CONNECTIONS - College of Business - Illinois State University

DEVELOPMENT
OUTLOOK
“Business is all about relationships,”
FROM DEVELOPMENT DIRECTORS CLARANNE PERKINS ’70 AND AMY SAJKO M.B.A. ’05
said Donna Zarcone ’79, former COO of Harley-Davidson Financial Services and now head of D.F. Zarcone &
Associates LLC, an advisory services firm. “Over the years, staying connected with Illinois State University faculty,
staff, and alumni—particularly within the College of Business—has proved invaluable to me in my career.”
“Donna has been extremely generous with her time and expertise,” said former Dean Dixie Mills. “She has been
a keynote speaker for Business Week and for Beta Gamma Sigma. Donna also provided leadership during the University’s
most recent fundraising campaign. She clearly recognizes how financial support enables us to attract topquality
students and offer valuable learning opportunities that enhance the programs within the college,” said Mills.
So why is a busy executive willing to maintain these long-term connections? “I am truly grateful to Illinois State
University for the strong foundation it has given me upon which to build my career,” said Zarcone.
Brad Peterson ’95 is a vice president at Northern Trust Company and another graduate who values maintaining
strong connections with the college. “The relationships I established at Illinois State, both as a student in the
Finance Department and in the Educational Investment Fund (EIF) program, and now as an alumni EIF board
member, have truly been instrumental in my career,” said Peterson, who earned his degree in general finance.
“When interviewing for a job in the investment group at Northern Trust back in 1997, the bank employed a handful
of EIF alumni. They were thriving. That connection definitely helped me secure the position,” Peterson explained.
The individuals Peterson met as a student and in the service of the College of Business have served as references
and as sources of information for making career changes.
Peterson is now providing an important link between the college and the current business world by serving as a
member of the EIF Advisory Board. “This network is a vital tool for keeping the curriculum fresh and relevant for students,”
added Peterson, who is also a donor. “As someone who benefited greatly from my experience at Illinois State
University and in the EIF program, I feel it is important to give back to current students so they can have the same positive
experiences.”
Being a mentor, offering internships, recruiting our graduates, providing leadership on an
advisory board, serving as a guest speaker, sharing your pride in the College of Business,
and—of course—offering financial support are all ways to remain connected.
To help encourage more graduates to build and maintain strong ties, the college is proud to announce the addition
of a second director of development, Amy Sajko, M.B.A. ’05. Sajko, who previously served as director of development
for Major Donor Relations, is very excited about the opportunities ahead. “I can’t wait to help my fellow
alums make the College of Business an unmatched learning environment!”
If you’re already supporting the COB, Perkins and Sajko can help you take your connection to new levels. If you
haven’t yet reached out, they’ll help you take that all-important first step. So please, stay in touch and help us sustain
our tradition of excellence at Illinois State University.
Claranne Perkins Amy Sajko
cperki@IllinoisState.edu asajko@IllinoisState.edu
(309) 438-2297 (309) 438-7735
IllinoisState.edu/business 11