University of La Verne College of Business

Anita Ron (’88) honored as Businessperson of the Year The Irwindale Chamber of Commerce has awarded Businessperson of the Year to La?Verne alumna and College of Business Advisory Board member Anita Ron (’88).? Her company, BriteWorks, was launched in 1996. BriteWorks now employs around 200 associates and provides commercial and janitorial services for clients including Coca-Cola, Disney, and the Super Bowl. The Irwindale Chamber of Commerce installation and award ceremony was held in the Chandelier Room at Santa Anita Park. Anita was awarded SBA’s LA District Small Businessperson of the Year in 2024. Later that year she received the University of La?Verne’s Alumni award. In April, 2024 she received? the Diversity Professionals Magazine Women of Excellence award, adding to recognition from elected officials, regional and state Hispanic chambers of commerce, the Latin Business Association, the Los Angeles Business Journal, and Latina Style Magazine. The College of Business is pleased and proud to have Anita Ron on our Advisory Board, providing support, counsel, and an important voice of the alumni and of the local business community! ? The post Anita Ron (’88) honored as Businessperson of the Year appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/dnvp3WWz

O’Brien Career Center Events: Preparing Students for Success From the Start The Judge Edmond Emmett O’Brien and Muriel Faith O’Brien Career Center in the University of? La?Verne College of Business works with our students from the start of their time with us.? In addition to running in-class career planning, mentoring , and interview training events for business students, the O’Brien Career Center coordinates with the university’s Central Career Services? on events of interest to all ULV students and alumni. 6 Feb BUS 496 Class Presentations: Career Action Plan for Seniors February 6, 2025 Open to enrolled business students only 11 Feb BUS 330 Class Presentations: Career Action Plan for Juniors February 11, 2025 Open to enrolled business students only 13 Feb BUS 330 Class Presentations: Career Action Plan for Juniors February 13, 2025 Open to enrolled business students only 25 Feb Effective Job Search Practices for graduate students February 25, 2025 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Virtual on Handshake 5 Mar Accounting 301 Class Presentation: Career Action Plan for Accounting Students March 5, 2025 Open to enrolled accounting students only 25 Mar Next Level Interviewing Techniques March 25, 2025 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Virtual on Handshake 8 Apr Workshop: Prepare for the Fair (Career & Internship Fair) April 8, 2025 In-class event for current College of Business students 9 Apr BUS 242 Class Presentations: Career Action Plan for Sophomores April 9, 2025 Open to enrolled students only 10 Apr BUS 242 Class Presentations: Career Action Plan for Sophomores April 10, 2025 Open to enrolled students only 16 Apr Spring Career & Internship Fair April 16, 2025 11:30 AM – 2:00 PM Abraham Campus Center Third Floor 24 Apr BUS 242 Mock Interview Program April 24, 2025 Open to enrolled students only 13 May Strategies for Career Transitions (for graduate students) May 13, 2025 12:00 PM – 12:45 PM Virtual on Handshake In addition, stay tuned for upcoming Weekly Employer Recruiting Events, where we collaborate with ULV Central Career Services to bring in private sector employers and government agencies to conduct recruiting/information sessions for students and recent graduates . The O’Brien Career Center is dedicated to helping students and graduates of the College of Business in their search for meaningful and rewarding work and to equip them with the resources and skills needed to advance through the career development process with confidence and professionalism. The post O’Brien Career Center Events: Preparing Students for Success From the Start appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/dq5h8C_3

La?Verne accounting students make the season less taxing Now in its 14th year, the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program is again available at the University of La?Verne for eligible taxpayers to receive free tax services. The VITA program at University of La?Verne is available on Saturdays-February 1st through April 5th, 2025, to all eligible taxpayers. All tax preparation services are provided between the hours of 9 a.m. and 12:30 p.m., at the Cogley Building located at 2180 Third Street in La?Verne, 91750. Scheduling an appointment time is strongly encouraged. While walk-ins are welcome, they will be served only if space is available and wait times may be long. Those interested in additional information on the VITA program or seeking to make an appointment can email [email protected]. ? What is VITA? Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) is an IRS‐sponsored community program that helps low -to- moderate-income (generally annual income is no greater $70,000) families and individuals located in La?Verne and surrounding communities (So Cal). ? What is the cost? All volunteers are IRS certified and will assist with e- filing and paper filing at no cost to the taxpayer. Hours (February 1st through April 5th, 2025) Saturdays 9 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. How to make an appointment: You can make an appointment by emailing us at [email protected] . ? What to bring to the first day of your appointment: · Proof of identity (such as a valid driver’s license or other government issued picture ID) · Social Security Cards for you, your spouse and dependents and/or a Social Security Number verification letter issued by the Social Security Administration · Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) assignment letter for you, your spouse, and dependents · Birth dates for you, your spouse, and dependents on the tax return · Wage and earning statement (s) Form W‐2, W‐2G, 1099‐R, from all employers · Interest and dividend statements from banks (Forms 1099) · Brokerage statements 1099-B and SSA 1099 · A copy of last year’s federal and state returns if available · Bank routing numbers and account numbers for Direct Deposit · Total amount paid for daycare provider and the daycare provider’s tax identifying number (the provider’s Social Security Number or the provider’s business Employer Identification Number) · Form 1098-T Tuition Expenses · Form 1095A – issued by the Marketplace if you purchased health care insurance through the CA Marketplace in 2024 · Exemption Certificate Number (ECN) – issued by the Marketplace. To file taxes electronically for a married couple filing joint tax return, both spouses must be present to sign the required forms. Where is the VITA site located? University of La?Verne Cogley Building 2180 Third Street, La?Verne, CA 91750 The post La?Verne accounting students make the season less taxing appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/dGbyMmBs

La?Verne MBA programs rank high in 2025 The college information site Intelligent.com has awarded high ratings to four of our Master of Business Administration offerings: #7 Best Online MBA in Information Technology (IT) Programs of 2025 #7 Best Online MBA in Supply Chain Management Degree Programs of 2025 #8 Best MBA in Information Technology Degree Programs of 2025 #11 Best Online MBA in International Business Degree Program of 2025 ? Our business programs have also been ranked highly by Forbes, Niche.com, and U.S. News & World report: DBA program ranks No. 3 nationally in “Best Online DBA Degrees of 2024” Forbes Advisor’s ? list of the Best Online DBA Degrees of 2024 ULV ranks No. 96 nationally in “Best Online Bachelor’s in Business Programs” U.S. News & World Report, 2025 ULV ranks No. 14 in “Best Colleges for Business in California” Niche.com, 2025 ULV ranks No. 217 nationally in “Best Online MBA Programs” U.S. News & World Report, 2025 ULV ranks No. 113 in “Best Colleges for Business in America” Niche.com, 2025 We are proud of the work we do in advancing knowledge, changing lives, and making a positive difference in our community, and we are pleased to have our programs nationally recognized! The post La?Verne MBA programs rank high in 2025 appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/gB7TdGZh

Dr. Louise Kelly develops women’s leadership workshop in Serbia Dr. Louise Kelly is partnering with the Innovative Women of Serbia (IWS) to lead ‘InnovaHER Workshop: Empowering Women to Lead with Impact’, scheduled to take place in Belgrade in April 2025. Dr. Kelly is developing this innovative program as part of her work as a Fulbright Specialist. The groundwork for this workshop was done through research funded by the Lewis Center for Well Being and Research at the University of La?Verne. The InnovaHER Workshop builds on that foundational work, combining in-person sessions with an online component to ensure accessibility for women across Serbia and beyond. Participants will learn essential skills such as strategic decision-making, negotiation, mindfulness techniques, emotional intelligence, and resilience. The workshop is part of Dr. Kelly’s ongoing research on leadership and mindfulness. With its focus on creating a sustainable community of empowered women, it also aligns with IWS’s mission to foster gender equality and drive meaningful change in the workplace.?Insights from the development and delivery of this workshop will eventually inform and enrich the University of La?Verne’s own offerings in graduate and executive education. The Fulbright Specialist Program is administered by the U.S. State Department. This highly competitive initiative allows U.S. professionals and academics to engage in short-term projects at institutions abroad in order to promote cultural exchange and enhance global collaboration. The post Dr. Louise Kelly develops women’s leadership workshop in Serbia appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/gqjZeCmV

ULV’s Integrated Business Program and SBDC inspire teen entrepreneur Anthony Garrido ’25 starts his Saturdays before sunrise, loading up vending machines in bustling Ontario warehouses. By the time most of his peers are just waking up, the 19-year-old Upland native is already turning a profit. With determination, ingenuity, and business resources and practice from the University of La?Verne, Garrido turned a simple idea into a thriving business projected to earn $30,000 a year. The business student credits experiences with the the? Small Business Development Center (SBDC) ? and? Integrated Business Program ? for helping to transform his vision into reality. “I have learned so many skills – from how to conduct research and write a business plan to how to pitch a smart idea and get a loan,” Garrido said. Anthony Garrido stands by his vending machines ? Inspired by his Cuban grandfather’s entrepreneurial legacy, Garrido saw opportunity where others overlooked it. He placed vending machines in warehouses with no fast food nearby, using app-enabled technology for remote inventory management. His business model is both strategic and efficient, allowing him to juggle school and his job as a fast-food assistant manager. Anthony’s ambition doesn’t stop there. Through ULV’s Integrated Business Program, he led a student-run business as CEO, raising more than $11,000 for charity. He’s also saving to invest in a fast-food franchise, a dream fueled by his passion for creating opportunities for himself and others. “ULV has taught me more than business skills—it’s shown me what’s possible when you have the right support and mindset,” Garrido says. This article was originally published at University of La?Verne News The post ULV’s Integrated Business Program and SBDC inspire teen entrepreneur appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/gEiKzeDA

DBA students make first visit to La?Verne campus The La?Verne campus was buzzing with excitement as we welcomed five students from the first cohort of the DBA bilingual program in China for a first-ever in-person visit. Their schedule included a lively seminar on “AI in Research” led by Professors Amy Jiang and Liberty McCoy, a session on research methodology with Dr. Hongnai Zhang, and a deep dive into the details of the Institutional Review Board (IRB) process with senior analyst Billie Guerrero. While the students were immersed in these academic discussions, their family members explored 3D and VR activities at Wilson Library. ? The learning extended beyond seminars and classrooms. With Dr. Zhen Zhang, the group toured the Amazon fulfillment center, getting a behind-the-scenes look at their logistics. Later, they visited the Three Valleys Municipal Water District with Dr. Issam Ghazzawi, where they had a chance to talk with Chief Administrative Officer Kirk Howie. The visit wrapped up with a special dinner, where the visiting students connected with local DBA students, faculty, and college leaders. When student representative Ping Yi expressed heartfelt gratitude for the community’s support, it was a powerful reminder of the friendships and mentorships that define our program. ? This visit captured the essence of our DBA program: meaningful connections, hands-on learning, and a global perspective.? Although the DBA program is only in its third year, the program has already been ranked third nationally by Forbes Advisor for its online track. For more information, visit? business .laverne .edu /dba . ? The post DBA students make first visit to La?Verne campus appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/gqBiX8Ui

La?Verne Online DBA Program Ranks Third Nationally The University of La?Verne’s innovative?? Doctor of Business Administration (DBA)? program has achieved national recognition, ranking third in? Forbes Advisor’s ? list of the Best Online DBA Degrees of 2024 . This prestigious honor arrives ahead of the first cohort’s graduation this spring, marking a significant milestone for a program that only began a few years ago. Led by Program Director Zhen Zhang, the three-year hybrid program combines online and on-campus instruction, making it accessible to working professionals seeking to advance their careers in upper management, consulting, research, or academia. The DBA curriculum integrates applied research with practical skills, designed to foster critical thinking, holistic problem-solving, and interdisciplinary knowledge. The program prepares students to address real-world challenges, create solutions for complex business issues, and drive organizational growth and sustainability. “This is a tremendous recognition for our program, especially so early on,” said? College of Business ? Dean Emmeline de Pillis. “We’re excited to see how our graduates will impact their fields as they step into the next phase of their careers.” The DBA program offers two distinct tracks? ?—? ? a bilingual English/Mandarin cohort, offered in partnership with THH Zhidao Education for senior executives in China, and a domestic track, which recently gained F-1 visa eligibility to welcome international students. Both tracks maintain the same curriculum, though the bilingual track is taught in English and Mandarin to accommodate professionals in China. Students also have the opportunity to gain practical hands-on experience through co-authored research and faculty mentorship.? After finishing the initial two years, students may also become eligible for a Master of Arts in Business Administration degree, enhancing career prospects. Prospective students are encouraged to apply on a rolling basis. For more information, visit? business .laverne .edu /dba . h/t The post La?Verne Online DBA Program Ranks Third Nationally appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/gSZsjQiS

La?Verne Business Students Shine: Six Awarded $500 Faculty Merit Scholarships Six? College of Business students have been awarded the College of Business Faculty Merit Scholarship. To be eligible, a student must be a full-time junior or senior undergraduate in the College of Business who demonstrates exceptional academic performance. Each recipient will receive $500. This scholarship was founded and funded by faculty and alumni of the College of Business for the purpose of? honoring? academic achievement. This initiative underscores the commitment of University of La?Verne faculty to support and invest in our future leaders. Recipients The students honored with this scholarship are ?Raquel Fritz, Aimee Nagengast, Courtney Okumura,? Analise Espinoza, William Contreras, and Jun Parangan . Impact The scholarship not only provides financial assistance but also serves as a motivational factor for students to strive for excellence in their academic pursuits. The faculty’s investment reflects their belief in the potential of these students and their future contributions to society and the community of alumni. As these recipients continue their educational journeys, they exemplify the core values of? Ethical Reasoning, Diversity and Inclusivity, Lifelong Learning, and Civic and Community Engagement. The College of Business Faculty Merit Scholarship is a testament to the university’s dedication to fostering academic excellence and supporting its students. We are immensely proud of our inaugural Merit Scholars! The post La?Verne Business Students Shine: Six Awarded $500 Faculty Merit Scholarships appeared first on College of Business News . https://lnkd.in/gfJ4DBEw

WSJ and US News give La?Verne top ratings for social mobility In the Wall Street Journal’s latest college rankings for social mobility , the University of La?Verne was ranked #17 nationally, one of only three private universities in the top 20.? In U. S. News rankings, La?Verne was #6 among national universities, and the top private school among national universities for social mobility. The rankings use different methodologies and weightings, but both take into account factors such as years to pay off the cost of attendance, the extent to which the university boosts a graduate’s salary, and the college’s performance in getting students to graduation. At the University of La?Verne College of Business, we work every day in different ways to help students meet their goals.? In 2021, in recognition of a generous gift from Dr. Rita Patel Thakur, the College of Business established the Dr. Rita Patel Thakur Academic Advising Center to provide academic advising to students enrolled in programs at the College of? Business at the La?Verne Campus. Academic Advisors work closely with the College of Business O’Brien Career Center to help students meet their goals by connecting career planning, interview preparation, resume support, and placement opportunities. The Rita Thakur Undergraduate Skills For Success Program Academic Advising Career Services Curriculum Year 1 Advisors develop an educational plan. Meet Career Services in BUS 101 and begin developing a career plan. Connect for Success Mentoring: BUS 101. Year 2 Advisors discuss student career interests and applicable majors and minors. Career Services works with faculty in BUS 242 to conduct mock interviews with business executives. Achieving Professional Success: BUS 242. ? Learn key business skills and look for a summer internship. Year 3 Advisors guide students through experiential courses such as IBC or VITA. Review career plans and resumes, and secure summer internship leading to a job offer. Experiential course such as Integrated Business Curriculum Program(BUS 330, BUS 360, BUS 390, MGMT 300) or VITA Year 4 Advisors work with students to ensure coursework and career plans are aligned. Review career plans including a successful start at a new employer or graduate school. Capstone Business Seminar: BUS 496. Class competes nationally with 500 other teams in an online simulation. Services for Graduate Students Academic Advising Career Services Curriculum Academic advisors meet with students to discuss programs and concentrations and to ensure to ensure coursework and career plans are aligned. Career Services works with students to? develop a career plan for the student’s goal: a promotion, a move between companies, or an industry change. Resume review, mock interviews, and job search consultation are available. The College of Business faculty are constantly working to keep the curriculum up-to-date, aligning our offerings with student interests and industry needs. Alu