How to survive and thrive in an unsettled economy? 

A panel led by DLS alumnus Greg Shea, ‘83, discussed the current economy at the Pilot Business Association’s annual meeting, held on October 6 at Villa Penna in Sterling Heights. 

Shea, the managing partner and COO of Campbell Marketing and Communications, moderated a panel that featured Dr. John Moore, ‘75, Chair of the Economics and Finance Department at Walsh College, Dr. Gino Tozzi, Jr., ‘99, a realtor at Tozzi Realty, and Martin Lavelle, a senior business economist at the Detroit branch of the Federal Reserve Bank of Chicago. 

Approximately 30 alumni were in attendance, as well as two DLS seniors. 

Matt Rohr, ‘75, who has attended gatherings of DLS alumni in the Chicago area and lives in Indiana, drove in for the event; he led the discussion about establishing the board more formally, similar to the other DLS alumni professional organizations: the Pilot Bar Association and the Pilot Medical Association. 

Alumni Director Dennis Koch, '94 said the professional groups are already benefitting current students as well as young alumni. 

Rohr is part of a small group working on creating the group’s mission statement and bylaws. The “Launch Committee” includes Koch and Advancement Assistant Vito Chirco, ‘11, along with Matt Loria, ‘95, Brian Popis, ‘11, and Gino Tozzi, ‘99. 

A retired Human Resources manager, Rohr said the group is eager to help current students, as well as college-aged alumni. 

The Business group will also be working with DLS Business teacher Sandra Coccimiglio to assist with the DECA and Stockmarket Clubs. 

Rohr said, “We want to pay it forward.” 

DLS senior Jacob Crippen commented that he enjoyed meeting with the group. “Talking with professionals isn’t something I am used to. I enjoyed listening to the panel.”

Interested alumni should contact Dennis Koch at dkoch@delasallehs.com 

Top photo, L. ro R.: Zack Giannetti, '15, Jacob Crippen '23, and Collin Urbas, '23. 

Bottom photo: The group gathered for a picture at the October 2022 Annual Meeting.