A note from Derek Thoms, CBA Director of Development
Greetings, UNIBusiness alumni, and a heartfelt “Go Cats” from Cedar Falls! In my first note to you as the director of development for UNIBusiness, I want to thank you for your continued interest in the university and the College of Business Administration. Your support allows students within the College to seize opportunities and benefit from experiences that are found only at UNI.
As a student, I was a scholarship recipient, and I greatly valued the financial support that made that award possible. At the time, I did not have as much appreciation for the full range of opportunities that I was being given as a UNIBusiness student. As a graduate, I discovered the significance of program enhancements that had prepared me to contribute immediately in my first career position and gave me a competitive edge over graduates of other universities.
After a few years as an alumnus, I have come to appreciate the full meaning of that connection as well. Whether it was five years ago or 25 years ago, I’m sure you remember what it was like to be on your own for the first time, starting a new job in a new city or maybe even a new state. One day you meet a fellow Panther at a business luncheon or committee meeting, and suddenly, you feel more at home. You’ve found a “kindred spirit” who remembers the great teaching, who worked as hard as you did in and out of class, and who appreciates the importance of giving back to the students still on campus.
There are so many ways to support UNI! Scholarships are always appreciated, but think too about a contribution to the Dean’s Fund for Excellence to support the faculty and students who go the extra mile to develop a professional edge. For those of you who are unable to make a financial donation to the College at this time, I invite you to donate your time and friendship to mentor a new UNIBusiness grad.
As the world of business continues to change, it’s imperative that our students develop skills to change with it. Faculty do their part to offer essential business knowledge; students must work hard to learn. We’re counting on UNIBusiness alumni to help our grads become acclimated to the world of work by serving as role models, teachers, and advisors. Your input and experience does make a difference!
If you haven’t visited campus in a while, I invite you to stop by and introduce yourself. I’m always happy to meet fellow Panthers and reconnect with the mentors who played such an important role in my own development. To learn more about how you can support UNI and the College of Business Administration, please contact me at 1-800-782-9522, 319-273-4444, or derek.thoms@uni.edu.
