PGN at Illinois State University
PGN is a professional development organization for all majors…
…that believes there are clear steps, training and support networks that can mitigate underemployment and unemployment risk, and prepare graduates for a lifetime of success.
What We Offer
Real-World Experience
PGN members have the opportunity to apply the skills they learn in the classroom to real-world projects, running an organization, managing people, and navigating situations that will better prepare them for transitioning to the workplace
Community of Mentors
At PGN, we are devoted to each other and driven to success, meaning you have mentors for life - ready to help you throughout your career
Industry Diversity
PGN accepts all majors to ensure that we are reflective of the demographics and skill sets of today’s businesses. Most importantly, this allows us to prepare future leaders across verticals with the skills needed to succeed.
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSOR
BRONZE SPONSOR
Thank You To Our Sponsors
Our sponsors have exclusive access to future high-performing employees. PGN makes recruitment easy by helping you tap into our broad student and alumni network.
Where We Work
Diverse majors translate into diverse career paths. Check out where our alumni are located
We love giving back!
From large campus-wide fundraising football tournaments to weekends at food pantries, we think there’s nothing better than working together to improve our community. Every year we volunteer hundreds of hours and raise thousands for important causes and nonprofits.
Our Leaders
Joseph Luciano, President
Major: Marketing Professional Sales & Financial Planning
Hometown: Mount Prospect, IL
Joseph Luciano, a Mount Prospect, IL native, is a dedicated marketing student with a strong track record of leadership and academic excellence. He serves as President of Phi Gamma Nu, Vice President of the Sales Excellence Academy, a mentor for Business Week, and a Finance Cohort Member of the FinServ Foundation.
Outside the classroom, Joseph enjoys traveling, cooking, golfing, reading, and playing chess. As president of Phi Gamma Nu, his goal is to lead the chapter in a way that inspires both creative and professional growth among its members. Academically, he is focused on maintaining his impressive 3.8 GPA and passing the SIE exam as he works toward his future career goals.
Joseph’s commitment to leadership, mentorship, and personal development highlights his passion for making a meaningful impact in all areas of his life.
Andrew Cedeno, Vice President of External Affairs
Major: Business Information Systems
Hometown: Des Plaines, IL
Andrew Cedeno, from Des Plaines, IL, is a Business Information Systems major at Illinois State University. He is an active leader on campus, serving as Vice President of External Affairs for Phi Gamma Nu, a Mentor in the Business Week program, and a member of the ISU Club Men's Volleyball Team. Andrew also works at Campus Recreation in the Student Fitness Center, balancing his commitments to academics, athletics, and campus involvement.
As VP of External Affairs, Andrew is focused on strengthening partnerships and enhancing engagement. His plans include organizing a site visit with a sponsor, hosting a speaker dinner with alumni and industry representatives to facilitate networking, and leading the philanthropy event in April with a goal of raising over $2,500—surpassing the success of the Turkey Bowl fundraiser.
Andrew’s dedication to leadership and community impact is matched by his drive to foster meaningful connections and create lasting value for those around him.
Nathan Hoffman, Vice President of New Membership
Major: Psychology & Athletic Coaching
Hometown : Bloomington, IL
Nathan Hoffman, from Bloomington, IL, is a Psychology and Athletic Coaching major at Illinois State University. In addition to his academic pursuits, he serves as Vice President of New Membership for Phi Gamma Nu and works as a Resident Assistant, where he focuses on building strong and supportive communities.
Nathan is passionate about fitness and music, spending much of his free time at the gym or discovering new songs. As VP of New Membership, his goal is to create a welcoming and engaging environment for potential new members of Phi Gamma Nu. On the academic side, he is determined to achieve a higher GPA by earning straight A’s this semester.
Nathan’s dedication to leadership and personal growth drives his commitment to making a positive impact both in and out of the classroom.
Jason Zheng, Vice President of Finance
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Normal, Illinois
Jason Zheng, from Normal, IL, is an Accounting major at Illinois State University. On campus, he serves as the Marketing Coordinator for the Student Accounting Society, is a member of Beta Gamma Sigma, a Business Week Mentor, and a Teaching Assistant for Financial Accounting.
Jason’s hobbies include listening to music, playing the bass guitar, reading, and spending quality time with friends and family. As Vice President of Finance for Phi Gamma Nu, his goal is to manage the chapter’s budget efficiently, ensure expenses remain within limits, and keep members informed about financial decisions.
Academically, Jason is striving to make the Dean’s List for both the Spring and Fall semesters while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA in his major. His dedication to excellence and leadership reflects his commitment to achieving success both personally and professionally.
Noah Badowski, Vice President of Marketing
Major: Finance, Risk Management & Insurance
Hometown: Romeoville, IL
Noah Badowski, a Romeoville, IL native, is an undergraduate student at Illinois State University, pursuing a degree in Finance and Risk Management & Insurance. He is actively involved on campus as a College of Business Social Media Intern and a member of Illinois State Students in Finance, where he develops his professional skills and fosters connections within the business world.
Outside of academics, Noah enjoys going to the gym, collecting vinyl records, and spending time with family and friends. This year, he aims to elevate the presence of Phi Gamma Nu on campus and establish it as a leading chapter in the university’s business community.
With a passion for personal growth and leadership, Noah is committed to making a lasting impact both during his time at Illinois State and in his future career.
Daniel Conlon, Vice President of Internal Affairs
Major: Finance & Risk Management and Insurance
Hometown: Vernon Hills, IL
Danny Conlon, from Vernon Hills, IL, is a Finance and Risk Management & Insurance major at Illinois State University. He is actively involved on campus as a member of Gamma Iota Sigma and contributes to the SafeRedbirds initiative as part of its Social Media Team.
In his free time, Danny enjoys hanging out with friends, listening to music, watching TV, and reading. As a leader in Phi Gamma Nu, his goal is to provide effective guidance that fosters both social and professional growth within the chapter. He strives to create a positive and impactful environment that supports the success of all members.
Danny is also committed to maintaining academic excellence while continuing to make meaningful contributions to his organizations and the broader campus community.
Emily O’Dea, Vice President of Communications
Major: Marketing
Hometown: Peoria, IL.
Emily O'Dea, a sophomore from Peoria, IL, is pursuing a Marketing degree at Illinois State University. Since joining Phi Gamma Nu, Emily has served as Social Media Chair and now as Vice President of Communications. Her involvement in PGN has been instrumental in developing her leadership skills and fostering her professional growth.
This semester, Emily aims to expand her campus involvement by joining additional organizations at ISU. Outside of academics, she enjoys listening to music, spending time with family and friends, going to the gym, and enjoying the outdoors.
As VP of Communications, Emily is dedicated to fostering open and consistent communication within the chapter and building meaningful connections with PGN alumni. She is committed to creating a positive environment that supports personal and professional development for all members. Emily looks forward to applying the leadership skills she gains in this role to her studies and her future career in marketing.