More than 200 University students and faculty as well as community business leaders gathered Friday, April 18 at the Silver and Blue room at Lawlor Events Center to recognize and honor the College of Business’ 2008 Outstanding Seniors and Faculty Researcher of the Year.

The event, hosted by the college and the Business Student Council (BSC), is the first of its kind. The event’s keynote speaker was Mary Ellen Smith, president and general manager of Microsoft Licensing.

“The inaugural honors and awards banquet provided the College of Business with an opportunity to recognize its students before graduation,” said Colin Loretz, BSC president. “(The event) provided them a chance to network with local business representatives from companies like Microsoft Licensing, Intuit, Schneider Logistics, Philip Morris, Target and Renown Medical Center. We are celebrating the hard work of our top 11 seniors who have succeeded in multiple aspects of the college experience, including academics, leadership positions, extracurricular activities and community involvement. We also recognized all students who received academic scholarships and the top faculty researcher.”

Ten Outstanding Seniors were honored: Christine Akers, Daniel Hernandez, Nicole Koyanagi, Janelle Latour, Meghann Morrill, Luke Rippee, Page Spicer, Annie Vranizan, Ryan Walters and Remi Warren.

The Most Outstanding Senior honor went to Chris Driscoll. Driscoll will earn a bachelor of science degree in economics, and will graduate this May. While at the University, Driscoll has served as executive vice president of the Associated Students of the University of Nevada and held many leadership roles within Tau Kappa Epsilon, Blue Crew, Order of Omega and the Student Alumni Association. He was also a member of Delta Sigma Pi and was inducted into Who’s Who Among Students in American Universities and Colleges.

Associate Professor of Logistics Craig Carter received the Outstanding Faculty Researcher of the Year award.

Carter had six scholarly articles published in top-tier journals. Additionally, he secured more than $255,000 in grant funding.

“It is unheard of that a College of Business professor can tackle this much work in one academic year,” said Sheri Faircloth, associate professor of managerial sciences, as she presented the top research award. “Craig has made significant contributions to his industry, community, country and the University.”

An event highlight was an induction ceremony for Beta Gamma Sigma. More than 20 students were inducted into this prestigious student society.

Seven College of Business graduate students were inducted into Beta Gamma Sigma. Graduate students must have a 3.85 grade point average to be considered for membership. Sixteen undergraduate students with a 3.05 grade-point average or better were also inducted.

Beta Gamma Sigma is the honor society serving business programs accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB). Membership in Beta Gamma Sigma is the highest worldwide recognition a business student can receive in a business program accredited by AACSB International.

Student success is cornerstone in College of Business

College of Business students received more than $200,000 in academic merit awarded in the form of approximately 200 scholarships.

“Show me the money,” College of Business Dean Greg Mosier said. “If you want to know where the money is, all you have to do is look at the outstanding students in the college. These scholarship recipients represent future business leaders in Nevada and beyond.”

Molly Christensen, a senior marketing major, received the 2007-2008 Independent Insurance Agents Scholarship.

“I was really excited when I learned I had earned a scholarship,” Christensen said. “Being recognized at an event like this is great because many scholarship recipients don’t typically get recognized. It is nice to see my hard work pay off.”

Local businesses take notice

“College of Business students at the University of Nevada, Reno are best prepared to meet the needs of future employers,” said community business leader Greg Sanders, vice president and general manager of Schneider Logistics.

With business representatives from northern Nevada present at the event, several students began looking for internship and full-time employment opportunities.

“The Business Student Council is here to serve the needs of students,” said Brittany McLean, BSC membership chair. “Blurring the boundary between the college and the local business community is something we are working very hard to do.”

Kristen Martyka, a recruiter from Microsoft Licensing, took advantage of this opportunity to talk to students about the seven internship openings available at Microsoft.

“Currently we are looking for strong candidates to fill seven internship positions and two full-time positions with our company,” Martyka said. “The students from the college have the skills we are looking for. We’d love to see many of these outstanding graduates stay in the area after graduation.”

From good to great

According to Smith, the keynote speaker, the college helps its students to become innovative and successful employees.

“The students recognized are truly outstanding and special,” Smith said. “The administrators of this college have set the bar high and are making sure students are prepared, ready to contribute and shine in the workforce.”

In her address, Smith spoke about her favorite book From Good to Great.

“Being successful is all about attitude,” Smith said. “It’s about energy, passion, commitment, and how you will make a difference in an organization. Business is a whole lot more than you think.”

Once all of the exceptional students and the faculty researcher of the year had been recognized, Mosier offered his closing remarks.

“I am in awe of the students we’ve recognized,” he said. “When you look at where they are in their lives at this time, I am inspired and hope they will remain a part of the fabric of our community. I hope they remember their college experience, think about what they have done to get to this point, and remember those folks who have helped them on their journey.