ESU’s College of Business and Management Announces Crayola Executive Lecture Series

Rich Wuerthele

Posted by: Elizabeth Richardson on June 25, 2021, No Comments

Dr. Sylvester Williams, dean of East Stroudsburg University’s College of Business and Management, announced today the launch of the College’s partnership with Crayola LLC of Easton, Pa., in the development of a Residential College Executive Lecture series for the University. The series will begin during the Fall 2021 semester with Mr. Rich Wuerthele, President and CEO of Crayola as the first keynote speaker of the lecture series. The lecture will be held on September 30 at 2 p.m. in Beers Lecture Hall on ESU’s campus. Crayola will provide sponsorship of the Executive Lecture Series for the first three years. The series will be called Crayola Executive Lecture Series.

“This lecture series is unique in that it will be presented to the students in a community setting, within one of ESU’s residence halls,” said Dr. Williams. “The lecture series is part of the programming we intend to offer to all students, particularly those majoring in fields of business and management, in a more relaxed and social setting instead of happening in a classroom or lecture structure. It affords our students the opportunity to interact with the guest lecturers on a more personal level and, we hope, will encourage them to ask questions, be curious and inspired by the stories of these regional business and industry leaders.”

Mr. Wuerthele joined Crayola in January 2020 after a successful career with Newell Rubbermaid where he was the CEO of their Home Fragrance portfolio including the Yankee Candle brand.

“Crayola is excited to partner with East Stroudsburg University to bring students the Crayola Executive Lecture Series. It’s important that today’s business leaders share their knowledge and experiences with the leaders of tomorrow,” said Wuerthele. “This lecture series will provide an opportunity for students to learn how to prepare for a career in business and an opportunity for area business leaders to gain a fresh perspective from ESU students.”

Williams added that the Residential College Executive Lecture Series offers students an opportunity to learn more about the career options, business challenges, life experiences and educational opportunities of its guests. Other anticipated speakers in the series include Peter Juita, Chief Operating Officer, Rita’s Water Ice; Steve Somers, Owner and President, Vigon International; Phil Wenger, Chairman and CEO, Fulton Financial Corporation; Sharon Ortiz, Vice president of Member Services and Human Resources, Ne PA Community Federal Credit Union; Gary Olson, Chief Executive Officers, ESSA Bank & Trust; and Butch Potter, President & CEO, Martin’s Potato Chips.

To learn more about ESU’s Crayola Executive Leadership Series visit esu.edu/executive-lecture or contact Dr. William by calling (570) 422-3589 or email swilliams@esu.edu.

Crayola LLC, based in Easton, Pa. and a business of Hallmark Cards, Inc., is the worldwide leader in children’s creative expression products. Known for the iconic Crayola Crayon first introduced in 1903, the Crayola brand has grown into a portfolio of art tools, crafting activities and creativity toys that offer children innovative ways to use color to create everything imaginable. Consumers can find the wide array of Crayola products in the “Crayola Aisle” at all major retailers. For more information, visit crayola.comor join the community at facebook.com/crayola.