Week will bring notable figures
The Jon M. Huntsman School of Business will invite all students and community members to participate in an educational, fun-filled Business Week which kicks off Friday, Sept. 24 and runs through Saturday, Oct. 1.
Skyler Jenks, businesss senator, said he and his committee started planning this year’s business week in March.
“We were looking to see how we could improve Business Week and create more excitement for students,” Jenks said.
The business school wanted their week to have a bigger impact on student life, he said.
Activities begin Friday at 7 p.m. with a dance marathon, co-sponsored by Sigma Chi, at the George Nelson Field House.
Troy Oldham, business council faculty adviser, said, “The prizes are incredible. Two tuition waivers for first place, two iPads for second and other great prizes.”
Monday, Sept. 27, there will be a benefit barbecue at 6 p.m., and a benefit concert, featuring Kalai, at 6:30 p.m. Both of these activities will take place on Old Main Hill.
The rest of the week includes a Last Dash Relay, a golf tournament and a tail-gate party prior to the USU vs. BYU football game. These activities are fundraisers; all proceeds from these events will be donated to the Huntsman Cancer Institute.
Oldham said: “As the adviser, it has been very inspirational to see the level of commitment of our students as they support this common objective. Our students seem to have a deep level of respect for Mr. Huntsman and his generous donation to the school. I am very pleased with their decision. I feel it displays a level of maturity and sense of purpose that is a part of the ‘brand’ of our students at USU.”
Melinda Ryan, marketing intern, said they will be selling business week sweatshirts and other things in order to raise money for the charity. Jenks said he sees this as an opportunity to “give back to Jon Huntsman.”
Oldham said, “we encourage everyone to attend all the events – please come out and help us raise money for this worthy cause.”
In addition to these events, there will be three Dean’s Convocations, free lectures, open to the public.
Oldham said, “Our Dean’s Convocation speakers are world-recognized experts in their fields; Dr. Roger Martin, Dr. Stephen Covey and Henry J. Eyring speak on issues that are important to students, alumni and the business community. We feel the messages from these three gentlemen relate to all students.”
Jenks said he is especially excited for Covey to come speak.
Covey will present on Thursday, Sept. 30 at 3:30 p.m. in the Performance Hall. All students are invited, as well as community members.
“Dr. Covey especially expressed a strong desire to speak to the students, all the students. The topics he talks about, while most often apply to business, are timeless and true principles that relate in so many areas both professionally and personally,” Oldham said.
On Sept. 28, Martin, author of “The Design of Business,” will present as part of a two-day seminar. Henry J. Eyring, advancement vice president at BYU-Idaho, will present on Oct. 1 at 12:30 p.m., in the Orson A. Christensen Auditorium in the George S. Eccles Business Building.
There are some activities specifically tailored and geared towards the business students. “We have a kick-off party, club orientations, an awards banquet and a networking dinner that are more focused towards the Huntsman School students.” Oldham said.
Ryan said she is excited for the awards banquet on Thursday, which will “pick out the outstanding staff, faculty, students and alumni, all in one shot.” She said it is “really neat that we are awarding faculty and staff, because sometimes they are overlooked.”
Oldham said that one of the objectives for Business Week is to “bring the alumni and business community together with our students and to showcase some of the great happenings at the Huntsman School of Business.”
Jenks’ final appeal to all students is to “get involved in any way, shape, or form. Make the best of your education.” Ryan believes that Business Week will provide that opportunity because “there is something for everyone.”
– ashley.cutler@aggiemail.usu.edu