Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania, December 9, 2025
Gwynedd Mercy University’s Sport Business Association hosted a successful Baseball Summit, engaging over 80 attendees in networking and career discussions within the sports industry. The event featured a keynote by Andrew Ball, a GMercyU graduate and former Assistant GM of the Houston Astros, alongside a panel of industry experts. Networking sessions further enriched student learning and facilitated career opportunities, highlighting the university’s commitment to connecting education with professional growth.
Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania – Gwynedd Mercy University’s Sport Business Association (SBA) successfully hosted its highly anticipated Baseball Summit, where over 80 attendees engaged in a pivotal dialogue about career development in the sports industry. This event brought together students, alumni, faculty, community members, and baseball professionals to encourage networking and accessibility to professional opportunities.
The highlight of the summit was a virtual keynote delivered by Andrew Ball, a 2011 GMercyU graduate and former Assistant General Manager of the Houston Astros. Ball’s address focused on leadership, work ethic, and career development within Major League Baseball, providing attendees with actionable insights drawn from his own experiences in the field.
H3: A Diverse Panel of Experts
The summit featured a diverse panel of seasoned professionals, including:
– Peter Schiffert, Manager of Sponsorship Services at Lehigh Valley IronPigs
– Allan Donato, Vice President at ACES, Inc.
– Carly Jensen, Ticket Operations Coordinator for the Wilmington Blue Rocks
– Ryan Simon, Manager of Ticket Services for the Philadelphia Phillies
– Meaghan Tyrell, Player Social Coordinator for Major League Baseball
These panelists shared valuable knowledge on various career avenues within baseball, covering topics from player development to fan engagement and ticket operations. This multifaceted discussion aided in bridging the gap between academic knowledge and real-world application, further supporting the career aspirations of students in attendance.
H3: Enhancing Career Development
Networking sessions post-keynote allowed students to interact with industry professionals directly, exploring potential internship and job prospects. This opportunity not only enriched student learning but also laid the groundwork for meaningful career connections, essential in today’s competitive job market.
H3: Commitment to Growth
The Baseball Summit was organized under the supervision of Dr. Maddie Herman, the SBA’s club advisor, and executed by the SBA Executive Board. The team’s dedication reflects a growing trend in higher education where student-led initiatives significantly impact career readiness in their respective fields.
H3: Acknowledging Student Engagement
GMercyU President Deanne D’Emilio acknowledged the success of the event, emphasizing the important contributions made by the professionals involved and the enthusiastic participation of students. This interaction enriches the educational environment, reinforcing the university’s commitment to fostering career-oriented experiences.
H3: Moving Forward
The Baseball Summit signifies a growing commitment by the SBA and GMercyU to connect education with professional opportunities. As the association continues to expand career-oriented events and initiatives, it contributes positively to the local economy by preparing students for fruitful careers in the thriving sports industry.
Conclusion
The success of the Baseball Summit illustrates the powerful intersection of education and industry in Pennsylvania’s sports landscape. As local universities enhance their efforts to prepare students for the workforce, the community can become actively involved by supporting such initiatives. Engaging in local events creates a foundation for future athletes and professionals, driving economic growth and revitalizing the marketplace.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the purpose of the Baseball Summit?
The Baseball Summit aimed to bridge the gap between education and professional opportunities in the sports industry by bringing together students, alumni, faculty, community members, and industry professionals for learning, networking, and career exploration.
Who was the keynote speaker at the event?
The keynote speaker was Andrew Ball, a 2011 GMercyU graduate and former Assistant General Manager of the Houston Astros, who shared insights on leadership, work ethic, and career development in Major League Baseball.
Who were the panelists at the Baseball Summit?
The panelists included Peter Schiffert, Allan Donato, Carly Jensen, Ryan Simon, and Meaghan Tyrell, who shared their expertise in areas such as player development, agency work, fan engagement, and ticket operations.
How did the event support students in their career development?
The event provided students with opportunities to connect directly with professionals, explore internship and career opportunities, and gain insights into various career paths within baseball through networking sessions and panel discussions.
Who organized the Baseball Summit?
The event was organized under the guidance of club advisor Dr. Maddie Herman and the SBA Executive Board, comprising students from various classes, with additional support from other students.
| Key Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Event Name | Baseball Summit |
| Location | Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania |
| Organizer | Gwynedd Mercy University’s Sport Business Association (SBA) |
| Keynote Speaker | Andrew Ball, 2011 GMercyU graduate and former Assistant General Manager of the Houston Astros |
| Panelists | Peter Schiffert, Allan Donato, Carly Jensen, Ryan Simon, Meaghan Tyrell |
| Attendees | Over 80, including students, alumni, faculty, community members, and industry professionals |
| Event Focus | Bridging the gap between education and professional opportunities in the sports industry |
| Networking Opportunities | Sessions allowing students to connect directly with professionals and explore career opportunities |
| Organizing Team | Dr. Maddie Herman (advisor) and the SBA Executive Board |
