2022 Best & Brightest Business Major: Austin J. Glass, Villanova University

Austin J. Glass

Villanova University School of Business

“I have a passion for meeting people, traveling, trying new things, and cooking!”

Fun fact about yourself: I am a current board member of a nonprofit organization, The Joy of Sox!

Hometown: Lancaster, Pennsylvania

High School: Hempfield High School

Major: Economics

Minor: Finance, Business Law & Corporate Governance

Favorite Business Course: Global Leadership with Professor Narda Quigley

Extracurricular Activities, Community Work and Leadership Roles During College:

St. Augustine Scholarship, Villanova Honors Program

2022 U.S. Fulbright Program, Semifinalist – North Macedonia

President, Villanova Blue Key Campus Tour Guides and Ambassadors – Led 330+ volunteer student organization 2018-2022

Chair of Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Committee, Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, Villanova School of Business 2018-2022

Class Senator, Villanova Student Government Association 2018-2021

Where have you interned during your college career?

Sompo Global Risk Solutions, 2020 Summer Intern, New York City Office

The Joy of Sox Nonprofit, 2021 Summer Intern, Phoenixville Pennsylvania

Where will you be working after graduation? TBD

Who is your favorite professor? Cathy Toner has been my favorite professor because of her constant support and the way that she encourages all her students to consider how they can make a positive impact on the world through business.

What is the biggest lesson you gained from studying business? The biggest lesson I learned from studying business is that successful and sustainable leadership recognizes the contributions of everyone. The ability to listen to and implement feedback from all stakeholders is critical to any organization’s future success.

What advice would you give to a student looking to major in a business-related field? I would encourage this student to find mentors, both formal and informal, to discuss their interest areas and ideas. I have found conversation with people working in areas of business to be incredibly helpful in deciding what I do and do not want to do after graduation.

Looking back over your experience, what is the one thing you’d do differently in business school and why? I would have avoided my misconception that business disciplines exist in silos. Until I was a few semesters into my education, I tended to think of my various classes – accounting, marketing, etc. – as mutually exclusive and unrelated. As a senior, I can see that the most dynamic business leaders understand and appreciate the interconnectedness of these disciplines which are all crucial in maximizing business success.

What business executive do you admire most? Jay Coen Gilbert, the Founder of B Lab, because he helped bring about the B Corporation movement that emphasizes stakeholder-focused business practices.

Which academic, extracurricular or personal achievement are you most proud of? I am the proudest of being Blue Key President because this role has allowed me to make an impact on Villanova’s culture of inclusion that impacts current and future students.

Which classmate do you most admire? A classmate who I admire is my friend Gabby Sarmiento. An international student from Panama, Gabby is always advocating for diversity, equity, and inclusion across Villanova. She always puts great effort into her work while maintaining a positive attitude and smile.

Who would you most want to thank for your success? I would like to thank my parents for their constant support for me in all my ambitions.

What are the top two items on your professional bucket list?

1.) Obtain my law degree

2.) Live and work abroad

What are your hobbies? I enjoy spending time outside exploring, and I am currently training to run my first half marathon later this year. I also love learning about and trying new foods and different recipes, especially vegan cuisine. Lastly, I love to experience new places – whether it’s a different town or a different country!

What made Austin such an invaluable addition to the Class of 2022?

“Austin is an outstanding member of the Class of 2022. He was a star performer and consistent contributor in my business law classes and a leader in the classroom. He shared thoughtful and thought-provoking comments and observations in class and guided other students who were struggling with legal concepts and ideas.

One of Austin’s strengths is his ability to connect with and value people across all dimensions. He is welcoming and open to new ideas and willing to share his own. He is curious and seeks to find common ground to connect with people and build relationships.

As a leader on campus, he is president of our campus ambassador society, chair of the diversity, equity and inclusion committee of the Dean’s Undergraduate Student Advisory Council, and a class senator. Austin cares deeply about social justice issues and is especially moved to help people who are homeless or housing insecure. This summer he worked for The Joy of Sox, an organization that provides clean and new socks to homeless people in the United Sates.

Austin enhances the Villanova community with his presence. He lives the Augustinian ideals of Veritas, Unitas, and Caritas every day. His positive energy and willingness to do the right thing and care for others impressed me as much as his intelligence and determination. He is a pleasure to know and someone who will continue to make a positive difference in the world.”

Cathy J. Toner, JD, MJ
Assistant Dean, Talent & Staff Development, Community & External Outreach
Villanova School of Business

DON’T MISS: 100 BEST & BRIGHTEST BUSINESS MAJORS OF 2022

 

 

Questions about this article? Email us or leave a comment below.