TicketSocket helps put the business world at students’ fingertips with laptop fund gift

KALAMAZOO, Mich.—A mobile computer lab fully equipped with the software that prepares students for the future—that was the vision of college leaders, faculty and IT professionals in Western Michigan University’s Haworth College of Business, with the need for computers in the classroom outpacing available space, as well as course-specific technology needs.

The solution? Having each student bring a laptop that could support a program called AppsAnywhere. That way, students could access the tools they need anytime, anywhere—and faculty can keep their lessons flexible and up to date.

But what if a student couldn’t afford a laptop?

Enter Kai Blache, B.B.A.’03, chief financial officer, president and a board member of TicketSocket, a white-label ticketing, registration and payment platform used in over 100 countries globally. 

Visiting campus in 2024 to receive the Outstanding Alumni Award from the Department of Finance and Commercial Law, Blache learned about the college’s laptop initiative and saw a win-win. He was looking to make an impact at WMU Haworth, and knowing the importance of technology in his own education and career, a gift intended to fund laptops was a perfect fit. 

Bringing the idea of supporting the laptop fund at WMU Haworth back to the leadership at TicketSocket, Blache engaged others in conversation about a corporate gift, including fellow WMU alum, Gary Lee, B.B.A.’04, chief operating officer and board member at the company. “It appealed to us to be able to help all students have access to the same equipment and quality of learning.,” says Blache.

TicketSocket leaders have also been in conversation with leaders at Western about potential partnerships in terms of event management and hope to take an active role in the life of the University and Kalamazoo community overall.

TicketSocket donated $25,000, which will meet laptop needs for the next several semesters. The laptops will be used by a number of courses that depend on advanced software to power experience-driven learning.

“Having a laptop is critical to success in our Applying Business Fundamentals course,” says Dr. Bret Wagner, associate professor of marketing. “We run five business simulations in class, and it’s difficult, if not impossible, for students to participate without a laptop. In addition, students record their simulation planning meetings, which the instructor reviews to ensure all team members are participating. Without a well-functioning laptop, it’s very difficult for students to succeed in this course, but with a laptop, they can get a great start on their business education.”

Fellow faculty agree on technology providing a strong start in business. 

“People learn by doing,” says Dr. Cari Burke Kolehmainen, assistant professor of accountancy. “Whether it’s practicing effective AI prompt engineering, applying data analytics using Excel, Alteryx, or Tableau, or collaborating in groups using shared files, technology is not just a tool but an integral part of the learning process. When students don’t have access to laptops, it undermines our educational goals, widens the opportunity gap, and creates an artificial barrier between theory and practice. Our mandate is to prepare students to enter their profession. By ensuring all students have access to the technology they need, we foster a learning environment where every student can experiment, collaborate and build the digital fluency essential for success in today’s workforce.”

The laptops will also be used by faculty who are teaching internationally, particularly at Guizhou University of Finance and Economics (GUFE), where more than 1,000 students in China are taught by WMU faculty who deliver WMU Haworth’s Bachelor of Business Administration degree abroad. “Whether courses are delivered by WMU faculty in another country or to students on WMU’s campus, our goal is for students to feel a sense of belonging on day one,” says Dr. Devrim Yaman, associate dean for undergraduate programs. “Connections with faculty, dedicated advising and a tailored approach to each student’s unique goals are paramount.” 

Being on an even playing field as a student is a big part of that sense of belonging—and where the laptops come in. Blache identified with the feeling of being a part of something bigger at WMU. “The Haworth College of Business and its associated clubs and programs set me up with strong skills in public speaking and networking, as well as internship opportunities.” Combine that with Blache being a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity and a member of the WMU championship men’s tennis team, and he had a world-class college career where support, belonging and professional experiences were key. 

“While technology in 1999 through 2003, when I was a student, was much different, WMU Haworth was ahead of the game then,” says Blache. “We already were using simulated equity trading programs, tracking stock portfolios and building financial models in Excel. Obviously, with cell phones, computers, the cloud and AI, things have evolved 10,000%. However, many basic Excel skills are still needed, as are the evolving technologies of today.”

For Blache and TicketSocket’s founders, the hope is that students take advantage of all the opportunities WMU Haworth has to offer. “We aim to help students graduate with their undergraduate or graduate degree and have the needed tools to be excited, motivated and competitive in the classroom and in the workplace.”

To learn more about the Haworth College of Business, visit the website.

For more WMU news, arts and events, visit WMU News online.