by Mei-Lin Yeh-Lane, Ph.D., Professor of Sports and Recreation Management

Experiential Learning at AIC

On a crisp Thursday evening, November 13, AIC’s Campus Center Auditorium offered a warm setting for academic engagement and experiential learning. Students from AIC and area colleges gathered for a conversation with professionals across the sports industry. Organized by student leaders in the Sports Management Club, with support from the Event and Facility Management class, the program featured a panel discussion, audience Q&A, and time for networking.

Panelists included: Alexandra Dumais (Worcester Red Sox), Anthony Keefe (Diamond Baseball Holdings), Michael Booker (BSN Sports), Donny Porcaro Jr. (Worcester Bravehearts), and Brandon Seymour (Valley Blue Sox). The conversation covered career purpose, early professional experiences, imposter syndrome, and strategies for growth. Cornelius Christensen, a senior in general business, shared, “No matter our major or sport, we could all relate to the discussion.”

The panelists’ guidance helped students see how important it is to build professional connections. Sophomore Alvin Gomez said the conversation showed him how essential networking is in the business world, while Shai Cohen pointed to LinkedIn as a valuable tool which helped him secure a summer internship with the Cape Cod Baseball League.

Student Leadership in Action

Students in the Event and Facility Management class contributed extensively, from planning and budgeting to promotion, outreach, and on-site logistics. Their collaboration with club leaders included class discussions, club meetings, and regular briefings. 

The work of the Sport Management Club leaders Shai Cohen, Liam Francis, Maggie Kloster, Alvin Gomez, Gabe Pena, and Austin Rhodes, and the Event and Facility Management students was a great example of partnership with students taking the initiative to create an impactful learning opportunity. 

As the club’s faculty supervisor, I saw how meaningful the experience was for both attendees and student planners. Students gained practical, hands-on experience, brought their ideas to life, and experienced the satisfaction of executing a successful event. Elena Nunez, an international business major in the class, reflected, “I appreciated the entire planning process, from brainstorming to seeing the event come together. It was a great experience.”

MassMutual Center Experience

Building on this engagement, Event and Facility Management students had another exclusive learning opportunity on November 17 at the MassMutual Center. Thanks to our alumna Esterina O’Donnell, ’22, Marketing Manager of MGM Springfield, in partnership with Todd McDonald, VP of Sales and Strategy for the Springfield Thunderbirds, and Alana Mather, the team's Activation and Event Coordinator, students got a behind-the-scenes look at the sports industry from the professionals themselves, including a private viewing of a Thunderbirds practice and a tour of the arena. 

Discussions ranged from stadium ticket pricing and marketing to event operations. Students also learned about career development, including evaluating mutual fit between organizations and prospective employees. For them, it was an eye-opening chance to bring their classroom learning to life.

Preparing Students for Career Success

These career-focused experiences offered valuable résumé-building moments, but more importantly, they offered our students the chance to take ownership of complex projects and collaborate with professionals who shape the field. From planning and logistics to thoughtful conversations with industry leaders, students saw how their classroom learning connects to real opportunities. This work with industry partners reflects AIC’s commitment to helping students develop the skills, confidence, and practical understanding they need to succeed in their careers.