Students Acquire Personal Stakes in the Business Department

The Geneva College Department of Business, Management & Accounting recently hosted its inaugural Stakeholder's Meeting, beginning a new tradition designed to enhance the educational experience for current business students. Dr. Gordon Richards, Department Chair, organized the event around the corporate model that CEO's regularly use to update employees about performance, future plans, policy changes and strategic issues.

"These are the exact reasons I held our meeting, with one more critical piece, and that is the acknowledgement that all we have and everything we do is for the glory of God," says Dr. Richards. "He is at the center of our department."

Students, faculty and a member of the department's Advisory Council attended the event, and Dr. Richards plans to invite alumni, employers, community leaders, Geneva's leadership team and others to future gatherings.

During this first meeting, two business students—Hillary Atkins and Justin Fink—were awarded special Challenge Coins for their achievements.

"I think it is very important to recognize the efforts of those who go above and beyond that which is required," says Dr. Richards. "To accomplish this, I am leaning on a military tradition of the Challenge Coin. Many senior officers have a Challenge Coin designed and minted to use the way many would use a letter or certificate of appreciation. The difference is that this coin is carried in one's pocket and serves as a constant reminder that they were singled out for their efforts."

Atkins was recognized for her work in designing advertising materials for the department's new event for prospective students, Business Day, and for the Stakeholder's Meeting itself. "She is a skilled and creative graphic artist and willingly accepted our request for help," says Dr. Richards.

"I really enjoy working with the people in the Business Department. It's a very unique coin and something to remember my time with them by," says Atkins.

Dr. Richards accredits Fink's recognition to his personal initiative and leadership. Last year, Fink went through the rigorous process of establishing a national chapter of the Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), which this year merged with the Women's Business Club to form the Geneva College Business Club.

"I was shocked to be called to the stage and am honored to be one of the first current students to receive the Challenge Coin," says Fink. "I believe the tradition of the coin is a great thing for the Business Department. It's going to motivate students to perform even better to be honored in this way."

"There are so many great students here in the department that it is tough to single out just a few, but we will continue to do exactly that," says Dr. Richards. "More recognition to come."

-Ben Butler '14

Geneva Magazine "My Father's Business" Check out the latest issue online Feature articles include the cover story, “She Built This City,” about alumna and President of the Greater Pittsburgh Chamber of Commerce Barbara McNees ′87; “Helping Others Help Themselves,” describing current student Elizabeth Jabco′s microeconomic partnership in Haiti; and much more!