Gloria Romero Roses (BBA ’92), past Dean’s Alumni Circle chair, believes that leadership should travel full circle—around alumni, faculty, staff and students.
From her perspective, “the Alumni Circle in the College of Business Administration at Florida International University (FIU) is an outlet for continuing to hone my skills through access to the talented deans and faculty in the business school. At the same time, it enables me to pay it forward to students through sharing learnings and perspectives on issues, and that enhance their experience.”
Formed in 2001, the Alumni Circle provides a forum for mid- to senior-level alumni and entrepreneurs to advise and work with the deans and administrators on programs to benefit the college as a whole. The Circle provides an excellent conduit for building and strengthening leadership skills and is placing increased emphasis on this area today.
According to Monique Catoggio (EMBA ’03), director, advancement, alumni and corporate relations, current activities range from leadership and professional development forums for Circle members to launching an initiative for funding a selected faculty member’s proposal for a new action and service learning project.
Leaders circle in on clear-cut mission.
Members of the Dean’s Alumni Circle not only contribute their time, ideas and energy to the Circle’s projects but also provide financial support. Their generosity funds critical, market-driven projects for success, and supports student associations.
“For me, the Alumni Circle is way to give back to the institution that has given me so many opportunities in our community,” said Lance A. Benson (MBA ’03), current Circle chair.
Alfredo N. Cepero (BACC ’88), Circle chair-elect, believes his leadership role will focus on working with the college to develop a vision.
“The key is to guide the strategy and lead the business professionals of the Circle into action to achieve that vision,” he said.
Who should join the Dean’s Alumni Circle? Roses recommends the Circle to any business professional interested in working with other business professionals in shaping the future of the college while expanding their professional leadership skills and business contacts network.
