A seated man holds a microphone and talks to a room full of college students. Image by Ed Brennen

David Laurello ’81, ’88, former president and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Stratus Technologies, speaks to students. He has returned to his alma mater to serve as executive in residence at the Manning School of Business.

The inaugural Manning School of Business Industry Days brought over 100 professionals, including 44 alumni, to campus for two days of talks and networking with students, bridging the gap between classroom learning and real-world business challenges. Read about the 2025 two-day event.

Archive Edition of Industry Days 2025 below.

The Manning School of Business is thrilled to host an inspiring two-day event on March 26 and 27, 2025! The theme is Building Bridges: Connecting Knowledge, Experience, and Opportunity.

This event brings industry leaders directly into the classroom, offering students a unique opportunity to:

  • Engage with top professionals through dynamic talks, panels, and workshops.
  • Gain real-world insights into current trends, challenges, and opportunities and interact with industry professionals.
  • Build meaningful connections with mentors and potential employers while developing professional skills.

Registration Information

  • Manning School of Business students should register through the Suitable app. Use the registration links below for each session. Space is limited in each session, so secure your spot early!
  • UMass Lowell Honors College students (all sessions are E1 Eligible) and River Hawk Scholars Academy students are welcome to attend the sessions. Sessions are available on your Suitable app for registration. Use the registration links below for each session.
  • UMass Lowell business minors or non-Manning students taking business courses are welcome to attend the sessions. No prior registration is required for these students as they do not have login access to the Suitable app. There will be a “Suitable” help desk in the Pulichino Tong Business Center (PTB) Colella Atrium lobby, and students can sign in their name and record their session participation.
  • Students are welcome to attend as many sessions as their schedule allows. After attending three or more events, Manning students will earn a Manning Industry Days badge on Suitable, which they can post on LinkedIn or submit to get attendance credit for their courses (Students should check with their professors).
  • We’ll also host networking sessions—keep an eye on your email for more details about these exciting opportunities to connect with industry professionals.

Don’t miss this incredible opportunity to connect your classroom learning with real-world business insights. Join us to gain knowledge, build your network, and take the next step toward becoming a future business leader!

Keynotes

Fred Lowery.

Fred Lowery

Executive Vice President and President, Laboratory Products and Bioproduction
Company: Thermo Fisher Scientific
Presentation: Real World Examples of AI Applications in the Business World
Date/Time: Wednesday, March 26, 2 p.m.
Location: Alumni Hall

Fred Lowery LinkedIn Profile

John Pantanella.

John Pantanella, 1991

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) and Founder
Company: Chemline Incorporated (Inc.)
Presentation: Town Hall - Road Less Travelled
Date/Time: Thursday, March 27, 11 a.m.
Location: Alumni Hall

John Pantanella LinkedIn Profile

Vala Afshar.

Vala Afshar, 1995

Chief Digital Evangelist
Company: Salesforce
Presentation: Boundless - Business Success in an AI-first Economy
Date/Time: Thursday, March 27, 6:30 p.m.
Location: Moloney Hall at University Crossing

Vala Afshar LinkedIn Profile

Wednesday, March 26

Attend speaker sessions that align with your regular business class time blocks! These sessions are available to Manning School of Business students. Please use the provided registration link to register on Suitable. Note that most sessions are in the Pulichino Tong Business (PTB) Center, check your session's location.

Noon - 2 p.m. | Lunch and Networking

Dean Bertie Greer’s remarks will be at 1 p.m. in Pulichino Tong Business Center Colella Atrium.
All faculty, staff and students of the Manning School of Business are invited.
Location: Pulichino Tong Business Center Second Floor

Thursday, March 27

Attend speaker sessions that align with your regular business class time blocks! These sessions are available to Manning School of Business students. Please use the provided registration link to register on Suitable. Note that most sessions are in the Pulichino Tong Business (PTB) Center, check your session's location.

Noon - 2 p.m. | Lunch and Networking

Dean Bertie Greer’s remarks will be at 1 p.m. in Pulichino Tong Business Center Colella Atrium.
All faculty, staff and students of the Manning School of Business are invited.
Location: Pulichino Tong Business Center Second Floor

Sponsored by the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub and Jack Wilson Center for Entrepreneurship.

Join industry leaders as they discuss innovation, challenges, and opportunities in sustainable business. Gain insights on responsible practices, emerging trends, and impactful entrepreneurship. Connect, learn, and be inspired to shape a sustainable future.

Location:Saab Emerging Technologies and Innovation Center (ETIC)

Register for the Entrepreneurship in Sustainability Panel

Sophan Smith.

Moderator

Sophan Smith, '02

Entrepreneurship for All (EforAll)

Executive Director
Sophan Smith LinkedIn Profile
Lina Gonzalez.

Speaker

Lina Gonzalez

SpadXTech
Founder and Chief Executive Officer (CEO)
Lina Gonzalez LinkedIn Profile

Ravish Majithi.

Speaker

Ravish Majithia

Magnomer
Co-Founder and CEO
Ravish Majithia LinkedIn Profile

Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez.

Speaker

Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez

Walking Tree
Founder and Sustainable Growth Strategist
Eloisa Marquez-Gonzalez LinkedIn Profile

Amelia Thomas.

Speaker

Amelia Thomas

River Otter Renewables, Inc.
CEO
Amelia Thomas LinkedIn Profile

We are proud to have Chemline Inc. as a sponsor of Manning School of Business Industry Days.
A red oval with the word Chemlin in it.

A leader in high-performance polymer coatings and adhesives, Chemline delivers innovative solutions across industries.

Learn more about Chemline Inc.

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