Earlier this month, Ursinus Athletics hosted its first-ever Business Etiquette Dinner at Lower Wismer Lounge. This event was designed to educate student-athletes on all matters of professional etiquette and to prepare them to be confident in future formal professional settings. Hosted by Ursinus Athletics and Northwestern Mutual, this interactive program provided guidance through a four-course meal for all student-athletes.
Over 40 student-athletes attended the two-hour event and were treated to a four-course dinner, which was preceded by a 25-minute networking mixer. During this time, student-athletes were afforded the opportunity to have conversations with Northwestern Mutual representatives in attendance. Northwestern Mutual representatives and alumni members were seated at each table in order to connect with student-athletes and provide them another opportunity to practice their networking skills.
"During my time at the Business Etiquette Dinner, I was able to gain valuable insight from the perspective of people who were once in my shoes," said Bruce Edwards '21, a member of the men's basketball team. "Not only did we talk about interview tips and ask about the hiring process, but we also got to talk about life outside of Ursinus and we gained essential life advice."
Theresa Hummel-Krallinger, President of High Five Performance, faculty member at Temple University, and stand-up comedian, directed the audience through an entire formal dinner setting, from choosing the correct utensils to navigating a conversation with the host of the event. She emphasized the importance of professionalism through each phase of the career development process. She also spoke about the importance of networking, as well as following up after making connections and after interviews.
"The skills they learned from this event will certainly help them in their journey after graduation," said Associate Athletic Director Marqus Hunter. "I'm very pleased with the outcome of this event and look forward to creating more programs for our student-athletes in the future, to help prepare them for life."
Ursinus Athletics is incredibly grateful for all of the mentorship and networking opportunities that came from partnering with Northwestern Mutual, as well as the charismatic hosting from Theresa Hummel-Krallinger. The college hopes that this is the first of many events like this to come!