PreTerm Times...

Last week we wrapped up PreTerm, which is our orientation for the new MBA class. It was so exciting to welcome the new students. Some second-year students, faculty, and staff all participated in the activities. Here are some photos of the highlights from the week.

August 17: The first day of PreTerm (and my favorite day). It's the day the whole class meets each other. Students heard from the Dean of the College of Business and many members of the faculty. In addition they participated in a "Find Your Color" activity (below). The day was wrapped up with a Happy Hour in Downtown Champaign.

August 18: The students participated in a case analysis and presentations activity. That evening, there was a reception with local alumni.

August 19: A career services day, where students prepared their "30 second pitch" for networking.

August 20: The students headed up to Chicago for a mock career fair and a networking reception with many of our Chicago alumni. They also enjoyed a little free time in the city.

August 21: The students experienced the Activities Recreation Center on campus. Some students even tried out the rock climbing wall (below). Take a tour of the ARC.

August 23: The students gave a helping hand to Special Olympic athletes through a fun bowling event (below).


August 24: The students participated in Excel Business Computing workshops, which is a very important part of the MBA!

August 25: A beautiful day on campus filled with team building challenge courses (below)!

August 26: Students attended the MBA club fair & the first day of class. Everyone signed up for the clubs they want to get involved in while in the MBA, such as Women in Business (below). Many of our students also attended the registered student organizations fair at Illinois, since Illinois has over 800 organizations, there is something for everyone.

August 27: To celebrate all the MBA students coming back to campus, everyone enjoyed a "Welcome Back Picnic" in the park. Complete with a band, great food, a bouncy house, and a tug war competition between first-year women vs. second-year women (below) & first-year men vs. second-year men.

August 28: One more day of Excel, and the last group lunch!

Overall, PreTerm was a great time where the students learned a lot, but most importantly they got a chance to get to know each other very well.

Second Tuesdays...

On the second tuesday of every month the College of Business alumni get-together for a happy hour in Chicago. This event is sponsored by the College of Business Alumni Association and the MBA Alumni Committee. Last night we went up to the Market Bar in the West Loop of Chicago for the Second Tuesday. A few of our incoming students were able to join us, along with some current students interning in Chicago this summer, and a lot of alumni. Each month the Second Tuesday is in a different location in Chicago and gives those attending a great opportunity to network and stay connected to the university.

It was a beautiful evening in Chicago on the Market Bar's rooftop deck, and the food was great. Here are a few photos from the Second Tuesday: