Ten Diversity Student Leaders Society (DSLS) members traveled by van to Chicago, for the annual spring semester field trip, March 22-26.
During their time in the “windy city,” DSLS students participated in six sessions on Thursday and Friday, including two with emeritus members of CCI’s Board of Visitors. These sessions provided students with invaluable professional development and networking opportunities. Sessions included:
Chicago Tribune/News Meeting
Peter Kendall, managing editor
Mark Jacob, metro editor
Mary Ellen Podmolik, business editor
Margaret Holt, standards editor
Andy Knott (BS/JEM ’79/emeritus CCI BOV member), portfolio manager, Wintrust Wealth Management [former Chicago Tribune reporter]
Leading Real Estate Companies of the World (LRECW)
Pamela O’Connor, president/CEO (BS/Com ’72/emeritus CCI BOV member) and four LRECW staff members
Rosy Events [Specializes in producing events for corporate, social, and municipal clients]
Rose DiPietro, owner & executive producer
WBBM-TV – CBS 2
Dorothy Tucker, news reporter/consumer reporter
Flowers Communications Group (FCG)
Michelle Flowers Welch, FCG founder & CEO
WGN Radio – 720 AM
Jackie Paulus, director of marketing & digital innovation
On Saturday, the students explored Chicago taking advantage of the many cultural and entertainment options available.
DSLS member Josh Melendez, said, “It opened my eyes to the many options I have available for internships and employment in the future. Chicago was not what I expected. I was pleasantly surprised by all the city had to offer. I have a much better idea of what I need to do to secure quality internships in the future and I greatly appreciate having that opportunity. One of the best parts of the trip was getting to know my fellow students and branching out from my current circle of friends.”
“Josh and the other DSLS students were able to have this experience, in part, because of the generosity of our CCI Experience Diversity Banquet sponsors,” said DSLS Director Alice Wirth. “Expanding students’ view of the world and exposing them to the many professional possibilities available to them will pay significant dividends in the future.”