The McMurry University Walter F. and Virginia Johnson School of Business will host its annual Garrison Lecture Series on November 20 at 12 p.m. in the Mabee Room in the Garrison United Methodist Campus Center.
This year’s program will feature local entrepreneurs Daniel Noworatzky and Bailey Kimmel, who will share their personal paths to building successful businesses with an audience of students and community business leaders.
Recognizing that 99% of businesses in the U.S. are small enterprises and represent 43% of the U.S. GDP, this year’s event aims to empower students to consider launching their own ventures that not only serve the community but also stimulate economic activity and create jobs within the Abilene metropolitan area and Texas. By connecting students with successful businesspeople in the region, the university seeks to expand their professional networks and provide them with valuable insights that inspire them to transform innovative ideas into impactful ventures.
“In addition to benefiting students, the Garrison Lecture Series presents a unique opportunity for the local business community to gain insights into effective networking and business creation and to engage with fellow business owners and students who might become future associates,” Dean of the Johnson School of Business Dr. Martha Cruz Zuniga said. “By partnering with the Johnson School of Business, entrepreneurs can access different areas of knowledge and support in business areas that align with their interests and goals.”
About the Speakers
Daniel Noworatzky is the owner of Noworatzky & Associates LLC. A graduate of Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Science in Biology, Noworatzky began his career as a network sales engineer, quickly earning recognition as a trusted leader in network voice protocols and business technology solutions.
An entrepreneur at heart, he went on to establish both a financial services firm and a network consulting business. His expertise has been featured in publications such as Telecom Reseller, Channel Vision Magazine, and TeleDynamics Think Tank Blog.
Beyond his professional work, Noworatzky is deeply involved in his community. He serves as a leader in his church, a member of the Clyde Economic Development Committee, and the Clyde Educational Foundation. He has presented to hundreds of groups and served on numerous industry panels, addressing topics such as technology innovation, sales strategy, and cybersecurity.
Bailey Kimmel is the founder of Texas Digital Strategies, a marketing firm she launched while still a junior in college. Before establishing her business, Kimmel spent more than six years as social media manager and content creator for Red River Arenas, where she strengthened the company’s brand presence through strategic social media marketing. She collaborated with the sales team to develop campaigns promoting specials, events, and announcements, and built customer engagement through personalized digital experiences.
In addition to her marketing expertise, Kimmel worked full-time as information systems manager for Leon Valley Inc. There, she applied blueprint design and manufacturing techniques to adapt production processes to supply chain changes, analyzed profit and loss discrepancies, and developed detailed engineering reports and bill of materials structures to support efficient operations.
The annual Garrison Lecture Series was established to honor the legacy of generous benefactors Shirley L. and Mildred Garrison, whose vision helped advance the mission of McMurry University and its engagement with the greater Abilene community. Since its inception, the series has become a signature event of the Johnson School of Business, bringing together students, faculty, and local business leaders to explore the intersections of innovation, enterprise, and leadership.
For more information about the Garrison Lecture Series and to register, visit http://qr.mcm.edu/bgPlU1.
Contact
Katelyn Scott, Associate Vice President of Strategic Communication & Marketing
scott.katelyn@mcm.edu
325-793-3800, ext.1013