SYRACUSE — A new local-leadership initiative that Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management announced back in June is now underway. The school held a formal launch event Sept. 8, the Whitman School tells CNYBJ in an email. The program accepted 10 students after more than 100 applied, Whitman notes. The program seeks to […]
SYRACUSE — A new local-leadership initiative that Syracuse University’s Martin J. Whitman School of Management announced back in June is now underway.
The school held a formal launch event Sept. 8, the Whitman School tells CNYBJ in an email. The program accepted 10 students after more than 100 applied, Whitman notes.
The program seeks to “support professional connections and career building” for students to remain in Central New York beyond graduation, Syracuse University said in a news release.
This new initiative is made possible by David Panasci, a 1980 graduate of Syracuse University who the school describes as a “Whitman supporter.” Panasci spoke at the launch event, the Whitman School says.
“Syracuse has a rich history of business innovation and success. The emergence of new opportunities locally, such as the arrival of Micron [Technology, Inc.], increasingly makes Syracuse an outstanding place to live and work,” Alexander McKelvie, interim dean of Whitman School, said in the release. “Our hope is that this program will inform students about what they can accomplish here after graduation, inspire students about a thriving life here in this community and connect them to local opportunities so that they can hit the ground running once they graduate. As Whitman prepares students to be more engaged citizens, being able to cultivate and connect our local talent in Central New York is something we value highly. We are very grateful to David Panasci for helping the Whitman School make this possible.”
Students will follow a program offered in collaboration with Leadership Greater Syracuse, an organization that has a mission to “inspire current and future leaders to make a difference” in the Syracuse community, Syracuse University said.
The program will include topics related to regional leadership; economic development; discovering and impacting local businesses; how to lead and serve; and envisioning the future of Syracuse. The program will also pair students with local business leaders who will act as personal mentors, and the students will complete a community project.
“In recent years, I have met a number of very impressive students via the annual business plan competition at the Whitman School. The level of determination, entrepreneurial spirit and brainpower that I have witnessed has been nothing short of inspirational. We have been fortunate to have a number of these individuals launch their careers here in the Syracuse area,” Panasci said in the school’s June 21 announcement. “It is my expectation that this initiative will not only give participants the chance to learn about leadership and the local community but will also help them recognize that Central New York can provide solid career opportunities along with an exceptional quality of life. I believe those who do stay and take leadership roles will have a profound impact on the future of the region.”