October 2003
The old rule of real-estate “Location, Location, Location” played a critical role in the college selection process for Monica Mancini ‘03. A native of Brecksville, between Cleveland and Akron, Mancini knew that she wanted a business career after college. And she knew that attending a college near a major business and financial center would be valuable both during her undergraduate years and when it came time to search for her first job.
“I was accepted at several Ohio colleges. However, the colleges were located in rural communities far away from major business centers. B-W, on the other hand, was close to Cleveland and Akron and had developed deep relationships in the business community. This was important to me as an accounting major,” Mancini said.
She also said that she wanted to attend a small college which would provide her with small classes and opportunities to pursue her interest in volleyball and softball. She was a bit surprised at the level of personal interest of the B-W faculty who she noted frequently attended her games. “Three of my profs even came to my graduation party,” she said.
“From the beginning, my professors were interested in my progress. They encouraged me to contact them whenever I needed help. I especially enjoyed their suggestions for internships and assisting me in making contacts within the business community,” she said. She also said that the B-W educational experience extended to learning opportunities beyond the classroom, including field trips to Cleveland area businesses and participation in a study tour of accounting firms in Germany. The tour was arranged and led by Prof. Roger Grugle, head of the MBA in Accounting Program, and Dr. Holldender, head of the German Department. In addition to gaining insights into international accounting practices, Ms. Mancini and other B-W students studied German language, economics and culture at the F&U School and the Dresden Chamber of Commerce. Participants also toured the cities of Dresden, Heidelberg and Weimar.
“Throughout my B-W experience, classroom teaching was linked to the real world of day-to-day business. This was valuable but also very enjoyable,” she said.
Ms. Mancini also was excited by Baldwin- Wallace’s “3-2” program. “I knew I would eventually want to get an MBA and was very pleased that I could earn an undergraduate degree and an MBA in a single, integrated five-year program. As a result, I entered the job market with an MBA which gave me an edge over my competitors,” she said.
Ms. Mancini said that B-W’s liberal arts traditions resulted in her getting a “full” education. “I did not want a one-dimensional education. I think balance is important in everything I do, and B-W’s liberal arts curriculum enabled me to learn about art, literature, history, religion and music. And I had opportunities to pursue my interest in sports. I would describe my B-W experience as quality education with a personal touch,” she said.
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