Published October 22, 2025
MONROE, La. – The University of Louisiana Monroe will hold the annual premier lecture and seminar
series, the College of Business and Social Sciences Symposium, from October 27-30,
2025. The theme for 2025 is “Superpowers: Discover Yours, Transform the World.” The
event will feature keynote speaker Jim Davidson, an elevator pitch competition, a
career fair, a cookout, the annual CBSS Brain Bowl, and many speaker sessions covering
a wide range of topics.
The Elevator Pitch Competition, held in conjunction with the Office of Career Development
and the Career Ambassadors, will be held on Tuesday, October 28, from 3:00 to 4:30
p.m. in The Hangar. Student competitors will have 90 seconds to pitch their vision
for a shot at the top prize. Student attendees will also be entered to win a door
prize.
The keynote by Jim Davidson, entitled “Everest Resilience: Overcoming Adversity and
Reaching High Goals,” will be on Wednesday, October 29, at 11:00 a.m. at Bayou Pointe
Event Center. Davidson is a resilience expert who has survived not just one epic mountain disaster,
but two. From his real-world survival experiences, he distills hard-won lessons about
forging the resilience to overcome change, challenge, and uncertainty.
From his 42 years of adventures, Davidson shares compelling stories and practical
tips about how to persevere and endure uncertain times through resilience strategies
and post-traumatic growth. Davidson provides motivating keynotes and interactive workshops
on resilience, teamwork, leadership, and change management. His energizing messages
have been shared in person and virtually with audiences in more than 35 countries.
“Jim Davidson’s journey reflects a resilience we believe will resonate with ULM students
and the community,” said Cathi Hemed, Director of External Initiatives for the College
of Business and Social Sciences. “Our symposium keynote is a time-honored tradition
brought to the students by the college to enhance their learning outside of the classroom,”
added Hemed.
The annual CBSS Brain Bowl also takes place on Wednesday, October 29, from 4:00 p.m.
to 6:00 p.m. in The Hangar. The Brain Bowl is a CBSS-wide trivia competition with
teams representing each School within the College. Each team is made up of three students,
one faculty member, and one professional. The competition is open to CBSS students.
Students may contact their school director for more information.
CBSS Symposium sessions are free and open to the public. The College of Business and
Social Sciences invites anyone who is interested to attend. Click the schedule link
below for times and details about each session.
CBSS Symposium Schedule
(selected events; full schedule linked below)
Monday, October 27
9:00 a.m. - 11:00 a.m. - Career Readiness Workshop – Strauss 148
12:00 p.m. - 1:00 p.m. - CBSS Rush Hour Career Fair – Hemphill 1st Floor
Tuesday, October 28
10:00 a.m. - 1:30 p.m. - Changemaker Nonprofit Expo – The Hangar
3:00 p.m. - 4:30 p.m. - Career Elevator Pitch Competition – Hangar A
Wednesday, October 29
11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - Jim Davidson, Keynote Speaker – Bayou Pointe
4:00 p.m. - 6:00 p.m. - CBSS Brain Bowl Competition – The Hangar
6:30 – 7:30 p.m. - RMIN Alumni Panel: "How My Degree Became My Superpower” - Hangar
A
Thursday, October 30
9:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m. - CBSS Symposium Speaker Sessions – The Hangar Ballrooms A,
B, D
11:30 a.m. - 1:00 p.m. - CBSS Symposium Cookout – The Hangar South Lawn
For a full list of events, click here.
