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Westminster College Alumnus Gives Advice to Economics and Business Majors

Posted on Monday, May 6, 2013

NEW WILMINGTON, Pa. - Westminster College alumnus Jeffrey McCandless `80, managing partner at Stone Harbour Partners, met with select economics and business majors April 24, prior to presenting the Distinguished Alumni Lecture at the Undergraduate Research and Arts Celebration (URAC).

As Founder and Managing Partner at Stone Harbour Partners, McCandless brought with him a broad background in terms of functional vertical industry experience, operational, executive, and financial responsibilities. Additionally, McCandless has held the role of COO or CFO at four different companies. He has been integral component at two companies recognized as part of Ernst and Young's Entrepreneur of the Year program.

McCandless met with students Caitlin Oertly, Kimberly Stickney and Quincy Walker, who were representing the Department of Economics and Business; and met with Daniel Matt and Ann Marie Bayma, who were representing not only the department, but also the Student Alumni Association (SAA).

"Meeting with Mr. McCandless was extremely helpful, especially since my chosen profession after college is consulting," Matt said. "He was filled with endless knowledge of the work environment and dished out countless recommendations for me to potentially follow. He was down to earth, shared great Westminster stories, and expects that the foundation we've built here at Westminster will prepare us for a successful career."

Matt, a senior business administration major, is a son of Daniel and Caroline Matt of Pittsburgh and a graduate of Chartiers Valley High School.

Walker, a senior international business and Spanish major, is a daughter of John and Kathleen Walker of Brookfield, Wisc., and a graduate of Allegany-Limestone Central School.

Ann Bayma, a junior international business and accounting major, is a daughter of Edmund and Rose Bayma of Warren, Ohio, and a graduate of Howland High School.

Oertly, a senior business administration major, is a daughter of Laura Oertly of Kane and a graduate of Kane Area High School.

Stickney, a senior accounting major, is a daughter of James and Roxann Stickney of Fenelton and a graduate of Butler Area High School.

In addition to traditional academic offerings, the Department of Economics and Business organizes an array of programs to help students obtain real-world experience in preparation for entering the job market or graduate study. These include alumni and peer mentoring, alumni networking events, career-oriented panel discussions, mock interviews conducted by trained alumni professionals, and experiential learning opportunities integrated into traditional academic courses.

SAA is a selective organization comprised of 47 students and prerequisites to membership include an interview and selection process. Member attributes include: loyalty to Westminster, strong communication skills, working well with students and alumni, and interest in building professional skills.

"A special thank you to Jeff McCandless for coming to campus as the 2013 Alumni Speaker and for meeting with students from the Economics and Business Department and Student Alumni Association," said Cindy Dafler, assistant director of alumni relations.  "This was a great opportunity for the students to meet in small groups with an alumnus who has such great personal experience in business areas including entrepreneurship."

After meeting with the students McCandless presented "The Application of Research and Creativity in the World of Business - Westminster Style." The lecture was part of URAC - an annual showcase for student creative and research efforts, that feature the work of more than 270 students who presented posters, oral presentations, documentaries, art projects and performances, and honors convocation - an award ceremony where students are honored for academic excellence.

Contact Cindy Dafler at (724) 946-7373 or email for more information. 

(l-r) Ann Marie Bayma, Caitlin Oertly, Jeffrey McCandless, Kimberly Stickney, Quincy Walker (front) and Daniel Matt.