The University of Houston-Downtown’s Marilyn Davies College of Business prides itself on providing career-focused education to students that will shape them as future leaders. And it doesn’t stop after they receive their graduate or undergraduate degrees. 

To that end, the Marilyn Davies College of Business is hosting a Business Alumni Conference from 8:45 a.m. to 12:45 p.m., Saturday July 10 at UHD’s Shea Street Building. The event will host speakers that include UHD business professors, along with corporate professionals addressing a variety of career-oriented topics such as managing personnel, acquisitions and the effects of COVID-19 and business. 

Assistant Professor of Business Dietrich von Biedenfeld helped organize the event as a way for the college’s faculty to maximize their time and talents to be available to alumni. 

“This event will provide short, focused presentations by subject matter experts to refresh alumni recollection, address practical questions and demonstrate value of a UHD education to graduates,” he said. “We also see this as a prime a networking opportunity to strengthen the Gator connections among alums.” 

Dr. Charles Gengler, Dean of Marilyn Davies College of Business, will kick off the program with welcome remarks. Conference participants will then be able to attend their choice of sessions, which are listed below. 

Problems with People – and Solutions 
9-10 a.m., Room B113 
Presenters: David Maldonado, Visiting Professor and Bonnie Wiseman, Vice President of Human Resources for Interfaith Ministries and UHDCOB MBA Program Corporate Fellow 

Introduction to Procurement 
10-11 a.m., Room B250 
Presenters: Isaac Elking, Assistant Professor and Ted Jeude, Retired Director of Goodman Manufacturing and UHDCOB MBA Program Corporate Fellow 

Non-Linear Career Paths and Public Service 
10-11 a.m., Room B350 
Presenters: Adrian Hernandez, Mayor Pro-Tem, City of Pearland, and Greg Rincon, Attorney 

Acquisition Strategies: Sourcing and Advanced Procurement Concepts 
11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room B250 
Presenters: Isaac Elking, Assistant Professor and Ted Jeude, Retired Director of Goodman Manufacturing and UHDCOB MBA Program Corporate Fellow 

Career Enhancers in a Post-Pandemic World  
11 a.m.-12 p.m., Room B350 
Presenters: Genaro Pena, UHDCOB Corporate Fellow Liaison, and Jesus De La Cerda, Supply Chain Director, Anadarko 

Panel Discussion 
Noon-12:45 p.m., Room B113 
Presenters: John Brucato, Regional Vice President for Primerica and MDCOB professors 

von Biedenfeld said those who wish to attend the conference are not required to register, but they must RSVP by Thursday, July 8 if they plan to attend the networking lunch at the end of the program.