CRAY LECTURE SERIES

The Cray Lecture Series is an essential part of what the Cray Center offers to Benedictine and the community. It gives students the chance to learn from people who have proven themselves in the business world and have achieved their own personal goals. The successful entrepreneurs relay their own experiences and help to provide inspiration to young potential business owners. “The Cray Lecture Series is an educational opportunity for students and Benedictine College friends to hear from successful entrepreneurs,” said David Geenens, Executive Director of the Cray Center. “It gives them the chance to hear about what it takes to start a business and succeed in today’s marketplace.” The achievements these prestigious speakers have made in their lives validate the highest of students’ aspirations and the messages they present provide meaningful material for their future endeavors. 
 
“Each lecture gives students insight into the minds and hearts of men and women who have been on the ground floor of some of the country’s most impressive companies,” said Geenens. Past speakers at the Cray Lecture Series include Jim Ferrel, the CEO of Ferrel Gas who brought a small family owned business into the forefront of international trade, and Danny O’Neill, founder and CEO of the Roasterie, who spoke in the 2008 spring lecture about the personal sacrifice required by any entrepreneurial venture. Peter Brown, CEO of AMC Entertainment, graced the 2008 fall lecture with a message on dealing with difficult decisions and moral dilemmas in the business world. In the spring 2009 lecture, Jeff Berghoff of Berghoff Design delivered an insightful speech about start-ups in the new millennium. From Benedictine to hometown success, Susie Schaefer Hinds will speak in the spring of 2010, drawing upon her experiences at BC and Nell Hills which enabled her to develop her own prosperous home furnishings store, The Schaefer House.

These experienced speakers provide students with a powerful example of what may come from hard work and determination. Their messages teach valuable business lessons which supply listeners with the precious knowledge needed when embarking upon an entrepreneurial adventure. The Cray Lecture Series is a vital portion of what the Cray Center offers to students who are interested in obtaining the satisfaction of what entrepreneurship has to offer.