For decades, DSEF has held Campus Events at colleges and universities across the country, helping students and educators better understand the direct selling industry—both as a channel of distribution and as an entrepreneurial opportunity—and giving direct selling executives a chance to share their “real world” experience with tomorrow’s business leaders.

Earlier this month, DSEF sponsored such an event at Louisiana Tech University with Dr. Julie Guidry Moulard, the Balsley-Whitmore Endowed Professor, Department of Marketing & Analysis, College of Business. Bob Bolander, Vice President, Marketing Services, Premier Designs, traveled to Ruston, LA, and spoke to more than 250 marketing students and faculty.

“It was great to be able to share the passion I have for direct sales with the students at Louisiana Tech.   There is such a need to educate our future business leaders about the advantages and opportunities that direct sales has to offer,” Bob says. “So few really had any idea what direct sales was all about and I would say none had ever heard of the Direct Selling Association. The faculty of the business school were even more interested to learn about direct sales and appreciated the opportunity the DSEF provided to them for this event.”

Impressed by meeting so many students who have a desire to make a difference and who are hungry for support, encouragement, direction and ideas, Bob plans to continue his involvement with LTU. He will host a group of students next spring at Premier Design’s product design center and manufacturing facility, and will also work with LTU’s Marketing Club to plan a community project.

“Bob’s visit was a tremendous success! Over 250 Louisiana Tech students heard Bob discuss how the direct selling industry affects the overall economy and, more importantly, how it offers individuals entrepreneurial opportunities,” says Julie. “These students now have an appreciation of the direct selling industry and how the Direct Selling Association brings credibility to the industry through its Code of Ethics. Bob also made one-on-one connections with several students and faculty members—connections expected to grow and develop in the coming years.”

DSEF, in partnership with DSA member company executives, will keep the momentum going with additional Campus Events throughout 2015, as well as ongoing engagement with academic influencers in other venues.