Lexy Kessler ’85: A Terp with Tenacity
Lexy Kessler ’85, a partner at Aprio, was recently elected chairman of the AICPA. A longtime volunteer and leader in the field, she credits the Smith School with helping shape her career and encourages students to build strong peer networks.
Alumni Panel Shares Insight on Finance Career Pathways
Eight distinguished Smith School alumni shared diverse finance career paths with students during an April 4 panel and breakout sessions. The event offered real-world insights into finance roles, emphasizing flexibility, collaboration, and skills needed for long-term success.
From PepsiCo to Ocean Spray: How Alumna Utilized Smith MBA to Pivot to Consumer Products
Monisha Dabek, MBA ’06, credits the Smith School for propelling her into consumer products, starting at PepsiCo and leading to her current role as COO at Ocean Spray. She values the Smith network, career pivots, and supporting women in business.
Why I Give: The Impact of Scholarship
Sara Carlson honors her father Robert L. Edwards ’39 by continuing the scholarship he founded, supporting students at the Smith School. Inspired by his love of learning and belief in education’s power, she proudly carries forward his legacy of giving back.
6th Annual Datathon Offers Real-World Experience to UMD and AU Students
The Smith School’s 6th Annual Datathon welcomed 44 AU students and represented nearly 50 majors across both universities. Teams tackled a real-world Spotify challenge, with finalists earning cash prizes and career mentorship from Deloitte professionals.
Alumni Return to College Park to Share Insights on Global Careers
Students gained global career insights from a panel of alumni across industries at the April 3 Careers Crossing Borders event. Hosted by the Center for Global Business, the panel emphasized relationship-building, cultural awareness, and passion as keys to international success.
As part of the Careers Crossing Borders series, the Center for Global Business presents The Trek. Discover exciting career opportunities during a day of site visits to explore global careers at dynamic international companies and organizations in Maryland.
Confirmed visits include EchoStar, the Port of Baltimore, and Mediterranean Shipping Company. An additional visit may be confirmed.
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Save the date and join the Center for Global Business for an evening of global career exploration and networking over dinner.
Students, spend an evening with Smith School alumni from companies such as Dell Technologies, Johnson Controls, Bayer Crop Science, and more to learn about international career paths and how to leverage your global mindset. Open to all students and majors.
Alumni friends and colleagues of the Center for Global Business, be our guests of honor and share your experience with like-minded peers and students interested in global careers.
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Why We Give: Margie and Bob Bedingfield
Margie (’72) and Bob (’70) Bedingfield’s lifelong bond with the University of Maryland led them to donate $1.75 million in scholarships supporting student-athletes and business students. Their generosity reflects a deep commitment to Maryland athletics, the Smith School and future Terps.
Alumna Credits Contacts at Smith, UMD for Help With App Development
Smith School alumna Lauren Der ’19 began her career in federal consulting before transitioning to the public sector as a Change Management Specialist for Montgomery County Government. She also developed Opsy, a health-tracking app inspired by her personal health journey.