News

September 30, 2009

Villanova student chapter of SHRM holds first meeting of the year

On Wednesday, September 30, 2009 the Villanova student chapter of the Society for Human Resources Management held its first meeting of the 2009-2010 academic year. Dr. David Bush, Director of the Human Resources Development graduate program, joined the meeting as guest speaker.

SHRM Chapter President and second-year HRD student, Jeanine Di Domenico, opened the meeting with a general welcome and overview of organization. SHRM Treasurer, Emily Malinowski, presented on the benefits of joining the organization and provided information on how to become a member.

Jeanine Di Domenico then discussed the Villanova HRD PHR/SPHR Library, a new addition to the program. The library consists of learning modules designed to help students prepare for the PHR or SPHR professional examinations. It was donated by 2009 HRD alum Mark Stewart, also in attendance.

The VU SHRM Chapter welcomed its first speaker, Dr. David Bush, who spoke on the topic of “Villanova HRD and YOU!” Dr. Bush’s discussion was focused on how the students can make the HRD graduate program work in their favor. He also spoke on the ways students can make themselves stand out in a crowd.

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The Villanova University Chapter of SHRM was founded in 1985 under the sponsorship of the second oldest SHRM Chapter, Philly #002. Since its inception, the organization has been honored numerous times with the Superior Merit Award for chapter excellence. Villanova SHRM is run by a team of students who organizes and coordinates interactive programming for Human Resources Development graduate students and professionals. For more information, visit our webpage.

April 30, 2009

For the fourteenth consecutive year, the Villanova University Student SHRM Chapter was granted the Superior Merit Award from the National Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).  The Villanova SHRM Chapter is part of an elite group of chapters across the nation which has been honored with this prestigious award.  This distinction represents the culmination of a year’s worth of community involvement, service to the Human Resources field, and dedication to members of the Chapter.  In order to achieve the requirements set by the Superior Merit Award, members of the Chapter were involved in events such as the monthly speaker series, the West Chester Rotary Club’s Annual Chili Cook-off, the Annual Holiday Toy Drive, the monthly Chapter newsletter, and attending various HR events in the Greater Philadelphia Area.  The crowning achievement was the 12th Annual Networking Reception which was hosted at The Union League of Philadelphia, a historic area landmark.  Over 175 HR professionals were in attendance to network and listen to an engaging presentation given by Joseph Frick, the President and CEO of Independence Blue Cross.

The central purpose of the Villanova SHRM Chapter is to offer professional and personal development opportunities outside the classroom for graduate students in the Human Resource Development Program.  Events sponsored by the Chapter provide real-world knowledge and experience for burgeoning HR professionals.  The Chapter operates under the guidance of its advisors Dr. David Bush, Program Director, and Dr. Ginamarie Ligon, Assistant Professor.  Its Executive Board is comprised of the President Kevin Balkanloo, Co-President Jeanine DiDomenico, Treasurer Courtney Costigan, Director of Communications Rana Sachdev, and Director of Corporate Relations Emily Malinowski who are all graduate students in the program.  Operating under the direction of the advisors, the strategic leadership of the Executive Board, and the sponsorship of Philadelphia SHRM, the Villanova SHRM Chapter maintains a tradition of excellence and a reputation of quality.

The Chapter is thrilled to be honored for another consecutive year with the Superior Merit Award.  Members are looking forward to another year of enlightening, engaging, and rewarding activities.

April 2, 2009
On Thursday, April 2nd, the Villanova University Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Student Chapter hosted its 12th Annual Networking Event. The Villanova Student SHRM Chapter is affiliated with the Graduate Program in Human Resource Development at Villanova University. The event was held at the historic Union League, a landmark in Center City Philadelphia. With record attendance approaching 200 guests, the event was marked by active card exchanges and gregarious networking amongst Human Resource professionals from the Greater Delaware Valley. Featured keynote speaker Joe Frick, CEO of Independence Blue Cross, delivered a riveting presentation on HR as a Strategic Partner: Moving from Transactional to Transformational.

Proceeds from the event benefited the Villanova Student SHRM Chapter and the Cyril Solomons Memorial Scholarship. This scholarship supports students who have demonstrated outstanding academic abilities, community involvement, and excellence in their pursuit of a graduate degree in Human Resource Development  (HRD) from Villanova University.

On the night of the event, Rick Anthony and Robert Connelly were presented with plaques to recognize their achievements in Human Resources and their contributions to the Villanova HRD Graduate Program. Anthony is the CEO of The Solutions Network, and has held former positions as CEO of Alexander and Alexander and Senior Vice President of Towers Perrin. Connelly is CFO of the Westtown School and was formerly the Vice President of HR for Safeguard Business Systems. Diane Perrymore, Vice President of HR for ExcelRx Pharmaceuticals, was elected chairperson of the Senior Advisory Board of the Villanova HRD Program.

This year’s event was a great success, and the SHRM Executive Board is looking forward to hosting the event again next spring. A special thank you to all who made this event possible: particularly our Sponsors, Villanova HRD Faculty and Staff, and Villanova SHRM Officers, including Kevin Balkanloo, Courtney Costigan, Jeanine DiDomenico, Emily Malinowski, and Rana Sachdev.

February 18, 2009
David Liebig, Associate Director of Career Services at Villanova University, gave an excellent presentation on resume and cover letter writing to the Villanova SHRM Chapter.  Topics ranged from specific details on resume formatting and content to general tips which will help professionals present themselves in the most appealing manner. If you have any questions about your resume or would like additional details, visit the Career Services website: http://www.villanova.edu/vpaa/careers/

April 2, 2008
Thank you to everyone who attended and supported the Villanova Student SHRM Chapter's 11th Annual Networking Reception!  The Networking Reception was held at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, Samuel M. V. Hamilton Building with guest speaker Mark Servodidio, Executive Vice President and Chief Human Resource Officer for Avis Budget Group.  Participants of the Networking Reception included Human Resource Professionals from the Delaware Valley along with former and current graduate students in the Human Resource Development Program.  Attendees of the event were able to network with area HR professionals, experience the drama, beauty, mystery, romance and adventure on a private guided tour of the galleries at the Pennsylvania Academy of the Fine Arts, peruse the works of Cecilia Beaux, the beloved American Figure Painter, and attend the presentation of the Cyril Solomons Memorial Scholarship which helps fund the education of a current HR Professional.  With over 120 attendees, this event was truly a success!  Thank you!  

March 12, 2008
Dr. Cheryl Asher, assistant professor in Villanova University's Department of Economics, spoke to the graduate students on labor economics and women in the economy.  In particular, she focused on how economic conditions and the changing labor market are effecting companies and what HR professionals can do to stay ahead of the curve.

February 20, 2008
The Villanova Student SHRM Chapter and the Villanova Graduate Programs in Human Resources launched its mentoring program for the semester for over 15 mentoring pairs.  The Orientation meeting introduced new protégés and mentors to the program, set guidelines and documentation procedures, and provided suggested activities for the mentoring pairs. 

February 13, 2008
Bill Kindred, Lockheed Martin, presented on 'How to Network Effectively' to the Villanova Student SHRM Chapter and the Villanova School of Business students.  He reviewed basic networking techniques, building one's resume, and how to make an effective first impression on an employer.

December 5, 2007
John Connors and Math Roth, Mercer, spoke on aligning management's pay for performance.  Through a brief case study, they explained the process of developing a pay for performance system and what quantitative tools are necessary to accomplish this task.

November 14, 2007
Bill Kindred, Lockheed Martin, presented on developing 'Star Potential'.  He explained how a college student can reframe their college experience as work experience by picking out the competencies developed during these opportunities.  In addition, he reviewed  'Star Potential' resumes, 'Star Potential' at career fairs, and 'Star Potential' phone interviews/screens.

October 10, 2007
Stanley Schmuckler, President of the Valley Forge Consulting Group, shared his experiences on labor relations at the second SHRM meeting of the 2007-2008 year.  He addressed the creation of a retirement plan, the skills and core competencies needed to be successful in labor relations, his lessons learned in contract negotiation, and current trends in labor relations.

October 7, 2007
Congratulations to the Villanova SHRM Chapter on taking 2nd place in the 5th Annual West Chester Chili Cook-off Competition!  And thank you to everyone who came out and supported the Chili-Nova Wildcats!

For more information on the West Chester Chili Cook-off Competition, please visit the West Chester Rotary Chili Cook-off site.

September 12, 2007
The first Villanova SHRM meeting of the new school year was a great success. President Emily Takashima briefly discussed our objectives for the year, including the Networking Reception and the Speaker Series.  The winning chili recipe was chosen for the West Chester Chili Cook-off Competition and open officer positions were filled. To "meet" our new officers, visit our Officers page.

Event Recaps

Wednesday, 4/11/07
Dr. Ginamarie Ligon of Villanova University's HRD program facilitated a focus group to determine the goals and direction of next year's chapter.  As a group, it was decided that meetings will revolve around the skills necessary to become an HR professional and building relationships with alumni.

10th Annual Networking Reception, 3/29/07
The 10th Annual Networking Reception, sponsored by the Villanova SHRM Chapter, provided a great opportunity for HRD program students to meet with area HR professionals, attend an informative discussion, and distribute their resumes to local organizations via the Chapter-sponsored Resume Book. With 120 attendees, the Chapter also raised money for a great cause: the Dr. Cyril Solomons Human Resource Fund, a scholarship for HRD students. Our keynote speaker, Dr. Richard W. Beatty, provided an excellent overview of The Workforce Scorecard.

This year's event was held at The Hub in the Cira Centre.  Our generous sponsors included: Philips Lighting, The Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Citibank, Avis Budget Group, excelleRx, and the Philadelphia SHRM chapter. 

Thank you to all the key players who made this event happen, including the SHRM Chapter Officers, Chapter Advisor/Program Director Dr. David Bush, Associate Professor Dr. Richard Andrulis, Professor Dr. Ginamarie Ligon, and Program Coordinator Patricia Russell. We have received positive feedback from those who attended the event, and we look forward to hosting next year’s 11th Annual Networking Reception!

Wednesday, 2/7/07
Rebecca Cantwell, Senior Associate, and Katie Stewart, Analyst from Mercer Human Resource Consulting spoke to the group about compensation and the different compensation structures available to organizations.

Wednesday, 12/6/06
One of our own graduate assistants, Nicholas Larson, and his colleague Lela Dhamo showed all of us some tricks and gave us some important tips on how to use Microsoft Excel efficiently. We all learned some new features and helpful shortcuts for Excel. Also, a reminder was given that the Holiday Toy drive is under way and that we will be collecting toys until December 15th.

Wednesday, 11/15/06
Michelle Amador, Karen Danley, and Brianne Sullivan shared with the group the exciting opportunities that SAP has to offer in the form of internships and full-time positions. They also shared some information about their company as well as their personal career paths.

Wednesday, 10/25/06
Ryan M. Kavanagh spoke to our group about career planning and his unique career path to the Hay Group.

Welcome Meeting, 9/21/06
The first Villanova SHRM meeting of the new school year was a great success with a good turnout. Co-President Katie Nichols briefly discussed our plans for the year, including the Networking Reception and the Speaker Series. Open officer positions were filled voluntarily. To "meet" our new officers, visit our Officers page.