University News

CBT Executive in Residence Program

October 2, 2007


Share |
Printer friendly version

MACOMB, IL -- Western Illinois University students in the College of Business and Technology (CBT) learn firsthand the tips of the trade from professionals in the business world through the college's "Executive in Residence" program.

According to CBT Dean Tom Erekson, through the program, a business executive resides on campus and serves as a course lecturer and faculty mentor. Former WIU student Eric Gleacher, chair of Gleacher Partners, LLC, an international investment banking firm, will be on the
WIU-Macomb campus Tuesday, Oct. 16. Gleacher will meet with CBT student mentees from 8-9 a.m. and will meet with classes from 9:30 a.m.-noon, followed by a luncheon.

Gleacher founded Gleacher Partners in 1990; and during his 31-year career, he has become a preeminent leader on Wall Street, serving as financial adviser in many large corporate mergerS including the $10 billion acquisition of American Cyanamid by American Home Products. Before starting his firm, Gleacher oversaw global mergers and acquistions at Morgan Stanley for six years. He started the mergers and acquisitions department at Lehman Brothers in 1978.

Gleacher attended Western in the late 1950s. He received his bachelor's degree from Northwestern University and his MBA from The University of Chicago.

"The purpose of the Executive in Residence program is to equip our students with the tools to navigate beyond their Western experience. Successful alumni and friends of the college are invited to share how they have charted successful careers," Erekson said. "The program, which was initiated through the generosity of Drs. Jim and Carolyn Tripp, professors in the department of marketing and finance, provides our students with a marvelous opportunity to speak on a personal level with business executives who possesses stellar experiences and connections."

Laura Janus, CFA, managing partner and CIO-Fixed Income of Holland Capital Management in Chicago, served an executive residency Sept. 18. Janus, a Western accountancy graduate, is a founding partner of Holland Capital.

Tamara Harris, instructional technologist for IBM Learning Development in Atlanta, GA and owner of Selene's Sensations, LLC in Atlanta, will participate in the program Nov. 4-6. Harris receive bachelor's degrees in information management from WIU.

WIU alumnus Michael Litwin, the managing director and chief credit and risk officer for Merrill Lynch Capital in Chicago, was the first Executive in Residence participant in Fall 2005.



Posted By: Darcie Shinberger (U-Communications@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing