In an effort to help DECA team members and business students learn from successful alumni, the De La Salle Collegiate DECA Club has created a monthly speaker series featuring successful alumni.

Gene Bitonti, ‘93, kicked off the new program, sharing his knowledge about his career as an investment banker. 

Faculty member Mr. Dennis Koch, ‘94, has known Bitonti since their days as grade-schoolers at St. Anne’s (Warren).  

“Gene was fantastic,” Koch said. “He connected really well with the students, kept their interest, and since he is a current dad, that made him even more impactful.” 

Bitonti is the father of current senior Anthony and junior Vince.

Koch said that Gene shared a great line during his talk: “Don't be afraid to trade 'good' for a chance to be great, and once you’re at great, you can push yourself to become exceptional.” 

Bitonti is the Managing Director and Founding Partner of Woodward Park Partners. He has over 25 years of investment banking experience across multiple industrial and commercial markets. 

He earned his Bachelor’s in Finance and Accounting from Michigan State University, as well as his Master’s in Business Administration from the MSU Eli Broad College of Business. 

Bitonti shared his “lessons learned” during his talk and during the question-and-answer session. 

“Pursue a degree that will be useful. The people are as important as the work. And there is a difference between a calculated risk and being reckless.” 

He later said, “I really enjoyed the opportunity to speak to the DECA group. They were all very attentive, so hopefully they learned a little something.” 

The monthly speaker series, “Pilot Perspectives,” will feature alumni from various industries, depending on the speakers’ availability. Koch plans to invite alumni professionals from the medical/health care fields, engineering and technology, finance/accounting, and more. 

With dozens of alumni as members in the four alumni professional associations - Pilot Bar Association, Pilot Medical Association, Pilot Business Association, and Pilot Construction Association - as well as alumni contacts from his many years in the classroom and as the Director of Alumni Relations for a few years, Koch has no shortage of speakers for this program.

A special thanks to alumnus DJ Hill, ‘89, who sponsored the pizza party at the event.