Where business meets purpose: Recognizing excellence in the CBA

The College of Business Administration recognized outstanding students, faculty, and alumni during its annual Hall of Fame and Awards Celebration on April 10 in Grawn Atrium, honoring academic excellence and celebrating the lasting impact of four inspiring alumni.

Hall of Fame inductees

The CBA of Fame recognizes alumni who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and impact throughout their careers and communities. This year’s inductees were Jan Hewlett and Sarah Opperman.

Jan Hewlett ’77, ’84

With more than 35 years in investment research and asset management, Jan Hewlett co-founded Azimuth Capital Management, a firm now managing $3.5 billion in assets. Earlier in her career, she served as director of equities for Dow Chemical’s investment division.

Hewlett earned her undergraduate degree in mathematics and MBA in finance from CMU, graduating with top honors. She has supported CMU through years of mentorship, service and leadership, including roles on the university’s Advancement Board and investment advisory committees.

“CMU gave me a lifelong foundation,” she said. “And sharing this moment with my dear friend Sarah makes it even more special.” In a tribute video shown at the event, friend and former Dow colleague Susan Carrington reflected on Hewlett’s trademark warmth, closing with her signature message: “Hugs to you, my dear friend.”

Sarah Opperman ’81

Sarah Opperman built a four-decade career in corporate leadership, including vice president roles at The Dow Chemical Company and her current position as chair of the board of Isabella Bank Corporation. She has long supported CMU through volunteerism, board leadership and philanthropy.

As a first-generation college student, Opperman double majored in business and journalism at CMU. She helped establish the Sarah R. Opperman Leadership Institute and served as chair of the CMU Board of Trustees.

“I became a Chippewa the day a professor told me I could double major and still graduate in four years,” she said. “That moment changed my life.”

Opperman encouraged students to embrace every opportunity, then added, “And yes, the accounting classes really were important.” She concluded her remarks with heartfelt thanks and “Fire up, Chips.”

Alumni awards

Alumni Commitment Award

Lyndell Patrick '75 received the Alumni Commitment Award for a lifetime of entrepreneurial success, philanthropy and student support. After working in banking, he co-founded Florida Business Interiors and turned it into one of the region’s most respected Haworth dealerships.

Patrick gives back through the Lyndell Patrick Scholarship, support of CMU’s New Venture Challenge, and a $100,000 gift to Pittsford Area Schools in his hometown. He recently established scholarships for four incoming CMU freshmen in the Class of 2025.

“Time, talent and treasure, that’s what every organization needs,” he said. “Now that I’m retired, I have more time. And thanks to my partners, I can give back.”

Outstanding Young Alumni Award

Julia Annarino '14 received the Outstanding Young Alumni Award. She has spent the past decade at Enterprise Mobility, where she serves as a talent acquisition manager. She frequently returns to CMU for recruiting, mentoring and speaking events, including Dialog Days, classroom visits and student competitions.

“CMU helped me discover my passion,” she said. “Now I get to blend that passion with my career.”

Annarino praised the College of Business’s Enterprise-branded Sales Challenge, a competition with rival Western Michigan University that CMU has now won two years in a row. “The trophy belt is proudly displayed in the HUB,” she said. “It’s a great partnership between Enterprise and CMU.”

Colleagues praised her warmth and dedication to students. “She’s a rock star,” said [TA1] [RS2] Nick Hussein, faculty member in the College of Business.

Student awards

Lucy Forlastro was named Student of the Year for her academic excellence and leadership. During a student visit to the New York Stock Exchange, she impressed Vice Chair John Tuttle, who canceled his schedule to personally lead her group’s tour.

Outstanding Student Award recipients:

• Camryn Asper
• Caprice Radman
• Carson Neuer
• Corinne Sleeter
• Kayli Kalish
• Kylea James
• Mela Hammond
• Owen Brinker
• Quynh “Mia” Phan
• Reeve Katt
• Ryan Hampton
• Yazmin Torres

Faculty and staff awards

CBA faculty and staff were recognized for their impact in teaching, research, mentorship and service:

• Rogers MBA Teaching Award
  Lin Lan Xiao — Economics
• Hazleton Graduate Teaching Award
  Sam Raisanen — Economics
• AT&T Innovation & Excellence in Teaching Award
  Mohan Song — Management
• Research Excellence Award
  Vigdis Boasson — Finance and Law
• Social Impact Award
  Steve Tracy — Business Information Systems
  Vishal Shah — Business Information Systems
• Bob Cook Service Award
  Misty Bennett — Dean’s Office
• CBA Staff Excellence Award
  Lori Driessnack — The HUB
• CBA Mentorship Award
  Christine Witt — Business Information Systems

These awards honor more than achievement, they celebrate the power of business to serve, to lead and to make a difference. And they remind us that a CMU education doesn’t end with graduation, it continues to inspire and impact lives for generations to come.