and get comfortable being uncomfortable. That’s where discovery happens.”

Across the College, students echoed similar takeaways. Alexis Stone, a marketing student, said connecting with alumni broadened her understanding of the business landscape.

“Meeting alumni like Jacqueline Thomas showed me that career paths aren’t linear,” Stone said. “It was inspiring to see how people balance life, work and even parenthood while still building successful careers. It opened my eyes to jobs I didn’t even know existed.”

The conversations reinforced the importance of mentorship and community—two pillars the College hopes to strengthen as alumni engagement grows.

From first-generation success stories to lessons in resilience, students say the week offered something they don’t always get from textbooks: lived experience. Alumni say it’s a chance to give back, stay connected and guide future leaders.

As Alumni Week continues to expand, the College of Business aims to deepen these relationships, creating opportunities that uplift students, celebrate alumni achievements and strengthen the PNW business community for years to come.

Explore Photos of Alumni Week

Associate Professor of Management and Strategy Wei He and alumna Gina Fezler

Visiting Instructor Sarala Morrow and Director of Research and Sponsored Programs Maja Marjanovic

Alumna Rebekah Knoll, VP of Human Resources at Van Drunen Farms

Quantitative Business Studies Department Chair Scott Schaller and alumni Chad Hunter

Ceren Turedi, Associate Professor of Marketing, and alumna Raquel Welch