TOWSON, Md. – Towson University athletics partnered with the Baltimore Business Journal, Northwestern Mutual and Mission BBQ to host the Millennial Mentality Live Panel at SECU Arena Tuesday afternoon.
 
It was a lively discussion featuring Aaron Brooks (Software Engineer, Fearless Solutions), MaryBeth Hyland (Founder, SparkVision), Evan Lutz (CEO, Hungry Harvest) and Elizabeth Paul (Financial Planner, Heritage Financial Consultants). The interactive 45-minute panel was educational for the Towson administrators, staff and coaches in attendance.
 
"In terms of what we learned, it goes right in line with the things we talk about in the department," Towson Director of Athletics Tim Leonard said. "The kids we are recruiting and coaching, we have to understand how they think and how they operate so that we can be more effective coaches and administrators. Ultimately that's what is going to lead us to be successful in competition, but also in preparing our student-athletes for the marketplace."
 
In addition to providing unique perspectives on their career path and strategic communication tactics for understanding millennials in the workplace, the panel also encouraged every member in attendance to be "culture catalysts" in their places of business. The qualities millennials bring to the work force include innovation, curiosity and technological savvy.
 
While the panel mentioned that money is a motivating factor for many millennials, they offered outside the box solutions on other things that inspire them to achieve success. Those suggestions included seeking professional development opportunities, serving on panels and participating in community service activities.
 
"It was important for us to have this event here in Towson because we feel as though that Towson is one of the schools leading the charge with the next generation," market president and publisher of the Baltimore Business Journal Rhonda Pringle said. "We know that Towson is engaging with millennials. Listening to Tim and all the great things Towson has accomplished is eye-opening. I am glad we had the chance to be here today."