Franke students get down to business with magnate Warren Buffett

Alexa Tavasci and Warren Buffet

Most business students only dream of the chance to mingle with one of the most successful and wealthiest entrepreneurs in the world. But that dream was realized for several NAU students recently when they were beckoned to visit Omaha, Neb., home to billionaire businessman Warren Buffett.

For the fifth time since 2006, a group of students from NAU’s W.A. Franke College of Business was invited to meet, chat and have lunch with the business mogul and chairman of Berkshire Hathaway Inc.

And judging from the reaction, the trip was as fun and worthwhile as ever.

“It was an unforgettable experience,” said Nita Paden, professor of marketing. “He appears to have a genuine interest in our students, and I am gratified to know that a person in his position continues to take time to interact with and share his experience.”

Buffett met with 20 students as well as Paden and Chris Scherpereel, professor of management, last week, and their discussion ranged from the economy to education and the health care system. The group was accompanied by NAU alumnus Scott Coor, who provided the initial connection to Buffett.

The students also met executives from two of Buffett’s retail stores, Borsheim’s and Nebraska Furniture Mart.