Walker College of
Business Leaders MAGAZINE 2012
Celebrating Greatness The Harlan E. Boyles Distinguished CEO Lecture Series, symbolized by the American eagle, celebrates its 50th lecture with a special event October 5, 2012.
Also inside:
• Economic Update • Faculty Accolades • Global Opportunities
An annual publication of the Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University • www.business.appstate.edu
TAKE YOUR APPALACHIAN PRIDE TO A NEW LEVEL The Walker College Dean’s Club is an annual giving society designed to benefit our students and faculty while enhancing our academic programs. Contributions from Dean’s Club members provide unrestricted support each year for critical needs in the College such as: student scholarships, travel funds for faculty and students to attend course-related conferences or visit corporations, seed money for new programs or opportunities within the College, and resources to bring guest lecturers to the classroom.
ALKE R W COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
DEAN’S CLUB
Become a part of the Dean’s Club. Our students need your help.
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How Your Dean’s Club Funding Impacts Students • $500 funds travel to a corporate visit for a student group of 15. • $1,000 provides a scholarship for a deserving student toward his or her annual in-state tuition and fees. • $1,500 funds travel, lodging and registration fees for a faculty member to attend a professional conference. • $2,500 provides funds for travel and lodging for a student’s week-long study abroad trip. • $5,000 provides seed money to develop a new international study program. • $12,500 provides yearly tuition, fees and subsistence for an in-state student. • $25,000 provides yearly tuition, fees and subsistence for an out-of-state student.
Call us or visit our website to learn more about becoming a Dean’s Club member.
business.appstate.edu/give/deans-club 828.262.2057 ASU Box 32037 Appalachian State University Boone, North Carolina 28608
2012Feature 16
Celebrating Greatness: Harlan E. Boyles and the Distinguished CEO Series
Appalachian and the Walker College celebrate the 50th lecture in the Harlan Boyles Distinguished CEO Series. Join us as we reflect upon the past and look forward to the future.
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Economic Update
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Student Spotlight
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Faculty Focus
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Around Raley
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Alumni & Friends
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Global
Message from the Dean
Entrepreneurial
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Appalachian State University  3
Dean’sMessage Walker College of Business Business Leaders Magazine is published annually by the Dean’s Office for alumni, faculty, staff, and friends of the Walker College of Business. Dean Randy Edwards
The Business Leaders of Tomorrow
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t the Walker College of Business, we often say that the business leaders of tomorrow are at Appalachian today. To us, it’s more than a saying; it’s how we train our students for their careers. In this issue of Business Leaders magazine, you will read about students excelling in regional and national competitions, participating in industry organizations and conferences, and networking to get ahead early in the business world. Not only are we preparing our students for careers on Wall Street, but also, with assistance from our entrepreneurship programs, our students are planning and running small businesses on Main Street. In this magazine, you’ll read about the winners of the Pitch Your Idea in 90 Seconds contest and the 2012 Student Entrepreneur of the Year. Global learning continues to be a key initiative for Appalachian State University, and the Walker College is leading the way. Read about our Holland Fellows exchange program with Fudan University in Shanghai, China, as it celebrates its 16 th year. Study abroad opportunities are numerous for Walker College students, and in this issue you’ll also read about recent trips to Cuba and Malawi, Africa, as well as how global opportunities came to Appalachian. I’m very pleased to announce that the 50 th Boyles Distinguished CEO Lecture will be held in the Holmes Convocation Center at 10:00 a.m. on October 5, 2012. I hope you will join us as we celebrate 50 inspiring lectures with a distinguished panel featuring four lecturers from the past 25 years. Read about the Boyles Lecture Series and its impact on the business leaders of tomorrow in our feature story, Celebrating Greatness, on page 16. We continue to appreciate your involvement and support as proud alumni and friends of the Walker College of Business. Please visit our webpage at www.business.appstate.edu.
Senior Associate Dean, Undergraduate Programs and Administration Heather Norris Associate Dean, Graduate Programs and Research Joseph Cazier Associate Dean, International Programs and Assessment Marty Meznar Career Services Center Director Michelle Boisclair BB&T Student Leadership Center Director Meg Spivey Editor Haley Childers Contributing Writers Sabrina Cheves Jane Nicholson Rob Robertson Contributing Photographers James Fay Marie Freeman Amanda Getty Kenneth Kirksey Mike Rominger Troy Tuttle
Randy Edwards ’77, ’78 Appalachian State University is committed to providing equal opportunity in education and employment to all applicants, students, and employees. The university does not discriminate in access to its educational programs and activities, or with respect to hiring or the terms and conditions of employment, on the basis of race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, gender identity and expression, political affiliation, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. The university actively promotes diversity among students and employees.
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On the Economy: Western North Carolina
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fter a year-long hiatus, the Western North Carolina Economic Index and Report has resumed with a current review of the regional economy. For nearly 10 years, the WNC Index had provided a consistent and timely account of regional economic conditions and trends. The recent report shows that the economic picture for the 25-county western region of the state was mixed during the first quarter of 2012 after showing some positive signs throughout 2011. “From the start, we understood the recovery would be slow and bumpy,” said Dr. Todd Cherry, director of the Center for Economic Research and Policy Analysis (CERPA) at Appalachian. “The center of this unusual recession was the housing and financial crisis, and the persistent weakness in both of these areas has limited our ability to recover in a significant way.” The WNC Index improved from a low of 100 in April 2011 to a score of 102 in March 2012, which follows four consecutive months at an index of 102, and five months of consistent increases in the index during 2011. The increases represent an improvement in the state’s unemployment rate as well as economic activity. “The region lost about 10 percent of jobs during the recession, which was considerably greater than the
national losses,” Cherry said. “We’ve recovered about half of those losses.” A total of 551,992 were employed in March, up from a low of 531,201 in October 2009. Seasonally adjusted unemployment in western North Carolina was 9.6 percent in March, down 0.2 points from February. The state unemployment rate also decreased by 0.2 points to 9.7 percent. Rural counties had a 0.1 point decline in unemployment to 10.8 percent, while in the region’s metro areas unemployment decreased by 0.2 points. Asheville’s unemployment rate was 7.4 percent in March, while the Hickory-Morganton-Lenoir area had 10.8 percent unemployment. “Generally, the region continues to struggle more than the rest of the state, but there is a great deal of variation in the region,” Cherry said. “Unemployment ranges from just over 7 percent in Henderson County to more than 18 percent in Graham County.” The full WNC Index and Report for March is online at cerpa.appstate.edu. The WNC Economic Index and Report is a cooperative effort by CERPA and Advantage West. It is compiled and written by Dr. John Dawson and Dr. Ash Morgan, associate professors in Appalachian’s Department of Economics.
Walker College of Business Advisory Council Members Marshall A. Croom ’86, Chair Senior VP & Chief Risk Officer, Lowe’s Companies, Inc. Scott Lampe ’94, Vice Chair CFO, Hendrick Motorsports J. Cantey Alexander III ’86 President - Triad Region, BB&T Corporation Roger L. Beahm Executive Director, Wake Forest University Center for Retail Innovation John Belman CEO & President, Standard Holding Corporation W. Winfield Beroth ’65 President (retired), Beroth Oil/4 Brothers Stores Ryan Bolick ’01 Business Improvement Lead, Turner Broadcasting Systems, Inc. H. Edward Boyles, Jr. Managing Director, Wells Fargo Securities Ben Hamrick CEO, Johnson, Price & Sprinkle, PA Helen Hollifield ’87 Partner, Deloitte & Touche Thomas H. Hudspeth, Jr. ’82, ’83, Partner, PricewaterhouseCoopers Doug Johnson ’77 CEO, Blue Ridge Electric Membership Corp. Lynn Minges Assistant Secretary, Tourism, Marketing and Global Branding NC Department of Commerce Charles V. Murray ’87 President, Murray Supply Company Phillip Ostwalt ’83 Partner, KPMG, LLP Kim Price ’77 President & CEO, Citizens South Bank Kenneth G. Reece ’73 Sr. VP - Private Banking, First Tennessee Bank Antonio J. Romero President and CEO (retired) IBM Korea, IBM Corporation John Roos ’84 Chief Sales and Marketing Officer, BCBS of North Carolina John E. Silvia Chief Economist, Wells Fargo Allan Singer Manager, McNair Law Firm, PA Gerry Smith ’70 First VP Investments (retired), Smith Barney Hayes Smith ’82 Managing Partner, Second Creek Development Co. Richard G. Sparks ’76, ’78 President & CEO, Appalachian Regional Healthcare System Frank A. Stewart President, Ultra International Richard Stroupe ’98 Founder and Managing Principal, Crimson Holdings, LLC David Thompson CFO (retired), WEDGE Capital Management, LLP Mark E. Trivette ’83 Partner, Ernst & Young LLP Brad Wall ’99 Senior Vice President, Supply Chain Operations, Krispy Kreme
Todd Cherry
John Dawson
Ash Morgan
Members Emeriti William S. Creekmuir William R. Holland Robert G. Darst Jeffrey A. Shepard Joseph F. Freeman, Jr. Frank H. Skidmore, Jr. Robin H. Gagnon ’82, ’95 Mike Steinback Jamie Harris ’84 G.A. Sywassink ’94
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StudentSpotlight
ASU Takes Top Honors 2 of 4 Years in State CFA Research Challenge
Members of the Bowden Investment Group won the N.C. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Research Challenge held in February in Greensboro. The students are Daniel Favitta, left, Ethan Foster, Eric McTeir, David Jones and Bill Strausbaugh.
A team of Bowden Investment Group students won the N.C. Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Society Research Challenge. The competition, held in Greensboro in February 2012, challenged teams of students from public and private universities in the state to research, write and present a report recommending a “buy,” “sell” or “hold” position on a publicly traded company. The students had access to the company’s management team for one day and were given a template to follow in completing their written analysis and report. The N.C. CFA Society provided mentors for the teams and judges and graders that reviewed and graded the reports. “Appalachian had one of the few undergraduate teams competing in the competition,” said Christopher Pavese, chief investment officer with Broyhill Asset Management in Lenoir, who was one of the team’s mentors. Pavese is president of N.C. CFA and a past judge of the competition. “This win says a lot about the program at Appalachian and the commitment of faculty to these students. This is the second time in the four years of the competition that Appalachian has won top honors competing against teams comprised of students from master’s and MBA programs,” Pavese said. n
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Students Attend IIABA Legislative Conference Risk Management and Insurance majors attended the Independent Insurance Agents & Brokers of America (IIABA) Legislative Conference in Washington, D.C. in April 2012. The annual meeting brings together insurance agents and brokers from across the nation to meet with their elected officials. In addition to meeting with members of Congress, the students heard from speakers including Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.) and Rep. John Barrow (D-Ga.). The Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina invited faculty and students to participate in the event and provided substantial financial support to attend the legislative conference. n
Students and faculty with Sen. Richard Burr during the IIABA Legislative Conference trip
BB&T Grant Creates Leadership Center
BB&T has made a $1 million pledge to the Walker College to establish the BB&T Student Leadership Center. The Center, modeled after the Leadership Development Program created by BB&T to train its future bank executives and senior managers, will foster leadership development through assessment tools, co-curricular leadership training, and one-onone executive mentoring. “Appalachian and BB&T share a belief that leaders are not born but are trained and developed,” said Dean Randy Edwards. “The BB&T Student Leadership Center will offer our business students invaluable leadership development programs outside of traditional classroom offerings.” “I’m so proud of this institu-
tion and the role that the BB&T Student Leadership Center will play in preparing our students for leadership roles in business and the community,” said Cantey Alexander, Business Advisory Council member and BB&T regional president for the Triad region. The grant also will support the College’s programs that help students create a career development plan and craft a resume as well as hone their interview skills through mock interviews each year. The Center will also provide a dress for success seminar and a business etiquette series, which includes a dining etiquette class. Undergraduate students also are encouraged to participate in a corporate internship prior to graduation. Meg Spivey is director of the Center. n
Project Management Triathlon Winners Six members of Walker College’s Project Management Club won one first place and two second place awards during the Intercollegiate Project Management Triathlon, held April 13-15 at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh. Students were required to show their ability to produce project management work products within a specified period of time based on a project scenario presented to them at the beginning of the time period. The students were accompanied by their coach and club adviser, CIS Professor Carol Pollard. Participation in the competition was made possible through funding from the Project Management Institute – Metrolina Chapter, WCOB Student Travel Grant Program, and ASU Club Travel Grant Program. n
Students and faculty present a plaque to PMI-Metrolina to show their appreciation for the funding provided by the Metrolina Chapter.
AITP Chapter Again Wins National Chapter of the Year Back-to-back champions! For the second straight year, the Walker College of Business chapter of the Association of Information Technology Professionals (AITP) received the AITP National Chapter of the Year award. The award was presented March 29 at the AITP National Collegiate Conference in San Antonio. Appalachian’s AITP chapter outperformed more than 200 student chapters from 45 states including Arkansas, Baylor, Brigham Young, Florida State, Iowa, Mississippi, and Purdue, as well as regional rivals. The chapter also won the AITP Outstanding Chapter of the Year award for its region. Kristin Houck, campus AITP president, won first place (and a $100 gift card) in the Best IT Tech/Geek Kristin Houck Video Contest. The campus AITP chapter held a Silent Auction fundraiser on March 26, raising more than $3,500 to help pay for the trip. The club also received support through other fundraising efforts and grants. About 775 attendees from 71 colleges and universities traveled to this year’s conference. Next year the club will compete in St. Louis at the 2013 AITP National Collegiate Conference. n
AITP students at national conference
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StudentSpotlight
Internat
2012 Holland Fello
Kayla Fitzpatrick, left, Cal Hardee and Ashley Zachary are winners of the “Pitch Your Idea in 90 Seconds” competition that was part of the Celebrate Entrepreneurship at ASU Event at Appalachian State University March 23.
Best Business Ideas for 2012 Students of all majors pitched their best business ideas to a panel of judges during the Celebrate Entrepreneurship at ASU Event hosted by the Walker College. This year’s winners were Ashley Zachary who placed first, Kayla Fitzpatrick who placed second, and Cal Hardee who placed third in the competition. Zachary received a $1,000 grand prize for her winning pitch titled “Horse and Pony Registry.” Zachary is a senior health care management major. Fitzpatrick, also a senior health care management major, presented a business plan called “AppalTrac.” She received a $500 prize. Hardee is a sophomore accounting major. He received $250 for his winning idea “Swipe to Change a Life.” The awards were provided by 3tailer (www.3tailer.com), a niche online retailer. Zachary received an additional $250 award for having the best presentation at the event. The best presentation award was donated by Center for Entrepreneurship advisory board member Dale Tweedy.
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The idea pitch contest was part of the larger Celebrate Entrepreneurship at ASU Event held on March 23, which also featured a Devin Lattin ground-breaking of new space for the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship, as well as a keynote address by Andrew Loos, Co-Founder & Owner of Attack! Marketing. The Student Entrepreneur of the Year Award was also presented to Devin Lattin. The award is presented annually to an Appalachian undergraduate student who has exhibited exceptionally meritorious entrepreneurial achievement. The Walker College of Business offers a minor in entrepreneurship or a management major with a concentration in entrepreneurship. The College’s entrepreneurship concentration in the Department of Management has the fifth-highest enrollment of any program in the College. n
Every student in the Walker College must meet an international requirement during their academic career, either through a study abroad trip, international internship, foreign language class, or an international business class. The College encourages its students to participate in one or more of its travel abroad opportunities. These programs have proven to be invaluable experiences for many students, some of whom have found employment overseas. Established in 1997, the Holland Fellows Program provides a once-ina-lifetime opportunity for students to collaborate with students from Fudan University (Shanghai, China). They participate in classes, project assignments, and visits to firms as a way of learning about Chinese business practices and culture. Twelve students are competitively selected in October, and, after intensive study during the spring semester, travel to China in May. Pictured opposite are students of the 16 th group to visit China as part of the exchange during a sightseeing trip in Bejing. Below are the Fellows pictured in Raley Hall. Seated (l-r): Margaret Ovington, Tyler Morris, Jacquelynne Greco, Latwanna Singleton, Daniel Villanova and Rachel McMillan; Standing (l-r) Alan Clarke, Elizabeth Rabe, Catalina Villacura, Margaret Crow, Bradley Cookson and Ricky Carroll. n
2012 ASU Holland Fellows
tionally Experienced
ows Trip Marks 16th Year of Exchange to China
The 16th group of Holland Fellows for Business Study in Asia from Appalachian, sightseeing in Bejing, China
Photo by James Fey
MBA Students and Faculty Travel to Cuba and Witness the Effects of U.S. Embargo
It’s been an on and off again experience, depending on the political winds blowing from the nation’s capital, but Cuba provides a rich educational experience for Appalachian State University students interested in topics ranging from U.S-Cuban relations and cultural history to photography and printmaking. The most recent venture to the communist nation was a week-long program in October offered to MBA students in the Walker College that focused on sustainability and the effects of the U.S. embargo in Cuba. Students attended lectures at the University of Havana and the University of Pinar del Rio. The short-term study abroad program was possible following the reinstatement of People-to-People Educational Exchanges in 2011. It was the first study abroad trip offered by the university since 2004. “It’s a unique opportunity for business students to see a non-capitalist economy and the problems the government encounters trying to run a country that is not driven by profit or
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focused on efficiency but on a different set of values,” said Walker College Associate Dean for International Programs Marty Meznar. “We prepare business leaders, and leaders should be thinking people who look at the world from a broader perspective,” he said. “I think Cuba is one of the few places left where you can really get away from the U.S. perspective and look at things from a completely different point of view.” Dr. David Marlett, chair of the Department of Finance, Banking and Insurance at Appalachian, was one of several faculty members who traveled to Cuba. “Professionally, the trip offered a chance to learn how a country with little resources and an immense exposure to hurricane damage functions,” he said. Marlett said that private sector insurance probably won’t become an option in Cuba should the U.S. embargo end and insurance markets open to foreign companies as “most dwellings are in such disrepair they would not be insurable by the private sector.” Educational opportunities in
Cuba first began at Appalachian in 2001 with a Department of History summer study abroad program that focused on U.S., Cuban and Latin American relations. The success of that program and the contacts made with educators at the University of Havana and elsewhere led to further programs. Student Bradley K. Oxford’s perspective of the trip is similar to that of past students who have traveled to the Caribbean country. “The best part of our trip was the warmth and hospitality of the Cuban people. People from our hotel receptionists, to waiters, to people on the street all asked if we enjoyed Cuba, if we were well fed and if everyone had treated us well. We experienced the rich history of Havana and the beauty of the Cuban countryside. Every day was an adventure,” the MBA student wrote. “The relationship with Cuba as it stands is going to change eventually,” Meznar said. “If our students are familiar with Cuba, they will be a step ahead of everybody else when that change starts occurring.” n
Students Help Southeast African Village Pursue a Sustainable Economic Initiative What can you learn from a journey to Malawi? Eleven students from the Walker College traveled to Malawi to learn first-hand about managing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the obstacles to Malawi’s economic development. “Malawi was selected because it is such an extreme example of a country and economy with almost insurmountable obstacles to development,” said trip co-leader and Walker College Associate Dean of International Programs Marty Meznar. As a result of their experiences, the students have used their business skills to help one village develop a plan to reduce its dependence on fluctuating funding levels from various support organizations. Malawi, a republic located in southeast Africa, is one of the 10 poorest countries in the world. Its population has been ravaged by HIV/ AIDS, and the average life expectancy is less than 40 years. Hundreds of thousands of children have been orphaned as parents succumb to the virus. The country is landlocked; there are few paved roads, and an unreliable electrical grid reaches only 4 percent of the country’s 11 million residents. The Appalachian group was hosted by the NGO World Camp, an organization active in AIDS education and prevention efforts, among other projects. “The trip provided students with opportunities to improve their cross-cultural communication skills, to understand some of the unique administrative challenges faced by non-governmental organizations and non-profit organizations in general, and to apply their business skills in a very practical way,” Meznar said. While in Malawi, students participated in a home-stay in the village of Mchezi, about an hour’s drive outside of downtown Lilongwe. Life in the
village is coordinated by the Mchezi Community Based Organization (CBO) which offers home-based care to 150 AIDS/HIV patients in the late stages of the disease, provides food and supervision to 3,700 orphans, oversees 600 children in its early childhood development program, and offers job training programs to community residents. Because these efforts are supported by grants from various governmental and non-governmental organizations, when funding ebbs, the efforts cease. To help address the village’s economic needs, the business students developed a plan to fund community efforts through the construction of a corn mill. Currently, village residents transport their corn several kilometers and pay to have the corn milled into flour. Students identified the start-up costs of establishing a mill in the
village, assessed the monthly operating costs, determined the projected revenue from milling fees and found that start-up costs could be recovered in the first year of operation. The revenue generated from the mill would be sufficient to fund the activities of the Mchezi CBO, eliminating the reliance on outside donors. The mill also would create several jobs in the community. “Getting the mill running will cost around $20,000 in U.S. currency,” Meznar said. “That includes not just the mill but also the electrical equipment to power the mill.” The students have now formed a club to raise funds for the Mchezi Maize Mill project. Mchezi CBO leaders have applied for electrical service and permits to operate the mill. To get involved, email: Club President Ethan Herman, hermanec@appstate.edu. n
Walker College students traveled to Malawi to learn first-hand about managing Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and the obstacles to Malawi’s economic development.
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FacultyFocus
Management Professor Jim Westerman has received a Board of Governors’ Appalachian State University Teaching Award for 2012. The teaching recognition is one of five collegelevel awards given as part of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors’ Awards for Excellence in Teaching. The Board of Governors presents the awards on an annual basis. n
Jim Westerman
Associate Professor of Computer Information Systems Scott Hunsinger was recently selected to receive a Plemmons Leadership Medallion for outstanding service. Hunsinger is faculty advisor of Appalachian’s AITP Chapter, which was named National Chapter of the Year in 2011 and 2012. In 2011, Hunsinger was also honored as AITP National Advisor of the Year for his leadership and work with AITP. n
Scott Hunsinger
The Appalachian Coordinating Council of Clubs has named Accounting Professor Ron Marden the “Best Faculty Advisor” for 2011-2012 for his work with Beta Alpha Psi. The Coordinating Council of Clubs is an advisory board to the university on matters related to student organizations. The council is composed of undergraduate students who are members of recognized student organizations. n
Ron Marden
tion of the Dean’s Club Professorship, each award is named in honor of significant benefactors to the College. The professorships recognize a faculty member who has demonstrated outstanding performance in instruction, scholarship, and service, while serving as a positive role model for students. The recipients receive a salary stipend to further advance their work and retain the professorship for two years. The professorships are renewable for one additional term. Beroth Oil – Four Brothers Professorship: Dr. Dinesh Dave; Dean’s Club Professorships: Dr. David Dickinson, Dr. Jim Westerman; Duane D. Daggett Professorship: Dr. Rich Pouder; Harlan E. Boyles Professorship: Dr. Ken Brackney; John W. Guffey, Jr. Professorship: Dr. Eva Hyatt; L.M. Baker, Jr. Professorship: Dr. Delbert Goff n
Rich Pouder
Ken Brackney
Eva Hyatt
Professors Ken Brackney, Dinesh Dave, David Dickinson, Delbert Goff, Eva Hyatt, Rich Pouder and Jim Westerman have been awarded professorships in the Walker College of Business. With the excep-
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David Dickinson
Dinesh Dave
Delbert Goff
2011 Sywassink Faculty Excellence Awards
2012 Sywassink Day of Excellence Faculty Award Winners (left-right) Jim Westerman, Teaching Award; Karen Epermanis, Service Award; Tom Will, Non-Tenure Track Award; Mike Dotson, Research Award
2012 Sywassink Faculty Excellence Awards Four Appalachian State University faculty members in the Walker College of Business have received the College’s 2012 Sywassink Award for Excellence. Dr. Jim Westerman received the award for teaching. Dr. Mike Dotson was honored for his research contributions. The award for excellence in service was presented to Dr. Karen Epermanis. Dr. Tom Will was honored as the outstanding non-tenure track faculty member. Management Professor Jim Westerman teaches courses in organizational behavior, human resource management, business ethics, leadership and motivation, compensation
and strategic management. Research award recipient Mike Dotson is a professor in the Department of Marketing. Dotson’s research interests are diverse and include marketing analysis, retail, advertising, consumer preference, the hospitality industry and the nursing sector. Karen Epermanis, an associate professor in the Department of Finance, Banking & Insurance, was recognized for her service. Epermanis joined the College of Business faculty in 2006. Prior to teaching at Appalachian, Epermanis was an assistant professor at the University of Mississippi and the University of Hartford and previously worked in the risk manage-
ment field as a director and account manager for private companies. The recipient of the non-tenure track faculty award, Tom Will, is a lecturer in the Department of Management and serves as the entrepreneur in residence for the Walker College of Business. Will is the former CEO of InterCom Corp. (1987-2008) and Latcom Inc. (1979-2005). The awards are presented annually during the Sywassink Day of Excellence. Winners receive a monetary prize and a bronze medallion of the university seal. The awards are made possible by a contribution from G.A. Sywassink, Chairman of Standard Holding Company. n
Professors Retiring Long-time faculty members Alicia Aldridge, Marketing; Jean-Pierre Courbois, Economics; and Doug May, Computer Information Systems, have retired from the College after 20, 41 and 30 years of service, respectively. n Alicia Aldridge
Jean-Pierre Courbois
Doug May
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AroundRaley
From left, Walker College of Business Dean Randy Edwards, Center Director Heather Dixon-Fowler, Transportation Insight CEO Paul Thompson and Appalachian State University Chancellor Ken Peacock shovel dirt at a ceremonial ground breaking for the university’s Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship.
Breaking Ground on the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship Officials from Appalachian and Transportation Insight “broke ground” in March on space inside Raley Hall that will become the new home for the Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship. Made possible with a private $1 million naming gift, the 1,700-square-foot, contemporarily designed space will include four offices, student lounge, meeting area and incubator office space to support students trying to launch their own businesses. The facility will open in fall 2012. Chancellor Ken Peacock thanked Paul Thompson, CEO of Hickory-based Transportation Insight, for his support of the renovation, saying the expanded Center “is a dream come true” that can further enhance collaboration between entrepreneurs and Appalachian. A successful businessman, Thompson said he foresees Appalachian becoming North Carolina’s “flagship institution” for academic involvement in entrepreneurship. “The spirit is here,” he said. “You start with the end in mind and my vision is to have Appalachian
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be among the nation’s top 10 entrepreneurial schools.” Walker College Dean Randy Edwards said the new space will greatly expand the physical area of the Center, and because of its location next to the building’s main lobby, make it more visible to students and local business people. “This new space will create great opportunities for our students to interact with entrepreneurs and members of the community,” Edwards said. The Center’s director, Heather DixonFowler, said “The goal is to provide more resources and opportunities for students.” The Transportation Insight Center for Entrepreneurship supports students from all academic disciplines with programs, resources and other support to help them become successful entrepreneurs. Transportation Insight has been nationally recognized by Inc. Magazine for its entrepreneurial excellence. The Hickory-based thirdparty logistics provider has been ranked one of the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States for the last four years in a row. n
Learning about Global Opportunities in the High Country
“The Business of Building a Better World,” the fourth annual Global Opportunities Conference, brought speakers with real-world business experience to talk about the challenges and opportunities of working internationally to campus in April 2012. Isabel Richardson, the Executive Secretary for the Madras Christian Counsel of Social Service in Chennai, India, highlighted the event as keynote speaker. Richardson is active in social work and human rights issues in India. The event also featured a luncheon speaker, Matt Ellingson, Director of Program Development for Samaritan’s Purse, who has worked in humanitarian assistance and emergen-
cy relief in countries throughout Africa, Asia, Europe and Latin America since 1997. Ellingson has worked for three separate organizations in a variety of roles, including logistics, project management and program administration. The conference also included morning panel sessions, during which students shared experiences serving and learning abroad. Representatives from locally-based international nonprofits were on hand to discuss their work and provide ways for students to get involved. The next Global Opportunities Conference is scheduled for Friday, April 12, 2013. n
Above, left: Visitors from Chennai, India, Alexander Athisayanathan, right, Keynote speaker Isabel Richardson, second from right, and Anand Siva, third from right, with conference attendees from the community at the April 2012 Global Opportunities Conference. Above: Samaritan’s Purse Director of Program Development Matt Ellingson delivers inspiring comments at the luncheon, which was sponsored by the Walker College and WRAP, an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to the certification of lawful, humane and ethical manufacturing throughout the world.
Career Services Office Expands The Walker College Career Services Office is growing to accommodate student demand. Alison Shea joined the staff in May as assistant director. The new position is being funded by several friends of the Walker College. Shea assists students majoring in business to secure internships and employment upon graduation. Shea worked part-time as a counselor in the Career Services Office prior to becoming Assistant Director. Shea graduated from Appalachian with degrees in History and Political Science and is completing work toward a Master of Public Administration. She will serve as the primary contact for students in Raley Hall, allowing Director Michelle Boisclair to spend additional time securing placements with regional and national industry. We need our alumni to help “hire Appalachian.” Please contact Career Services to begin a recruiting relationship today. (828) 262-7579 or boisclairm@appstate.edu. n
Alison Shea
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Celebrating Greatness:
Harlan E. Boyles and the Distinguished CEO Series
The Walker College and Appalachian will soon celebrate the 50th lecture in the Harlan Boyles Distinguished CEO Series. Join us as we reflect upon the past and look forward to the future. Impact. It’s what the Harlan E. Boyles Distinguished CEO Series means for the Walker College of Business. For the past 25 years, this special day, held once per semester, has inspired countless students in the Walker College of Business. Sarah Green’s story is one of many that demonstrate the tremendous impact of the series’ visiting executives on the lives of students. Sarah is a 2009 Accounting and International Business graduate who was in attendance for the Spring 2009 Boyles lecture, featuring Krispy Kreme Doughnuts CEO James Morgan. She had been offered a job with a large accounting firm – doing work she knew she would enjoy that would also support her well. But Morgan’s words that day impacted Sarah to the point that her career path and life path would change dramatically. He talked about having a passion for his career and advised students to fulfill their own dreams in their career choices. Sarah, by all accounts a passionate person, changed her plan that day. She now works as Partner and Chief Operating Officer of Extreme Entrepreneurship, empowering individuals to live with passion, purpose and prosperity through an entrepreneurial mind set. The concept of the lecture series was the brainchild of then Walker College Assistant Dean Ken Peacock, who now serves as Appalachian’s sixth Chancellor. Although the Walker College had always been active in industry visits and internships, Peacock
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recognized a need to bring high-level business executives to campus so that even more students could learn firsthand from industry experts. Peacock enlisted the help of former U.S. Senator James T. Broyhill, a long-time Appalachian supporter and friend and advisor to the Walker College. Together they formed the lecture series founding committee. On April 25, 1988, Broyhill Furniture Industries President and CEO Carl Gunter delivered the first CEO Distinguished Lecture entitled “Meeting the Challenge in Competition and Leadership.” From there, the lecture series built momentum. In 1991, the series was dedicated to our late Treasurer Harlan E. Boyles in honor of his service to the State of North Carolina, and with the assistance of Senator Broyhill, a fund was established to permanently endow the series in Boyles’ name. Year after year, highly-regarded speakers lent prestige to the series, which has continued to flourish and attract outstanding
James Morgan’s 2009 lecture “Pursuing a Passion While Writing an Epitaph” drew a standing ovation from the crowd and inspired at least one student to change her career path.
CEOs to campus. Throughout its 25year history, CEOs from companies including Duke Power, BB&T, Wachovia, GlaxoSmithKline, Bank of America, Goodrich, BellSouth and Lowe’s, have spent a day on Appalachian’s campus as a Boyles lecturer. It’s no wonder the symbol of the series has come to be the American eagle. The eagle symbolizes strength, gracefulness, keenness of vision, and power of flight. Our CEOs possess these same characteristics.
From left, former Chancellor John Thomas, Frankie Boyles, Harlan E. Boyles, Senator Jim Broyhill and Ken Peacock
SAVE THE DATE for the 50th BOYLES DISTINGUISHED CEO LECTURE
October 5, 2012
Friday • 10:00 a.m. George M. Holmes Convocation Center
William R. Holland delivered the Boyles lecture on October 19, 1992. His talk was entitled “A Vision — Perspiration and Inspiration.”
Today, more than 1,000 business students take the opportunity to interact with a visiting CEO each semester. This business leader offers much more than a one-hour lecture. Students benefit from valuable discussion time during the speaker’s morning visit to Raley Hall. An executive luncheon affords select student groups an opportunity to network outside the classroom setting. The lecture itself touches the most students, and the subsequent reception is a prime opportunity to have in-depth conversations with the CEO. The format of the day has evolved since 1988, but overall, the series has been a constant at Appalachian. The campus, business community, and students look forward to the special event each semester – to learn first-hand
Featuring Former Speakers as Panelists: William R. Holland Robert Ingram James Morgan Robert Tillman Moderating: Chancellor Ken Peacock c Robert Ingram presented a 2004 lecture entitled “Ethics and Industry: The Face in the Mirror.”
For more information, please visit: ceo.business.appstate.edu
About Harlan E. Boyles (1929-2003) Harlan E. Boyles devoted his 49-year career to the citizens of the State of North Carolina. A native of Lincoln County, Boyles was elected to six fouryear terms as State Treasurer and served under nine governors. His name was associated throughout the state and the nation with fiscal integrity, hard work and honesty. Harlan Boyles was dedicated to education, and through his involvement with Appalachian State University and the Walker College of Business, he was able to share his experience, advice, and wise counsel with hundreds of students and future business leaders. For many years, he came to campus to participate in the biannual Harlan E. Boyles Distinguished CEO Lecture Series.
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Robert Tillman delivered the 1998 lecture, entitled “The Re-telling of Retailing.”
about the challenges endured, lessons learned, and successes earned by leading CEOs in today’s business world. We have reason to celebrate! This fall’s CEO lecture marks the 50th in the series. On Friday, October 5, we will celebrate 50 inspiring lectures and 25 years of bringing national leaders in business to Appalachian. Instead of a lecture by one individual, there will be a panel of previous Boyles Lecturers: William R. Holland, former CEO of United Dominion; Robert Ingram, former CEO of GlaxoSmithKline; James Morgan, CEO of Krispy Kreme; and Bob Tillman, former CEO of Lowe’s. Appropriately, Chancellor Ken Peacock will serve as moderator. The panelists hope to again leave their mark at Appalachian - impacting the business leaders of tomorrow – Walker College students. We invite any former CEO lecture attendees to submit your stories of how a former CEO Lecture Series speaker’s words have resonated with you. Please email wcob@appstate.edun
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Harlan Boyles with wife Frankie Boyles
Wells Fargo Securities Managing Director Harlan “Edward” Boyles, right, continues the Boyles legacy through his involvement with the series. He is pictured here with Senator Broyhill, left, Wells Fargo Chief Economist and 2009 luncheon speaker John Silvia, Dean Edwards, BB&T CEO and 2009 Boyles lecturer Kelly King and Chancellor Peacock.
Fall 2011 & Spring 2012 CEO Scenes Opposite Page: 1. The Spring 2012 lecturer, Frank B. Holding, CEO of First Citizens Bank, delivered his lecture to more than 1,000 students and community members. 2. Holding and First Citizens Chief Investment Officer Eric Teal spoke to students in a morning session prior to the Executive Luncheon and lecture. 3. The Fall 2011 lecturer, John H. Sykes, founder and chairman emeritus of Sykes Enterprises, spoke about leadership and entrepreneurship to MBA students prior to his lecture. 4. The Fall 2011 Executive Luncheon speaker was Larry V. Adam, Chief Investment Strategist with Deutsche Bank Private Wealth Management.
Previous CEO Lecturers Carl E. Gunter Broyhill Furniture Industries, Inc. April 25, 1988 Edward E. Crutchfield Jr. First Union Corp. October 27, 1988 James R. Ridley Integon Corporation April 26, 1989
1.
William S. Lee Duke Power Company October 25, 1989 William E. Buckley Royal Insurance April 26, 1990 A.F. Sloan Lance, Inc. October 25, 1990 C.R. Skidmore The Dize Company April 25, 1991
2.
John A. Allison IV BB&T Financial Corp. October 24, 1991 Tom E. Smith Food Lion, Inc. April 23, 1992 William R. Holland United Dominion Industries October 19, 1992 Nicholas J. St. George Oakwood Homes Corp. April 22, 1993 L.M. Baker Jr. Wachovia Corporation October 25, 1993
3.
Charles A. Sanders, M.D. Glaxo, Inc. April 21, 1994 Harlan E. Boyles State of North Carolina October 24, 1994 Ann Lewallen Spencer Goody’s Pharmaceuticals April 24, 1995 Richard R. Allen LADD Furniture, Inc. October 2, 1995 George Shinn The Charlotte Hornets April 11, 1996
4.
Harry A. Nurkin, Ph.D. Carolinas HealthCare System October 28, 1996
Ann H. Gaither The J.H. Heafner Co. April 10, 1997 John P. Clancey Sea-Land Service, Inc. October 20, 1997 Robert L. Tillman Lowe’s Companies Inc. April 16, 1998 Fenton N. Hord Carolina Holdings, Inc. October 12, 1998 Hugh L. McColl Jr. Bank of America April 19,1999 John W. Guffey Jr. Coltec Industries, Inc. October 25, 1999
Alexander Bernhardt, Sr. Bernhardt Furniture Industries April 6, 2006 Edward Robert Ginn, III The Ginn Company October 4, 2006 Suzanne H. Freeman Carolinas Medical Center, Carolinas HealthCare System March 27, 2007 Robert Niblock Lowe’s Companies October 23, 2007 Joan H. Zimmerman Southern Shows, Inc. April 1, 2008
Stanley K. Tanger Tanger Factory Outlets April 17, 2000
Tom Kilgore Tennessee Valley Authority October 8, 2008
Charles R. Eitel Simmons Company October 23, 2000
James Morgan Krispy Kreme Doughnuts March 26, 2009
Bonnie McElveen-Hunter Pace Communications March 29, 2001
Kelly S. King BB&T Corporation October 5, 2009
L.M. Baker Jr. Wachovia Corporation October 8, 2001
Clark Kinlin Corning Cable Systems March 25, 2010
Roger L. Beahm Coyne Beahm Advertising April 9, 2002
James Rogers Duke Energy October 12, 2010
G. Kennedy Thompson Wachovia Corporation October 7, 2002
Gene Cochrane, Jr. The Duke Endowment March 17, 2011
David L. Burner Goodrich Corporation April 10, 2003
John Sykes Sykes Enterprises November 8, 2011
Robert S. Stec Lexington Home Brands November 12, 2003
Frank B. Holding, Jr. First Citizens Bank March 28, 2012
Robert Ingram GlaxoSmithKline March 18, 2004 Robert Greczyn Jr. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of NC September 21, 2004 F. Duane Ackerman BellSouth Corporation April 7, 2005 Ernest Schaub EnPro Industries November 9, 2005
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Alumni&Friends
Three Friends of the College Honored with Alumni Association Awards
Scott Lampe
Mike Steinback Scott Lampe, ‘94, Mike Steinback, and Wayne Sumner, ‘75, have been honored with 2012 Appalachian Alumni Awards. Each year the Appalachian Alumni Association recognizes great alumni and friends for their service to the university and accomplishments in their careers. The awards are given during the Alumni Awards Gala on Alumni Reunion Weekend. The 2012 event was held June 9 at the Holmes Convocation Center. The Alumni Council selected Walker College of Business Advisory Council Member Emeritus Mike Steinback as Honorary Alumni Award recipient. “Since joining the Appalachian Family as a parent, Mike has given generously of his time, talents and financial resources to support and advance the mission of Appalachian State University,” said Dean Randy Edwards. “He has played many roles at Appalachian – that of parent, friend, visionary, and partner.” Steinback is a partner with Asheville-based Stonebridge Partners, an operations-oriented private equity firm focused on acquiring and successfully growing middle-market manufacturing businesses. Wayne Sumner received the Outstanding Service Award. Sumner is president of Jackson Sumner & Associates, an excess and specialty
lines managing general agent in Boone. Sumner has been a partner with Walker College of Business faculty for more than 25 years by supporting Insurance and Risk Management students. His personal contributions and Wayne Sumner fundraising efforts on behalf of the College have helped send students and faculty to study at Lloyds of London, and supported the Independent Insurance Agents of North Carolina Distinguished Professorship in the College. “No one has been more supportive of the academic program in insurance at Appalachian than Wayne,” said David D. Wood, Brantley Risk & Insurance Center Director. “His dedication and commitment to the University are well deserving of the Alumni Association Outstanding Service Award.” Scott Lampe was honored as recipient of the Young Alumni Award. Lampe is vice president and chief financial officer for Hendrick Motorsports, overseeing the aviation, information technology, facilities and human resources departments. Lampe has been a member of the Walker College of Business Advisory Board since 2008 and now serves as Vice Chairman. “As a successful and involved young alumnus, Scott sets the bar high for our current students and our other young alumni,” said Chancellor Ken Peacock. “His passion for Appalachian is infectious, and I am confident that many young graduates will follow his example.” n
The Walker College is accredited by AACSB International – The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business. AACSB accreditation represents the highest standard of achievement for business schools worldwide. Approximately one-third of U.S. business school programs and 10% of business school programs worldwide meet these rigorous standards. The Walker College is one of 648 accredited member institutions and has been accredited since 1976.
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Endowment Established in Memory of Favorite Professor
Jack Underdown
The Jack Aaron Underdown Endowment for Business at Appalachian will provide opportunities for business students to work with expert
Endowed Scholarship Opportunities Walker students often benefit from scholarships funded by alumni and friends of Appalachian, but the need for additional support is great. Less than 10% of the 2,300 students enrolled in the college receive scholarship funding. This support has a great impact on the students who receive these scholarships. Please consider supporting an existing scholarship or creating a new scholarship to support future Walker students. Contact Jess Synder, Advancement Specialist, snyderjl@appstate.edu, or call (828) 262-2340. Donors are honored and students are recognized during an annual scholarship reception, held each fall. The 2012 event will be held October 26.n
practitioners in the field. Mr. Underdown was a lecturer for Appalachian, serving as a Real Estate instructor for many years. He passed away May 16, 2011. He served as chairman of the N.C. Real Estate Appraisal Board, past president of the Society of Real Estate Appraisers-Piedmont Chapter, past vice governor for District 14, past president of the Surry County Board of Realtors, and president of the ElkinJonesville Board of Realtors. Mr. Underdown served as Elkin town commissioner, as mayor of Elkin, and completed more than 35 years of service in 2008 as the chairman of the planning and zoning board for the town of Elkin. He was an Eagle Scout and Scout leader, a master real estate appraiser, expert witness, and commercial real estate broker. For information on supporting the Jack Underdown Endowment for Business at Appalachian, please contact Advancement Specialist Jess Snyder, snyderjl@appstate.edu, or call (828) 262-2340. n
Remembering a Great Friend: Bill Ervin
William “Bill” Gaston Ervin, former owner of Ervin, Haywood and Rankin Insurance Agency, died November 13, 2011. Mr. Ervin served the Walker College as a Business Advisory Council member for a number of years before he became an emeritus member. He also served as president of the N.C. Association of Insurance Agents and was on the board of directors for Brevard College and High Point University. He was a graduate of Brevard College and High Point University and was a U.S. Army veteran. He was involved in many charitable organizations including Rotary, Boys and Girls Club, Salvation Army, YMCA, and United Way. n William “Bill” Ervin
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Alumni&Friends Save the Date: Beroth Golf on September 12 The Appalachian State Scholarship Golf Classic, also known as the Beroth Tournament, is held each September at Tanglewood Park in Clemmons. The event, sponsored by 4 Brothers Food Stores and Beroth Oil Company Inc., raises thousands of dollars annually for the students and programs of Walker College. The 2012 tournament will be held on Wednesday, September 12. For information or to register for an upcoming tournament, visit www.business.appstate.edu/beroth n
Lee Barnes Scholars Program Established A new scholarship has been established to support future business majors in the Walker Lee Barnes, ’90 College. The Lee Barnes Scholars Program, established with a four-year, $200,000 pledge from M. Lee Barnes Jr. of Durham, will support students who are majoring or intend to major in a field of study within the Walker College, who have financial need, and whose high school record demonstrates significant accomplishment and high academic achievement. Barnes, a 1990 graduate of the Walker College, is president of the Durham-based Family Fare convenience stores. Two incoming freshmen at Appalachian selected to be Barnes Scholars will each receive a $10,000 scholarship. The scholarship may be renewable for subsequent years, based on a reapplication for the award and a minimum 3.2 grade point average. “The entire experience I had at Appalachian draws me back there to want to do something for students graduating from high schools in North Carolina,” Barnes said. “This scholarship is for students who have a lot of
academic potential and show great promise and who have had to work hard in school.” Barnes’ philanthropy to the university began as a senior when he contributed $100 to the “buy a brick” campaign in support of construction of Raley Hall. Barnes, along with his wife, Christy, continued to contribute to the university. They established the Duane D. Daggett Endowed Professorship in the Walker College of Business in 2008, the university’s only professorship established by an alumnus in honor of a faculty member. Daggett mentored Barnes while he was a student at Appalachian, and the relationship continues more than 20 years after Barnes earned his degree. “Dr. Daggett inspired me and took me under his wing in a lot of different ways. He was a confidante in my career search, in life learning and in what makes a well-balanced person in life.” Barnes said it’s never too early for students and young alumni to consider supporting their alma mater and that no gift is ever too small. “When I began my career at age 22, I never imagined I would be able to do something like this,” Barnes said. “ASU is about the people, the people who helped us get to where we are today. I suggest all young alumni try to do a little something and see where it goes.” n
Photos at left. Top: Student volunteers at the Beroth Golf Tournament are also Beroth Scholarship recipients. Middle: Chancellor Peacock and Winfield Beroth at the 2011 Appalachian Scholarship Golf Classic. Bottom: Business Advisory Council members Marshall Croom, left, and David Thompson with alumnus Greg Buckner and Dean Randy Edwards.
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Brad Sparks ’76, ’78, speaks to new graduates at Spring Commencement
Advising New Graduates
Brad Sparks, a director with KPMG International who is responsible for the accounting firm’s Global Green Initiative, delivered the Spring Commencement address to nearly 400 Walker College Class of 2012 graduates. The May 13 ceremony was the last of the University’s seven commencement ceremonies on Mother’s Day weekend. Sparks, a Walker accounting graduate who credits the College’s international programs for his business success, was awarded the Young Alumnus Award by the Appalachian Alumni Association in 2011. In 2009, Sparks helped establish the Bullock/Sparks Explore Yosef Scholarship Endowment, which aids students expenses in traveling abroad. n
Student speakers Glenn Steadman, left, Jackie Greco and Tyler Morris led the graduates in the traditional tassel turn.
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Office of the Dean Appalachian State University Box 32037 Boone, NC 28608
NONPROFIT-ORGANIZATION US POSTAGE PAID BOONE, NC PERMIT NO. 36
HIRING? THINK APPALACHIAN.
At the Walker College of Business, we realize that you are looking for new talent, creative minds, and motivated people to help your company reach its goals. We invite you to consider our graduates in your planning. If your hiring needs focus on business majors, discuss a recruiting relationship with Career Services Director Michelle Boisclair: (828) 262-7579, boisclairm@appstate.edu.