It was an early Tuesday morning, and the College of Business Engagement Center was quiet, as usual for that time of day. Shortly before 8AM, Federated Insurance arrived on the WSU campus and soon the Engagement Center was buzzing with energy. After weeks of planning, the day to “Be Part of Something Bigger” had arrived. Federated brought employees, many of whom are WSU alum, to help celebrate their connection to WSU and their commitment to helping WSU students succeed in business. Morning conversations held tones of anticipation about what the day would bring.
As the day progressed, what began as light conversation shifted to focused resume reviews and mock interviews, providing students opportunities to meet one-on-one with company executives and hiring managers to discuss employment materials and resources with Federated experts. The nervousness that many students began the day with was shed, and confidence was built with smiles, firm business handshakes, and a few giveaways. The afternoon activities in the Engagement Center came to an end but the air was still charged with energy—people began to file into the East Hall for the main event.
This was the second tailgate event that Federated Insurance and the College of Business had teamed up to create. Beanbag boards were all the ready, and the football toss distance was tested and approved. Busy volunteers put final touches on food trays, prizes, and games just in time for students to arrive. Again, the energy in the room was palpable. The din of laughter and the crash of a giant Jenga game filled the room, and conversations about internships and possible job offers swirled through the air.
Federated Insurance generously donated the prizes for the evening, which included two 43-inch SMART TVs and four Visa gift cards, so after students played as many games and collected as many tickets as they could, names were drawn and prizes were awarded. A fabulous time was had by all by the end of the evening.
Thank you, Federated Insurance, for providing this incredible opportunity to our students through your experience and generosity.
With the assistance of Federated Insurance and all our community partners, we are helping students “create their more” every day.
Kattie Bredehoft
College of Business Advising Coordinator For Pre-Business Administration, Management Information Systems, and Human Resources Management majors.
Somsen Hall 319D
KBredehoft@winona.edu