Prep Talk

’75 Alum Ken Dondero Speaks to Business and Finance Classes

Posted January 14th, 2015

On Monday, January 12, alumnus Ken Dondero ’75, spoke to Mr. Burke, Mr. Rodio, and Mr. D’Amico’s Finance and Marketing classes, providing a real-world perspective on business, risk-taking, and entrepreneurship.

“I find that whenever we can get an alumnus back on campus to reinforce what we’re teaching in the classroom, it provides the students with a better understanding of the complexities and fast-paced nature of job hunting, corporate life, and even more important, job security,” said Mr. Rodio.

Mr. Dondero discussed the highs and lows of his professional career and impressed upon the class that one needs to begin networking while still in high school, that it’s OK to fail, and the importance of always making progress even though those steps might be small at times.

“I’m proud to say that we’re quickly creating an impressive list of alumni who have indicated their willingness to return to campus and speak to the students on topics such as accounting, real estate, public policy, business management, hospitality, politics, insurance, sports marketing, and financial planning among others,” said David Zappariello ’83, Director of Alumni and External Affairs.

Mr. Dondero has been the owner of Dondero’s Jewelry, Inc. in Vineland for the past 36 years. He is also a partner in Benchmark Gem Brokers, LLC. Benchmark is a consulting and brokerage company that serves the public as well as the legal and insurance industries. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of Century Savings Bank. Mr. Dondero is a past president of the St. Augustine Prep Alumni Association, immediate past president and current board member of The Cumberland Cape Atlantic YMCA, past board member and future second vice president of Vineland Rotary as well as long time Club Member, and has close affiliations with the Cumberland County College Foundation and Inspira Hospice Care.