Finance & Business: Retreat: 2008

2008 F&B Spring Retreat



Amaechi Speech Ignites Laughter, Thinking


On April 23, nearly 300 F&B employees filled Presidents Hall in the Penn Stater Conference Center Hotel for the annual F&B Spring Retreat. This year’s retreat fell during the planning stages of the 2008-2013 Strategic Plan – and F&B’s key initiatives were a major theme for the day.

First to take the podium was former Penn State and NBA basketball player John Amaechi who spoke about society’s approach to workplace diversity and inclusion. He presented his opinions through many personal stories that were both humorous, and at times troubling.

After Amaechi’s speech, chair of the University Board of Trustees and CEO of Eat 'n Park Restaurants Jim Broadhurst updated the crowd on the state of the University from the board’s point-of-view.

The second half of the morning was dedicated to breakout discussions regarding the F&B Key Initiatives. A facilitator-led discussion on each initiative took place in several rooms throughout the hotel. Two new initiatives, Information Technology and Emergency Management, were introduced.

Amaechi Speach

Former Penn State and NBA basketball player John Amaechi speaks to the crowd of around 300 at the 2008 F&B Spring Retreat.

John Amaechi concludes his speach

John Amaechi walks down the center aisle to a rousing round of applause. He took time after his talk to answer questions and speak with some of the attendees.

Jim Broadhurst speach

University Board of Trustees and CEO of Eat 'n Park Restaurants Jim Broadhurst speaks to the audience about the state of the University.

KI session

Anne Christo-Baker of Human Resources leads a discussion on one of the six key initiatives proposed for the F&B Strategic Plan.

Check-in at breakfast retreat

F&B employees network and mingle with each other during check-in before the retreat’s activities begin.

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