On Thursday, September 9th, the Graham School of Management presented their annual Speaker Series Mentoring Event. The event took place in the Butler Reception Room from 11am to 1pm. This year’s guest speaker was Terrence Duffy, executive chairman and president of CME Group.
Each student was assigned to a designated table with approximately 7 other students. At every table there was also a staff or faculty member from the GSM who would be the mentor of the students who they shared the table with. Mentors were assigned to help the students plan their professional careers.
The presentation began with welcoming remarks from president Christine Weisman. Then, Dean Sabbaghi introduced Duffy to the audience. Duffy’s presentation was entitled “Prospective from the Corner Office: Finding Success in Today’s Business World.” A Q&A session with the students followed after the presentation was concluded.
Duffy shared his experience in business and offered advice to the students. “Be open minded, keep your ethics high, keep your moral compass up, and always do the right thing when no one’s looking [because] that will take you to success,” said Duffy during his presentation.
Duffy explained that it is important to select the company you work with based on its vision and not on the money amount offered. In addition, he emphasized the importance of having a mentor and building relationships.
The Xavierite spoke with a couple of students regarding their opinion of this event.
“I enjoyed this event. It opened my eyes and I can’t wait [to see] what’s in my future,” said SXU senior, Bredz Ramirez.
“I really liked how [Terrence Duffy] came towards the younger students [because] we are the next generation. As he said, the baby boomers are just about done and now the millennials are going to have to take over. So, I really liked how he promoted that -we have great opportunities coming up, he supports the school a lot. We have to stay on it and get ready to take over the economy because we are up next,” said SXU freshman, Erica Vargas.
At the end of the event, students took pictures with Duffy and some asked him more questions. Food was also offered.
Miryam Villarreal
Senior News Editor