Syracuse University

A&S juniors, seniors invited to apply for all-expenses-paid Winston Fisher Seminar in NYC

Rob Enslin
(315) 443-3403

Rob Enslin

Due to popular demand, the 2009 Winston Fisher Seminar -- a prestigious business immersion program, taking place in Manhattan during Spring Break -- is extending its application deadline to 5 p.m. on Friday, Nov. 21. All juniors and seniors in The College of Arts and Sciences are invited to apply for participation in the all-expenses- paid program. To request an application and further information, contact Judy Bragg at 443-1995 or jabragg@syr.edu. Completed applications must be returned to the college's advancement office (Room 307 in the Hall of Languages).

Now in its fourth year, the popular Winston Fisher Seminar is a hands-on program teaching critical thinking, problem solving and effective communication in a business setting. The program's namesake is Winston Fisher '96 (pictured), a philosophy major who is a partner at Fisher Brothers, one of New York's pre-eminent builders, owners and managers of commercial real estate. "In studying the liberal arts, you are trained to think critically and logically," he says. "You learn to open yourself to ideas, to understand their cultural contexts, and to evaluate their usefulness. You must process a great deal of information into a clear, concise position and be prepared to articulate it. All these abilities are assets in the business world." Fisher is a member of SU's Board of Trustees and of the college's Board of Visitors.

Only 12 students will be selected to participate in the next Winston Fisher Seminar, taking place March 8-13 at the Park Avenue headquarters of Fisher Brothers and at various sites around the city. The exacting work schedule includes reading case studies, conducting research and working collaboratively. A number of distinguished SU alumni have also agreed to share their knowledge and successful business practices with the students. "They love the interaction with the students and their enthusiasm," Fisher says.

Students and faculty alike will explore some of the following topics:

• the connection between a liberal arts education and success in business
• types of preparation beneficial to students during and after their undergraduate experience
• strategies for success (i.e., recognizing one's strengths and weakness)
• the importance of reading
• debunking the myth that one needs a business degree to pursue a career in business

Dozens of students have already benefited from the Winston Fisher Seminar, praising it as "life changing" and a "confidence builder." Jennifer Kirchner '06 says the experience helped her land a job out of college with a major public relations firm. "I'd given little thought to working in the business world," says the policy studies and political science major. "After the seminar, I opened up my job search and applied to companies I wouldn't have considered."

A member of a family known for its philanthropy, Fisher is involved in numerous charitable endeavors, including serving as executive vice chairman of the Fisher House Foundation, which supports and houses injured veterans and their families.

The Winston Fisher Seminar is generously supported by Fisher in partnership with The College of Arts and Sciences. More information is available at http://Thecollege.syr.edu.