Building industry bridges

At Kansas State University, students not only have access to faculty members who are leading experts in their fields, but they also have opportunities to connect with industry professionals and corporate partners who provide real-world business knowledge, advice and support.

The College of Business Administration recently celebrated nine years of corporate collaboration at its annual Corporate Partner Reception, giving top business students exclusive networking opportunities with industry executives and unveiling a new corporate donor wall in the Business Building.

Corporate partners play vital role in K-State business programs

Since launching the Corporate Partner Program in 2018 with 40 partners and $1.5 million in giving, the college has seen remarkable growth. With 60 corporate partners now contributing more than $2 million for FY25/26, the program highlights the expanding reach and vital role of industry collaboration across the College of Business.

"Our Corporate Partners are essential collaborators in all that we strive to accomplish here at the College of Business," said Kevin Gwinner, Edgerley family dean. "Their unwavering commitment to our students, faculty and programs transforms classroom learning into real-world opportunity. The annual Corporate Partners Reception is a wonderful occasion to pause, reflect and express our heartfelt gratitude to the remarkable organizations and individuals who invest so generously in our mission. We are deeply grateful for their investment and support, and we look forward to continuing to work together to provide excellent educational experiences for our students."

The reception recognized all 60 corporate partners, welcoming representatives from 34 companies alongside more than 100 top students nominated by faculty and staff for this premier networking opportunity. The event also celebrated six new partners this year: Crown Lift Trucks, Five Elms Capital, Magnetar, Butterfield Enterprises, Kansas Bankers Association and Levata.

"The impact of these partnerships is truly remarkable, and we are grateful for the continued support of our College of Business partners," said Wendy Pfeiffer, director of corporate engagement for the college. "This event provides a meaningful opportunity to celebrate these partnerships while connecting our students and partners."

Corporate mentorship supports business student development

The College of Business Administration's corporate partners provide more than program funding for students; they also provide one-on-one mentorship to students who are preparing to enter the business world after graduation.

In the mentorship program, students meet with their mentors at least once per month for an hour, and they are paired with their mentors for six months. Mentorship activities depend on the student's needs but can include career exploration, industry advice, resume reviews, mock interviews and shadowing opportunities. If a mentor lives more than 250 miles away, the program has a travel scholarship for students who might want to visit their mentors to see their places of work or attend networking events.

Student mentees and corporate mentors can also be nominated for awards recognizing their mentorship relationship.

Outstanding mentor, mentee recognized with awards

The Mentee of the Year award recognizes students who have actively engaged in mentorship, taken the initiative in mentorship communications, asked questions and learned from mentors, and shown significant drive to improve and challenge themselves. The Mentor of the Year award recognizes mentors who have actively engaged in mentorship by sharing their skills and expertise, listening to mentee questions and needs, providing constructive and honest feedback, and expressing genuine interest in the mentees' professional and personal success.

The Mentor and Mentee of the Year awards were presented at the Corporate Partners Reception. Paul Friel of Catalyst Pharmaceuticals received Mentor of the Year, nominated by his mentee, Riley Smitko, professional strategic selling and pre-nursing major.

Marketing major Ruby Zimmerman was recognized as Mentee of the Year, nominated by her mentor, Katherine Conklin, senior group account executive for the Milwaukee Bucks.

"Katherine has been such a great person to learn from and has helped me become more confident in myself, my skills and my future career," Zimmerman said. "As a marketing student, she has given me advice and different perspectives that have helped me better understand the opportunities available to me and what I want to pursue. I am especially grateful for her encouragement and willingness to share her own experiences with me.

"This opportunity has shown me how valuable mentorship can be, and I hope to one day have the same positive impact on someone else.”

Learn more about the College of Business Administration's Corporate Partner program.