Students gain networking opportunities with CLA Influentials

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — Purdue University undergraduate students in the College of Liberal Arts have the opportunity to network and listen to alumni, including a retired U.S. Secret Service agent, the Indiana Fever head coach and many entrepreneurs. 

The spring semester class GS 300 LA Influentials offers students insight into future careers through the experiences of prominent liberal arts graduates. Enrolled students will have the opportunity to network with alumni and pose questions to the speakers, who will talk about necessary job skills and potential career paths.

The course meets 11:30 a.m.-12:20 p.m. every Friday until the end of April in Beering Hall, Room 2290. Guests are welcome as seating allows.

The dates for the alumni speakers are:

* Feb. 5. Stephanie White, head coach of the WNBA's Indiana Fever and a 1999 graduate with a bachelor's degree in communication.

* Feb. 12. Kristen Dawes, bench jeweler at Tiffany & Co. and a 2011 graduate with a bachelor's degree in fine arts.

* Feb. 19. Bridgett Epp, vice president of sales, fine wine and education at Wente Family Estates and a 1982 graduate with a bachelor's degree in communication.

* Feb. 26. Shane Hageman, president of Hageman Group and 2008 graduate with a bachelor's degree in political science and agricultural economics and 2012 graduate with a master's degree in food and agribusiness management.

* March 4. Adrienne Eckert Petersen, CEO of Skirt PR and 2000 graduate with a bachelor's degree in communication and media studies.

* March 11. Wally Brant, CEO of Indiana Oxygen Co. and a 1971 graduate with a bachelor's degree in history.

* March 25. Dale Pupillo, retired assistant director of the U.S. Secret Service and a 1976 graduate with a bachelor's degree in political science.

* April 1. Kate Smith, creator and owner of From Frank and a 2005 graduate with a bachelor's degree in visual communications design.

* April 8. Steve Jackson, partner at Faegre, Baker, Daniels LLP and 1973 graduate with a bachelor's degree in history.

* April 15. 2016 Distinguished Alumni Panel.

* April 22. Patrick McLaughlin, senior vice president and chief human resources officer at Frito-Lay North America, a 1988 graduate with a bachelor's degree and 1991 graduate with a master's degree, both in organizational communication.

The College of Liberal Arts is home to the departments of Anthropology, English, History, Philosophy, Political Science and Sociology; the Brian Lamb School of Communication; the Patti and Rusty Rueff School of Visual and Performing Arts; the School of Interdisciplinary Studies; and the School of Languages and Cultures. 

Sources: Chris Sharp, College of Liberal Arts director of alumni relations and special events, 765-494-7884, ctsharp@purdue.edu
David Reingold, Justin S. Morrill Dean of Liberal Arts, 765-494-3661, reingold@purdue.edu

Media Contact: Amy Patterson Neubert, 765-494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu

Writer: Aspen Deno, denoa@purdue.edu