Ramapo Magazine

Alumni Input Key to the SAB Advisory Board

Though Ramapo is a young institution, countless graduates have distinguished themselves in a variety of fields. Many give back to their alma mater by being guest lecturers, by lending their financial support, or by sponsoring student interns at their companies.

One way two alumni are helping Ramapo is through the newly-formed School of Administration and Business (SAB) Advisory Board. “The Advisory Board is a good way for me to keep in touch with what’s happening at Ramapo and to help the faculty make sure programs will meet the needs of employers in the 21st century,” says Fran Hackett ‘80, vice president, Compliance, Group Insurance at Prudential Insurance Company in Livingston, New Jersey.

Formed in 1999, the Advisory Board is made up of five men and women. Each is a well-respected officer in a major corporation. In addition to Hackett, alumnus Mike Chico, `80, vice president of Integrated Sales with ABC National Television Sales in New York City, is a member. Representatives from Ernst & Young, Lucent Technologies, and Applied Graphics Technologies round out the board’s membership.

“Mike [Chico] has been very helpful with advice on promotional issues,” says SAB Dean Fred Champlin. “He has been a very active participant in all the Advisory Board meetings.”

“The School and the College have changed so much since I was an undergraduate,” says Chico. “All of us on the Advisory Board are glad to be able to share our career experience in the hope that we can add some hands-on relevancy to the program here at Ramapo. We have had some fruitful discussions.”

“It’s gratifying to see a mutual respect, a credibility for our alumni at this level among their peers,” says Professor Ray Rigoli. “It’s good for students to know that the members of the board, especially the alumni, are successful.” Rigoli was instrumental in forming the Advisory Board, and continues as the Board’s liaison with SAB.

“Right now the Board is looking at the accreditation process,” continues Rigoli. The School is in the midst of applying for accreditation from the International Association for Management Education, which will add to the School’s stature.

“They’re also looking at the programs we’re offering,” continues Rigoli, “ways we can develop partnerships with the business community, and how we can help them. For example, they’re looking at how our faculty can help in areas such as human resource management or special projects — or introducing Ramapo to folks at members’ companies who want to earn an MBA.”

Creation of the Advisory Board demonstrates how SAB is keeping pace with its peers in business education. “Most business schools have some kind of advisory group,” says Champlin, “and we are certainly better off with this kind of connection to the business community.”