Alumnus: Kurt Paquin

Graduated: BS 1985, Technology

Company: Bacon's Information

Tenure: 3 years

Title: Senior Vice President of Operations

Email: kpaquin@bacons.com

What are your current job responsibilities?

Profit and loss performance of media monitoring operations. This includes print, internet, and broadcast services throughout the US encompassing 12 locations and a staff of over 300. Additionally, all core business, continuous process initiatives report into this operation.

What is your most memorable moment from your days as an NIU student?

There are many, but the one that stands out the most is the huge amount of homework Doc Newell assigned on the first day of class. After 2 weeks, the class dropped to 1/2 the size. Doc commented, "That's more like it", and didn't assign any homework that day.

What advice could you give to current CEET students and soon to be CEET graduates?

Personal Advice: Set goals, write them down, and review them on an on-going basis. If you are not on track, ask yourself what you have done today to reach your goals.

Business Advice:Once you have "targeted" your career of interest, research the business aspects in that space. Determine what global, economic, legislative, financial, market, and client interests influence the direction of that business sector. Be informed and knowledgeable.

What is your favorite ETAS event?

The social gatherings at the Fox 'n Hound are a great way to get together after work and meet new people. In addition, Homecoming was the best I have seen! It was hard to believe how many people could fit in the ETAS tent. There was food, beverages, and an awesome raffle where the grand drawing was an iPod. I also met a number of classmates I had not seen years. Next year will be the 100th so I am sure it will be even better.

Given the following choices, where would your college friends say you spent more time?

a) Founders Memorial Library
b) Student Recreation Center
c) Molly's?
d) Other

And why?

I would need to say the library. Learning was key to reaching the goals I had set. I stayed focused and wanted to make the most of my education. (But...I also found time to kick back and have fun too!)

Interested in being profiled? Or would you like to nominate an alumnus to be profiled? If so, please contact Trish Sellers, Alumni and External Relations Coordinator at trish@ceet.niu.edu.