In keeping with the baseball theme, alumni enjoyed the amenities of a Diamond Suite while networking with fellow PLC members and Loyola community “all-stars”—experts in their fields and senior leaders in industries as diverse as finance, entertainment, real estate development and more.
PLC Member Elizabeth Kearney ’06 enjoyed the unstructured time to connect with fellow alumni. “One of the reasons I like PLC programming is because there is a variety of events, and I think the baseball game was a good addition—especially in a suite setting because it allows for conversation.”
Each PLC member was assigned to one suite, while the “all-stars” rotated from suite to suite throughout the game. This format allowed for a more intimate setting for meaningful networking.
“I got to meet several Rambler alumni, and I think the more casual setting definitely helped to make the event feel less like a ‘networking conference’ and a little more like a night out with friends,” says National Equity Fund Senior Vice President CFO/COO Alexander C. Denja ’93. “I continue to be impressed by our young alumni: really easy to talk to, confident, focused on their careers, but also with good overall perspectives.”
The suites were donated by Jenner & Block, Matt Devine ’85; Mesirow Financial, John Maunsell; and Wintrust, Ed Wehmer ’72. The evening would not have been possible without the support of Loyola Academy Graduate Parent Tony Colosimo, corporate partnership consultant for the Chicago White Sox.
The White Sox defeated the Twins 5–4 with a walk off home run in the ninth, but for those in attendance the game wasn’t the main focus of the evening. “Most people were so engrossed in their conversations with people that they didn’t even know the game was going on,” adds Loyola Academy Board of Trustee Member and Shirley Ryan Ability Lab Senior Vice President Nancy Paridy. “That being said, the setting was perfect—small but comfortable areas which helped to engage everyone.”
Thank you to our “all-stars” in attendance:
Peter Broccolo ’74: Principal at Fulcrum Asset Advisors
Dave Burden ’88: Principal at Colliers International
Pat Corcoran ’08: Management of Chance the Rapper
Tony Danielak ’02: Vice President at Prairie Capital
Alex Denja ’93: Senior Vice President CFO/COO at National Equity Fund
Matt Devine ’85: Partner at Jenner & Block
John Maunsell: Senior Vice President at Mesirow Financial Inc
Nancy Paridy: Senior Vice President / Chief Administrative Office at Shirley Ryan Ability Lab
Mark Stec ’87: Vice President / Community Bank Sales Manager at Wintrust Mortgage
Dan Valenti ’01: President at Valenti Builders
To learn more about the President's Leadership Council,
click here.