DuBois, Pa. -- A traditional high tea was served at 4 p.m., precisely the time the Penn State DuBois Student Business Association began its annual networking session at the student union cafeteria Wednesday. In keeping with the theme, black tea, green tea and chai tea were served by faculty and staff in traditional English teacups. Finger sandwiches, petit fours, truffles and shortbread accompanied the hot beverages. The setting was conducive for Penn State DuBois students to visit with more than two dozen regional employers on hand to offer information on career options.
"Our objective is to provide a great opportunity for both students and businesses," Business Society President Sarah Skupien, a sophomore business major, said. "If we can make a connection toward future employment, that's even better."
Students were given strict instructions to come dressed professionally for the occasion, and the spiffed-up attire caught the eye of Manmohan Chaubey, assistant professor of business at the campus. Chaubey taught a 3:15-4:15 p.m. class that day.
"Half of my students came to class with suits and ties on, and they asked if I could end class early," Chaubey said. "And for the first time, I agreed, because this is part of their education, too."
Attending businesses included: Timberland FCU, DuBois Regional Medical Center, Red Lobster, CVS Pharmacy, Paris Companies, Wal-Mart, Lowe's Home Center, Passages, Paint and Play School Inc., Clearfield Jefferson Drug and Alcohol Commission, Manpower Services, Career Link, ICT Group and Interim Health Care, all of DuBois; Appalachian Wood Products and Mountain Laurel Nursing and Rehabilitation Center, Clearfield; Gerg Tool and Die, St. Marys; Jefferson Manor and Jefferson County Area Agency on Aging, Brookville; Wal-Mart Distribution Center and Pennsylvania State Police, Woodland; Lezzer Lumber and Larry Brubaker, retired president of CSB Bank, Curwensville; Advantage Forestry, Reynoldsville; Northwest Savings Bank, Sykesville; Lakeshore Community Services, Erie; Barnes and Noble, State College; and the U.S. Army.