A Sales Sellebration  

Bauer College’s Program for Excellence in Selling (PES) students spent an evening reflecting on their transformative experiences in the program this semester during the recent biannual Graduation and Awards Ceremony. 

The event brings together incoming and current students as the program recognizes their outstanding achievements, announces scholarship recipients and celebrates those who are finishing their time in PES. Program Manager Brittney Nguyen said as PES students graduate, they will be able to incorporate what they learned into their future careers. 

“The hope is for them to learn the sales skills but also to experience personal growth,” Nguyen said. “We want them to not be afraid of rejection or at least know how to face it better. They also build lifelong friendships here with their cohort and other connections through the program.” 

This fall, attendees heard from the Sales Excellence Institute’s benefactor Stephen Stagner, who spoke directly to students about the value and impact they have during his remarks. Donors Andy and Barbara Gessner also were present and connected with the students whose education was positively changed due to their gifts.  

At the event, marketing senior Gabrielle Schoonover thought back to how she was introduced to PES by chance. While on campus, Schoonover said she noticed a PES tabling event, which inspired her to apply. As her time in the program comes to an end, Schoonover says she’s noticed an evolution within herself. 

“Coming into the program, I had a lot of self-doubt and imposter syndrome,” Schoonover said. “Throughout the program, I’ve built my own personal confidence and ability to not doubt myself. I know that I'm good at what I'm doing, I have these skills, and that I can execute and not second guess myself.” 

Surrounded by her classmates, Schoonover said leaving PES feels sentimental. 

As 59 students graduated from PES this semester, the program inducted 72 new students.