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Students present recommendations to Gorman-Rupp
The Business 329: Intermediate Finance class presented their recommendations on the purchase of an industrial machine to representatives from Gorman-Rupp April 25. The students, in groups, prepared their recommendations through financial analysis. As part of their preparation, the students, along with Professor Harold Davis and Dr. Dan Fox, traveled to Gorman-Rupp to see the facilities and speak with personnel. The four groups researched the situation on their own, and wrote reports of their findings, which were given to the representatives of Gorman-Rupp at the presentations. The attendees were impressed with the thorough and insightful work done by the students.
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Morgan Center Sculpture Unveiled
Ashland University unveiled a sculpture by David L. Deming April 19 at 3:30 p.m. in its Burton D. Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies. Deming was commissioned by the University to create this sculpture with funding provided through a grant from The Burton D. Morgan Foundation of Akron . For all of our four collegiate entrepreneurship buildings, The Burton D. Morgan Foundation has supported the enhancement of the structures through art, said Deborah Hoover, executive vice president and treasurer. We are excited to unveil David Deming's dynamic sculpture at Ashland and hope that it will inspire students to new levels of creativity and innovation. Deming's sculpture, titled Spirit of Innovation, is painted aluminum standing 13 feet tall by six feet long and three feet wide. My intent for this sculpture is to embody a traditional heroic figurative presence through a gestural image standing on a pedestal, Deming said. However, the figuration is represented very abstractly by interlocking planes that show off a colorful display as if celebrating some grand achievement or adventure. It is the spirit of innovation and creativity that was the hallmark of Burton D. Morgan's life. This sculpture is meant to accent that quest for seeking new opportunity, different ways to see the world and the entrepreneurial spirit for advancing innovative concepts and achieving success. Deming is president of the Cleveland Institute of Art.
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Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative Ribbon-cutting Ceremony
On April 19, the Dauch building of Ashland University was the site of the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative. The program is partially funded by a grant secured by Ohio Congressman Ralph Regula, who spoke at the ceremony. Robert Stimpert, the head of the Manufacturing Competitiveness Initiative, outlined his plans for the program during the ceremony. He sees the program helping manufacturing businesses in Ashland, Huron, Medina , Richland , Stark, and Wayne counties and the students from Ashland University simultaneously. By supporting students helping businesses with cost studies, marketing, information technologies and other services, promoting the internship program, and persuading local manufacturers to offer student tours, Mr. Stimpert hopes to involve the students in manufacturing. Congressman Regula agrees with Mr. Stimpert's belief that involving the students is important because, as Mr. Stimpert stated, Manufacturing will need good leaders. Congressman Regula is also quoted by the Ashland Times-Gazette as having said, I'm optimistic about the future of this state. It's about leadership.
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SIFE wins the Regional competition, moves on to National
On March 30, the Ashland University SIFE team won the Regional Competition in Cleveland , Ohio . The students will be attending the National Competition in Kansas City on May 20 with their advisor, Professor Kristen Hovsepian.
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Richard Ferrari Lectures
The Morgan Center for Entrepreneurial Studies was honored to have Mr. Richard Ferrari, the Managing Director of De Novo Ventures, as the speaker for the Second Burton D. Morgan Lecture and Luncheon. Mr. Ferrari gave multiple presentations on March 28 in both Ashland and Cleveland . His presentations, Foundation for Excellence and Unleashing the Entrepreneur Within, focused on the mindset necessary for continuing success. According to his presentation, the key to continuing success involves never allowing yourself to stagnate, to remain always active. A captivating speaker, Mr. Ferrari inspired his listeners and taught them to strive for improvement in all aspects of their lives.