Graduate Assistantships—A Win-Win for Students and CPS

January 26, 2012

Allie

Each year, a number of Towson University departments, both academic and administrative, offer opportunities for qualified students to become graduate assistants.  . The process is competitive and responsibilities vary depending on the sponsoring department.  Depending on the number of hours graduate assistants (or GA’s) work they receive tuition remission and a stipend making these limited positions highly sought after.  The objective of a graduate assistantship is to provide the student with rich professional experiences that also support the department’s goals and activities.

Within our department, Center for Professional Studies, we regularly utilize graduate assistants to support a number of areas ranging from customized training programs to continuing education.  For the past two years we have had been lucky enough to have, Jenna Frazzini as a member of our team. Jenna is a speech and language pathology major. When Jenna first joined our group we were in the process of submitting a grant to the Maryland Higher Education Commission and identified an active role for Jenna to play in the proposed project. Over the past two years, Jenna has regularly traveled to Dundalk High School to help high school seniors with the college application process, essay writing, and basic interview skills. Jenna worked one on one with the students and feels confident that her interaction with the students had a large impact on the student’s confidence as it came time for them to begin applying to college.

When I asked Jenna what she’s found most rewarding during her tenure as a GA, she responded, “that the skills that she learned from dealing and communicating with several different groups of people in a business-like setting have been invaluable.”

Our Director, Jeff Beeson, while new to the job, is already looking for opportunities for us to employ more graduate assistants in the future.

Image credit: Desiree Stover

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Posted by Allie Pyzik

Six Ways Towson University Is Becoming More Entrepreneurial

October 17, 2011
http://tuoutreach.com/author/clayhickson/

Clay

The Princeton Review’s recent release of its list of the most entrepreneurial colleges in the US provides a great opportunity for us at Towson University to reflect on how we are supporting the development of entrepreneurship.  While Towson was not included on this year’s list, there are a number of things we already are doing or can strengthen to be more entrepreneurial, including the following six initiatives:

  1. Business Incubation—In the spring of 2007 Towson University launched TowsonGlobal, a business incubator that helps entrepreneurial ventures, both university based and non-university based, learn how to compete in the global economy.  Research has shown that incubators associated with universities are more effective at developing thriving, sustainable businesses compared to stand-alone community incubators.  Currently, with 15 members and at 100% occupancy rate, the incubator plans to expand to larger facility in 2012 in the heart of Towson.

    TowsonGlobal's New Home, Expected Summer 2012

  2. Entrepreneurship Program/Major—Towson University established an entrepreneurship track in 2008 under the College of Business and Economics.  This program includes courses like Entrepreneurship & Small Business, Entrepreneurial Finance, and an Entrepreneurship Practicum.  The addition of experienced entrepreneurial faculty is helping to attract more and more students into the program.  CBE also is reviewing that curriculum and comparing it to top schools to explore opportunities for improvement.
  3. Business Plan Competitions—Under the direction of the incubator’s Advisory Board, the TowsonGlobal Business Plan Competition was launched in the spring of 2011.  The competition’s main goal is to encourage small business growth and innovation within the region.  The inaugural competition resulted in a tie after a panel of judges from leading companies in the area determined that both Pure Bang Games and My Hopeful Journeywere deserving of the honor.  Together, the winners received prize packages valued at almost $15,000.  For the 2012 competition, a series of workshops have been organized during the fall to help participants prepare even better business plans.  The finalists will present at a public forum on May 2, 2012.

    TowsonGlobal Business Plan Competition winners Lisa Drouillard of My Hopeful Journey (L) and Ben Walsh of Pure Bang Games( R) posing with their prize checks, April 28, 2011

  4. Facilitate Entrepreneurial Spirit—By partnering with other area organizations, Towson University is building a reputation as an institution that puts words into action.  For instance, in July 2011 TU hosted Think Big Baltimore, a day-long conference organized by area innovators that attracted over 200 registrants and featured expert panel discussions, keynote speakers, in-depth educational sessions, and lively networking events.  Plans already are underway for TBB 2012.
  5. Entrepreneurship Organizations/Clubs—SIFE(Students in Free Enterprise), returned to Towson University in the spring of 2011. This is an international, non-profit organization that mobilizes students of all majors to become socially responsible business leaders by developing entrepreneurial skills.  It brings business leaders and student teams together to develop outreach projects that make a difference in their communities by using the positive power of business.

    (L-R) Biruk Lulseged, Curtis Johnson, Clay Hickson, Laleh Yousefi at SIFE Regional Competition, Philadelphia, PA, March 25, 2011

  6. Mentorship Programs—TowsonGlobal staff regularly meets with both student and community entrepreneurs to help review business ideas and to provide advice.  Budding entrepreneurs also are referred to mentors from SCORE, a nonprofit association dedicated to educating entrepreneurs and helping small businesses start, grow, and succeed.  In fact, TowsonGlobal and SCORE will be launching monthly Entrepreneur Office Hours, which will be open to anyone with a business idea who wants practical advice and critique.

Entrepreneurship Professor David Brannon captures the spirit of what is developing here at Towson University when he says:   “One of the keys, which aids in the growth and development of a successful program, is the approach that entrepreneurship is a way of thinking. Entrepreneurship is a means to follow your passions, develop innovation, create jobs, and to enact social change. It is a focus on recognizing opportunities to create value and understanding how to pursue those opportunities.”

Over time, colleges like those on The Princeton Review’s list (e.g., University of Houston, Babson College and Syracuse University) have developed extensive sources of support from within their institutions and across their communities that are focused on entrepreneurship education and on supporting entrepreneurial spirit.  There is much we can learn from the schools on the list, but I believe Towson University is well on its way to being a great entrepreneurial university.

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Posted by Clay Hickson

Federal Tax Update Seminar Early Bird Discount Still Available

October 6, 2011

Allie

Towson University Center for Professional Studies is hosting an annual Federal Tax Update Seminar on November 2 and 3, 2011 in the Minnegan Room located in the Johnny Unitas Field house overlooking Towson’s Football stadium.

The seminar’s objective is to provide an update on federal law changes including bills that might pass later this month.

Participants have the opportunity to

  • earn 16 Credits of CPE/NASBA/CFP/EA and
  • receive certificates upon course completion
  • speak one on one with the instructors and questions in a group or setting

Two instructors lead the seminar discussing topics including:

  • New Legislation
  • Rulings and Cases
  • Individual Taxpayer Issues
  • Financial Distress
  • Business Issues, Retirement Issues
  • Agricultural Issues
  • Investment Issues
  • IRS Issues
  • Trusts and Estates
  • Tax Practices
  • Basis of Assets
  • Ethics
  • Tax Rates and Useful Tables

Don’t miss out on this great seminar! Contact me at 410-296-8596 for more information or register now.

Towson University's Johhny Unitas Stadium

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Posted by Allie Pyzik

Guest Blog: Maryland Stem Cell Research Symposium

September 26, 2011

Dan Gincel

The Maryland Stem Cell Research Fund (MSCRF) has been promoting state-funded research and cures for the past five years. This year, we are partnering with Baltimore County, Stevenson University and Towson University to bring the 4th Annual Stem Cell Research Symposium to Towson University campus on Thursday, October 6, 2011.

The Symposium will feature remarks from policy makers such as Governor Martin O’Malley and Baltimore County Executive, Kevin Kamenetz, on how MSCRF research is creating jobs, expanding opportunities for Maryland graduates and changing the state and regional economy to become hi- and bio-tech driven.

The day will also include an unparalleled opportunity to:

  •  Learn about stem cell ethics issues such as embryonic stem cell dilemmas, animal/human chimeras and other hot topics that are covered in the media.
  • Listen to scientific talks that will cover topics from induced pluripotent stem cells, adult stem cells, clinical trials and many more all being performed right here in Maryland.
  • See 120 plus research posters summarizing years of progress towards finding cures to devastating diseases such as cancer, neurodegenerative diseases, autoimmune disease and many more.
  • Join a community of 600 symposium attendees all of whom are passionate about stem cell research and cures.

Please check out our agenda and join Towson’s Interim President, Marcia Welsh, and myself and be part of this great event!

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Posted by Guest Blogger

Guest Blogger: 2011 DECO Service Awards Breakfast

June 27, 2011

Cindy Knight

Once again DECO gathered together on June 22, 2011(in fine fashion I might add) to participate in one of our favorite activities together…Eating.  However this meeting of the minds and stomachs served a very special purpose; to honor and celebrate our colleagues who had reached their longevity milestones of five and ten years of service to the Division of Economic and Community Outreach and Towson University.

The day started bright and early in the Minnegan room.  Daraius Irani got the program started with a rousing, engaging, and extremely funny welcome, and then we dined on a delicious breakfast and enjoyed each other’s company.  After breakfast, Dan Leonard our keynote speaker captured our attention with his encouraging and thoughtful words regarding the contributions DECO has provided to the University.  Dan congratulated everyone because the phrase “That’s not my job” does not reside in the DECO vocabulary.

DECO Staff in the Breakfast Line

Next we heard from Vice President Dyan Brasington who motivated and congratulated the honorees on reaching this significant milestone in their careers.  After the speakers we were onto the fun part, the Service Awards.  The following staff members were recognized:

5 years

George Edmonds, Raquel Frye, Lance Konig, Robert Telewicz, Carol Williams

10 Years

Michael Bentivegna, Marina Gendlina, Ruslana Kachay, Sharyn Grove, Linda Natale, Erin Nueslein

After we completed the Service Awards we transitioned into The Annual Awards.  This was the first year DECO has had the Annual Awards.   There are two categories of Awards:  the Who’s Who awards and the Excellence Award.

The Who’s Who awards are peer nominated and peer elected :

Rising Star Award- recognizes a DECO employee with 2 years or less of service who their peers feels is a great addition to the team and sees great things in their future with DECO.

  • Anna Orfanidis, Budget Analyst, DECO Administration and Finance

You Make a World of Difference Award- recognizes the person who embraces the DECO culture, goes above and beyond to be friendly and increases morale, the person people most enjoy working with on a daily basis.

  • Linda Natale, Administrative Assistant, DECO Administration and Finance

The DECO Essential Piece Award- recognizes the person who exemplifies extraordinary customer service by consistently making superior contributions both to clients and to DECO by going above and beyond their day to day responsibilities.

  • Susan Wooden, Manager of Writing, Editing, and Technical Communications, Center for GIS

The 2011 Who’s Who Award Recipients:

After we concluded with the Who’s Who awards it was on to the Showstopper Award, The Excellence Award.

The Excellence Award is The Deco “crème de la crème” annual award.  This prestigious honor recognizes an individual who surpasses their current responsibilities and consistently excels in the following areas: innovation, developing new business opportunities, superior customer service, leadership potential, and valued by peers.    The nominees for these awards are nominated by Managers (however Staff are allowed to recommend a nominee to the manager) and the recipients are selected by a VP appointed panel of Directors;

The selection committee was unable to select one individual so we had two Excellence Award Winners for this year.

The 2011 Excellence Award Winners:

  • Sharon Seybold, Administrative Business Analyst, DECO Administration and Finance
  • Bobbie Laur, Manager of External Affairs and Strategic Communications, DECO Vice President’s Office

Overall this was a great time of reflection and acknowledgement.  DECO is proud of its employee’s longevity and achievements and recognizes that without their invaluable service and dedication, our division success would not be possible.  Congratulations to all our 2011 Service Award and Annual Awards Recipients!

2011 DECO Service Award & Annual Award Winners

For individual award photos as well as other photos from this event, please visit our Flickr Photostream.

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Going On a Mission: Governor Martin O’Malley’s Asia Trade Mission

June 20, 2011

Clay

Developing personal relationships is crucial for success when doing business in the Asian region, and that means spending quality face-to-face time on the ground.  In an effort to encourage foreign investment, stimulate economic development, strengthen commercial ties, Maryland Governor Martin O’Malley led a trade mission to Asia May 31-June 11.  Towson University Interim President Marcia Welsh, Asia Studies Director Stephen Phillips, and I were privileged to be among the 68 people chosen to represent the State on this productive trip through China, South Korea and Vietnam.

This 11-day trip was the perfect opportunity, not only to improve existing relationships, but to showcase what Maryland and Towson University have to offer and how our ties can benefit all parties.

During our travels through Shanghai, Nanjing, Beijing, Seoul, and Hanoi, we attended some key events like the 13th Shanghai Bio-Forum, BioCapital Leadership’s Luncheon, the Maryland-Jiangsu Partnership Banquet, and the Vietnam-Maryland Cooperation Ceremony and Luncheon. Shanghai’s Tasly Group announced a $40 million investment in Maryland, the largest direct investment ever in our state by a Chinese company.

Additionally, Marlin Steel Wire, a Baltimore steel wire basket manufacturer, signed a collaboration agreement in Vietnam with a state-owned steel production firm.  AmeriSure Pharmaceuticals, a Rockville based company, signed an agreement to collaborate with one of Vietnam’s largest state-owned pharmaceutical firms. In addition, the Vietnam Natural Resources and Environmental Corporation agreed to promote Ellicott City’sBlue Wing Environmental Solutions & Technologies floating island products.

Towson University representatives (Steve Phillips, Clay Hickson, Ohoe Kim, and Marcia Welsh, 2nd – 5th from left, respectively) and Inha University representatives, Incheon, South Korea

Not to be left out, Towson University also signed three MOUs in Shanghai to provide faculty training and school management services programs in the Pudong area.  Two other Towson representatives also joined us for parts of the trip.  Alexandria Liu, a Towson University student interning at the Maryland Department of Business and Economic Development, participated in the China leg of the trip, and Mathematics Professor Ohoe Kim was in Korea helping to arrange meetings with various partner universities there.

To develop opportunities for TowsonGlobal Business Incubator and its member companies I met up with representatives of Shanghai Juke Biotech Park, an incubator specializing in helping biotech SMEs.  I also met with Ningxia Yinxing Energy Co., which focuses on green technologies and is exploring expansion to the US.  In Beijing, I met with Xin Feng Zhuoqun Technology Co., a professional circuit board processor that may be able to support current members.   These meetings were important steps to open doors for future collaborations between Asian enterprises and TowsonGlobal.

Despite a few hurdles – our bus got stuck on a mound of dirt and broken asphalt – we also had the opportunity to visit historic landmarks like the Presidential Palace in Nanjing and the Great Wall and Forbidden City in Beijing, to go hiking in Seoul, and to tour around the city of Hanoi.

Clay Hickson (center) and delegation members at the Presidential Palace, Nanjing, China

Clay Hickson and Marcia Welsh at the Great Wall, Beijing, China

I was honored to be a part of such significant efforts to bring Asia and Maryland together.  Being a part of the Governor’s delegation offered business and educational professionals opportunities to expand their networks and strengthen existing ties while gaining credibility.  The mission brought many opportunities for technology development and economic growth to our state.  Maryland’s future in these foreign markets looks bright, but success will all depend on the efforts we make to continue building ties in the region.

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Posted by Clay Hickson

Baltimore “Thinks Big”

June 6, 2011

Clay

Baltimore’s time to think big has arrived! TowsonGlobal and Baltimore area innovators are organizing the first annual Think Big Baltimore, an educational forum where entrepreneurs and investors get together to discuss ideas and opportunities for growth.

This day-long event, hosted at Towson University, will feature expert panel discussions, keynote speakers, and in-depth educational sessions.  Attendees also will have the opportunity to generate new connections, catch up with other entrepreneurs, and share ideas over cocktails and appetizers in a powerful networking session the evening before. Finally, guests will participate in CrowdPitch, an event where selected pitching companies will present in front of a panel of experts and an audience.  Audience attendees will receive $100 of fun money which they can “invest” in their favorite pitching company.   The winner will be selected based on who receives the most “money”.

Events like Think Big Baltimore keep entrepreneurial spirit alive, create more jobs, generate opportunities for start-ups and small businesses, encourage innovation, and promote competition—all necessary for the Greater Baltimore area’s growth and success. Do not miss out on the opportunity to receive valuable advice from experts, or network with peers and investors.  Regardless of the stage a business is in, whether it is just an idea or a reality, Think Big Baltimore will be place to be!

The event will start with a networking reception on Tuesday, July 12th at 6:00 pm, followed by a day-long conference on July 13th, 2011, at Towson University. Use TowsonGlobal’s code 07132011 when you register, to get a special discount.  For more information, please visit http://www.thinkbigbaltimore.com/

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Posted by Clay Hickson

Towson University hosting the 2011 Oracle Summer Academy

June 2, 2011

Allie

Providing teachers from around the U.S. world class training and professional development opportunities.

From July 11th -15th over 70 teachers from the around the U.S. will be coming to Towson to take part in the Oracle Academy at Towson University. While on campus, teachers will be staying in dormitories as well as the Towson University Marriott and will even utilize campus dining services for their meals throughout the week.

The Oracle Academy is a cutting edge program that provides educational institutions with industry-leading software, curriculum, support, and certification resources that faculty can integrate into their classrooms. As a result, these teachers can then assist their students in gaining hands on experience with the latest technologies and develop skills that will help them excel in the 21st century workplace while developing their technical, analytical, and business skills.

Currently, Oracle Academy Instructors’ Institutes are in Romania, Egypt, Czech-Republic, China and USA. However, there are only 4 states in the U.S. that currently house an Instructors Institute, Virginia, North Carolina, Illinois, and Maryland. The Oracle Academy is said to support over 850,000 students in 91 countries through their instruction.

The Oracle Academy has 3 specific areas of instruction:

  • Introduction to Computer Science
  • Advanced Computer Science
  • Enterprise Business Application

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Posted by Allie Pyzik

The Telling Project Gives Military Veterans a Voice

April 20, 2011

Lindsey

Statistics show that someone in your family, or close to your family, has served or is currently serving in the U.S. Military. I was lucky enough to grow up with two grandfathers and two Uncles who were Veterans, providing me with stories that changed their lives during their time in service. But what about the Veterans who don’t get to tell their story? The Telling Project gives them their chance.

On May 6 & 7, Towson University will host “Telling: Baltimore, MD”, featuring Baltimore area veterans and family members on stage performing a play composed from their own stories of life and the military.

Baltimore is the most recent location for the series of innovative performances that have been appearing in cities across the US over the last three years.  To bring this initiative to  Towson University’s campus, Patrick Young, Director of the Towson University Veterans Center, has been working with Baltimore’s 6th Branch and Veteran Artist Program, and the Texas-based Telling Project over the past six months to interview, script, train and rehearse.

“The Telling Project provides a unique opportunity for Baltimore area military veterans and their family members to speak, and their communities to listen,” states Young, “Once we saw the success of the program over the past three years, we knew Towson University would be an ideal host for such an impactful event, and we are proud to host it to honor the Veterans across the Baltimore region.”

Towson University’s Veterans Center is located on campus to offer resources and support to veterans in the region. Although the Center is working everyday to support these individuals, the need for support of the center persists. If you would like to learn more about opportunities to support your troops once they have returned home, contact Sarah Wainio, swainio@towson.edu or call 410-704-4249.



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Posted by Lindsey Meyer

Business Plan Competition: Meet The Judges!

April 5, 2011

Clay

We are only a few weeks away from the final round of TowsonGlobal’s first Business Plan Competition.  On April 11, finalists will make oral presentations in front of a panel of judges, who will then select the winner.  The judges, many of them Towson University alums with entrepreneurial backgrounds, have diverse expertise in a variety of industries, ranging from advertising to commercial lending and information technology.

So let’s meet them:

CallahanMr. Ed Callahan, Creative Strategist & Co-Founder, Planit
Edward Callahan is the creative leader and cofounder of Planit.  With more than 15 years of industry experience, he has worked with clients including CitiFinancial, Crayola, Under Armour, National Geographic, and a variety of other local, regional, and national brands. Recognized by the Baltimore Business Journal as one of “40 under 40” rising stars.  Mr. Callahan is a graduate of Towson University, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in visual communications.

Mr. Larry Fiorino, CEO & President, G.1440
Mr. Fiorino has over 20 years of experience in the information technology industry.  He was named in the Baltimore Business Journals “40 under 40″ listing and serves on numerous boards including the Emerging Technology Centers, and Towson University’s College of Business and Economics. He also sits on the University of Baltimore’s Entrepreneurship Board.  Mr. Fiorino is a graduate of Towson University, with a Bachelors degree in Accounting, has an MBA from Loyola College and is a CPA in Maryland.

Mr. Jack Lewin, Vice President, M&T Bank, Commercial Banking
Mr. Lewin is a senior relationship manager for commercial lending at M&T Bank in Baltimore, where he manages approximately $400MM in bank exposure to commercial companies.  He serves as a director of The Maryland Technology Development Corporation (TEDCO).  Mr. Lewin also serves as on the board of TowsonGlobal Business Incubator. He received his MBA from University of Virginia’s Darden School of Business, and received his BA cum laude with distinction from The Colorado College.

ParedesMs. Lissell Paredes, B.A. in International Business, Towson University (July 2010)
Lissell Paredes is a recent graduate of Towson University, with a Bachelor of Science in International Business, received in July 2010. She currently serves as a Junior Research Assistant at Towson University’s Regional Economic Studies Institute assisting with marketing and research activities. During her studies, she started as a marketing and research intern at TowsonGlobal Business Incubator, where she conducted market analysis for its member companies. She also attended Universidad Del Pacifico in Peru, where she was an economics major, before transferring to the United States to pursue a business degree.

ParekhMr. Eric Parekh, Vice President, Evergreen Advisors, LLC
Mr. Parekh is a Vice President in the Mergers and Acquisitions practice of Evergreen Advisors.  He has a diverse background in middle market investment banking and brings a breadth of transactional experience to the practice.  Mr. Parekh has an MTS from Urshan Graduate School of Theology in St Louis, Missouri, and a BS in Economics from Texas A&M University.  He is actively pursuing an MBA with a concentration in accounting at Loyola University in Maryland. Mr. Parekh holds his Uniform Combined State Law Series 66 and his Series 7 General Securities Representative Licenses.  He serves on the board of the Towson Global Business Incubator.

Mr. Vince Talbert, Vice President of Merchant Services, PayPal – eBay, Inc.
Mr. Talbert has 20 years of marketing, Internet and credit card experience. Currently, he is the VP of Merchant Marketing at PayPal, an eBay company.  He joined eBay through the acquisition of Bill Me Later, Inc. where he was the VP of Marketing.  Bill Me Later was acquired by eBay for $1 billion. As a founding member and member of the executive team, Mr. Talbert was a key participant in the fund raising activities of the company which raised over $300 million in private equity. He earned his MBA from The Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia and his BS in Economics and Finance from Towson University.

TowsonGlobal launched the Business Plan Competition precisely because our purpose is to strengthen long-lasting entrepreneurial spirit and to support innovation across the Greater Baltimore Region that ultimately create a more vibrant economy.  The panel of judges for this first competition embodies that vision by providing today’s innovators with real and useful feedback from successful entrepreneurs and other experienced business people.

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Posted by Clay Hickson

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