Student News B.I.T.S.
Official Student Newsletter of Purdue University Global’s School of Business and Information Technology
October 2022 Issue
Official Student Newsletter of Purdue University Global’s School of Business and Information Technology
October 2022 Issue
While witches, devils and vampires are common Halloween characters, they really have nothing to do with the origins of the holiday, says a Purdue University history professor. (see more) Source: Melinda Zook, (765) 494-4134, mzook@purdue.edu
"The origins of Halloween, which goes back more than a thousand years, have a lot to do with fertility, the harvest and the souls of the dead, but not witches, devils or vampires," says Melinda Zook, an associate professor of medieval history. "Like all things in Western civilization, Halloween has its roots in our pagan, Roman and Christian past. It is a complex mixture of various ancient and medieval festivals, customs, rites and traditions."
Today's traditions of dressing in costumes and trick-or-treating are fairly modern and originated in Ireland and Scotland.
"Dressing in costume and soliciting treats from neighbors are watered down forms of guising," Zook says. "In 19th century Ireland, young children in their guises would go neighbor to neighbor begging for treats such as nuts and apples. In Scotland, children would visit neighbors in groups to earn their treats with a song, joke, poem, dance or trick."
Even the traditional costumes of vampires, witches, ghosts and devils were inspired by 19th century Scotland and Ireland.
"This is from the Celtic roots of the holiday when it was known as a time that spirits returned to earth," Zook says. "Because Oct. 31 was known as a night of evil spirits intent on doing harm, one dresses up as something fearsome in order to fool the spirits into thinking that you are indeed one of them."
Writer: Amy Patterson Neubert, (765) 494-9723, apatterson@purdue.edu
All Purdue Global students and employees can receive a ticket discount for any football game they wish to attend. This discount allows an individual to get the group ticket pricing without having to order the quantity typically necessary for that discount. PG students and employees can order tickets here using promo code "Partner22" to unlock the discount.
Questions about Graduation?
Link to: Graduation Center
February 25, 2023
Anaheim, CA
Registration:
November 9 to December 16
Venue: City National Grove of Anaheim
Purdue Global Spotlight
Johnathon Vermaelen, MBA
When Johnathon Vermaelen was young, he and his family were told that he may not be able to make it past 3rd grade due to his Autism diagnosis. Following this, he spent his entire life proving his abilities to be successful due to his intelligence, diligence, willpower, and organizational skills. He graduated High School as the valedictorian, and he obtained two Bachelor's degrees in the years following. As an adult, Johnathon became no stranger to high achievements and working hard to consistently obtain greater goals in life. While working in a legal position at an international eDiscovery and consulting firm, he decided to pursue a new goal of obtaining a masters degree in Business Administration.
He opted for an online program so that he could continue working full time while attending school. In his research, he found Purdue University Global’s MBA ExcelTrack program was a great fit for what he needed. The program was flexible enough to accommodate his work schedule and additionally would reward his diligent work ethic and established experience and achievements. Through hard work and preservation, Johnathon was able to complete his MBA in only 6 months. Johnathon gives much credit to his PG student advisor Richard Rodriquez who initially introduced him to the ExcelTrack program realizing it would be a perfect fit for him. Richard was impressed with Johnathon’s work ethic, efficiency, and time management skills through the program and wrote him a letter of recommendation to use in the future.
Johnathon is continuing to prove himself as he pursues an Executive Juris Doctorate at PG’s Concord Law School, and he is on track to complete this goal in December 2023. The flexibility and support Purdue Global offers helped Johnathon complete his MBA in record time and achieve his dream of going back to school to earn a business degree.
Learning Globally
Join SBIT Department Chair Dr. Jack Deem and Associate Dean Dr. Pam DeLotell for an unforgettable cultural experience in Berlin, Germany April 15 - 22, 2023.
Join SBIT Department Chair Dr. Jack Deem and Associate Dean Dr. Pam DeLotell for an unforgettable cultural experience in Berlin, Germany April 15 - 22, 2023. Tour the BMW manufacturing plant, explore iconic Museum Island, and visit local German companies to learn more about the cultural and professional customs that make Berlin one of the business capitals of the world.
Interested, but not able to make the trip in person? April 17 - 21, 2023, you can take a virtual field experience through Germany, including real-time discussions with German business leaders and virtual tours of iconic locations like the Jewish Museum of Berlin and the Humboldt Forum.
If you’re ready to sign up for Business in Berlin in 2302C/2302E, apply for a space on either the VIRTUAL or TRAVEL field experience, and Education Abroad staff will be in touch to verify eligibility.
In order to participate in an Education Abroad experience, applicants must have space for an Education Abroad course in their degree plan, be in good academic and financial standing, have completed three terms at PG, and be on an eligible C-track (undergrad) or E-track (grad) program.
All interested participants are encouraged to apply, but please note that space is limited on each trip. Successful applicants will be notified whether they have a place after the registration deadline of November 16, 2022 has passed and eligibility has been verified. Course fees associated with the field experience may be eligible for financial aid, depending on a student’s individual aid package and degree plan.
Check out the PG Education Abroad Handbook for more details, including other upcoming locations, dates, pricing, and policies, and contact PG Education Abroad with any questions.
Visit your Library Lately?
Library News & Blog
New Resource: Harvard Core Curriculum & Business Cases
Available now, all faculty, students, and staff have access to Harvard Core Curriculum & Business Cases, featuring over 70 foundational business concept readings and 2000+ business case studies, hosted on the EBSCO platform.
Test out the New EDS Search
An update to EBSCO Discovery Service is coming later this year, but you can preview the New EDS today! Read more for details and a preview link.
Year-Long Evaluation Period for SAGE Video
SAGE Video showcases highly relevant educational videos across key social, behavioral, and health science disciplines.
New Company Information Resource: Mergent Online
This database is now the Library's go-to search point for all company research and information needs.
SAGE Research Methods Now Available to all Students and Faculty
Looking to find the best chart to explore your research data? Or need to plan a research project? Visit this new resource from SAGE for books, videos, and other content on conducting original research projects.
Network with students and faculty.
Develop your leadership skills.
Boost your resume.
Build a community of supportive, like-minded students.
Enhance your classroom experience.
Student Life (Click here to learn more!)
Purdue Global Student Life organizations offer you the opportunity to connect with students who have similar interests, bolster your resume, and find a support system.
MISSION:
To create a literary journal that encourages and celebrates creativity in the diverse Purdue University Global Community; each publication will showcase written and visual narratives. Publication selections are based on the quality and insight of the narrative, rather than on genre or style requirements.
The CareerNetwork is the Career Services Department’s virtual, one-stop shop for all employment-related resources, upcoming and past events, networking, job leads, and much more. Explore the CareerNetwork, interact with your fellow classmates, and stay engaged with everything Purdue Global. The CareerNetwork is located on the PG Campus student portal homepage under the "Community Center" tab.
Purdue Global Contacts
Registration Issues: 866-522-7747
Textbook Inquiry: Student Support Desk or Academic Advising at 866-522-7747
Technical Issues: 866-522-7747-Support and Solutions
Student Accounts: 800-817-8272
Office of Student Support: 866-522-7747
Financial aid: 866-458-2008 option #2, or at fastudentsupport@purdueglobal.edu
Student Connections
Student Store and Discounts: https://campus.purdueglobal.edu/content/student-store
Purdue Global Blog: https://www.purdueglobal.edu/blog/