Assistant Professor Marlene Jensen and senior Meghan Grace network with Bob Thompson of Diversified Asset Planners and Tim Keohane, director of the LHU Small Business Development Center. Senior Lara Dotts is about to walk forward and introduce herself to the group.

LOCK HAVEN, Pa. - Lock Haven University business students had an opportunity to network with university, business and community leaders as part of a senior reception. The Business Administration and Accounting Advisory Council hosted the reception for students enrolled in the Senior Capstone Course. The reception took place on Friday evening, November 6 in the Durrwachter Alumni Conference Center.

Dr. Cori Myers, faculty liaison to the Advisory Council and assistant professor of management, explained that “the reception provides an opportunity for senior students to network with local business persons and apply interpersonal and social skills needed for this type of business setting. “ She added, “The Advisory Council believes strongly that this course component provides a valuable learning opportunity that many students are not afforded during their academic careers and will improve their confidence, skill, and ability to interact comfortably in a professional networking environment.”

Students mingled with university administrators and trustees, as well as local leaders in government, business and the community. LHU President Keith T. Miller welcomed the guests. He noted, "The academic life of our students is continually nurtured by events such as the Senior Reception for Business Students. Ongoing partnerships with a variety of external constituents are a hallmark of a very good university."

Steve Babcock, Senior Account Executive at HealthAmerica, said, "This reception provides a great opportunity for students to interact with professionals who were once in their shoes. It offers a unique insight into life after LHU. I found the students very engaging and eager to participate. I hope we added some value to their education as they consider their future."

Student reactions to the reception were uniformly positive. Julie Riley said, “The Senior Reception was a success. I was able to meet with several professionals and not only find out their education and success but also their failures and things they’ve learned along the way. I feel that this experience was a very positive one and I’m grateful for the opportunity to discuss different opportunities for me to explore when I graduate in December.” This sentiment was echoed by Amanda Falls, who said, “I learned a little about myself. I never would have thought I had the confidence to walk up to somebody and introduce myself. However, it worked just fine for me! I learned that networking is important, however not just with the business people that were there. My classmates are great people to network with as well.”

Looking back, Meyers commented, “The senior reception provides an educational environment in which students can learn first-hand how to interact with professionals in their field. I truly appreciate the time and effort given by the volunteers from the business community, academic administrators, and our faculty which make this event such a valuable learning tool for our students.”