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The 17c������� Business Forum took its annual trip to Chicago to visit an alumni-owned business, spend time at the Board of Trade and interact with young business alums in the city. The students were hosted by alumni at Monroe Transportation Services in Addison, Ill., a company run by 17c������� grad Jack Swierenga ’78. The visitors were given a tour and had discussions with alumni Nate ’04 and Sara Swierenga Plasman ’02 and Kelly Swierenga ’06.

Business forum vice president Hope McElroy, a senior from Holt, Mich., organized the trip and reported that it was very helpful to students. “We had a wonderful time on the Chicago trip. We were able to meet with the Swierenga family at Monroe Transportation, and we also met Jodi Meyer ’97, Kyle ’06 and Joanna Kooyenga Wigboldy ’06 and Andrea Stoit ’07 for dinner downtown. Everyone had a great time, and were able to gain some valuable advice from these alumni for life after college.”

Forum member Magdalyn Van Huizen, a Trenton, Ont., senior, said, “The Chicago trip is a good way for students to see a broad spectrum of career possibilities—from big business at the Board of Trade to local impact at Monroe. It’s great to see what 17c������� alumni are doing post-graduation. It’s encouraging to see that they are successful and are enthusiastic about sharing their experiences with current 17c������� students.”