The Martha and Spencer Love School of Business honored the Business Fellows Class of 2012 at a medallion ceremony on May 18.
After a welcome by program director Tina Das, Dan Smeaton gave an overview of the fellows’ four years in the program. Highlights included their study abroad experiences, their involvement as leaders in student organizations, and their trip to New York, which included visits to the New York Stock Exchange and several firms in the area.
Brian Serow, Alex Dempsey and Max Harknett shared details about the class’ senior capstone projects. Serow explained the Consulting team created a marketing plan for the Company Shops Market and a social media plan for Industrial Paper Products. Dempsey and Harknett described how the two Portfolio Management teams increased the value of their portfolios after managing $150,000 of the school’s endowment since September 2011.
Interim Dean Scott Buechler gave the charge to the graduating fellows — “In dreams begin responsibilities,” which is the name of a short story by the poet Delmore Schwartz. Buechler urged the fellows “to continue to dream and to continue to take responsibility to achieve those dreams.”
Associate Dean Casey DiRienzo assisted Interim Dean Buechler with presenting medallions to the 22 fellows.
Sam Upton and Stephanie Blonchek concluded the ceremony by thanking the Love School of Business faculty, with special mentions to: Thomas Tiemann, Brian Neinhaus, Casey DiRienzo, who instructed the fellows over the years; Wonhi Synn and Brenda Joyner, who led the capstone classes; Scott Buechler, who directed the program during the fellows’ first year at Elon; and Tina Das, who became the director last year. The fellows’ parents were also thanked for their support.
“Though we will be moving on, Elon will always be a part of who we are,” Upton said. “We have shared memories and experiences here that will last a life time. The friendships we have established, with faculty and students alike, run deep and will carry forward regardless of location. This place and its people are incredibly special and we could not have been more fortunate.”
Business Fellows Class of 2012
Madeline Benn, Stephanie Blonchek, Allison Brewer, Andrea Brooke, Melissa Bryant, Megan Collins, Conor Danielson, Alex Dempsey, Derek Drayer, Leah Garzone, Lauren Hansen, Maxwell Harknett, Timothy Johnson, Allison Norell, Joe Patterson, Lindsay Richardson, Samantha Satzger, Jake Schoenfeld, Brian Serow, Daniel Smeaton, Ryan Stewart and Sam Upton.
About the Business Fellows program
The knowledge and experience Business Fellows receive puts them on a fast track for career success. The Business Fellows program blends classroom learning and real-world experiences to give students a deep understanding of the challenges and opportunities of today’s complex organizations. From studying abroad in a developing country during their first year at Elon, to managing a $100,000 portfolio of the Elon endowment or consulting with companies on business issues in their senior year, Business Fellows graduate ready to take a leadership role in your profession, organization and community.