By Alexis Savary
Soft string lights, the voice of Sinatra, tasteful appetizers and delectable Bundt cakes welcomed students and faculty members to Northwest University’s Business Gala, the annual event celebrating the induction of students into the College of Business and the Business Honors Society—Delta Mu Delta.
This year, Leah Johnson, Mattie Jo Johnson and Sydney Schlect, student leaders of Delta Mu Delta, worked hard to form a well-organized team of individuals for the setup and execution of the event, transforming HSC 231 from an average classroom into an elegant venue.
“That is what the event is all about—honoring those members being inducted,” Mattie Jo Johnson said.
NU’s business honor society is entering its fourth year on campus, and has been recognized as an international honor society. Delta Mu Delta acknowledges the academic achievements of individuals within business programs at Association of Collegiate Business Schools and Programs (ACBSP)-accredited schools.
The College of Business received regional accreditation from the ACBSP about five years ago, and shares this privilege with other schools around the world. This year’s gala represented a celebratory welcome of 55 students into the College of Business and 19 students into the Delta Mu Delta honor society. Over 100 people attended the event and enjoyed the social gathering that followed the ceremony.
Guest speaker Janine Thorn, a marketing consultant and judge from Kirkland’s version of Shark Tank, highlighted the importance of Christianity within the business world. Thorn’s message emphasized the presence of one’s “light” and the call all business students have to shine in the darkness of society.
Thorn encouraged students to identify what their light is and how they plan to use that light.
“Find what your passion is, what sparks that light inside of you…[then] make a plan…be flexible but not breakable,” Thorn said. “Don’t give up on your dreams.”
Thorn explained how success depends on consistency and prayer and the reliance on faith in God’s plan and his greater knowledge of life. Thorn said she believes business does matter to God, and it is the job of Christian business members to spread Christ’s love in a world that is often distracted by goals of wealth, fame, and success.
Thorn encouraged attendees to persevere through hardship because good things come out of bad situations, and concluded with advice for students to pursue relationships with everyone. She explained that networking is more than a transaction; it is a relational experience that can lead to transaction opportunities.
Whether it is grabbing a cup of coffee with a professor, sending an email to a coworker or having lunch with peers, these networking experiences Thorn encouraged create relational opportunities to shine the light of Christianity through friendship and compassion.
Professor Tom Sill commended the student’s execution of the event and was pleased with the turnout.
“My favorite part was the great student leadership and volunteers for setup and tear down and seeing so many people attend and have a really fun time,” Sill said.
The annual Business Gala was successful in representing, honoring and encouraging a new group of business members who have chosen to dedicate their lives to the call of Christ and to sharing their light with the rest of society.
