LER Alumni News

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2021 "LERve" Started Here.
Feb 25, 2021 11:00 am370 views
2021 "LERve" Started Here. We thought we'd share a few of our "LERve" stories with you all on our LER Alumni Blog, featuring Steve and Taryn Ratner, John and Kelly Ramon, and Michael and Jacer Collins.
Lavette Bass Norris, MHRIR 2015
Jul 15, 2020 2:00 pm141 views
Fai Thompson, Online MHRIR 2019
Jul 15, 2020 2:00 pm109 views
LER Student Project with UIUC Facilities and Services
Jun 30, 2020 10:15 am39 views
To combat the loss of a number of internships this summer, LER worked with employers to source projects to be completed for independent study credit. Fortunately, we had a “test drive” of a project during spring semester to learn about how to set up and manage projects like this with teams of students. Click here to continue.
2020 "LERve" Started Here.
Feb 28, 2020 10:00 am448 views
February is the month of love, but here at LER, we're calling it LERve. Not only is LER the leading institute of educating future human resource professionals, we've also had our hand in starting several happy families. We thought we'd share a few of these LERve stories with you all on our Alumni Blog. Enjoy!
LER Welcomes Mariela Marquez as International Peer Advisor
Jan 31, 2020 2:15 pm327 views
We are excited to welcome LER student, Mariela Marquez, to the team as our new International Peer Advisor. We’re thrilled to have a student leader like Mariela to be a valuable resource for our international students as they tackle the obstacles of living in a new country, far away from the place they call home.
2019 #LERve Started Here
Feb 27, 2019 4:30 pm289 views
February is the month of love, but here at LER, we're calling it LERve. Not only is LER the leading institute of educating future human resource professionals, we've also had our hand in starting several happy families. We thought we'd share a few of these LERve stories with you all on our Alumni Blog. Enjoy!
Welcome Rebecca Cuccurullo, New LER International Peer Advisor
Jan 31, 2019 1:15 pm170 views
We are excited to Welcome second-semester LER student Rebecca Cuccurullo to the team as the new International Peer Advisor. Rebecca is a veteran of the United States Navy and an emerging HR leader. Her international experience and professionalism will be a great asset as she works to provide advanced support for our international students. Here's a link to a few words from Rebecca on what she will bring to the role.
LER Celebrates 2018 Fall Graduates
Dec 17, 2018 11:15 pm430 views
On Saturday, December 15th, the School of Labor and Employment Relations celebrated the commencement of 72 students completing their Masters of Human Resource and Industrial Relations at Krannert Center for the Performing Arts’ Follinger Great Hall. In addition to our on-campus graduates, we welcomed the second cohort of our online program and 11 of the 20 students also participated in the convocation ceremony
November Chicago Area Happy Hour and Luncheon
Oct 22, 2018 12:00 pm94 views
Join the School of Labor and Employment Relations in November for our annual fall celebrations! We'll be hosting our Suburban Chicago Happy Hour on November 15th and a downtown Chicago Luncheon on November 16th. For more information, please click here!
LER Hosts Annual Internship Bash
Aug 31, 2018 1:45 pm69 views
To wrap up the first full day of classes, we hosted our annual Internship Bash at Jupiter’s Pizza in Champaign. Our students were treated to a wonderful panel of LER Alumni who shared with them their career paths, internship experiences, recruitment tips and guidance for their upcoming interviews. We’re thankful to welcome back Cale Fulton, MHRIR 2015, Boeing; Emily Marshall, MHRIR 2012, PepsiCo; Rosa Pasillas Labak, MHRIR/MBA 2014, Raytheon Company; Anika Whiteman, MHRIR 2010 Honeywell International; and Chris Brehmer, MHRIR 2014, GE Aviation.
LER Welcomes News Students
Aug 31, 2018 1:30 pm113 views
Excitement is in the air, as we welcomed 89 new students to the School of Labor and Employment Relations on campus program and 21 new students to our online program. From the first day of their arrival, they have been engaged in group activities, CASE competitions, a community service project and the internship bash.
LER Welcomes 21 New Online Students!
Aug 31, 2018 1:00 pm14 views
The Fall 2018 online MHRIR cohort is comprised of 21 professionals.
2018 Spring Commencement
May 30, 2018 10:30 am52 views
On Saturday, May 12th, the School of Labor and Employment Relations celebrated the commencement of 34 students receiving their Masters of Human Resource and Industrial Relations and Justin P. Wiegand receiving his PhD of Philosphy in Human Resources and Industrial Relations.
LER Alumni Events Around the Globe!
May 30, 2018 9:00 am66 views
Over the past two months, our faculty, staff and alumni have been gathering at events around the world. From engagements in China to Chicago, St. Louis to Palo Alto and a few places in between. [MORE]
LER Travels to Texas
Mar 28, 2018 9:15 pm55 views
In early March, LER hosted events in the Dallas-Fort Worth area and Houston area. We were glad to be able to celebrate the spring and connect with over 65 alumni throughout the trip. From a BBQ, to office visits, happy hours and in-home visits, thank you for everyone who welcomed us. We're so proud of the stories we heard and seeing the success of our alumni. [MORE]
As seen at 504 E. Armory
Feb 27, 2018 8:30 am42 views
In between the spring recruitment season, our students have had a full schedule. From the Shell Etiquette Dinner to the Multicultural Student Association's Lunar New Year Celebration, down time has been rare. Please see our blog for more information.
JM Announces Eric Cremer as the New Chief Human Resources Officer
Feb 26, 2018 10:00 am125 views
Eric Cremer, MHRIR 1995, was just recently announced as the new Chief Human Resources Officer for Johns Manville (JM). Cremer has worked for the past two years as Director of Human Resources for JM’s Engineered Products business. [MORE]
#LERve Started Here.
Feb 26, 2018 8:45 am238 views
February is the month of love, but here at LER, we're calling it LERve. Not only is LER the leading institute of educating future human resource professionals, we've also had our hand in starting several happy families. We thought we'd share a few of these LERve stories with you all on our Alumni Blog.
Welcome New Spring Students
Jan 24, 2018 9:30 pm53 views
We welcomed a total of 24 new students to LER in January: five students started in the online program and 19 students joined the on-campus program. This class is one of our most academically diverse classes, with a wide range of undergraduate degrees, institutions and growth for our underrepresented populations. Read more about our spring class here.
2017 December Convocation
Jan 24, 2018 8:45 pm96 views
On Saturday, December 15th, the School of Labor and Employment Relations celebrated the commencement of 82 students completing their Masters of Human Resource and Industrial Relations. In addition to those graduates, we welcomed the first cohort of our online program and 13 of the 19 students also participated in the convocation ceremony. Graduates were inspired by Kim Ramsey (‘86 MHRIR), Jennifer Reinke (August '17) and Kayla Morse (December '17). Please join us in welcoming these students to the LER Family! For a list of graduates and more information from the weekend, please see our December Convocation Blog.
November Downtown Chicago Luncheon and Suburban Happy Hour
Nov 27, 2017 11:15 am111 views
This November, we hosted two social events in the Chicago area. We were excited to celebrate the fall connecting with our alumni for a happy hour in Lisle and a luncheon in Downtown Chicago. It was a wonderful networking opportunity with our colleagues, dating from the class of 1975 to 2017. Thank you all for joining us. [MORE]
As Seen In and Around 504 E. Armory
Nov 21, 2017 3:00 pm133 views
This has been an action packed month for those of us in 504 E. Armory. Our students and faculty have been taking part in many of our LER Traditions. To read about and see photos from Halloween, Student Talent Show, Barn Dance, Multi-Cultural Potluck and more, please see the blog. [MORE]
Elifson Becomes Senior Director at the Allied Pilots Association
Nov 21, 2017 2:30 pm223 views
Jonathan Elifson (2004) became Senior Director of Legal Affairs with the Allied Pilots Association (APA) in July 2017. At APA, Elifson manages seven attorneys working on the Railway Labor Act (RLA) and arbitration issues, along with union administration and governance issues. The APA represents over 15,000 pilots for American Airlines. [MORE]
Online Alumni Find Success After Graduation
Nov 17, 2017 11:00 am204 views
At the December 2017 Convocation Ceremony, LER will celebrate the successes of 19 students who completed their MHRIR degrees through the online program. Two years ago, each of these students took an intrepid leap with us as the first cohort of students to earn their degrees online. Below are two recent success stories of our new alumni. [MORE]
LER Building Enhancement Dedication Reception
Oct 26, 2017 12:00 am104 views
As the LER Building Enhancements are set to break ground in the spring of 2018, we hosted a dedication to those whose support made it possible. Chancellor Jones welcomed everyone and shared in the excitement and generous alumni commitments to the building renovation [MORE]
Walt Franke Memorial Service and Luncheon
Oct 25, 2017 11:15 pm80 views
LER hosted a Memorial Service to honor the late Walt Franke. Professor Franke was the Dean of the now-School of Labor and Employment Relations from 1981 until 1994 and worked for the school for nearly 40 years all together. [MORE]
Nick Piazza MHRIR '03 Featured in With Illinois Celebration
Oct 25, 2017 10:30 pm473 views
During the With Illinois Campaign Celebration Event, we were proud to hear Nick Piazza MHRIR ‘03 share how his experience and education from LER were foundational to his success in the business world.
Melodie K. Craft, Littler, was accepted into the Leadership Dallas Class of 2018
Oct 25, 2017 1:30 pm0 views
Melodie K. Craft, a shareholder in the Dallas office of Littler, the world’s largest employment and labor law practice representing management, has been accepted into the Leadership Dallas Class of 2018.
Eight LER Graduate complete International Paper’s Human Resources Development Program
Oct 25, 2017 1:30 pm147 views
Eight LER Graduate complete International Paper’s Human Resources Development Program (image – Left to right. Marvin Martinez, Pierce Lopez, Angela Addison-Law, Kristen Goetzka, Jenny Skow, Jasmine Williams, Kristine Radke, Tapiwa Saliji)
Alan May, AM 82
Feb 24, 2017 10:45 am63 views
Alan R. May, AM 82, assumed the role of Executive Vice President, Human Resources at Hewlett Packard Enterprises in November of 2015. He came to HPE from The Boeing Company where he held roles of increasing responsibility since 2007. Prior to Boeing, he was with Cerberus Capital Management and PepsiCo.
Ramsen Zacharia, MHRIR 12
Feb 24, 2017 10:30 am87 views
Ramsen Zacharia, MHRIR 12, is with United Airlines in Chicago. He was promoted from HR Manager to Sr HR Manager supporting Commercial functions (Marketing, eCommerce, Loyalty, Sales, Revenue Management, and Network).
Michelle Hartman Venne, MHRIR 12
Nov 10, 2015 12:30 pm26 views
Michelle Hartman Venne, recently moved from Frito Lay's Frankfort, IN facility to a new career with PCC Aerostructures in Wichita, KS. She is currently an HR Manager with the business, and has already come to recruit LER interns and full-time hires.

Michelle began her career in 2012 as a summer intern at the Frito-Lay plant in Vancouver, Washington.
Tony Halmos, AM 1979
Nov 9, 2015 2:45 pm21 views
This October, Tony Halmos retired as Director of Public Relations at the City of London Corporation after 21 years of service. He has now started a part-time role as the Director of the King’s London Commission at King’s College, London. This position is a 2-year research project focusing on London’s issues, opportunities, and problems over the next 10-15 years.
Larry Pearlman, AM 89
Mar 5, 2015 2:15 pm158 views
Larry and Lisa Joy Pearlman were married on December 20, 2014.
Katie Stapleton, MHRIR 10
Feb 27, 2015 11:45 am50 views
Katie Stapleton, MHRIR 2010, has been promoted to HR Associate Manager with the Midwest Sales HR team at PepsiCo. She joined Frito Lay in 2013 in Beloit, WI, and started her career at ADM.
RJ Fressola, MHRIR 07
Feb 27, 2015 11:30 am30 views
RJ Fressola, MHRIR 07, is now the VP of Compensation and HR Analytics at Morgan Stanley.
Kim Martin, AM 98
Feb 27, 2015 9:00 am34 views
Kim Martin, AM 98, joined Vantiv as their CHRO in January. She was formerly the VP HR for Zimmer, and spent the first ten years of her career with GE Healthcare.

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