Notre Dame College students have envisioned a business solution for University Suburban Health Center and the City of South Euclid to help both organizations upgrade space and outreach.
As part of an internship project, four Notre Dame undergraduate business majors presented a macro-level business examination of political, economic, social, technological, legal and environmental, or PESTLE, considerations. They have recommended that the health center and Community Department on Aging, which provides senior services to South Euclid and surrounding areas, partner to provide fitness and recreational services, especially for elderly residents.
This comprehensive external analysis rarely occurs at the bachelor’s degree level but rather is considered a graduate level analysis, according to Vincent J. Palombo, D.B.A., vice president of academic and student affairs at the College.
Doug Eckert, executive director, and Chuck Abbey, associate executive officer, both from University Suburban Health Center, and Michael Love, economic development director, and Daniel Subwick, community development coordinator, both from the City of South Euclid, attended the students’ formal presentation. Subwick is a 2010 graduate of Notre Dame.
The officials said they will consider taking the undergraduates’ proposal for creating a joint leisure and health center under advisement.
“Many thanks to those that have contributed to this project. In particular, we are grateful to Chuck Abbey and Doug Eckert for giving our students the opportunity to gain valuable experience and to highlight their talents,” Palombo said.
Idea
The Notre Dame students used the PESTLE analysis as the basis to propose the health center and agency for the elderly partner to create a community center that would aid both entities in business development and revenue generation.
The team of interns also suggested the organizations utilize Notre Dame nursing and health science majors to staff the center to provide further net profit. University Suburban Health Center and Notre Dame are the top two employers in South Euclid.
This new multi-purpose facility could accommodate athletics and fitness training, meeting and banquet capabilities, senior citizens programming, outpatient medical and physicians services and civic meetings, among other activities.
Experience
The Notre Dame business majors researched and discussed regulatory requirements, economic trends and tax policies, age diversity and health and lifestyle inclinations, equipment and transportation conditions, green program aspects and licensing and other applicable laws in making their case. They also provided a potential floor plan and price tag for their proposed health and leisure facility.
Students participating in the internship project and presenting to the corporate and community officials were Grant Chimples, a senior management major with a math minor; Alexandria Gayle, a senior management and marketing double major; Emily Hofsess, a junior marketing and human resources double major; and Lukas Thompson, a junior finance major.
The students’ advisors were Anthony J. Mauceri, M.B.A., assistant professor of management and human resources, and Peter Corrigan, an adjunct instructor who teaches strategic management, principles of supervision and business and government courses at the College.
Opportunity
With University Suburban Health Center contemplating whether to repurpose some of its facility at their South Green Road campus, the city of South Euclid needing an enlarged and renovated area for its senior citizens center and Notre Dame having the desire to give back to the community and provide its students with real-world career experiences, the three teamed to provide the innovative student internship experience.
In addition to its Division of Business, which offers associate’s and bachelor’s degrees in multiple majors both online and on site at the South Euclid College campus, Notre Dame also supports an Enterprise Development Center (EDC @ NDC).
The EDC @ NDC represents an innovative approach to creating academic and experiential learning opportunities for students, while supporting Northeast Ohio businesses. By partnering with community and funding organizations, the center promotes entrepreneurial thinking and provides an interdisciplinary internship program for eligible students.
December 2019
About Notre Dame College
For almost a century, Notre Dame College has educated a diverse population in the liberal arts for personal, professional and global responsibility. Founded by the Sisters of Notre Dame in 1922, the College has grown strategically to keep pace with the rapidly changing needs of students and the dramatic changes in higher education. But it has never lost sight of its emphasis on teaching students not only how to make a good living but also how to live a good life.
Today, the College offers bachelor’s degrees in 30 disciplines plus a variety of master’s degrees, certification programs and continuing and professional development programs for adult learners on campus and online. Notre Dame College offers NCAA Division II intercollegiate athletic programs for men and women and is located in a picturesque residential neighborhood just 25 minutes from the heart of Cleveland. Hallmarks of the Notre Dame experience include stimulating academics, personalized attention of dedicated faculty and staff, and small class sizes.
Notre Dame College is located at 4545 College Road in South Euclid. For further information contact Brian Johnston, chief communications officer, at 216.373.5252 or bjohnston@ndc.edu.