Public invited to Entrepreneurship Week at Saint Mary’s University April 12-16
WINONA, Minn. — The public is invited to a full schedule of events in honor of Entrepreneurship Week Monday, April 12, through Friday, April 16, at Saint Mary’s University. Highlights include presentations by nationally known speakers. Events are hosted by the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at SMU in an effort to recognize and celebrate entrepreneurial spirit both at the university and in the community. All events are free except for the women’s symposium.
Monday, April 12
Business Ethics Roundtable
7:30 to 9 a.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
To kick off a weeklong celebration of entrepreneurship at Saint Mary’s University, the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies and the Hendrickson Institute for Ethical Leadership will partner to offer a roundtable breakfast event focused on white-collar crime issues in today’s society. Justin Paperny, a former UBS stockbroker and author of "Lessons from Prison," will share his personal story of unethical business practice. Please RSVP to dlawrence@smumn.edu for catering purposes.
Dress to Impress
7 to 8 p.m., Common Room, third floor, Saint Mary’s Hall
Through a partnership with SMU’s Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women, the Kabara Institute will host a fun event aimed to educate young adults about what is appropriate to wear as a business owner and young professional.
Tuesday, April 13
Women’s Symposium
3:45 to 8:30 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
Continuing the partnership with SMU’s Saint Teresa Leadership and Service Institute for Women, this four-hour symposium will be offered for individuals who would like to learn more about the challenges and opportunities women face in a business setting. The symposium begins with the reflections and findings of the “White House Project Report: Benchmarking Women’s Leadership,” noting women’s progress toward equality in the work place and community. The guest speaker will be Catherine Gray, Midwest director of Strategy and Engagement of “The White House Project.”
Attendees are then welcome to attend one of three breakout sessions that focus on women in the sciences, women in religion, and women in politics. Students will also make special presentations related to their engagement in volunteerism, activism and women’s status.
The evening concludes with dinner and a keynote address by successful entrepreneur Martha Rossini Olson, owner of Sweet Martha’s Cookie Jar, which sells millions of chocolate chip cookies each year at the Minnesota State Fair. The cost for the symposium is $25 or $10 for students. To register online, go to www.smumn.edu/womensymposium.
Wednesday, April 14
Social Entrepreneurship with keynote Lisa Nigro, founder of Inspiration Café
7 to 8 p.m., dining room, Toner Student Center
Lisa Nigro, a Chicago police officer, felt compelled to help the many homeless people she encountered in the Uptown area. She began loading up a red wagon with sandwiches and coffee to distribute on the streets. In 1989, she founded Inspiration Café on Chicago’s north side. Her business quickly expanded to not only providing meals but also offering case management, support groups, life skills training, financial assistance and other services to homeless men and women. Her inspirational story was chosen from more than 2,000 entries in the TrueNorth competition. TrueNorth debuted a 60-second commercial about Nigro and the Inspiration Café, directed by Oscar-winning actress Helen Hunt, during the 2009 Academy Awards presentation. Learn more about Lisa’s passion at www.inspirationcorp.org. View the Inspiration Café commercial at www.smumn.edu/inspirationcafe.
Thursday, April 15
Professor for a Day: Dave Anderson, founder of Famous Dave’s Barbecue
11 a.m. to noon and 2 to 3 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
Dave Anderson – entrepreneur, author and visionary – will share his views on integrity, work ethic, and his personal philosophy. After an outstanding response in April 2009, Anderson will be visiting the SMU campus again to share his motivational story as a visiting professor for the day. He will share his entrepreneurial perspectives with those who are seeking advice and inspiration to chase after their personal goals and dreams.
Friday, April 16
Celebrate Winona’s Entrepreneurial Spirit (luncheon and informal networking)
11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., Toner Student Center Lounge
To conclude the weeklong celebration, a final gathering will highlight and celebrate the City of Winona’s rich entrepreneurial history. A special luncheon will bring students and entrepreneurs together for a unique networking opportunity. Business owners are encouraged to bring print materials for a community display highlighting Winona’s entrepreneurial spirit. Attendees will enjoy a light meal. Please RSVP to dlawrence@smumn.edu for catering purposes.
About the Kabara Institute — Dr. Jon J. Kabara, a 1948 Saint Mary’s alumnus and an entrepreneur in the field of medical research, knew he wanted to share his passion, spirit and knowhow with the businessmen and women of tomorrow. In 2005, Dr. Kabara and his wife, Betty, made a substantial gift and ongoing commitment to establish the Kabara Institute for Entrepreneurial Studies at Saint Mary’s. The Kabara Institute aims to incite a passion for entrepreneurial spirit in students across the university, regardless of their major field of study; to enhance the entrepreneurship program offerings at Saint Mary’s by providing opportunities for students to interact with entrepreneurs and experience entrepreneurship first-hand; and to foster a greater understanding and appreciation of the importance of entrepreneurs and entrepreneurship in our society.
