Digital Mixer Recap

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May 2008

The Greater Dayton IT Alliance focused on workforce development in February.  The monthly meeting was held February 25 at Wright State University prior to the Digital Mixer.   Raj Soin College of Business Dean Berkwood Farmer moderated an industry panel including Aaron Sigritz, Director of Program Information Management, Computer Sciences Corporation; Beth Fredette, CIO/Director, Children's Medical Center and Barry Besecker, Partner, Crown Partners.  Business expectations of graduates were discussed.

After their discussion, Don Hopkins moderated a panel of college representatives.  In addition to being CIO for NCR, Don Hopkins is Chair of the GDITA Board of Trustees, serves on several academic advisory boards, and teaches in the MBA program at Wright State.   The panel of Dr. Charles Showell, Dean of the College of Business and Industry, Central State University; Martha Taylor, Interim Chair, Computer Information Systems, Sinclair Community College and Dr. Andy Lai, Interim Chair of Information Systems and Operations Management discussed how industry could increase collaboration with their educational programs.  As one attendee remarked afterwards, “I think the forum is an excellent opportunity for both the business and educational branches to define and meet the technology needs for our community.”

The third annual Digital Mixer followed.  This networking event is co-sponsored with the Raj Soin College of Business, WSU Career Services, the Greater Dayton IT Alliance, the Dayton Area Chamber of Commerce, and the i-Zone.  Students studying information technology including MIS and Computer Science attended from Wright State University, Clark State Community College, Sinclair Community College, Central Michigan University, Central State University, Cedarville University, DeVry University, Franklin University, University of Dayton, Wilberforce University, and Wilmington College.  Forty companies were represented and many were actively seeking students and graduates for information technology jobs.  The event gives area businesses and non-profits the opportunity to showcase opportunities in the area.  

Pete Hager, Director of City Services, gave a welcome from the City of Dayton to students and employers.  Students enjoyed the opportunity to mix with a number of IT representatives from local companies.  Generation Dayton representatives attended to spread the word about opportunities to network with young professionals in the region.  Employer feedback was very positive.  As one company representative said, “This is a great opportunity for students to impress us. Unlike career fairs, students have the option of discussing their views on the industry, which provides a more in-depth look into the students themselves.”  

The Digital Mixer has become an integral part of GDITA’s workforce development initiative.  Mark your calendars for next year’s Digital Mixer to be held Tuesday, February 17, 2009 at Wright State University.