Business • Alumni • Community • Engagement (BACE)
Strengthening Partnerships That Advance Our Mission
Meet the Team
- Janice Adams, Associate Director, External Relations, BACE
- Chase Johnson, Events Administrator Associate, BACE
Launched in 2024, this unit advances UIC Business’s mission by strengthening the college’s external engagement and developing strategic partnerships that create lasting value for students, faculty, alumni, and industry partners.
Working closely with the Dean, our team facilitates strategic engagement opportunities that strengthen relationships with alumni, industry leaders, community partners, and other stakeholders. These connections help advance initiatives that support student success, faculty excellence, and the college’s broader goals. Key examples are noted below.
Dean’s Business Advisory Council (BAC) Engagement and Impact
During the 2024–2025 academic year, our team supported the Dean’s work with the Business Advisory Council (BAC), with a particular focus on strengthening relationships and deepening member engagement. Through individual meetings and ongoing outreach, we helped foster a greater understanding of the personal and professional interests that drive members’ commitment to supporting UIC students.
These strengthened connections led to meaningful collaboration throughout FY’25–26, including company site visits, industry presentations, curriculum input, and new programming developed in partnership with the Business Career Center. Council members also expanded their engagement with students and contributed to initiatives that support faculty excellence and innovation.
We concluded the year with a Business Advisory Council dinner that brought members together to engage in meaningful dialogue, strengthen connections across industries, and explore future opportunities for collaboration. The event reinforced the Council’s commitment to student success and supported the Dean’s goal of expanding students’ exposure to diverse industries, experiences, and career pathways.
Accenture Site Visit
Thanks to Vivek Mullick – Managing Director, Accenture, BAC member and UIC alum, Accenture hosted UIC Business students for a site visit featuring a panel of consultants from diverse industries who shared career insights, pathways within the firm, and guidance on standing out in a competitive applicant pool. The visit also included an AI in Information Technology panel, highlighted by the participation of a distinguished UIC alumnus whose expertise and continued engagement provided students with meaningful industry perspective and inspiration.
Business Advisory Council (continued)
Opportunities in the Hospitality Industry: A Panel Discussion
David Henkes, UIC alum and BAC member, is committed to exposing students to the often-overlooked career opportunities within the hospitality industry. This event featured a panel discussion exploring pathways across hospitality management and related sectors, highlighting panelists’ career journeys, industry trends, and insights into management-level roles.
UIC Business Executive Exchange Series
Beginning in the Fall of 2025, UIC Business launched a new signature event series—UIC Business Executive Exchange—bringing distinguished C-suite executives to campus for thought-provoking conversations with our community. Each semester, a prominent business leader engages in a candid Q&A discussion, offering insights into leadership, strategy, and industry trends. The events are followed by a brief networking reception, allowing students one-on-one access to our guests.
The next installment of the series, UIC Business Executive Exchange: A Conversation with Janet Foutty, is planned for Thursday, September 24, 2026, in the late afternoon. Additional details, including time, location, and registration information, will be announced as they become available.
Alumni Engagement
Professional Alumni Network
The UIC Business Professional Alumni Network exists to cultivate a vibrant community of alumni who are committed to advancing the success of students, fellow graduates, and the College of Business. Through meaningful engagement opportunities—including mentorship, corporate partnerships, networking events, and alumni outreach—we strengthen lifelong connections among alumni, students, faculty, and industry leaders. By sharing professional expertise, supporting curriculum relevance, and helping students navigate an evolving business landscape shaped by innovation and emerging technologies, our alumni play a vital role in preparing the next generation of business leaders. Together, we create opportunities for professional growth, expand the influence of the UIC Business community, and generate lasting impact across Chicago and beyond.
Reengage. Reignite. Make an IMPACT.
As a UIC Business alum, you know the value of a UIC education—and the doors it can open. Your experience, insight, and success can play a powerful role in shaping the next generation of business leaders.
By staying involved with UIC Business, you can:
- Help keep our curriculum relevant, applied, and aligned with today’s business realities
- Share career insights that prepare students to navigate emerging technologies—like AI—responsibly and effectively
- Connect early with diverse, career-ready talent and fresh perspectives
- Expand your professional visibility and influence within the UIC Business alumni network and across Chicago
- Strengthen meaningful connections among alumni, students, faculty, and industry partners
Alum Engagement (continued) Corporate Alumni Lunch
Corporate Alumni Lunch
UIC Business brings together alumni within an organization for a Corporate Alumni Lunch. This program provides an opportunity for alumni to connect with colleagues, strengthen relationships, and build an internal UIC network. Participants receive updates on college priorities and strategic initiatives, learn about the impact of the UIC alumni community, and explore graduate education opportunities that support professional growth. The program helps deepen alumni engagement while increasing awareness of the UIC Business Professional Alumni Network and graduate programs.
Alumni Breakfast Club (Launching Fall 2026)
Beginning in Fall 2026, UIC Business will launch the Alumni Breakfast Club, an on-campus program that welcomes alumni from selected Chicago-based companies back to the college for networking and engagement. The breakfast gatherings will connect graduates across organizations, provide updates on college initiatives and opportunities, and showcase resources that support lifelong learning and career advancement. By bringing alumni back to campus, the program will strengthen ties to UIC Business, expand engagement with the Professional Alumni Network, and create new opportunities for Chicago-area alumni.
Alumni Coffee Chats
Piloted this past spring, Alumni Coffee Chats connect students with UIC alumni in an informal setting to help expand their professional networks. Through one-on-one conversations, students can learn how alumni navigated their career paths, gain industry insights, and receive advice applicable to internships and future job opportunities.
Alumni Coffee Chats will return to Douglass Hall throughout October. Sessions will be held every Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, with 30-minute conversations beginning at noon.
Professional Alumni Networking Receptions
Our bi-annual Professional Alumni Networking Receptions provide faculty with a valuable opportunity to connect with alumni, celebrate shared accomplishments, and strengthen relationships across the UIC Business community. These gatherings create a welcoming space for faculty and alumni to reconnect, exchange updates on professional and academic achievements, and expand the reach of the UIC Business alumni network.
Beyond networking, these events play an important role in fostering alumni engagement and reinforcing their connection to the college. As relationships deepen, alumni are often inspired to re-engage with current students through mentoring, guest speaking, internships, career guidance, and other meaningful opportunities. By bringing faculty and alumni together, these receptions help cultivate a vibrant, connected community that supports student success and advances UIC Business’s mission.
External Engagement
The BACE team works closely with the Dean to create and strengthen external engagement opportunities that advance the college’s mission and strategic priorities. By building relationships with business and industry leaders, these efforts support student success, enhance faculty excellence, and expand the college’s impact. The following initiatives highlight how external partnerships are creating valuable opportunities for students and strengthening connections with the business community.
- Executive Networking Meetings. Engaging with business leaders and industry professionals remains a top priority. These conversations focus on building strategic partnerships to enhance student success, including opportunities for internships and full-time employment.
- Programs Developed Through External Engagement. Increasing external engagement has led to the development of the Executive Exchange Series and expanded exposure to industry-focused programs, providing students with inspiration and insight into a wide range of career opportunities.
- UIC Business Alum + Friends. Monthly e-newsletters continue to be distributed, keeping alumni informed about college, faculty, and student achievements while encouraging ongoing alumni engagement.