CEO Lecture Series

In the most recent installment of the School of Business' CEO Lecture Series, RMU welcomed Richard P. Simmons.  A graduate of MIT, Mr. Simmons is a former professor of management at Carnegie Mellon University, and also the former CEO of both Allegheny Technologies Incorporated and Allegheny Ludlum Corporation.  Mr. Simmons came to RMU to lecture to an audience of both business professionals and students about the roles and responsibilities of a CEO during tough economic times.

President Dell'Omo began the event by greeting those in attendance and speaking praises of Robert Morris University and its students.  He stated that for years Robert Morris University graduates have been building the Pittsburgh area and will continue to do so for years to come.

Dr. Dell'Omo then introduced Doug Heuck, editor and publisher of Pittsburgh Quarterly.  Mr. Hueck gave the audience some background on Mr. Simmons before welcoming him to the podium.

Mr. Simmons spoke on his lifetime's worth of experiences in the business world and what he has learned of his decades long career.  He placed at great deal of emphasis on what Mr.Simmons called his "Life Truths."

1. If you can't measure it, you can't manage it.
2. If you give good people good and timely information, they will do great things.
3. Look beyond your job; ask how your choices affect your peers.
4. Look through issues and be prepared to disagree with conventional wisdom, even if it's with your boss.
5. All specialty products become commodities over time.
6. In a global economy, you must be cost competitive.
7. In a capital intensive industry, return on capital must always be greater than cost of capital.
8. Take advantage of opportunities when they arise, because you don't know if they will come around again.

Mr. Simmons used his experiences to explain that a CEO is not only a managing position, but also a teaching position, and that the CEO is the one who sets standards for performance and should live up to those standards him/herself.

After his lecture concluded, Mr. Hueck returned to the stage conduct a question and answer session with Mr. Simmons.  Audience members asked questions about what advice he can give to not only the professionals in attendance but also students who will soon be professionals.

In a final piece of advice, Mr. Simmons told students to choose the company you work for carefully and not allow youth and inexperience hold you back in your blossoming career.

You can see the full gallery of this event and other events by following the links below.

• http://www.flickr.com/photos/rmunews/sets/72157627973830071/with/6332738138/

• RMU's Flickr Homepage

Written by Greg Chapman

Rande & Georgia Somma "Integrity First" Scholarship

The RMU School of Business Ethics Committee is announcing the 2012 Rande and Georgia Somma "Integrity First" Scholarship, which focuses on the financial crisis in the United States.  All candidates who compete in the Integrity First case competition will earn an entry on the Undergraduate category of their Student Engagement of their Student Engagement Transcript (SET).

The scholarship is worth $2500 and four will be awarded.  The application and case analysis are due by 5 pm on Friday, January 5th, 2012.

In order to be eligible for this scholarship students must have a minimum GPA of 3.25 and be at least a sophomore in good standing with Robert Morris University.

If students have any questions regarding the scholarship they can contact Daria Crawley, Chairperson for the School of Business Ethics Committee.

crawleyd@rmu.edu

Faculty-Led Study Abroad Programs

These programs are unique opportunities to earn academic credit towards a degree while traveling for 1-3 weeks with RMU faculty and fellow classmates. The subject matter is carefully woven into the international location and culture. Students are guided through a learning experience that cannot be replicated in a classroom or achieved by traveling alone. The best part is, students enrolled as full-time (12-18 credits) for the semester will pay no additional tuition thanks to the University’s flat-rate policy.

These study broad academic programs are great opportunities for students in the business field to travel around the world and get a much different perspective about the world's economy, different cultures, and to experience unique situations that do not occur here in the United States. For students who are interested in traveling abroad, please visit the Center for Global Engagement for more information.

Center for Global Engagement

Nicholson 2nd Floor

Monday - Friday

8:30 am - 5:00 pm

 

Welcome New Social Media Assistants

Greg Chapman (right) Jonah Rickus (left)

The RMU School of Business is pleased to welcome two new Social Media Assistants.  Greg and Jonah are working on keeping our social media presence current and seeking ways to improve our use of social media.

Greg is a senior Marketing major.  He will be working with the Marketing, Management, and Sports Management departments.

Jonah is a freshman Marketing major with a minor in Economics.  He will be working with the Accounting and Taxation, Economics and Legal Studies, Finance, and Hospitality and Tourism departments.

Both Social Media Assistants will be working with the social media for the School of Business as a whole.                  

RMU Honors Matriculating Business Students

On October 21st, 2011, the AASCB accredited School of Business here at Robert Morris University held its Inaugural Matriculation Ceremony in the auditorium of Massey Hall.  The ceremony was held to honor 47 students who have completed their Business and Communications core courses, and officially enroll them in the School of Business as candidates for a degree from this University.

The ceremony was preceded by a reception in the lobby in which students were able to network with attending faculty and guests.  Students spoke fondly of their experiences in not only the School of Business, but all of Robert Morris University.

Gregory Lucas, a junior Accounting major, stated that he is proud of his choice to attend Robert Morris University.  He enjoys the smaller class sizes and individual attention he gets from his professors.  He said that he believes Robert Morris is providing him with a quality education and preparing him for life after graduation.

Stephanie Egan, also a junior Accounting major, and Rachel Ricciardulli, a junior Management major, mirrored Mr. Lucas' sentiments, each stating that they feel the professors really care about their academic and personal growth.

Dean of the School of Business, Derya Jacobs, began the ceremony by addressing the people in attendance and explaining the purpose of the event, as well as the meaning behind matriculation.  The biggest sentiment behind her speech was to encourage students to not be shy in any aspect of life, especially academically. 

After Dr. Jacobs spoke, Dr. Litzinger introduced the guest speaker for the evening, Mr. Dewitt Peart.  Mr.Peart is a 1981 RMU graduate and the current Executive Vice President of Economic Development of the Allegheny Conference on Community Development.

Mr. Peart praised the School of Business here at Robert Morris University, stating that he would "put them up against any student in the state."  Throughout his speech, he encouraged students to consider staying in the Pittsburgh area after they graduate, and that Pittsburgh has become a leader in the energy industry.  He also told students that the best way to grow in any career field is to find a way to give back to the community

.

Prior to the ceremony, Mr.Peart stated that he was blown away by what great shape the campus is in and how much everything has improved since his days as a student.  He was thrilled to have been asked to speak at the event.

Professor Jeff Guiler handed out the awards to the students who were met with congratulatory handshakes from Dean Jacobs and other faculty members.

To conclude the ceremony, Dean Jacobs took the podium again to thank everyone for attending and to again congratulate the students on receiving this award.  Students and faculty continued to mingle and network after the ceremony concluded.

This Inaugural Matriculation Ceremony will be followed by many more of its kind in the future as Robert Morris continues to produce hard working students and a quality educational experience.

Written by Greg Chapman

International Marketing in France and Switzerland

Want to learn about International Marketing while you visit beautiful Switzerland and France?
Robert Morris University is offering a chance to study abroad via a faculty-led trip that will count towards credits in a MARK 4050 International Marketing, course.

Locations: Paris, France and St. Gallens & Lucerne, Switzerland

Overview
This exciting International Marketing spring faculty-led program will take place from May 5-20, 2012 in Switzerland and France. The course stresses the vital importance of the culture and political factors unique to each country as major determinants of marketing success or failure. The basic format of the course covers the world marketing environment, marketing research and intelligence on an international scale, and the management of the international marketing activities including planning, organizing, and controlling international markets.

Students will register for this course as part of the Spring Flat-rate package and earn 3 credits.

Make a non-refundable deposit of $1200 to secure a seat in the class now or by December 1, 2011 (Stop in the Center for Global Engagement for a payment package and to declare your interest.) 

Remaining amount will be paid by February 5, 2012.

*Late payment deadline of March 15, 2012 with additional $200.

To reserve a seat in this class you are advised to make your payment as soon as possible. 

Included in the Program Cost

• Company Visits
• Accommodation in:
• St. Gallen, Switzerland
• Lucerne, Switzerland
• Paris, France

• Breakfast daily in each location
• Train transportation included
• Zurich airport to St. Gallen
• St. Gallen to Lucerne
• Lucerne to Paris
• Paris Gare du Nord to CDG airport

Estimated Cost: $2400 (depending on number of participants)

Not included: airfare, some meals, local transportation
For more information:
Contact: Center for Global Engagement
Phone: 412-397-2151
Fax: 412-397-2510
Email: studyabroad@rmu.edu  

RMU Inaugural CEO Lecture Series

On November 9th, 2011, Robert Morris University will host the Inaugural CEO Lecture Series.  The first speaker will be Mr. Richard Simmons, former CEO of Allegheny Technologies.  The event  will take place in the Massey Hall Theater at 3 PM.

Refreshments will be served prior to the event.

Written by Greg Chapman