The series kicks off on Thursday, Nov. 4, when marketing alumnus Vincent Barabba, chairman of Internet Home Alliance and former head of General Motors' Corporate Strategy and Knowledge Development Division, speaks to a class in CSUN's College of Business and Economics.

That same day, journalism alumnus Barbara Fairchild, editor of Bon Appetit magazine, and business alum Michael Grillo, head of feature production at Dreamworks SKG, will speak to students in two separate classes in the College of Arts, Media, and Communication.

"This is just another example of the kind of education students get at Cal State Northridge--real hands-on exposure to some of the best business leaders out there, who are in turn willing to share what they know with our students," said Judy Knudson, CSUN's vice president for university advancement.

During each one-hour session, the presenters will talk about their careers and the challenges they have faced as well as the opportunities out there for CSUN students once they graduate. The students will get a chance to ask them questions.

"This is really a wonderful opportunity for our students to have an intimate conversation with some of the leading minds in their fields," Knudson said.