This page includes examples of recent speakers and events in the SBA. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Academic Year 2025-2026<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Joe Assell, CEO of GOLFTEC<\/strong> Women in Economics Event<\/strong> Chipotle Chair Describes Career Journey<\/strong> Work Culture in Generation Z<\/strong> Pigott Entrepreneurship Lecture: Conversation with the CEO of SLATE Dental Building Agility, Purpose, and Resilience at Global Scale<\/strong> Careers in Accounting: A Major with Countless Opportunities<\/strong> Find Your Superpower<\/strong> Success through Impact: Reflections on Bends in the Road<\/strong> Personal Branding Workshop<\/strong> Inaugural Chapman Lecture: Truly Human Leadership<\/strong> Wealth Management Panel Presentation<\/strong> Careers in Finance Panel Presentation<\/strong> Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program 25th Anniversary Celebration<\/strong> Accounting Career Fair<\/strong> Donuts and Networking with Deloitte<\/strong> SBA Organization Fair<\/strong> Academic Year 2024-2025<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Todd Finkle discusses Warren Buffett’s retirement<\/strong> Entrepreneur Speaker Series: Graham Sabin<\/strong> Careers in Operations and Supply Chain Management<\/strong> Careers in HR Day<\/strong> Entrepreneur Speaker Series: Chip Overstreet<\/strong> AI and the Future of Business: A Conversation with Graham Morehead<\/strong> Careers in Marketing Panel<\/strong> Marketing Networking Social<\/strong> Ryan Herzog on small town economics<\/strong> Spring SBA Student Organization Expo<\/strong> Ethics Week<\/strong> The Third Annual Jud Regis Endowed Chair of Accounting Lecture<\/strong> The 16th Annual Aram Lecture on Business Ethics<\/strong> Careers in Finance<\/strong> Business and Technology Talk<\/strong> Careers in Economics Day<\/strong> SBA Student Organization Expo Project Idea Exchange<\/strong> Academic Year 2023-2024<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n AICPA Speaker<\/strong> Pigott Entrepreneurship Lecture: A Conversation with Women Entrepreneurs<\/strong> Phyllis and Angelo Mozilo Chair of Business Administration Panel<\/strong> Leadership in the Classroom<\/strong> Faith and Business Marketing Career Development Workshop<\/strong> Careers in Marketing – Panel Presentation<\/strong> The 28th Annual Economics Symposium<\/strong> Speed Networking Event with University Regents<\/strong> The 15th Annual Aram Lecture on Business Ethics<\/strong> Sean McKenzie from Engie<\/strong> Second Annual Jud Regis Endowed Chair of Accounting Lecture<\/strong> Careers in Finance – Multiple Panel Presentations<\/strong> Career in Finance<\/strong> Wealth Management Panel<\/strong> Women in Finance Panel<\/strong> Mark Odegard from Measure Meant<\/strong> Canfield Lifelong Learning<\/strong> Academic Year 2022-2023<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n Careers in MIS with Graham Morehead from Pangeon<\/strong> Careers in Operations<\/strong> The Pigott Entrepreneurship Lecture<\/strong> Ray Eby from 3M<\/strong> The 14th Annual Aram Lecture on Business Ethics<\/strong> Academic Year 2021-2022<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n 27th Economics Symposium<\/strong> <\/p>\n<\/details>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" This page includes examples of recent speakers and events in the SBA. Academic Year 2025-2026 Joe Assell, CEO of GOLFTECOn Feb. 19, 2026, Assell, CEO and co\u2011founder of GOLFTEC shared his entrepreneurial story with students from the Gonzaga Sport Consulting … Continue reading
On Feb. 19, 2026, Assell, CEO and co\u2011founder of GOLFTEC shared his entrepreneurial story with students from the Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group, Zags Business+Tech, and the New Venture Lab. He stressed the value of seeking expert input, trusting personal judgment, and pushing through major setbacks. He later visited an International Management class, where he framed his journey through the lens of global expansion. Students learned about international franchising, offshoring, and the need to adapt to local business practices. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Feb. 11, 2026, Katia Passerini, President of Gonzaga University, shared how her background in economics and business shaped her career path\u2014from consulting for the World Bank and Booz Allen Hamilton to leading in higher education.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Nov. 13, 2025, GU alum Scott Maw, former CFO of Starbucks and current Chairman of the Board for Chipotle, will speak with students about his career and advice for students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Nov. 5, 2025, Ty Beasley, Chief Talent Officer at RSM, explored how Generation Z is redefining workplace culture and shaping the future of organizational life. The session highlighted trends in talent development, leadership, and the evolving expectations of young professionals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>On Nov. 4, 2025, Brynn MacLennan, CEO and co-founder of SLATE Dental, shared her journey from prototype to national success. Featured in Men\u2019s Health, Allure, BuzzFeed, Goop, and NPR\u2019s How I Built This, MacLennan discussed scaling a purpose-driven product while balancing family life and entrepreneurship.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 29, 2025 Venkatesh Alagirisamy, Chief Supply Chain Officer at Nike, Inc., joined Gonzaga students via Zoom for a conversation on leadership in volatile global environments. He shared insights on how agility, purpose, and innovation drive Nike\u2019s approach to supply chain transformation, sustainability, and leadership at scale.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 27, 2025, students learned how an accounting degree can open doors to diverse and dynamic career paths. Panelists included Kelly Nelson (Baker Tilly), Sim\u00f3n Homedes Dualde (Nike), Kristina Boswell (Infoblox), and Christian Parker (FBI), each sharing unique career journeys and insights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 24, 2025, several juniors and seniors joined local executives for an evening of self-discovery and leadership development. Led by visiting executive in residence Kimberly Thielman (Aegis Living), the session featured Charlotte Nemec (Canopy Credit Union), Eric Williams (Second Harvest), and Jennifer O\u2019Callaghan (Secured Investment Corp.), who shared career-defining lessons on purpose, confidence, and growth.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 16, 2025, Christy Larsen, former banking executive and past Chair of Gonzaga\u2019s Board of Trustees, moderated an event to explore how personal and professional challenges can shape meaningful success. The panel featured Lauren Frasca (Magnolia Network), Kris Snow (Cisco), and Brooke Sullivan (Seattle Mariners), who reflected on purpose-driven leadership and resilience.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 15, 2025, the New Venture Lab hosted an interactive session to help students strengthen their personal brands through refined elevator pitches, enhanced r\u00e9sum\u00e9s, and updated LinkedIn profiles. Blake Gibson (Gonzaga MBA, Cowles Ventures) shared his experience building a professional narrative that connects purpose with opportunity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 13, the Gonzaga University School of Business Administration hosted the first Chapman Lecture on Truly Human Leadership, honoring Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller and founder of the Truly Human Leadership movement. Kyle Chapman, President of Barry-Wehmiller, served as the featured speaker, sharing insights on people-centered leadership rooted in care, respect, and purpose within a global manufacturing organization.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 29, industry professionals discussed career paths and insights in wealth management and financial planning. Panelists included Julie Prince (Prince Financial Services), Grace Buchanan (Panoramic Capital Partners), and Ryan Holcomb (The Bloom Williams Group), with moderation by Kevin McQuilkin, Executive in Residence at Gonzaga. The session highlighted key skills, client relationship strategies, and emerging trends in personal finance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 29, finance professionals shared insights on career opportunities and pathways in the financial sector. Speakers included Colin Kelly (Signia Capital), Anvita Mishra (Hecla Mining), Julie Prince (Prince Financial Services), James Taaffe (Bow Wave Capital Management), and Linda Underwood (Banner Bank), each offering advice on landing a first job and excelling in finance roles.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 27,alumni, students, and community members gathered to celebrate 25 years of the Hogan Entrepreneurial Leadership Program. The event featured an alumni panel highlighting the program\u2019s enduring impact on innovation, leadership, and service, followed by a community reception honoring Hogan\u2019s legacy at Gonzaga.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 18, the Accounting Career Fair offered opportunities for all students to meet local and regional employers. Students learned about internships, career paths, and organizations hiring across a range of business disciplines.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 18, students had two opportunities to meet with Deloitte professionals. First, students connected with Deloitte\u2019s Audit and Tax professionals over fresh donuts and casual conversation about careers, internships, and life in public accounting. Later n the day, they were able to meet Deloitte representatives in an informal networking setting at Geno\u2019s Pizza and Pub.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 3, 2025, students explored business-focused clubs and organizations that support leadership, networking, and professional development. The fair offered a preview of opportunities ahead of the all-university Club Fair on Sept. 5.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On May 5, professor Todd Finkle was featured on Bloomberg Business Daily <\/a>to discuss Warren Buffett’s plans to step down at Berkshire Hathaway.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 17, Gonzaga alumnus Graham Sabin (\u201924) shared his journey from student entrepreneur to founder of two tech startups, including CopyCat, an AI automation tool accepted into the prestigious Y Combinator accelerator. Sabin discussed the realities of launching a tech company, effective communication across teams and investors, and lessons learned from bringing innovative ideas to market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 14, students explored career paths in operations and supply chain management through a panel discussion and networking social. Industry experts including Trevor Bober (MultiCare Health System), Jennifer Hawkins (Launched Performance), Amy Friemel (Spokane Teachers Credit Union), Michael Parks (Amazon), Jared Akins (Avista), and Michael O\u2019Connor (Moller\u2013Maersk) shared insights on entering the field, key skills employers seek, and how to build a successful operations career.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 4, students explored the interview process from both sides of the desk during this interactive session. Participants practiced asking and answering interview questions, received feedback from HR professionals, and learned what makes an interview stand out. The event also featured networking, refreshments, and valuable insights from industry experts.
Cathy DeHart on Budgeting<\/strong>
On April 1, accounting lecturer Cathy DeHart provided an interactive session on budgeting skills to the Gonzaga community through the Experiential Leadership Institute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On March 24, entrepreneur and investor Chip Overstreet, founder and former CEO of Spiceology, shared insights from his extensive experience in software and technology ventures. A Stanford graduate and active member of the Spokane Angel Alliance, Overstreet discussed lessons from his journey in entrepreneurship, investing, and community leadership.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On March 28, Graham Morehead, AI researcher, computational linguist, and CEO of Spokane startup incubator Pangeon, explored how artificial intelligence is transforming the modern workplace. A five-time TEDx presenter and Gonzaga professor, Morehead shared how businesses can leverage AI technologies and prepare for the evolving landscape of work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Feb. 28, industry professionals offered insights into diverse marketing career paths, from creative production to global brand management. Panelists included Iris Matulevich Wiley (Backbone Media), Greg Ong (Nike), Shelby Reed (Microsoft), Ed Reese (Sixth Man Marketing, Gonzaga Executive-in-Residence), and Stephanie Stobie (Inland Group).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Feb. 28, Students connected with panelists, Marketing Advisory Board members, local alumni, and friends in an informal networking setting following the day\u2019s professional development sessions.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Feb. 10, 2025, economics professor Ryan Herzog spoke on CBS News about the impact of a single major employer closing on small-town communities that depend on that employer. The clip is available here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Jan 30, seven SBA clubs and organizations held the SBA Student Organization Expo in the Jepson Lobby. Beta Alpha Psi, Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group, GU Supply Chain Association, Real Estate Club, Society for Human Resource Management, Women in Business, and Zags Business+Tech hosted tables to inform students of their activities and invite participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ethics Week was celebrated during the week of Oct. 21. The events included:
Two members of the Barry-Wehmiller Leadership & Outreach Team came to campus for three days. David Pickersgill engaged with several classes, discussing Humanistic Leadership and its connection to business leadership as a noble vocation. David and Brian Wellinghoff hosted a breakfast meeting with the Fall SBA HLA Cohort, and David Pickersgill met with faculty and staff interested in incorporating Humanistic Leadership into their courses. On Oct. 22, the Aram Lecture on Business Ethics was held at the Woldson Center, featuring Gonzaga University President Thayne McCulloh, speaking on \u201cIf You Only Knew: Ethical Leadership & The University Presidency.\u201d
Careers in Accounting<\/strong>
On Oct. 28, 2024, the Accounting discipline held the Careers in Accounting Panel, featuring the following professionals: Melissa Webb (Tax Partner \u2013 Eide Bailly), Amelia Magruder (Senior Accountant \u2013 Schweitzer Engineering), Jared Crooks (CFO \u2013 Spokane Eye Clinic), and Nick Fuller (Financial Planner \u2013 Quantum Financial Planning).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 23, John Howell, a passenger on U.S. Airways Flight 1549, famously known as the \u201cMiracle on the Hudson,\u201d shared valuable lessons on resilience, values, and living a life of purpose.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 22, Dr. Thayne McCulloh, president of Gonzaga University, spoke on \u201cIf You Only Knew: Ethical Leadership & The University Presidency.\u201d You can see the speech here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 14, 2024 the Finance discipline hosted a Careers in Finance Day, which included the following: a “Careers in Finance: A Day in the Life” panel presentation, a social with students, a Women in Finance panel discussion, and an Investment Management panel.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 27, 2024, the student club Zags Business+Tech hosted guest speaker Bryce Parsons, Class of 2020, for a discussion and Q&A on the role of design in business and technology. Bryce is a Management Consultant at Slalom based in San Francisco, specializing in helping clients innovate on both new and existing technology products for their businesses and customers. The title of the speech was “An Introduction to Design as a Career in Business and Technology.”<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 11, 2024, Spokane Mayor Lisa Brown spoke with Gonzaga students on the Importance of Making Economics More Inclusive.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>On Sept. 4, nine SBA clubs and organizations held the first SBA Student Organization Expo in the Jepson Lobby. Beta Alpha Psi, Collegiate DECA, Gonzaga Sport Consulting Group, GU Investment Group, GU Supply Chain Association, New Venture Lab, Society for Human Resource Management, Women in Business, and Zags Business+Tech hosted tables to inform students of their activities and invite participation.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Aug. 21, 2024, entrepreneur-in-residence Kelli Thompson hosted the first-ever Project Idea Exchange<\/em>. This event brought together NVL program directors, School of Business faculty, and entrepreneurs interested in applying as projects or advisors. The event led to the recruitment of several new advisors. Faculty also found potential classroom projects, and entrepreneurs were introduced to valuable connections. The New Venture Lab program directors built strong networks and gained valuable insights. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 29, 2024, American Institute of CPAs Chair Okorie Ramsey presented and held a Q&A session for students on the state of the accounting profession. Okorie discussed the multi-faceted approach the AICPA is undertaking in collaboration with state societies to ease the barriers to entry, expand diversity, and educate students on the potential opportunities a career in accounting can hold.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
April 11, 2024
A panel discussion with five business founders from the Spokane community covered unique experiences with starting businesses in five very different industries, the opportunities and challenges female entrepreneurs face, and how we can better embrace and nurture would-be women entrepreneurs and champion their successes. You can see the panel presentatoin here<\/a>. Panel members included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
March 27, 2024
A panel discussion on Housing Affordability: Understanding this Important Issue was held in Wolff Auditorium. The event brought together experts from various fields to address the pressing challenges and potential solutions surrounding housing affordability. Panel members included:<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n
On March 24, 2024, two members of the leadership team from Barry-Wehmiller, a global supplier of manufacturing technology and services based in St. Louis, Missouri, will led a workshop on \u201cLeadership in the Classroom and Across Campus: Integrating Mindset and Behavior\u201d for SBA staff and faculty. The workshop explored how trust, accountability, candor, and recognition show up in the classroom and across campus. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
<\/strong>On March 6, 2024, Visiting Executive Sam Mascareno of accounting firm RSM spoke with students about how his faith informs and strengthens his foundation for success as a professional.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On March 1, 2024, two members of the SBA\u2019s Marketing Advisory Board Aaron Sanchez, creative director at LinkedIn and Patrick Byers, founder of Outsource Marketing, conducted a workshop on career development that included strategizing and building the “personal brand,” developing career goals and professional values, and creating a LinkedIn profile and using it as a student.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On March 1, 2024, students attended a panel presentation on developing careers in the field of marketing. Alumni panelists included:
Veronica Ahern – Director of Product Management, Oracle
John Hatton – Senior Field Specialist, Rivian
Stephanie Murphy – Senior Product Manager, Amazon
Shelby Reed – Director of Business Applications, Microsoft
Tyler Tullis – Vice President of Client Engagement, DH<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feb. 29, 2024
David Autor, Ford Professor of Economics at MIT, spoke at the 28th Annual Economics Symposium. Autor is a recognized authority on how technological change, globalization, and trade agreements affect labor markets. Autor also researches the causes of inequality and its remedies, including the effects of education and disabilities. Autor\u2019s latest book, The Work of the Future: Building Better Jobs in an Age of Intelligent Machines, is on why the United States lags behind other industrialized countries in sharing the benefits of innovation with workers and how we can remedy the problem.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Feb. 23, 2024, students attended a lunch and speed networking event with the Regents of the university.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Feb. 7, 2024
Robert J. Spitzer, S.J., Ph.D., spoke on \u201cWhat\u2019s Missing in Contemporary Approaches to Business Ethics? The Devaluation of Principles, Conscience, and Faith.\u201d Spitzer is a Jesuit priest and President of the Magis Center and the Spitzer Center. He was president of Gonzaga University from 1998 to 2009. You can see the speech here<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Nov. 20, 2023, Sean McKenzie, Manager of Sustainable Resource Management Operations at ENGIE Insight, was a guest speaker in Cathy DeHart\u2019s ACCT 260 classes and had lunch with faculty<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Oct. 26, 2023
Cynthia Cooper gave the keynote speech at the Regis Lecture. More than 475 students attended. Cooper was named one of Time Magazine\u2019s Persons of the Year in 2002 for her role in reporting the fraud at WorldCom. She visited several classes, met with the accounting advisory board, and met with faculty, staff, and students.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 16, 2023, students attended three panel presentations:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kevin McQuilkin, GU School of Business, Moderator
David Bigelow, Coldstream Capital, Wealth Management
Allison Brandt, Bank of America, Commercial Banking
Anvita Mishra, Hecla Mining, Corporate Finance
Michael McIntyre, Chinook Capital Advisors, Investment Banking
Linda Underwood, Banner Bank, Corporate Finance<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Chris Barto, Washington Trust, Wealth Management
David Bigelow, Coldstream Capital, Wealth Management
Jill McEntee, RBC Wealth Management, Wealth Management
Stefanie Page, UBS, Wealth Management<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Allison Brandt, Bank of America, Commercial Banking
Jill McEntee, RBC Wealth Management, Wealth Management
Anvita Mishra, Hecla Mining, Corporate Finance
Stefanie Page, UBS, Wealth Management
Heather Stratford, Drip 7, FinTech<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Oct. 11, 2023, Mark Odegard, one of the founders of the local consulting firm, Measure Meant, which is focused on helping businesses become B-Corporations, spoke with Adriane Leithauser\u2019s ethics classes and had lunch with faculty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On Sept. 29, the SBA\u2019s Canfield Lifelong Learning Series was held for about 70 alums and friends in San Francisco. Inspirational speaker and author John O\u2019Leary, who also spoke at the SBA\u2019s Regis Lecture in the Fall 2022, provided the group with his Live Inspired message.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 12, 2023, Graham Morehead, CEO of Pangeon, presented on the topic of chatbots and how AI has an impact on MIS careers and business jobs in general.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 17, 2023, a panel of experts in operations and supply chain management talked with students. Topics include career paths, what it takes to land a job as a college graduate, and what firms are looking for in potential employees. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 5, Larry Simkins recently retired after 21 years as the President and CEO of the Washington Companies. He continues to serve as a Director of Atlas Corp (NYSE: ATCO). The Washington Companies are an international group of private companies owned by industrial entrepreneur Dennis Washington based in Missoula, Montana transacting business in rail and marine transportation, shipyards, mining, environmental construction, heavy equipment sales, and aviation products. Since first joining the Washington Companies in 1988, Mr. Simkins was involved with a number of the companies including Envirocon, Washington Construction Group, Kasler Corporation, and Westran.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On March 29, 2023, Ray Eby, President of 3M\u2019s Personal Safety Division gave a presentation on \u201cManaging a global business in a chaotic world.\u201d Eby led the personal safety division (think PPE and masks) through unprecedented times. In addition to speaking to students, Eby met with faculty. <\/p>\n\n\n\n
Nov. 3, 2022
Bob Chapman, CEO of Barry-Wehmiller, developer of the \u201cTruly Human Leadership\u201d management movement and author of the WSJ bestseller Everybody Matters: The Extraordinary Power of Caring for Your People Like Family. Bob was recently named #3 CEO in the world by Inc. magazine article and a Top 10 Social Capital CEO by International Business magazine. Bob spoke about how business can make the world a better place by adopting humanistic management practices.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On April 13, David Card, the 2021 Nobel Prize winner in Economic Sciences, Professor of Economics at the University of California, Berkeley, and Director of the Labor Studies Program at the National Bureau of Economic Research spoke to students and community members at the Davenport Grand.<\/p>\n\n\n\nDetails<\/summary>\n