The Elizabethtown College School of Business continued the Mars Wrigley Lecture Series during the fall 2023 semester by welcoming three engaging speakers to campus who provided students with a real-world perspective of business from senior-level executives across various industries.
“We extend our gratitude to the Mars Wigley partnership for their generous sponsorship of the Mars Lecture Series for our students,” Elizabethtown College Dean of the School of Business Najiba Benabess said. “Thanks to their support, we’ve had the privilege of hosting influential business leaders who have enlightened our students on a range of diverse and pertinent current issues, enriching their academic experience and broadening their perspective on the business world. This partnership has been instrumental in fostering a vibrant learning environment within our business program.”
Matthew Bassett ’15 – Founder of M and N Farms
The fall series opened on Friday, Sept. 22 with alumnus Matthew Bassett ’15, founder of M and N Farms, an international feed and hay supplier for the world’s greatest racehorses and performance horses. Bassett started his entrepreneurial career at the age of nine. Today, he has successfully started and managed nine companies.
“Entrepreneurship is truly all about passion,” Bassett explained to students during the lecture. “There is no business too big or too small to become an entrepreneur.”
Bassett reflected on serving as Etown Student Senate’s Treasurer for all four years on campus, which taught him the skills of teamwork, leadership, and decision-making. View photos.
Michael Kenneally ’11 – Vice President and Co-founder of ECD Lacrosse
Alumnus Michael Kenneally ’11, Vice President and Co-founder of ECD Lacrosse spoke with Etown students on Friday, Oct. 27. Kenneally was a four-year member of the Etown Men’s Lacrosse team and studied Accounting at Etown before continuing his education at Towson University where he earned his master’s degree and became a Certified Public Accountant (CPA).
He co-founded ECD Lacrosse with his twin brother, Greg Kenneally. The two grew ECD from their basement to over 30 employees and worldwide sales including Dick’s Sporting Goods.
Kenneally’s lecture highlighted an inspirational professional journey that has combined his business expertise with his passion for lacrosse, along with the competitive nature that continues that he’s carried from the playing field and into the office.
“I think there’s a misconception that you have to do what you’re passionate about,” Kenneally said. “You just have to be passionate about what you do.”
Salena Coachman, VP Talent Sustainability & Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion for Armstrong World Industries
Salena Coachman, VP Talent Sustainability & Acquisition, Diversity & Inclusion for Armstrong World Industries (AWI) wrapped up the fall lecture series on Nov. 17. Coachman is responsible for the development and execution of talent acquisition, and programs and processes in support of the company’s talent sustainability, while also serves as the board president of AWI.
Since moving to Lancaster County in April 2021, Coachman has served as an active and engaged member of her community, holding roles as a board member of the Lancaster United Way, Lancaster Cleft Palate, Brightside Opportunity Center, Lancaster County Workforce Development, and committee advisory member for HerTraditions within Traditions Bank, LancasterMakes (STEM promotion organization), Habitat for Humanity and both Lancaster Chamber Excellence Exchange and Women in Business.
“If you want something you’ve never had, you have to do something you’ve never done,” Coachman explained to Etown students. “By being intentional, gaining clarity, and taking action you’re going to create a career you love.”
About the Mars Wrigley Lecture Series
The Mars Wrigley Confectionery partnered with Elizabethtown College to create an Executive Lecture Series, bringing senior executives from a variety of industries to talk about their experiences. The series will continue in the spring 2024 semester with guest lecturers to be announced.