Photo Albums

Rob Arnett ’09 introduces the business plan for his group's company, Sole Pro—which would make protective covers to reduce wear and increase the longevity of wrestling shoes—during Friday's final business plan presentations for the College's Summer Business Immersion Program, funded by Lilly Endowment, Inc.

Arnett's business colleagues Shola Ajiboye ’10 and Hoang Nguyen ’10 prepare the Trippet Hall videoconference room computer for their presentation.

Hoang Nguyen explains the marketing strategy and corporate structure of Sole Pro.

"The Opportunity is Out There"—Hoang attempts to convince the panel that Sole Pro is worth their investment.

Ajiboye predicts sales in excess of 240,000 units for Sole Pro in its second year of operation.

Panel member Michael Simmons ’88, associate consultant in Global Advocacy and Professional Relations at Eli Lilly and Company, explains a problem he sees in Sole Pro's business plan.

Panel member and Lafayette Small Business Development Center Director Susan Davis offers her perspective.

Alumni Career Officer and program coordinator Lu Hamilton enjoys the interaction.

Panel member Sam Florance—entrepreneur and partner with Sundeo Technologies, former vice provost of the Purdue Gateways Program, and once an investment banker—has been an integral part of the Immersion Program for years, offering candid criticism of the business plans while encouraging students to continue their work. As one fellow panel member quips—if the Summer Business Immersion final day were American Idol, Sam Florance would be Simon.

Florance works one on one with students after their presentation.

Program Instructor John Walter, graduate of Vanderbilt University and Indiana University's Kelley School of Business—tapes the presentations.

Michael Simmons and fellow panel member, business consultant, and Wabash trustee Daryl Johnson ’77 catch up during the break between presentations.