UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. — Studying and promoting sustainable business practices has long been a part of the culture at the Penn State Smeal College of Business. Smeal alumni and friends in the New York City area will have a chance to join a discussion about how sustainability is transforming the business landscape.
The Smeal College of Business Alumni Relations office has planned a panel discussion titled “The Business of Sustainability” for 6-8 p.m. Sept. 20 at The New Yorker: A Wyndham Hotel, located at 481 Eighth Avenue in New York.
The discussion, part of a series of four that are planned, will feature Charles H. Whiteman, John and Becky Surma Dean of Smeal, as moderator. Erik Foley, Smeal’s director of sustainability, will serve as a panelist at all four discussions. He will be joined by local sustainability experts in each city.
“We are excited to share our vision for sustainability leadership with our alumni and friends. Dean Whiteman and I are most excited about listening to the ideas of our graduates. These events are an opportunity for them to help shape the vision and contribute to its success,” Foley said.
The conversations will feature information from industry experts, tech entrepreneurs, and educators. Attendees also will learn how Smeal is educating business students for social impact and partnering research with innovative companies and startups.
In addition to Whiteman and Foley, other panelists in New York will include:
- Carl Pfleger, vice president of global operations at PepsiCo (retired)
- Amanda DeSantis, a 1997 alumna and technology entrepreneur and sustainability professional
Those planning to attend can submit questions for the panelists online.
Smeal Alumni Career Services will be in attendance providing resources and support for alumni who are presently on a job search or thinking of a career transition.
The cost of the event is $20 and includes hors d’oeuvres and drinks. Dress is business casual. Alumni and friends are asked to register online by Sept. 10.
The other three discussions are planned for:
- Oct. 9, Westin Convention Center, Pittsburgh
- Nov. 13, JW Marriott, Washington, D.C.
- March 12, location TBD, Philadelphia