Walgreen’s vice president, store operations, presents check to Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam.

The Walgreens name, which beckons from more than 6,000 locations in 49 states and Puerto Rico, recently acquired another spot from which to make its presence known: the new College of Business Administration Complex at Florida International University.

The company donated $20,000 to name the Walgreens Study Room in Academic Hall and an additional $5,000 to support the operations of Career Management Services (CMS), whose activities have been instrumental in helping Walgreens recruit qualified students into its managerial training program.

“I believe that it is paramount that Walgreens and the university establish a strong relationship to help students understand career paths available with our company,” said Paul Bonk, vice president, store operations and a member of the college’s Dean’s Council, who presented the check to Executive DeanJoyce J. Elam on November 15, 2007. “Our donation helps students reach their goals and sends a message to the community that Walgreens is here to stay for another 100 years.”

Donation signifies deepening relationship between the company and the college.

About seven years ago, District Manager Maria Lecuyer started meeting with the CMS staff and subsequently with Elam and Annabelle Rojas (MBA ’98, BBA ’87), assistant dean, Department of Advancement, Alumni, and Corporate Relations.

Elizabeth Parnes (BBA ’77) presents IKON’s check to Executive Dean Joyce J. Elam.

“We’ve gathered résumés, conducted interviews, and hired undergraduates—usually between ten and fifteen annually—” said Lecuyer, whose idea it was to name a space in the new complex. “We’ve increased our presence by participating in business etiquette and student organization events, by conducting information sessions about employment opportunities, and by speaking to classes.”

Many graduates opt for managerial careers in Walgreens stores in South Florida, but Lecuyer also places them nationally because she hires for diversity for the rest of the country.

“The college’s ability to provide a large pool of qualified, diverse students makes for an excellent fit between the business school and Walgreens,” she said.

Ocean Bank reception in December 2007.

“We feel a strong connection to Walgreens because, like our business school, the company is a well-kept secret of success, with exceptional management and a plan for significant and rapid growth,” Rojas said.

Ocean Bank and IKON finalize their donations in December.

In December, 2007, in the Ocean Bank Auditorium in Academic Hall, José A. Concepción, president, and Agostinho de Sousa Macedo, owner, Ocean Bank, presented the final check of their gift to Executive Dean Elam.

Also in December, 2007, Dean’s Council member Elizabeth (Liz) Parnes (BBA ’77), vice president, general manager, IKON document efficiency, presented the last check of IKON’s donation to the college’s new Building Complex and the IKON Office Solutions Study Room was unveiled in Commons Hall.