Tag Archives: commencement

Walsh Commencement Features Area Leaders in Business

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TROY, Mich., Jan. 27, 2020— Betsy Meter, Managing Partner of KPMG LLP and Amy B. Robinson, vice president, CFO and Chief Administrative Officer of The Kresge Foundation delivered the keynote and distinguished alumni addresses to 329 graduates, their families and friends at Walsh’s 114th commencement ceremony on Jan. 25 at Motor City Church in Troy, Michigan. Meter was also awarded an honorary doctor of laws.

Meter, a certified public accountant (CPA), has been recognized as one of Crain’s Detroit’s 40 Under 40 and was featured in DBusiness Magazine’s 2018 Powered by Women issue. She shared her ten life lessons to thrive in work and life and encouraged graduates to be optimistic and stay true to their values as they pursue excellence.

Robinson, also a CPA, holds a Bachelor of Accountancy from Walsh and was a 2011 recipient of Crain’s CFO of the Year in the nonprofit /foundation category. She was also featured in DBusiness Magazine’s 2017 Powered by Women issue and received the Distinguished Alumni Award in October 2019 at Walsh’s annual Leadership Awards Dinner.

Student speaker Trayvon Alexander, Bachelor of Business Administration graduate, also shared his educational story with the audience.

Walsh’s 114th Commencement class included graduates aged 20 to 63 from eight countries as well as several U.S. veterans. They join a network of nearly 29,000 alumni, 86 percent of whom live and work in Michigan.

For more information, visit www.walshcollege.edu.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate, graduate and doctoral business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of Southeast Michigan’s largest graduate business schools, offering classes in several locations and online. Our nationally-ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, human resources, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

KPMG Managing Partner Betsy Meter to Speak at Walsh Commencement

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TROY, Mich., Dec. 12, 2019 — Betsy Meter, Managing Partner for KPMG, will address graduates and receive an honorary doctor of laws at Walsh’s 114th commencement ceremony on Saturday, January 25, 2020 at Zion Church in Troy, Michigan. KPMG is a global accountancy firm providing audit, tax and advisory services.

Meter, a certified public accountant, has over 35 years of audit experience serving clients in the automotive, chemicals and diversified industrial industries. She manages the strategic direction and growth of KPMG’s Michigan practice and is also the firm’s U.S. Accounting Change Leader, providing insight and thought leadership on the implementation of new accounting standards and practices.

Meter was a 2018 dBusiness Powered by Women recipient, has been recognized as one of Crain’s 40 under 40 and was awarded both the Distinguished Service Award and Experienced Women to Watch award by the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountants (MICPA). She is active on several boards including the Detroit Economic Club, Detroit Regional Chamber, Downtown Detroit Partnership, MICPA and Oakland Family Services.

“We are honored to have Betsy share her experience with our students as they continue down their own paths,” said Michael Plotzke, chair of the Walsh Board of Trustees. “Her career has been defined by hard work, vision and leadership, which are qualities we strive for every Walsh student to gain. We are truly grateful that she will address our graduating class of 2020.”

For more information about Walsh, visit www.walshcollege.edu/future-students

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school, offering classes in several locations as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Digital Media Pioneer Lon Otremba Receives Honorary Doctorate from Walsh

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TROY, Mich., July 2, 2019— Lon Otremba, Chief Executive Officer of Bidtellect Corporation, was awarded an Honorary Doctor of Laws and delivered the keynote address at Walsh’s 113th commencement ceremony on June 29 at Zion Christian Church in Troy, Michigan.

Otremba was the founding EVP of CNET Networks, the founding COO and President of Mail.com, EVP of AOL, CEO of Muzak Corp., CEO of Access 360 Media, and CEO of Tylted and holds two patents in mobile ad technology. He shared the five core principles he’s adopted in his 35-year career: work hard and love your work, work as a team, the measured variable is the one that improves, communicate honestly and fearlessly and collapse time.

“I am truly humbled as I stand here, knowing how very hard you’ve worked to get to this day. But don’t rest on your accomplishment now,” said Otremba. “If you work hard and live and work according to positive values and principles, things will likely turn out great for you.”

Student speaker Kabina Bhari, a Master of Science in Taxation graduate and academic award recipient, shared her Walsh story with the audience. Bhari was born in Nepal, also earned her bachelor’s degree at Walsh and works as a tax senior manager for a major accounting organization.

Walsh’s 113th Commencement class included graduates aged 21 to 58 from eight countries. Several graduates were U.S. veterans and four individuals were recognized for achieving a cumulative 4.0 grade point average. They join a network of nearly 29,000 alumni, 86 percent of whom live and work in Michigan.

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school, offering courses in several locations as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Global Leader in Digital Media to Speak at Walsh Commencement

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TROY, Mich., Jun. 11, 2019 — Lon Otremba, Chief Executive Officer of Bidtellect Corporation, will address graduates and receive an honorary doctor of laws at Walsh’s 113th commencement ceremony on Saturday, June 29, 2019 at Zion Church in Troy, Michigan. Bidtellect is currently one of the largest and fastest-growing digital advertising platforms, serving global brands such as Microsoft, Hilton, Toyota and many other Fortune 500 companies.

Otremba has over 25 years of experience in technology and media as an operating executive, investor, and adviser in the internet publishing, mobile, and broadcast music industries and is considered a pioneer in digital media. He was the founding EVP of CNET Networks, the founding COO and President of Mail.com, EVP of AOL, CEO of Muzak Corp., CEO of Access 360 Media and CEO of Tylted. Otremba also holds two patents in mobile ad technology.

“We are honored to welcome Lon to share his journey with our students as they embark upon their own paths,” said Michael Plotzke, chair of the Walsh Board of Trustees. “Lon epitomizes the meaning of hard work, coupled with tenacity to achieve the success he has experienced. We are truly grateful for the message and inspiration he will deliver to our graduating class of 2019!”

A Michigan native, Otremba grew up in Eastpointe and graduated from East Detroit High and Michigan State University. He currently resides in Lantana, Florida.

For more information about Walsh, visit www.walshcollege.edu/future-students

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ABOUT WALSH
Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school, offering classes in several locations as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields. For more information, please visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Former Diplomat Leon Fuerth Speaks at Walsh Commencement

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Leon Fuerth, a former diplomat who was the national security advisor to Vice President Al Gore and is the Founder and Director of The Project on Forward Engagement, spoke to Walsh graduates about the importance of critical thinking at the 111th commencement ceremony on June 23 at Zion Christian Church in Troy, Michigan.

Fuerth’s keynote address focused on the challenge presented by radical, swift-moving change in areas such as technology, artificial intelligence and climate change, and how our inability to quickly and accurately evaluate facts and react is a threat to American democracy. “When government can’t keep up with the speed of change, executive action becomes an attractive alternative to democracy,” said Fuerth. “Americans need to demonstrate tolerance, show respect for diverse opinion, and reject fact on the basis of authority alone.”

Fuerth also stressed the importance of expanding our areas of thought and considering on a deeper level what the future can bring. “Challenge doctrine. Question authority. Seek the truth. Part of your Walsh education is based on critical thought and the analysis of fact,” said Fuerth. “Our future and our democracy depend on your ability to use these skills in your endeavors. As I look out at you graduates, I am encouraged to believe that the American Dream is alive and well.”

ABOUT WALSH

Walsh is an all-business, private, independent, not-for-profit, fully accredited college offering undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees, as well as certificate programs. Founded in 1922, Walsh is one of the region’s largest business schools and Michigan’s third largest graduate business school. Walsh has locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township and Port Huron, as well as online. Our nationally ranked programs integrate theory and application to prepare graduates for successful careers. Walsh degree programs include accounting, finance, information technology, management, marketing, taxation and other fields.

Walsh is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (www.hlcommission.org) and the Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (www.acbsp.org).

Walsh College Will Confer Honorary Doctor of Laws Degree on Keynote Commencement Speaker Jack Aronson

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Walsh College will confer an honorary Doctor of Laws degree on Jack Aronson, founder and president, Garden Fresh Gourmet, Ferndale, Mich., during its 105th commencement ceremonies on Saturday, June 20, at Zion Christian Church, Troy. Aronson will also deliver the keynote address at the event.

Garden Fresh Gourmet is a nationwide retailer of gourmet salsas, hummus, chips, and dips. With more than 420 full-time employees, Garden Fresh has annual sales in excess of $100 million.

Garden Fresh is now the number-one ranked manufacturer of salsa in the country. It began when Aronson and his wife, Annette, decided to try making salsa for their restaurant by using a household blender. A local grocery retailer asked Aronson to produce it for his markets. The salsa varieties became an immediate hit.

Aronson is known for creating his own special recipes and also for developing a unique production process. The process exceeds industry standards and extends the shelf-life of the company’s products.

“Jack is an entrepreneur with a remarkable story. His business acumen and attention to product quality and the marketplace provide an exceptional business model for our graduates,” said Stephanie Bergeron, president and CEO, Walsh College. “We especially admire his contributions to the local economy and business community as an employer and as a corporate citizen.”

Garden Fresh recently signed a lease for a 10,000 square-foot commercial kitchen which will serve as a start-up incubator for aspiring food entrepreneurs. Aronson plans to help food entrepreneurs create their own businesses in southeast Michigan. Aronson and his wife also support the Salvation Army and the Boys & Girls Club.

For more information on Walsh College, visit www.walshcollege.edu.

Walsh College Will Award Doctor of Management Degrees to Three Students at 104th Commencement on January 24

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Walsh College will award Doctor of Management (DM) in Executive Leadership degrees to Shanda Renee Carr, Bloomfield Hills, Mich., Virginia A. Krolczyk, Washington Twp., Mich., and Gary Joseph Labbe, Leonard, Mich., at the College’s 104th Commencement on Saturday, Jan. 24, 2015, at Zion Christian Church, Troy, Mich.

“These three doctoral students have added substantially to the knowledge base of contemporary business management and leadership,” said Linda Hagan, Ph.D., director, DM Program, and chair and professor, Business Communication department.

“They reflect the high quality of business scholarship and academics that are a hallmark of Walsh College and its students,” Dr. Hagan added. “We are proud of their outstanding achievements.”

Dr. Carr’s dissertation explored the effect of leadership style on the advancement of middle management women in the healthcare industry. It also investigated the roles of education, age, and ethnicity in the determination of leadership styles – transactional, transformational, or ‘laissez-faire.’

A graduate of the University of Michigan School of Business with a BBA in accounting, Dr. Carr also earned a master’s degree from Eastern Michigan University with a concentration in interdisciplinary technology. She is employed at Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, corporate finance division, as director, cash operations and customer accounting.

Dr. Krolczyk examined superintendent leadership style and student success. Her study examined the relationship among the superintendents’ leadership styles, the state of Michigan K-12 public school district rankings, and district size. The findings revealed a positive relationship between the district’s size and the superintendent’s leadership style.

She received a bachelor’s degree in education from Central Michigan University and a master’s degree in school guidance and counseling from University of Detroit Mercy. She also obtained an educational specialist certificate in administration from Wayne State University. Dr. Krolczyk is an adjunct professor, Graduate College of Clinical Mental Health Counseling, Siena Heights University. She is also a high school guidance counselor with Utica Community Schools.

Dr. Labbe explored the effectiveness of selected elements of structural capital that facilitate nursing team clinical performance in a hospital setting. Leadership, collaboration, functional diversity, trust, empowerment, and goals were the selected elements of structural capital that were examined in this quantitative study using secondary data. The study determined there was a correlation between the individual elements of empowerment and team clinical performance.

Dr. Labbe holds a BS in speech and dramatic arts from Eastern Michigan University and a Master of Science in Management from Walsh College. He retired after a career in the field of information technology, spending 27 years with RGIS LLC, an inventory service company.

For more information on Walsh College, visit www.walshcollege.edu.

WALSH COLLEGE

Founded in 1922, Walsh College is a private, not for profit institution offering upper-division undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees and certificate programs. One of Southeast Michigan’s largest business schools, Walsh has locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, and Port Huron, as well as online. Walsh’s business services division offers the Walsh Institute, which provides solutions for businesses through training, continuing education, and consulting.

Walsh is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org) accredits specific degree programs.

Walsh College Honors Military Graduates at 103rd Commencement Ceremony and Announces Robinson-Coleman Endowed Scholarship for Veterans

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Several graduates at the 103rd Commencement of Walsh College were service men and women of the U.S. armed forces, distinguished at the June 21 event by wearing a red, white, and blue regalia cord.

“Walsh College is honored to have these service men and women among our ranks and we want to express our respect and gratitude for their service,” said Stephanie Bergeron, president and CEO of Walsh College, in remarks in the opening address of the ceremony.

Of the entire graduating class of 464 students, two graduates, both veterans, and both earning Master of Management degrees, completed their programs with perfect 4.0 cumulative grade-point averages. Both of these students, Daniel Capizzo and James Polak, are featured in the photo (attached) among their fellow service member graduates.

Walsh College offers multiple scholarship opportunities to active military or veteran students. The most recent addition is the Robinson-Coleman Endowed Scholarship for Veterans. This scholarship was established by Amy Coleman, BAC ’90, and vice president and chief financial officer at the Kresge Foundation in Troy, Michigan. The scholarship honors several of Coleman’s family members who served in the United States military and to recognize all veterans for their valiant service.

The very first Walsh College student scholarship designated specifically for U.S. armed forces students, the Walter P. Rinkus Memorial Scholarship, was created earlier this year. Mike Rinkus, veteran and associate professor, Finance, at Walsh College, established this scholarship along with his wife, Judy Rinkus, in honor of Mike’s father, a veteran of World War II.

Walsh College also waives all application fees for veterans and current military service members. Helpful and knowledgeable Veteran Services staff members are readily available at the College to assist veterans in learning more about these educational benefits and career counseling.

To apply for scholarships, visit www.walshcollege.edu/scholarships.
For Veteran Services information, visit www.walshcollege.edu/veterans.
For more information on giving, go to www.walshcollege.edu/giving.

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Photo Caption: (L to R) Back Row: Jaclyn Atkins, BBA; Joshua Wessel, BBA; Jerrison Boor, BSBIS; Stephen Juhasz, BBA; Zachary Luckhart, MM; James Polak, MM; Front Row: Bafti (Ben) Baftiu, MM; Daniel Capizzo, MM

WALSH COLLEGE
Founded in 1922, Walsh College, one of Southeast Michigan’s largest business schools, offers upper-division undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees and certificate programs at locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, and Port Huron, as well as online. Walsh’s business services division offers the Walsh Institute, designed to provide solutions for businesses through training, continuing education and consulting.

Walsh is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, http://www.acbsp.org/) accredits specific degree programs.

 

Walsh College Confers Doctor of Management Degree on Baker

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Walsh College awarded a Doctor of Management degree in Executive Leadership to Kathryn Baker of Washington, Mich., at the College’s 103rd Commencement on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Zion Christian Church, Troy.

Dr. Baker’s doctoral dissertation involved a comparative study of business coaching and leader efficacy development. She earned her bachelor of science degree in Industrial Management from the Georgia Institute of Technology and an MBA from Walsh College.

According to Dr. Baker’s study, business coaching is an organizational intervention. It combines the elements of business planning and strategy with increased awareness and education for leaders to help improve business performance. An additional outcome of participating in a business coaching program may be leader development. This comparative relationship study explored the impact of business coaching on the leaders of small and medium enterprises.

“Dr. Baker’s work places focus on the challenges of small- and medium-sized company leadership,” said Dr. Linda Hagan, director, Doctor of Management Program, and chair and professor, Business Communication. “Business coaching has evolved into a significant contributor to successful entrepreneurship. She has added strength to that body of knowledge through this study.”

Dr. Baker has more than 18 years of business development, sales, marketing, strategic planning, and organizational development experience. She has worked with organizations operating across a number of different industries, including technology, industrial, and manufacturing.

She currently owns a coaching practice and works with business owners and executives. Along with two associates, she helps leaders increase profits, build teams, and execute solid growth strategies. In addition, Dr. Baker has been an adjunct instructor at Walsh College and currently serves as the treasurer for the Auburn Hills Chamber of Commerce.

Her dissertation advisory committee at Walsh included Dr. Hagan, chair; Dr. Susan Gilkey, associate professor, Management; Dr. Lee Meadows, professor, Management; and Dr. Richard Radners, assistant professor, Management.

Dr. Baker also developed a poster presentation, “Business Coaching and Leader Efficacy Development: A Leadership Study,” for the Third Annual Engaged Management Conference in Atlanta, Ga., in September 2013.

For more information on Walsh College, visit www.walshcollege.edu.
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WALSH COLLEGE

Founded in 1922, Walsh College is a private, not for profit institution offering upper-division undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees and certificate programs. One of Southeast Michigan’s largest business schools, Walsh has locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, and Port Huron, as well as online. Walsh’s business services division offers the Walsh Institute, which provides solutions for businesses through training, continuing education, and consulting.

Walsh is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org) accredits specific degree programs.

 

Walsh College Confers Doctor of Management Degree on Olszewski

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Walsh College awarded a Doctor of Management degree in Executive Leadership to David Olszewski of McKinney, Tex., at the College’s 103rd Commencement on Saturday, June 21, 2014, at Zion Christian Church, Troy.

Dr. Olszewski’s doctoral dissertation examined the use of systems thinking by the industrial engineer as an organizational leader. Dr. Olszewski earned his B.S.E. and M.S.E. in Industrial and Systems Engineering from the University of Michigan-Dearborn, and an MBA from Walsh College. He is also a certified Design for Six Sigma black belt and has managed and coached numerous six sigma projects, finding new methods to improve operations.

According to Dr. Olszewski’s study, systems thinking is a framework for seeing interrelationships rather than separate components. The focus of systems thinking is a holistic attitude, working to guarantee organizational success by concentrating on quality, productivity, and profit.

“Dr. Olszewski’s work serves as a meaningful contribution to the profession of industrial engineering and the framework of systems thinking skills,” said Dr. Linda Hagan, director, Doctor of Management Program, and chair and professor, Business Communication. “It can be a benefit to industrial engineers who seek successful transition to management roles.”

Dr. Olszewski is currently the senior director of program management at the Dallas Children’s Medical Center. Formerly he was an industrial engineering manager at FedEx Office in Dallas. Prior to joining FedEx Office, Dr. Olszewski was a senior industrial engineer with General Dynamics Land Systems for eight years, serving locations in Sterling Heights, Mich., and Ft. Hood in Killeen, Tex. His responsibilities included lean manufacturing and numerous process improvement initiatives.

His dissertation advisory committee at Walsh included Dr. James McHann, professor, Management; Dr. Roger Bober, clinical professor, Management; and Dr. Hagan.

Dr. Olszewski previously presented “The Industrial Engineer as Organizational Leader: An Assessment of Contemporary Industrial Engineering Skills,” a paper co-authored with Dr. McHann, at the 2010 Institute of Industrial Engineers annual conference in Cancun, Mexico.

For more information on Walsh College, visit www.walshcollege.edu.

WALSH COLLEGE
Founded in 1922, Walsh College is a private, not for profit institution offering upper-division undergraduate and graduate business and technology degrees and certificate programs. One of Southeast Michigan’s largest business schools, Walsh has locations in Troy, Novi, Clinton Township, and Port Huron, as well as online. Walsh’s business services division offers the Walsh Institute, which provides solutions for businesses through training, continuing education, and consulting.

Walsh is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools (www.ncahlc.org; phone: 312-263-0456). The Accreditation Council for Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP, www.acbsp.org) accredits specific degree programs.