Campbell Business Global Week 2025 focused on sparking a curiosity around global business and a celebration of culture to campus as students explored what it means to learn and lead in a connected world. With this year’s theme focused on London and Europe, the week highlighted opportunities for study abroad (including London in May 2026), global careers and cross-cultural understanding.
During the Global Expo, students met with peers, faculty and Global Engagement staff to hear firsthand about study abroad options. One table had students highlighted their trip to Austria in May.
“This trip opened opportunities for me to connect with companies operating outside of the United States,” said Cale Hansbro. “If anyone has an interest in broadening their perceptions, I would strongly recommend studying abroad. It was well worth the effort, and I’m glad I did it.”
Students also learned about the upcoming May London Study Abroad experience. Interested students were encouraged to connect with Dr. Michelle Osborne.
A panel of business professionals encouraged students to consider global experiences as an essential part of their professional development. This year’s panel included Carolynn Spadafino (’15), field and alliances marketing manager, Lenovo; McClain Percy, artist, researcher and educational specialist; and Guy Armstrong, director of Global Engagement, Campbell University and president of Ascend International.
Panelists encouraged students to say yes to new opportunities, be curious about other cultures, and recognize that business today is global in every field. Themes of cultural awareness, kindness, flexibility, and initiative echoed throughout the discussion.
Global Week concluded with a keynote dinner featuring Campbell alumna Lizzie Stafford, global Practice project manager at Apptio, an IBM Company. As an alumni who grew up in North Carolina and still lives locally today, her message was especially relevant to students — centered on taking risks, embracing new experiences, and realizing that global opportunities are well within reach for Campbell students.
Reflecting on her first study abroad experience, Stafford shared, “In the spirit of taking a chance on yourself, I encourage you to take every opportunity you can to see the world. My first international travel experience was 10 years ago with Dr. Lawrence. Traveling showed me how differently people think and gave me a desire to work with others different than me.”
She recalled a visit to an Italian leather tannery, describing the passion and craftsmanship she witnessed — an experience so meaningful that, a decade later, she returned to buy another leather bag in the same region.
Stafford also reflected on how that first trip shaped her confidence, “This trip gave me a lot of confidence. I am a homebody, and I never would have even moved across the state had this trip not given me the confidence to do so.”
Stafford closed with practical advice for students seeking global opportunities:
1. Use Your Network.
Stafford explained that she learned about her current company through a Campbell classmate — proof that connections formed at CU can shape entire careers.
2. Seek Out Internships — Beyond the Big Names.
“If something sounds interesting to you, go for it,” Stafford said. She encouraged students to pursue organizations aligned with their values and explore roles that help them discover what they do — and don’t — want.
3. Give Yourself Some Credit.
“You are more talented and trained than you think.” Stafford reminded students to apply for stretch roles, pitch themselves confidently, and pursue mentors. She shared how her first supervisor believed in her potential — leading to three promotions and her eventual global-facing role at IBM.
Campbell Business Global Week 2025 reminded students that while their roots may be in Buies Creek, their opportunities span continents. Through study abroad stories, professional insights and alumni inspiration, students were encouraged to take initiative, embrace curiosity and imagine their place in a global world.