it’s time to get
BUSINESS SAVVY.
2026 Business Week Executive Team
L-R: Kailey Johnson, Jack Medlicott, Averi Stephens, Jonathan Snelgrove, Mackenzie Wand, Ellie Ten Eyck
ABOUT BUSINESS WEEK Since its founding in 1979, Business Week has been the heart of professional development in the College of Business at Illinois State. Business Week is a year-long program made up of development opportunities for all Illinois State University students that culminates with a week-long series of engaging professional events. It encourages personal interaction between students, alumni, potential employers, and industry leaders. Through this, students foster soft skills essential for success in the professional world. This week-long series of interactive events include discussions of leadership, business etiquette, effective networking, goal setting, communication, and career management by Illinois State University alumni. We are proud to represent the College of Business, and we are looking forward to celebrating 47 years of helping students develop personally and professionally.
Proof of attendance slips will be provided at the conclusion of the events below: • Professional Development Dinner Monday, February 23, 2026 • Transition Seminars Tuesday, February 24, 2026 • INSPIRE: “FUN”damentals of Business with ComedySportz Wednesday, February 25, 2026 • Keynote Speaker Address Thursday, February 26, 2026
2026 BUSINESS WEEK
PARTN ERS
GOLD PARTNER • ADM • CINTAS • Growmark • John Deere • NICOR
SILVER PARTNER • CEFCU • Illinois State University
THANK YOU Organizational Leadership Institute
PRE-BW EVENTS WED N E S DAY | FEB R UARY 4
TRIVIA NIGHT
A N I G HT O F CO B CO M PE TITIO N Aaron Leetch Stadium Club | 6:00pm - 8:00pm The Business Week team is proud to present its 9th annual Trivia Night as a kickoff to this year’s Business Week! Trivia Night is a night where staff and students are invited to test their knowledge and let loose before the more professional events of Business Week begin. Teams of five to eight people will answer questions on a variety of topics and compete in various mini games throughout the night. Food will be provided for all participants, so come hungry and be ready to get trivial! We welcome back our wonderful host, Dr. Terry Noel. Dr. Noel is an Associate Dean for the College of Business and a distinguished professor with a background in improvisation. As part of “giving back” to the COB community, the Business Week team is utilizing all net proceeds from the event to help fund the COB’s Pay It Forward (PIF) student fund. The PIF fund distributes financial support to COB students in need for professional development purposes. The money in the PIF student funds is generated by donations from COB students that are then matched by COB alum and PIF creator, Ron Whitton.
Casual attire is recommended.
REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS EVENT:
MONDAY FEB R UARY 2 3
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DINNER Brown Ballroom - Bone Student Center Illinois State University | 6:00pm - 8:30pm 5:00pm | Check-in and Networking
PROF DEVE DINN
The Professional Development Dinner is Business Week’s kickoff event, providing aspiring student professionals with the opportunity to learn valuable etiquette expertise. Dinner will be provided for those who have registered, granting an opportunity to practice professional dinner etiquette, an important skill for those planning to enter the workforce. Even more, the dinner will be open to professionals, allowing for networking opportunities with companies such as State Farm, Country Financial, Caterpillar, and more. The dinner is also accompanied by an etiquette skills speaker, Dr. Anna Zabinski, and keynote speakers, Toby Atkinson and Max Langenkamp .
FESSIONAL ELOPMENT NER PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DINNER KEYNOTE SPEAKERS TOBY ATKINSON National Director of Management Programs, CINTAS
MAX LANGENKAMP Senior Vice President of Human Resources, CINTAS
Toby Atkinson serves as the National
Max is the Senior Vice President of Human Resources
Director of Management Programs at
for the Cintas Corporation where he leads the entire
Cintas, a role she assumed in November
Human Resources Department for Cintas.
2021. In this capacity, Toby oversees
Max earned his Bachelor’s degree from Ohio State
talent acquisition and the early career
University and his law degree from the University
development of management programs
of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He is a member of
nationwide.
the Society for Human Resources Management, the
Toby began her career with Cintas
Association of Corporate Counsel, the Ohio State Bar
in 2006. Prior to her current role, she held several key positions,
Association, the American Bar Association, the Cincinnati Bar Association and the
including HR Manager supporting multiple locations in the North
Black Lawyer Association of Cincinnati. Max also serves on the board of directors
Central Group for seven years. She also pioneered the first Sales
for a number of non-profit organizations and is the President for the Multicultural
Talent Acquisition role for the Rental Division, launched the first
Food & Hospitality Alliance Board, a subsidiary of the National Restaurant
Campus Talent Acquisition Manager role, and served as HR Director
Association. Max has also held board seats with several civic organizations and
for the Mid South Group in the Rental Division.
in 2019, he was named Chief Human Resource Officer of the Year for the United
Passionate about service and community impact, Toby has
States by HRO Today Magazine.
earned numerous accolades, including the Governor’s Service
Max is a proud father of two. His son is pursuing a collegiate baseball career
Award (2023). She also holds titles such as Mrs. North Carolina
and his daughter is a high school sophomore. He comes from a “sports family”
United States 2023, Mrs. United States 2023, and Mrs. United
and played football for Ohio State and funded an endowed scholarship for African-
States Legacy Queen Recipient 2026. Additionally, she advocates
American student athletes at his high school alma mater. Max understands the
for Alzheimer’s awareness as a North Carolina State Advocate for
impact that team sports had on his own life and wants to ensure that others have
the Alzheimer’s Association.
the opportunities he had to compete as student-athletes.
Outside of her professional and advocacy work, Toby enjoys family life with her husband, Shaun, and their two children, Grace (12) and Isaac (6).
Business Professional attire is recommended.
REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS EVENT:
TUESDAY FEB RUARY 24
TRANSITION SEMINARS State Farm Hall of Business - Various Rooms | 6:00 - 8:30pm 5:30pm Check-in begins 6:00 - 6:30pm Session One 6:30 - 6:40pm Break/Trivia 6:40 - 7:10pm Session Two
7:10 - 7:20pm 7:20 - 7:50pm 7:50 - 8:30pm
Break/Trivia Session Three Networking Period
The transition from college to corporate life can be daunting. However, with well-directed guidance from experienced professionals, students can achieve anything. The topics for each seminar were chosen to help educate students on what to expect and how to prepare as they enter their prospective industries. Each seminar is constructed to provide unique insight that students would not otherwise have had the opportunity to gain. College of Business alumni, ISU staff, and industry professionals will be conducting the seminars and sharing their personal experiences. The speakers selected are masters in their specific fields of expertise and will be providing valuable insight. The Transition Seminars are free! However, registration is required. Students needing proof of attendance slips will be required to attend two seminars. All seminar options will be repeated during the second session, allowing students to participate in several discussions. Following the seminars, there will be a networking reception in the College of Business Atrium. The reception will provide students with the opportunity to speak individually with seminar speakers. Refreshments will also be provided!
Business casual or casual attire is recommended. REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS EVENT:
TRANSITION TOPICS
1
WHAT MAKES A CANDIDATE STAND OUT
2
OWN YOUR OWN FUTURE
3
HUSTLE AND HARMONY
In today’s competitive job market, it’s not enough to simply meet expectations; you need to exceed them. This session explores how to build a standout personal brand through effective communication, professionalism, and authenticity. Learn how to differentiate yourself in interviews, networking events, and digital spaces. From crafting an impactful elevator pitch to mastering your presence on LinkedIn, participants will discover what truly sets exceptional candidates apart and how to leave a lasting impression on employers.
Your career path is what you make of it. “Own Your Future” empowers students to take control of their professional development through intentional goal setting, adaptability, and self-leadership. Attendees will gain insights into building confidence, aligning passions with career goals, and leveraging opportunities that create long-term success. Whether you’re pursuing your first internship or preparing to step into full-time employment, this session will inspire you to take ownership of your journey and navigate your next steps with purpose.
Ambition is important, but so is balance. “Hustle and Harmony” focuses on achieving professional success without compromising well-being. This engaging discussion highlights strategies for time management, stress reduction, and maintaining motivation in a fast-paced world. Attendees will hear from professionals who have mastered balancing career growth, personal goals, and mental health. Learn how to hustle with intention, stay productive, and create a sustainable rhythm for long-term success.
INSPIRE
WEDNESDAY FEB RUARY 2 5
INSPIRE EVENT:
LISTEN, LEARN, LEAD WITH COMEDY SPORTZ Prairie Room - Bone Student Center Illinois State University | 6:00pm - 8:00pm
Join the INSPIRE Team for an unforgettable experience in collaboration with Malarkey Comedy, home of ComedySportz Chicago, as they bring their interactive Applied Improv group workshop to Illinois State University students. This engaging, hands-on event is designed to help students enhance their leadership, communication, and listening skills through fun, non-performance-based improv exercises. The workshop fosters an inclusive and supportive environment where participants can build meaningful relationships and strengthen positive connections. Through improv-based activities and practical discussions, attendees will gain valuable insights and tools to become more effective communicators and leaders.
Don’t miss this chance to laugh, learn, and grow with your peers in a dynamic and collaborative setting. Business casual or casual attire is recommended.
REGISTER TO ATTEND THIS EVENT:
THURSDAY FEB RUARY 26
BUSINESS WEEK KEYNOTE SPEAKER Center for the Performing Arts Theatre Illinois State University | 3:15pm
WARREN McCARTY ’09 Managing Partner, AZA Law Warren McCarty is a trial lawyer in Dallas, TX who has won some of the largest technology-related lawsuits in the country’s history. Over the last decade, Warren has won verdicts and settlements of over $2.5 billion on behalf of technology-company clients. In court, he has beat Apple, Intel, ASUSTeK, Acer, SAS, and more. In just 2024 alone, he went 3-for-3 at trial patent infringement cases, securing combined jury verdicts of over $93 million that year. In 2025, he beat Samsung in court for $78.5 million. He has active cases going to trial this year and next against some of the largest companies in the world in places like California, Texas, Delaware, and elsewhere. After becoming the youngest shareholder in his law firm’s history, at age 38 he was named Managing Partner of the Dallas office of AZA Law, a well-known Texas trial law firm. His current focus is on building a powerhouse IP-based litigation group at AZA. For his courtroom skills, Warren is consistently recognized in professional peer rankings, including Super Lawyers Rising Stars and The Best Lawyers in America’s “Ones to Watch” based on his work nationwide. Warren graduated from ISU in 2009, summa cum laude and was a four-year scholarship student-athlete with the Redbird football team. After ISU, Warren attended the University of Virginia School of Law. At UVA, Warren served as Editor-in-Chief of the Virginia Law & Business Review and focused his studies on intellectual property law, trial advocacy, and civil litigation. Warren lives in Dallas with his wife, Haley, and three children. Haley owns a photography company, and their kids are active in sports and church. Warren still enjoys football, and pro bono helps Division I football players with their Name, Image, and Likeness deals.
Business casual or casual attire is recommended. No registration is needed to attend this event.
HALL OF FAME DAY COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
H A LL O F FA M E
COLLEGE OF BUSINESS HALL OF FAME DAY 2026
Each year, highly successful individuals are welcomed to campus to be inducted into the College of Business Alumni Hall of Fame. These distinguished individuals range from senior-level executives in top corporations worldwide to highly ambitious entrepreneurs. Their achievements attest to their commitment to excellence and add value to our College of Business Programs and the Illinois State University brand for all graduates.
CLASS OF 2026 MARK HAUPTMAN ’79 Retired, CPA/Business Owner and Executive ROBERT BENNES ’86 Vice President Caterpillar Financial Services Corporation (retired) SUSAN CHASON ’94 Vice President of Accounting, Ulta Beauty
THE BW MENTOR PROGRAM
FRIDAY
FEB RUARY 27
MENTOR/MENTEE CEREMONY Capen Auditorium - Edwards Hall Illinois State University | 1:00pm
Most Fortune 500 Companies have an established mentor program, including Google, Caterpillar, and General Electric (GE), to name a few. The Business Week Mentor Program helps students develop the professional skills necessary to succeed in their career path. Since its formation, the Mentor Program has increased in prestige and design. Mentors are selected based on proven academic success and extracurricular involvement and are dedicated to serving as a resource for their assigned mentee(s) and providing them with the best possible Business Week experience. Mentor/Mentee pairs get acquainted with one another through their collaboration on the professional skills referenced above and by attending a pre-Business Week Meet and Greet designed and implemented by the Mentor Program Coordinators. To conclude their participation in the program, they will attend Business Week events together and make use of the skills developed throughout their mentorship, followed by a Mentor Program Graduation at the end of the week. At the end of Business Week, over 250 students gather to celebrate the completion of the Mentor Program. After months of preparation, meetings between mentors and mentees, and attendance at Business Week events, the participants gather to receive their certificates of completion. Many mentees go on to become mentors themselves, work on the Business Week team, and/or continue to make lasting impressions on their peers and the College of Business.
2026 MENTOR PROGRAM PARTICIPANTS
W R M
MENTOR Jason Zheng Aaron Lane Abigal Kaszynski Addison Fair Adrian Rogowski Aiden De La O AJ Behland Allison DeBolt Allyson Ford Alyssa Bartlett Amya Perkins Andrew Hummel Angeline Manalo Ani Abbina Aubrey Call Bailey Renfro Bonnie Hall Bryce Beckman Caleb Lenning Caleb Stevens Camilla Blacha Carlee Harmon Catalina Alvarez Chris Schwuchow Cian Collins Cole Sowinski Colin Wasserman Collin Caldwell Colton Clark Connor Lyons Daniel Garcia Daniel Oluwayomi Danielle Cimiculla David Dedic Dirk Buhlig Elizabeth Johnson Emily O’Dea Grace Unverzagt Guillermo Sanchez Gwen Bojan Ian Walsh Jacinda Labinski Jack Hatteburg Jacob Matthews Jason DiTusa Jadira Carreno
0 2 6 MENTEE(S)
MENTOR
MENTEE(S)
Atharva Shenoy Jesse Puckett Patrick Fields Folahami Bodunrin Antanysja Giles Ava Obrochta Olivia Cordes Adrian Lopez Maya Jordan Albiona (Biona) Useini Kaleb Washington Morgan Hogue Anna Warren Brenda Godina Allison Schwer Laura Díaz Reyes Celia Potts Carter Kapanjie Marina Rios Gonzalez Natalee Martin Jun Yoshimura Spencer Ghanbarpour Ava Calderon Addison Guerra Lauren Campomanes Evelyn McCarty Anna Bloomquist Ava Hadfield Rune Nelson James Reiley Jacob Braunschweig Christian Warren Alexa Plunk Hailey Neill Isabelle Branson Grace Howell Lindee Poper Michael Tenuto Emma Veloz Joe Wakeman Arnav Shrivastava Henry Stafford Kyle Moore Jalen Conley Amen Keltu Jack Urban Brody Simmons Nef Rosales Zoe Adams Jenna Lewis Grant Young Frank Funez Olivia Jones Naomi Roberts Katie Dziekan Abby Chlopek Jasmine Fox Payton Fisher John Krause Ciara VanJacobs Evan Pattelli Cary Lorentz Camille Collins Dalton Youngs Jack Miller Quinn Donhaue Jason Dorn Olamiposi Olapade Jhia Smith
Jeremy Cinco Jeremy Wright Jillian Burkhardt Juan Eloiza Karsten Simmons Katherine Beyer Kaylee Marrs Kolton Mannin Kylie Kolacki Kylie Motykowski Kyra Sundet Leah Kahle Leo Krueger Lily Gagner Luke Read Madison Johnson Max Smits Michael Korpitz Mira Terranova Molly Murphy Nicole Binda Niko Berg Rachel Fadahunsi Rae Mahalik Reid Berguist Rishi Boghra Ryan Sirois Sara Young Sean Ferguson Sebestian Orellana Sherillyn Silvestre Siddesh Chekrui Sofia Cupuro Sophia Desarden Sophie Shaw Steel Martin Tatum Ahrens Taylor Tedford Travis Tomeski Tyler Strate Tyler Miller Tyler Cwik Veronica Zieba Zachary Brown Zaria Simmons
Mercedes Douglas Sarah Akanbi Nathan Blair Azaria Bias Jake Hobson Lindsay Gerdis Anna Czosnyka Emily Tooley Mekdes Geary Amelia Kackley Joseph Dema Josie Newberry Vivian Walsh Alviana Crosley Patty Andrade Raimonda Karalius Cam Smith Elda Morales Ramos Erick Diaz Ashlyn Sylvester Nate Chrobak Corinn Wiegard London Lim Shawn Slevin Camryn Lawson Shaylyn Kincade Cheyanna Barclift Taryn Chave Julian Hernandez Zhariya Jackson Brisa Melgar Aliyah Sandoka Samuel Staley Brayden Lovell Bradley Metivier Marissa Furlano Delorean Jideonwo-Anderson Kyle Brown Melissa Alonzo Noah Collins Ellie Schaffer Julia Wojtowicz Julia Giovannetti Emma Campbell Saime Keser Sofia Chiarito Abbie Reed Ayla Baker Zaynab Alqahshi Brayden Stombaugh Jonathan Cinco Jason Trejo Preston Matlock Anthony Johnson Olivia Criss Annie O’Grady Graysen Angelo Veronica Sarat Brooke Jerkatis
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State Farm Hall of Business | Illinois State University Thursday, October 2, 2025
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INSPIRE - COB SMILE DAY: IT’S A GOOD DAY TO HAVE A GOOD DAY
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FALL EVENTS
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A lot of good days were made during the College of Business’s 2nd Annual COB Smile Day on October 2nd, inspired by World Smile Day, which is celebrated annually on October 4th. The goal of the event was to give students a chance to relax—and smile—during the challenging midpoint of the school year, with an emphasis on fostering a sense of community. Attendees were treated to complimentary goodies such as stress balls, stickers, and smiley pins, all distributed by COB faculty and staff. They also had the chance to create their own candy kabobs. Student Counseling Services set up a booth to distribute helpful mental health resources, and the beloved Illinois State Police resource dog, Pawfficer Korg, made a special guest appearance. Activities included a candy kabob building station, a wall for random acts of kindness, where participants shared their ideas, a photo booth with fun, yellow props, and a card-making station, where attendees crafted cards and friendship bracelets. Of the 250 supplies available for attendees, everything was gone by the end of the event, marking a successful COB Smile Day. The atmosphere was upbeat and friendly, as students chatted, enjoyed the activities, and, most importantly, built community and spread smiles.
AFTER 5 BEHAVIOR: ELEVATING YOUR PROFESSIONALISM Westside BloNo. Thursday, October 2, 2025 | 6:30 pm - 8:30 pm
The After 5 Behavior event kicked off with a presentation from president and CEO of the McLean County Chamber of Commerce, Charlie Moore. Charlie discussed the importance of professionalism beyond the traditional 9-to-5 workday, covering topics like how to conduct yourself at happy hours and holiday work events, as well as how to maintain a personable yet professional relationship with coworkers. He also discussed the importance of building a personal brand, how to protect it, and strategies for expanding and maintaining your network. His insights helped students feel more equipped to navigate after-hours social situations, a key component of effective networking in today’s business environment. Following the presentation, attendees enjoyed a night of unlimited driving range golf, pizza, salad, and soda, while socializing with peers, networking, and asking additional questions.
’ FALL 25
WE INVITE YOU TO JOIN THE 2027 TEAM If you are serious about building real-world skills, making valuable contacts with alumni and industry leaders, and are ready to create amazing opportunities for your peers, think about applying to be on the 2027 Business Week Team. The Business Week Team consists of an elite group of students (both business and non-business majors) selected through an application and interview process in the spring. Members work in direct partnership with the College of Business Dean’s Office and spend the fall semester brainstorming and organizing a powerful week of interactive events to help students build essential soft skills and professional understandings. A small team also manages the Business Week Mentor Program, where members promote individual and registered student organization involvement, handle registration, run all Business Week events, and analyze the outcomes. Information about joining the 2027 Business Week Team can be found at Business.IllinoisState.edu/BusinessWeek or in the Dean’s Office on the fourth floor of the State Farm Hall of Business. From first-year students to graduate students, all are welcome to apply for this premier leadership experience. REGISTER FOR THE 2027 TEAM AT:
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FRONT ROW L-R: 2ND ROW L-R: BACK ROW L-R:
Jack Medlicott, Kailey Johnson, Jonathan Snelgrove, Averi Stephens, Ellie Ten Eyck, Mackenzie Wand Paige Tenuto, Abby Vandiver, Mitch Tarnoki, Ethan Goekel, James Presslak, Jack Goekel, Andrew Stone, Ryane Harris Tobi Ilebiyi, Cammy Ostermeier, Gigi Tertipides, Akanji Solomon, Kendell Williams, Ayden Corpin, Hannah Retherford, Kendall Ray, Aleandra Caballero, Audrey Castaneda (Not pictured Marek Pedziwater)
BUSINESS WEEK 2026
TEAM MEMBERS
EXECUTIVE TEAM
Averi Stephens, President Jonathan Snelgrove, VP Mackenzie Wand, VP - Logistics Kailey Johnson, VP - Marketing Ellie Ten Eyck, VP - Marketing Jack Medlicott, VP - Professional Development MENTOR PROGRAM COORDINATORS
Ethan Gockel Mitch Tarnoki Paige Tenuto Abby Vandiver
PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT DINNER COORDINATORS
Jack Gockel Ryane Harris James Presslak Andrew Stone TRANSITION SEMINAR COORDINATORS
Tobi Ilebiyi Cammy Ostermeier Akanji Solomon Gigi Tertipes
INSPIRE COORDINATORS
Alejandra Caballero Audrey Castaneda Hannah Retherford Kendall Williams TRIVIA NIGHT PLUS COORDINATORS
Ayden Corpin Marek Pedziwater Kendall Ray ADVISOR
Steve Vandiver
Campus Box 5500 | Normal, Illinois 61790
Business.IllinoisState.edu @BusinessISU