Maryville University’s John E. Simon School of Business is pleased to announce a successful completion of their Maryville Biz Camp, with students from eight high schools across Missouri and Illinois in attendance, including Marquette, Ladue Horton Watkins, Pattonville, and Edwardsville Senior High School.
The three-day on-campus business workshop was held Wednesday, July 16 through Friday, July 18, offering local area high school students early exposure to college life and business education. Hosted by Dr. Chris Gourdine and Dr. Kathleen Young, the workshop featured panels with Maryville student leaders, faculty, and alumni, as well as corporate partners such as S.M. Wilson & Company, Distribution Management, and SSM Health.
During Maryville Biz Camp, students participated in team-based business problem-solving projects, culminating in a project showcase at the end of the camp, and were awarded certificates for camp participation. Along with hands-on, collaborative project work, students also explored pathways for student-to-university-to-career pipelines, engaged local business leaders, alumni, and companies, and attended resume, interviewing, and college prep sessions led by Maryville Admissions.
On Day 1 of Maryville Biz Camp, Dr. Gourdine shared some inspiring success stories.
Students participated in a student panel moderated by student leader Cooper Anderson.
“Maryville Biz Camp is about more than introducing students to business—it’s about building confidence, community, and a vision for the future,” said Dr. Chris Gourdine, Assistant Dean and Camp Organizer.
“It’s a chance for young minds to discover what’s possible in college, explore career options, and to see that they belong here,” added Dr. Kathleen Young, Assistant Professor and Graduate Program Coordinator.
Maryville Biz Camp comes on the heels of two back to back cybersecurity workshops held earlier this year, continuing the University’s commitment to fostering a community-engaged, career-focused learning environment, and serving as a bridge between education and the workforce. To learn more about Maryville’s business programs and community initiatives, visit https://www.maryville.edu/bu/. For community partners and alumni interested in getting involved in future camps or career mentorship, contact Dr. Kathleen Young at kyoung17@maryville.edu.
About Maryville University
Founded in 1872, Maryville University is a comprehensive and nationally ranked private institution with an enrollment of well over 9,000 students. Maryville offers over 90 degrees at the undergraduate, master’s and doctoral levels, as well as several certificates that align with the undergraduate and graduate education levels. Maryville is recognized as the third fastest-growing private university in the United States by The Chronicle of Higher Education, serving students from 50 states and 56 countries. More than 50,000 Maryville alumni globally, many of whom work and live in the St. Louis region.