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The event brought a new way to connect with Blugold alumni working in the sports industry, offering over 200 students the chance to meet the panelists and learn firsthand about potential internship and career opportunities.

Dr. Lisa Jepsen, dean of the College of Business, is impressed by the generosity of alumni who dedicated their time to students for a full day of exchanging ideas.

“We are grateful that so many alumni returned to Eau Claire to share their experiences with our current students,” Jepsen says.

“The energy and enthusiasm of this group is terrific; the passion they have for their jobs is palpable. They shared high-level reflections on their industry and small, practical tips to help students get internships and start their careers. I value the opportunity for our students to see people working for teams they admire, realizing that these alumni were once — some quite recently — in the same roles as our current students.”

Top image photo credit: Minnesota Twins

Alumni feedback about the Business of Sports Summit

We followed up with two summit attendees who both work for the Minnesota Twins, Craig Gumz and Jack Heruth. Find their remarks about the summit, along with video interviews below.

Craig Gumz, 2004 public relations graduate
Senior director of ticket sales and service, Minnesota Twins

The UW-Eau Claire Business of Sports Summit offers a rare and valuable chance for students to engage directly with industry professionals, ask targeted questions about specific roles and receive practical career advice. It’s inspiring to see so many driven young professionals at the event, eager to learn and positioned to become the next wave of leaders in our industry. The forum’s collaborative environment also fosters meaningful networking opportunities that can lead to internships, mentorships and long-term career growth.

Jack Heruth, 2016 entrepreneurship graduate
Consumer sales manager, Minnesota Twins 
 

The UW-Eau Claire Business of Sports Summit is an outstanding example of connecting students with industry professionals as they prepare for careers after graduation. Students get the opportunity to ask thoughtful questions and gain insights that aren’t readily available elsewhere, while alumni can build networks and give back in a meaningful way. The university’s focus on facilitating fulfilling post‑graduate careers makes the summit especially valuable. The event is a great experience for all involved and I look forward to returning in the future!