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K-State Today

September 10, 2012

Corporate partnership: College of Business Administration hosts first GTM Week

Submitted by Olivia Blanco

For College of Business Administration students at Kansas State University, a regular week of classes will become an opportunity to learn from and network with executives of one of the fastest growing companies in the country. The college will be celebrating GTM Week, a series of guest lecturers, networking and recruiting events featuring executives from the Manhattan-based company.

"This will be a great opportunity for student, faculty and industry interaction that will lead to an even closer relationship between GTM and the college," said Ali Malekzadeh, Edgerley family dean of the College of Business Administration. "Dave Dreiling, an alumnus of the college, and his company offer great insight into the business world. We are delighted to welcome him and his executives."

GTM Sportswear executives will speak to a total of 17 classes throughout the week, including Managerial Reporting, Human Resources Management and Electronic Marketing, as well as meet with various student organizations.

"GTM is excited to collaborate with the College of Business Administration at a whole new level with the first-ever GTM Week," said Dreiling, owner of GTM Sportswear. "I was inspired by Dean Malekzadeh's commitment to educational experience through meaningful partnerships with the business community and I wanted to be a part of it."

Dreiling, who graduated from K-State in 1989 with a degree in marketing, has supported the college through recruitment, generous donations and ongoing engagement, including being an executive mentor and a member of the Dean's Business Advisory Council.

"Business students are the key to the future growth and success of K-State and the Manhattan community. We want to show students what GTM is all about and why we're the right fit for internships and careers after college," Dreiling said.

GTM Week is a model partnership between the college and its corporate partners. Students and faculty get the opportunity to network with the corporation's employees, gaining real-life lessons, while the corporation gets access to faculty, for a chance to develop lasting relationships and learn about their ongoing research, as well as giving students time to network and attend focused recruitment events.

"We are determined to expand our relationship and interactions with our corporate partners; we have a lot to learn from each other," Malekzadeh said. "With GTM Week we are starting a model partnership that will benefit students, faculty and industry."

About GTM Sportswear:

GTM Sportswear, headquartered in Manhattan, Kan., is a national provider of custom-embellished uniforms, warm-ups and practice apparel for college, school and club sports teams. Founded in 1989, the company employs more than 850 people, including a nationwide sales team and an inside support team. For more information, visit http://www.gtmsportswear.com.