Student Spotlight: Nick Bettenhauser ’24

Nick Bettenhauser ’24 participated in several of the J-Term business workshops offered by the Ciocca Center towards completion of the Certificate in Business Fundamentals. 

In a recent article published by The Spire, he commented that “my favorite one was Fullbridge. It started out learning the ins and outs of business including learning some calculations and definitions. My favorite part was when we were assigned a company and a group. We were to research the company, find a problem, and propose a solution. My group was assigned to Diadora, an Italian sportswear company. Being a small company our group had a hard time obtaining the financial information needed to assess Diadora but our hard work turned into some great results as we had a very successful presentation to the judges. It felt like a virtual Shark Tank.”

Read more on The Spire: A First Year’s Look at Ciocca Center’s J-Term Programs.

Student Spotlight: Emma Grayeb ’24

Name: Emma Grayeb
Class: 2024
Major: Economics & Anthropology
Certificate: Finance & Banking Certificate
Hometown: Darien, CT

  • Which Business Certificate Program are you planning to pursue? 

I am planning on pursuing the Finance and Banking Certificate.

  • Which Business Certificate Program workshop experience was the most impactful and why? 

Personally, I think that the most impactful workshop experience for me was the Corporate Finance and Banking workshop. One of the activities that we did was read and analyze a case study, which allowed me a glimpse of what private equity investors have to do as a part of their job.  I have not done the Fullbridge program yet. I plan to accomplish this my sophomore year.

  • Do you believe your experience with Fullbridge and the workshops will help you be prepared for the business world?

I think that the workshops have helped prepare me. I would say that the alumni who come speak to us about their experiences in the business world provide incredibly valuable insight.

  • If a prospective student was visiting Holy Cross and asked you about the Ciocca Center’s certificate programs, what would you tell them?

I would tell them to absolutely get involved in one of the certificate programs. Not only does it increase knowledge of business concepts and jobs, but it also is a great opportunity to connect with Holy Cross alumni.


In addition to the Certificate in Finance & Banking workshops, Emma also attended the 15th annual Women in Business conference held in November 2020.  Following this conference, she applied and was accepted to join the WIB planning committee as a freshman.  The Ciocca Center is thrilled with Emma’s level of engagement, enthusiasm, and drive.  We look forward to working with you over the next few years!

Caroline Quinn ’22 Shares Virtual Fullbridge Program Experience

Student

My name is Caroline Quinn ‘22. I am a junior at Holy Cross, majoring in International Studies and working towards a Certificate in Business Fundamentals through the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society.

In August 2020 I participated in the Fulbridge Professional Edge Program. This four-day-long intensive virtual program is designed to help prepare Holy Cross students for the business world by connecting the liberal arts to the working world. Speaking from my experience, Fullbridge did that and so much more. I was among the first group of students to participate in this program remotely. I logged onto the platform on the first day of the program, and I was surprised by how hands-on and engaging the Fullbridge team was. I could tell right off the bat that the coaches were so excited to be there, and that energy was contagious! Continue reading “Caroline Quinn ’22 Shares Virtual Fullbridge Program Experience”

Holy Cross Student Summer: Christina Casey ’22

The minor in Business, Ethics & Society through the Ciocca Center at Holy Cross goes beyond practical preparation, introducing students to the historical, social, and political aspects of the institution of business and offering it up for your critique. Regardless of whether they will participate in business or simply live in a society deeply shaped by it, the interdisciplinary minor in Business, Ethics & Society provides a deeper understanding of what business is, what it does, and what it could — and should — become.

“I have developed strong research and writing skills through various classes that I have taken at the College… Holy Cross’ emphasis on class participation has taught me to speak up and share my ideas with those around me.”
–Christina Casey ’22

https://news.holycross.edu/blog/2020/08/14/holy-cross-student-summer-christina-casey-22/

Women in Business Student Committee Responds

 

The Women in Business student committee recently made a video that we want to share with you. The Diversity Student Liaison for the Ciocca Center, Nalani Ramos Ruiz ’21, initiated the response video and the committee was there to support her and the greater call. We are struck by their words and proud to share with you.  May we all find ways to be better humans as we strive to connect with what it means to be men and women for and with others.

View the Video: WIB on #BlackLivesMatter (June 2020)

Student Investment Fund Presents Nationally

HCSIF Event Timeline

 

When you can’t take your annual trip to NYC you take advantage of the option to invite more alumni to your virtual presentation.  This is exactly what the Holy Cross Student Investment Fund did on Monday, May 3, 2020.

Prof. David Chu, director of certificate programs, and Cassie Gevry, associate director of the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society at Holy Cross, opened the webinar with a warm welcome.  Maggie Burd ’20, Jack McConville ’20 and Jack Boyd ’21 then took center stage to speak with over twenty alumni based in Boston, NYC, Chicago, and the San Francisco bay area. They started out with the timeline of events and competitions they participated in over the year, shared the resources they have received through generous alumni donations, discussed how they plan to grow and diversify the student club, as well as thanked the founders – Andrew Smith ’19 and Sean Manning ’19. Closing the webinar, Prof. Chu moderated alumni questions for the students to answer.

We are excited to work with the next line up of HCSIF executives: Jack Boyd ’21, Liam Busconi ’21, LJ Foley ’21 and Hayden Ivatts ’21.   Many thanks to our graduating seniors, we hope you will return as alumni to share your experiences and help current students explore the finance industry.

 

 

The HC Student Investment Fund Competes in Michigan

 

Holy Cross Student Investment Fund students posing at Engage Summit in Michigan

Left to Right:  Jack McConville ‘20, Liam Busconi ‘21, LJ Foley ‘21, Maggie Burd ‘20 & Jack Mucci ‘21

Five students in the Holy Cross Student Investment Fund (HC SIF) competed at the annual ENGAGE, Annual Undergraduate Investment Conference in Ann Arbor, Michigan. The two-day event, October 18-19 of 2019, consisted of various panels, speakers and nearly 30 schools, including Texas, Notre Dame, Virginia, Elon, Washington University. HCSIF pitched AT&T based on broader macroeconomic themes and a thesis on future company transition influenced by an activist investor letter, a thesis eventually proven true in the short term by the market.  You can view their pitch deck here: AT&T Engage Undergraduate Investment Pitch.


This spring the student group plans to compete in CQA, a virtual portfolio competition, as well as at the annual UMASS Isenberg Stock Pitch Competition.  Additionally, the group plans to visit alumni in Boston and NYC for site visits and alumni networking opportunities. Stay tuned! 

HC Launch Incubates Eight Student Businesses

On Sunday, September 29, 2019 the HC Launch student incubator started off with its semester kickoff event. The application process yielded eight student-led startup teams, with ventures ranging from data security to the cosmetics industry. Paul Wiley ‘20 and Tom Cremins ‘21, managing directors, kicked off the event discussing the direction of the incubator this semester, matched student teams, and led an engaging team building activity.  Continue reading “HC Launch Incubates Eight Student Businesses”

Summer Internship Reflection: Tom Cremins ’21

My name is Tom Cremins ‘21 (pictured third from left), a rising junior economics major and education minor at Holy Cross, and current managing director of the HC Launch incubator through the Ciocca Center for Business, Ethics, and Society. This summer I had the privilege of interning with Keeling & Associates, a highly-comprehensive consulting firm focused on the higher education sector with the goal of trying to improve learning outcomes for both students and institutions.  Continue reading “Summer Internship Reflection: Tom Cremins ’21”

Ciocca Center Hires Diversity Student Liaison

Student at Women in Business Conference

Starting this fall the Ciocca Center has hired a new workstudy position, Diversity Student Liaison, in an effort to reach the diverse populations on campus.  Nalani Ramos Ruiz ’21, a sociology and psychology double major pursuing the Certificate in Business Fundamentals, was already involved with the office through Women in Business. As the student committee began working to create a more inclusive and diverse conference and network, it became clear that this was an area that needed more focus.  Nalani readily stepped forward and was recognized for her efforts. 

“I have a passion for engaging minorities on campus to become successful students and future alumni.” commented Nalani.  “I am working to find new ways to increase student awareness and involvement.” 

The Diversity Student Liaison will be working with various campus partners including Career Development, Office of Multicultural Education, Athletics and the various student organizations on campus.

Please join us in welcoming Nalani Ramos Ruiz ’21 to the Ciocca Center team!