Alumni Profile: Catherine Manning
Catherine graduated from St. Norbert in 1993 with a degree in Business Administration. At St. Norbert, Catherine served on the College Activities Board, was a member of the Resident Hall Board and the Untouchables Social group, worked in Admissions, served on the New Student Orientation committee, and volunteered as a Eucharistic minister. Catherine’s positive experience planning events at St. Norbert spurred her interest in planning events professionally after graduation. She hoped to be an event planner after college, but her career path took her into the restaurant industry instead.
After graduation, Catherine began her career working as a manager for Portillo’s Restaurants in Chicago, even though she had no restaurant experience. She began as a member of the management team of a three million dollar location. In her early years at Portillo’s, Catherine gained valuable experience in customer service, budgeting, employee scheduling, and training. After two years, she was promoted to Assistant General Manager. Thirteen years later, Catherine continues to work for Portillo’s as a Human Resources Manager. Her responsibilities include employee relations, recruiting, training, and human resources policy.
Professionally, Catherine also earned her Professional in Human Resources (PHR) certificate in December of 2004. She has been involved in the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM) and has taught at the College of DuPage for the Hospitality division for two years teaching a class titled “Techniques of Supervision”.
Outside of Portillo’s, Catherine is on the College of DuPage Hospitality Program’s advisory board, where industry professionals advise the board on the curriculum for the Hospitality Division classes. She was in charge of running their Silent Auction for five years, and once raised $16,500 for the organization. Catherine is also active on the St. Norbert Alumni Board and has been active in the Chicago area alumni activities. |
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SNC Class:
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| 1993 |
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Position Area(s):
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Human Resources Manager
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Major/Minor(s):
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| Business Administration |
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