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
Elizabeth Mann, President
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications and Professional Sales
Hometown: Forsyth, IL
Elizabeth Mann, a junior at Maroa-Forsyth High School in Forsyth, IL, is deeply involved in her campus community. She serves as the President of Phi Gamma Nu, where she has also held roles as VP of Marketing, Digital Marketing Chair, and Alumni Chair. Elizabeth is engaged in Business Week as the Corporate Social Responsibility Coordinator and Mentor, and in Alpha Phi Omega as VP of Membership. She's also a member of SMSA, AMA, and the Francophone Club.
Majoring in Marketing with a focus on Integrated Marketing Communications and Professional Sales, Elizabeth spends her free time traveling, listening to music, being active, and enjoying time with family and friends. Her career aspirations are in digital/social media marketing or sports marketing.
Elizabeth's college experience has been marked by significant personal and professional growth. Joining various organizations helped her transition from a small town to college life, enriching her with lifelong friendships, professional networks, and essential soft skills. As President, she is committed to fostering a positive and supportive environment, aiming to propel the organization and its members towards success.
Reese Jones, Vice President of External Affairs
Major: Integrated Marketing Communications
Hometown: Sigel, IL
Reese Jones, a junior from Sigel, IL, attended St. Anthony High School. Reese is passionate about spending quality time with friends, helping at her mom's business, Ginger Ales, and enjoys playing Rummy in her leisure time.
Currently studying marketing with a focus on integrated marketing communications, Reese aspires to be an entrepreneur, aiming to own a chain of food trucks and a bar and grill. Her vision is to create a welcoming space for people from diverse backgrounds to enjoy themselves. Her experiences have inspired her to blend various cultural elements into her business.
In addition to her entrepreneurial aspirations, Reese is keen on enhancing her chapter's engagement with the community. She plans to invite small business owners and local personalities to share their insights, fostering a stronger community connection. Reese also wants to organize beneficial events for her fraternity, like dinner etiquette classes, to bolster their professional development. Her goal is to make a positive impact on her chapter and help her peers advance in their careers.
Joey Connolly, Vice President of New Membership
Major: Psychology
Hometown : Lisle, IL
Joey Connolly, a freshman from Lisle, IL, graduated from Lisle High School. His interests include riding bikes, spending time with dogs, shopping, and listening to music. Joey is pursuing a major in Psychology without a minor.
His career aspiration is to become an experimental psychologist, a choice driven by personal interests rather than the influence of student organizations. Joey's time in college has been transformative in terms of professional development. Initially unfamiliar with creating resumes, delivering professional presentations, or introducing himself professionally, he has experienced significant growth in these areas.
Joey aims to bring a balance of personability and professionalism to his role. His goal is to ensure new members find their participation in the organization beneficial both personally and professionally. He is committed to creating an environment that supports the individual growth and professional aspirations of each member.
Cal Reckamp, Vice President of Finance
Major: Accounting
Hometown: Mount Prospect, Illinois
Cal Reckamp, a sophomore from Mount Prospect, Illinois, and a graduate of Prospect High School, is an Accounting major. He enjoys playing video games, working out at the gym, and spending time with friends and family.
Cal plans to join the Student Accounting Society this semester. He has already made strides in his career path by serving as the Vice President of Finance in Phi Gamma Nu. His goal is to become a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) specializing in tax accounting after graduation.
Cal's involvement in Phi Gamma Nu has been pivotal in advancing his career aspirations. Through his position, he has developed a variety of skills crucial for his professional future. His experience in student organizations has not only helped him grow professionally but also allowed him to make valuable connections with peers and professionals.
For his current role, Cal's objective is to manage the budget efficiently. He aims to maintain the budget without significant changes and ensure that expenses stay within set limits for different categories. This approach reflects his commitment to financial responsibility and skillful resource management.
Robert Callan, Vice President of Marketing
Major: Advanced Marketing Analytics and Integrated Marketing Communications.
Hometown: Skokie, IL
Robert Callan, a junior from Skokie, IL, and an alumnus of Niles North High School, is majoring in Advanced Marketing Analytics and Integrated Marketing Communications. His interests include graphic design, music, going to the gym, and socializing with friends.
He is actively involved in several student organizations: Phi Gamma Nu, American Marketing Association (AMA), Innovation Consulting Community, Business Week, and the College of Business Social Media Team. Robert holds leadership positions as the Vice President of Marketing for Phi Gamma Nu and Vice President of Communications for AMA, and he is a mentor for Business Week.
Robert aspires to become a Marketing Manager or Creative Director. His experience in various roles has broadened his understanding of the workforce and strengthened his professional skills, including time management, public speaking, leadership, and problem-solving. His college journey is driven by a commitment to maximizing his potential through active involvement, which has significantly enhanced his professional development.
Robert's goals include increasing professional skill development opportunities for members of his organizations and enhancing the brand recognition of these organizations on campus. His focus is on fostering both personal and organizational growth.
Jonathan Snelgrove, Vice President of Internal Affairs
Major: Business Administration
Hometown: Marengo, IL
Jonathan Snelgrove, a freshman from Marengo, IL, and a graduate of Marengo Community High School, is studying Business Administration. His hobbies include working out, riding his motorcycle, and spending time with friends.
He is actively involved in Phi Gamma Nu, serving as the Vice President of Internal Affairs, and the American Marketing Association. Jonathan aspires to become a Chief Operating Officer (COO). His involvement in these organizations has significantly boosted his confidence, providing ample opportunities to develop his skills and professional capabilities. These experiences have also allowed him to build a network of like-minded individuals driven by similar ambitions.
Jonathan's participation in student organizations has been instrumental in enhancing his social skills and professional development. These experiences have offered him unique opportunities that have shaped his personal and professional journey.
His primary goal in his current role is to increase chapter involvement. Jonathan plans to achieve this by introducing new and engaging events, while also paying close attention to the preferences and opinions of the chapter members. His focus is on fostering active participation and enhancing the overall experience for everyone involved.
Eileen Gasperec, Vice President of Communications
Major: Double Major in Legal Studies and Political Science.
Hometown: Lisle, IL
Eileen Gasperec, a second-semester freshman from Lisle, IL, and an alumna of Naperville North High School, is pursuing a double major in Legal Studies and Political Science. Her interests include hiking, playing ice hockey, baking, and cooking.
Eileen is actively engaged in several clubs: the Pre-Law Club, Girls Who Lift, and the Horticulture Club. Her immediate career goal is to become a paralegal after completing her undergraduate studies, followed by attending law school to become a lawyer.
Although her club involvement hasn't directly influenced her career choice, it has significantly contributed to her skill development. The Pre-Law Club is instrumental in preparing her for the LSATs and for a legal career, as well as helping her engage with the law community. Additionally, her role as Vice President of Communications in Phi Gamma Nu is honing her professional and leadership skills through various workshops and activities. These experiences are shaping her journey towards a successful career in law.