By: Emily Linginfelter ~Staff Writer~
The Sedler Family Center for Experiential Learning in Business will provide an engaging evening focusing on Xavier’s experiential learning opportunities and celebrating the launch of five studentrun businesses in the Smith Hall Atrium on April 29.
The featured D’Artagnan Enterprises include: Campus Solutions, a storage and movement service for students’ belongings over the summer break; Aramis Consulting, an undergraduate consulting firm for local, start-up businesses; Blue Blob Cleaners, a janitorial service for residential dorms and U. Station; Xavier Urban Farm, a gardening service that sells organically grown heirloom produce; and Faves, a campus eatery aiming to provide healthy, wholesome and sustainable cuisine.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for everyone to be aware of what’s happening in the Sedler Center and how they can be involved,” Owen Raisch, director of D’Artagnan Enterprises, X-LINK and Greater Cincinnati Independent Business Alliance (CiNBA), said. Doors will open at 5 p.m. with free drinks and appetizers specially catered by Faves. For the first hour, guests are welcome to socialize, browse the business’ tables, meet the teams and watch a slideshow recapping past events.
The program, which begins at 6 p.m., will feature a short video displaying the students’ responses to a question about how their businesses will make the world a better place.
President Father Michael Graham, S.J., will proceed to speak about the relevancy of D’Artagnan Enterprises and experiential learning to the overall strategies of Xavier and the Jesuit mission. Brian Till, the dean of Xavier’s Williams College of Business, Margaret Cunningham, the director of the Sedler Family Center for Experiential Learning, and Owen Raisch will also share their thoughts.
The five teams of entrepreneurs will conclude the showcase by giving demonstrative pitches about their products or services. “This event shows what can happen when the university says yes to something the students propose,” Raisch said. “I think it really illustrates the possibilities for students to freely express themselves through their ideas and creative energy.”
Raisch hopes the exhibition will get people involved with the projects or interested in beginning one of their own, as D’Artagnan Enterprises will add new businesses next fall. 80 people have already made reservations, but students, faculty and staff are encouraged to attend without fee or prior registration.
