This Fall Quarter is sure to be a promising one for any student studying Sports Business at DePaul. For starters, the new School of Hospitality and Sports Business is kicking off the 2024-25 school year with new opportunities and classes, study abroad trips, and much more!
New Logo for the School of Hospitality and Sports Business
One new class in particular, HSB 398 (Sports Tourism), is being offered as a result of the new school. Within this class, taught by Professor Andy Clark, students delve into the effects that tourism has on the sports industry, and how it is especially prevalent right here in Chicago, even getting to work with the Chicago Marathon in a hands-on project. Just this week, students traveled off-site to visit Marquee Development at the Cubs corporate offices, meeting with Marquee Development’s Managing Principal, Eric Nordness, and their Development Manager, Daniel Cogan; the class even had the opportunity to tour the office, The Hotel Zachary, and the field itself!
Students at Gallagher Way and in the dugout at Wrigley Field
As far as Professor Andy Clark’s classes go, it is no secret that they stand above your average lecture. Between the many classes he teaches, students are immersed into the sports industry with weekly guest speakers, off-site visits across the city, and so much more. Not only does he have quite the impressive network of colleagues and friends that are more than happy to help his students, Professor Clark also encourages both current students and alumni to share their wins and experiences.
Just this past summer, DePaul Alumni Olivia Homan (BUS ‘19, MS ‘20) had the amazing opportunity to travel to Paris for the 2024 Summer Games. Homan, a double demon herself, has come back to DePaul many times to share her role as a Social Media Manager for NBC Universal with current students. In this article written by Meredith Carroll, Olivia explains that she was able to combine her passion for both sports and fashion at NBC Universal, even interning there while still an undergrad, and how working in social media has brought her many “pinch me” moments, like getting to attend the Olympics, the US Open, and the Super Bowl… just to name a few! Olivia reflects back on her time studying at DePaul, and even her sports business classes, as truly invaluable, explaining that she “made the most of being [here]” by using the amazing resources at DePaul, as well as living in such a big city, to her full advantage.
Olivia Homan at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris
Many active alumni, as detailed in this article from DePaul Magazine, are eager to help current students, and even bring real-world consulting projects to the table. Within Professor Andy Clark’s Intro to Sports Management class, students work alongside Julie Giese and DePaul Double Demon Alex Bialek (BUS ’21, MS ’22) at NASCAR to bring new and exciting ideas to the table for the 2024 Chicago Street Race, with a final presentation centered around increasing awareness and engagement for the race weekend. Students are given constructive feedback throughout the quarter and after final presentations with Julie and Alex. Also from DePaul Magazine, even more DePaul Alum within the sports industry share career insights and explain what they most enjoy within their jobs, along with how DePaul has impacted their careers.
Students presenting for NASCAR last Fall Quarter
Two other DePaul Alumni, Molly Byrne (BUS ’24) and Angela Hernandez (CMN ’24), also contributed to the Street Race this past July, both of whom interned with NASCAR and had hands-on experience with the event. In this article for DePaul Newsline, written by Kenneth Adusah, Byrne and Hernandez explain that they learned of the Chicago Street Race in Professor Clark’s Sports Management class, and both alumni were able to turn an opportunity that was first presented in class to an actual role within the company. Between working in partnerships and event experiences, both Byrne and Hernandez are a true testament to the grit and determination that DePaul students have, and how a passion for sports business extends much further than the classroom.
Angela Hernandez holding the NASCAR trophy
The Sports Business program at DePaul, especially classes with Professor Andy Clark, offers students unparalleled opportunities to engage directly with the sports industry. Through hands-on projects, networking with alumni, and learning from industry professionals, students gain real-world experience that extends far beyond the classroom. With new and exciting offerings and opportunities from The School of Hospitality and Sports Business, DePaul ultimately continues to shape future leaders in the sports business world.