Bridging Innovation and Community: Reflections from an Inspiring Evening at Indiana University

Summary by Rex Rumsey, MBA Candidate Class of ’25

Last week, the Center for the Business of Life Sciences at the Kelley School hosted over 120 passionate IU students (graduate & undergraduate business, science and healthcare majors) who gathered to engage with leaders from local life science companies in partnership with the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation. The event provided students with a unique opportunity to connect with industry pioneers from Boston Scientific, Novo Nordisk, Simtra BioPharma Solutions, and Cook Medical. More than just an introduction to local companies, the evening fostered genuine connections between students and professionals eager to mentor and share their journeys.

The Power of Connection: Cook Medical’s Philosophy

A quote from Pete Yonkman, President of Cook Medical, set the tone for the evening with a powerful message that resonated deeply with attendees. He stated: “We get our hands dirty. We get down in the trenches. We listen, get involved, get our employees involved, and work with other organizations. It’s that deeper connection that companies must develop in their communities.”

This commitment to engagement is deeply embedded in Indiana’s business culture, one that forms hardworking students determined to stay “hungry and humble.” A particularly compelling example of this is found in the story of William Cook, Cook Medical’s founder. Rich Florey, an HR manager at Cook Medical, shared the company’s remarkable origin story. William Cook didn’t begin his journey as a wealthy investor or an executive with a vast network—he was an engineer with a vision, starting his company in the basement of his Bloomington apartment.

Cook balanced his commitment to revolutionizing minimally invasive medical procedures with raising a family, working tirelessly to design and manufacture medical devices that would change patient care forever. His mission wasn’t just about building a company or designing abstract devices; it was all about working hand in hand with pioneers like Dr. Charles Dotter to create better, safer, and less invasive ways to intervene.

Simtra BioPharma Solutions: A Culture of Resilience and Action

Later in the evening, Patrick Adams of Simtra BioPharma Solutions brought a dynamic perspective on organizational culture. Describing Simtra’s ethos, Adams emphasized their “run towards work” mentality—a philosophy rooted in proactivity, problem-solving, and resilience.

At Simtra, employees are encouraged to embrace challenges head-on, fostering a culture where obstacles become opportunities. Adams detailed how this mindset not only improves business outcomes but also enhances employee satisfaction and growth. A glowing testament to their work culture was the fact that no less than 11 employees showed up to this event, from regulatory affairs to HR professionals, excited to share their journeys with students.

Adams illustrated how Simtra’s operations in Contract Manufacturing (CMO) provide a wealth of opportunities for students interested in pharmaceutical development, manufacturing, and quality assurance. With the growing demand for safe, high-quality injectable therapeutics, Simtra continues to expand its capabilities, making it an exciting career prospect for IU students.

Visionary Leadership at Boston Scientific

The evening also featured insights from John Hauser and his team at Boston Scientific, who reflected on CEO Mike Mahoney’s bold leadership. Mahoney has driven Boston Scientific toward becoming one of the most differentiated large-cap Medtech companies in the industry, emphasizing continuous innovation, operational excellence, and an unwavering commitment to improving patient outcomes.

A key highlight of the discussion was the company’s market leadership in cardiac care, particularly through their newer devices, Watchman and Farapulse. Watchman, a left atrial appendage closure device, offers stroke prevention for atrial fibrillation patients, reducing reliance on long-term anticoagulants. Farapulse, a pulsed field ablation system, represents a breakthrough in minimally invasive cardiac ablation, providing a safer and more efficient treatment for atrial fibrillation.

As Boston Scientific expands its footprint in structural heart interventions, its growth trajectory and commitment to research and development remain strong, offering exciting career opportunities for students interested in business strategy and the development of these indispensable products. The energy around the Boston Scientific table was tangible, as students eagerly connected with selfless Boston Scientific professionals who inspired them through their dedication to BSC’s mission of transforming lives through innovative medical solutions.

Stories of Origins: Novo Nordisk and the Global Impact of Insulin

Lastly, Sophia Percival shared the fascinating origin story of Novo Nordisk, a company whose history, similar to Eli Lilly, is rooted in an extraordinary scientific breakthrough: the discovery of insulin.

In the early 1920s, Canadian researchers Frederick Banting and Charles Best made history by extracting and purifying insulin, a hormone that would transform the treatment of diabetes. Their discovery saved countless lives, but it was the collaboration between Danish entrepreneurs and Canadian scientists that turned this medical milestone into a globally scalable solution.

Novo Nordisk’s founders, August and Marie Krogh, recognized the potential of insulin beyond academic research. They secured the rights to manufacture insulin in Denmark, and from there, Novo Nordisk grew into one of the world’s leading pharmaceutical companies, specializing in diabetes care and chronic disease management. Their story is a powerful reminder of how scientific innovation, when paired with visionary leadership and strategic partnerships, can change the course of global health. It also serves as an important lesson for Kelley students to actively collaborate with peers in doctoral programs and research initiatives, where the fusion of business acumen and scientific expertise can drive transformative impact.

A Night of Inspiration and Gratitude

The evening concluded with over an hour of networking and table discussions, where the strong relationship between Kelley and these companies became even more evident. This connection was highlighted by the fact that many employees end up becoming Kelley’s, and many Kelley students go on to become employees at these organizations. For example, Emily Cwyk, a 2023 MBA graduate, returned to her alma mater on Wednesday evening to share her experience with Cook Medical. She had this to say about the event:

“I really enjoyed being able to share my experiences at Cook Medical with those sitting in the same seats that I sat in 2 years ago.  So many people helped expand my horizons when I was in the process of switching careers. It is really rewarding to now be able to give back by helping current students understand all of the possibilities at their fingertips. As a full time resident, I attend more of the many events Bloomington has to offer.  I enjoy the variety of performers, numerous parks & trails, and even picked up a new hobby of climbing at Hoosier Heights!  Whether it’s meeting people while climbing, chatting with store owners, or getting to know the vendors at the farmers markets, it has been easy to find ways to become a part of Bloomington’s unique community! Being from the Philadelphia area, I was wary to leave my family and community, but I have quickly built a comfortable life here in Bloomington. Cook Medical as a company and my team see the importance of having a life outside of work. I feel that I’ve been able to settle into the Bloomington due to the organization’s philosophy of working hard during the day but taking part in activities in the community whenever possible.“

– Emily Cwyk,  Associate Manager, Critical Care, Cook Medical

Thank you to Jennifer Pearl and Clark Greiner of the Bloomington Economic Development Corporation and the Business Center for Life Sciences, led by George Telthorst and Kelli Conder, for organizing such an impactful event. These two groups consistently go above and beyond to ensure our communities are filled with difference-makers who are always seeking ways to add value both inside and outside the workplace.

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About the Kelley Certificate in the Business of Life Sciences Program

Undergraduate students and graduate students, Kelley School of Business from across campus—who are passionate about a career in the life sciences and a desire for an understanding of how business and science interact to produce health-related outcomes are eligible to apply to be a Life Sciences Student Associate and earn the Certificate in the Business of Life Sciences offered by the Kelley Center for the Business of Life Sciences. The program is open to undergraduate or graduate associates in business, science, and healthcare majors. Below are some of the benefits to being in the Life Sciences Student Associates Program.

• unique opportunities to interact with leaders in the industry and with students and perspectives from many other disciplines
• coursework designed for deeper understanding of the business of life sciences companies
• networking receptions with industry and academic experts
• free admission to Indiana Life Sciences Collaboration Conference Series
• involvement with multidisciplinary case studies and consulting projects 

Learn more and how to apply by going to the CBLS website.