The 2017 Spring Diversity Breakfast took place on January 25th to kick-off the spring Business Horizons Career Fair later that day. Every year, students and recruiters receive the opportunity to network in an intimate environment. These students comprise many backgrounds and majors within the school of business. The Diversity Breakfast’s purpose is to recognize Pamplin’s current Diversity Recruitment Corporate Sponsors, thank Pamplin and University partners, and provide an opportunity for students to network with our corporate and University partners.

“There’s something about Pamplin students and their service to Ut Prosim. As I speak to these students, they don’t just want to find a job, but they want to make a difference in their community.” said Robert T. Sumichrast,  Dean.

The morning began with network opportunities with numerous diversity recruitment sponsors such as Altria, EY, pwc, The Vanguard Group, Target, Kohl’s, and many more. This gave the students a casual networking atmosphere to find internships and jobs. Jessica Bailey, a pwc Recruiter, explained why she thought the Diversity Breakfast was an opportunity for students to standout. “The breakfast is more than just employers talking to outstanding students, it’s about celebrating their diversity. These students get to see first-hand how recruiters value diversity and how their characteristics are essential to making a company succeed.”

Many students took advantage of this program to make connections with recruiters. Christopher Wang, a Junior Business Information Technology Major, stated he enjoyed meeting with these top recruiters before thousands of students went to the semi-annual Business Horizons Career Fair. “I get the chance to show my personality when I wouldn’t normally receive that. These recruiters put a face to a name and it makes the conversations more memorable and personable,” said Wang.

In addition to networking, the attendees were brought in for breakfast and for the keynote address. Ernesto Ramos-Lopez was invited to be the keynote speaker because of his unique background and journey, his success in the Pamplin College of Business, and his career success as a recent alum. Ernesto graduated from Virginia Tech in 2013 with a degree in Economics. He is now a supervisor at The Vanguard Group and manages approximately $3.6 trillion in assets. His speech encouraged first generation students to create their own success stories and to never underestimate their abilities. “You never know where you’ll end up in life if you quit. It’s important to live out your dreams and then you get the opportunity to say to yourself, ‘I never thought I would be here’, after you succeed,” stated Ramos-Lopez. He concluded his speech with the advice of always staying confident and always learning from others.

“These students are given the support system and encouragement in Pamplin that help them realize that their diversity is incredibly valued in life.” said Kay Hunnings, Associate Dean for Administration.