Alumni Profiles

Brian Randle

Hometown: East Peoria, IL

Graduation Information

Bachelors: Agricultural, Farm and Financial Management Concentration Finance
Masters: Sports Management (In Progress)

College of ACES

What was your favorite memory as a student in the College of ACES?

I felt like the ACE 270 course was one of my most favorite classes from the standpoint that I made quite a few friend and Professor Jules Elkins did a great job in how she structured the class. The classes were informative, yet they also allowed for open discussion and debate. Various "field trips" were taken that provided a different venue and increased the fun factor of the class. Mixing a good class with the ability to make friends served as one of my favorite memories in the college of ACES.

What was your favorite ACES class and why?

ACE 340 and ACE 442 were my favorite classes in the college of ACES. The two courses were complimentary to one another. ACE 340 set the ground work for finance in the realm of ACE and ACE 442 allowed me the opportunity to put the information into more practical application while also utilizing programs such as Excel in order to quantify the information. In addition, Bruce Sherrick, who also happened to be my adviser, taught both of these classes and from the time spent in class to the time spent going over course work and simply talking about day-to-day happenings we developed a good working relationship. He was encouraging during my two years in the college and motivated me to want to excel and learn.

How do you feel the College of ACES prepared you for your future?

I believe that I have a well rounded education and base of knowledge. The college of ACES, just as the University, challenged its students to engaged in various curriculum endeavors and a variety of coursework. In undertaking not only the core courses but also other critical thinking courses such as Economics, Accounting and Policy courses, I feel as though myself and other students were able to develop the ability to think both in a concrete and an abstract manner in a variety of areas. In turn, the ability to "see" through different scopes was developed.

What advice would you give current students while a student in the College of ACES?

Use your resources, in particular the professors and advisers. During my time in the college of ACES, I found that all of my professors were willing to take extra time and invest their energy into helping students succeed. Before entering the college of ACES, I never really felt as though I could simply talk to my professors, let alone ask them for help. That what I thought tutors were for. Upon being accepted, I began to develop relationships with various professors and realized their willingness to help and support students. Among the various resources on campus, I feel that the most important ones are the professors. Get to know them and employ their knowledge both academically and for everyday life happenings.

University of Illinois

Why did you choose to come to the University of Illinois and College of ACES?

I chose to come to the University of Illinois in part because I was recruited to play for the Men's Basketball team but also in part because of the tradition of excellence and prestige that is synonymous with this University. My decision was also made easier because of the fact the my older sister was currently attending the University. I am a family oriented man and to have my sister, who I'm very close with, in the same place as myself was an extra bonus. I chose the college of ACES because of the strength of the program. My grandparents owned farmland in Southern Illinois and although I do not necessarily want to become a farmer, I began to realize the importance of agricultural production both domestically and internationally. Given the increasing importance of international agriculture, I felt like pairing finance with agriculturally based application would serve as a strong foundation for this interest.

What is your favorite memory on campus?

My favorite memory on campus was returning from the Final Four in St. Louis as a part of the Men's Basketball team. When the team arrived on campus, we immediately went to Memorial Stadium where we were greeted by thousands of fans cheering for us and thanking the team for a historic season. Although it does not have to do with academics, it is easily my most memorable experience.

What activities were you involved in on campus?

Men's Basketball Student Athletic Advisory Committee Emerging Leaders Program Member of Alpha Zeta honorary Fraternity NCAA Certification Committee Member