The Humanity of Business
When last semester began, my fellow Goizueta Scholars and I found ourselves digging for a time to get together for a kickoff dinner. Nothing fancy, just another chance for free food and some chitchat about our summers. Two message threads later, I still had no idea how the other twelve scholars had spent their summers. We were already so busy that finding two hours of common free time was proving to be just as difficult as our finance and accounting classes. But if this is the only downside to being a part of a group so diverse and multi-talented that we’ve collectively integrated ourselves into almost every corner of the University, the difficulties of finding a time for dinner are overshadowed by the genius that sparks when we do get together.
Our sustainability-themed scholars' seminar, which began in the fall, allowed us to take advantage of everybody's talents and interests to achieve something that will help take Emory and Goizueta one step further. Under the guidance of Professor Allison Burdette, we brainstormed campus projects ideas and eventually decided to work on the establishment of a sustainability-themed convenience store on campus this semester.
Rebecca Stump, BBA scholar '11, recalls the spitfire brainstorming that spanned our seminar classes. "All of our different backgrounds and interests converged to create something unique," she said. "We bounced ideas off each other and came up with some pretty cool stuff that none of us would have been able to come up with alone."
BBA scholar '11 Max Ogienko, who is originally from the Ukraine, brought the effects of environmental damage home for us when he described the crippling consequences that pervaded the country after the Chernobyl nuclear reactor disaster. Lauren Rodriguez, BBA scholar '09, keeps us informed through her work with many organizations on campus and her job with Sodexho, Emory's food service provider. This sort of collaboration and convergence of different skills are what defines the BBA Scholars Program.
BBA scholar '10 Mike Seidman said he first felt a bond with the other scholars during interview weekend last spring when we all ventured into Lullwater Park for a picnic and awkwardly learned dance moves to N’Sync music blaring from an iPod. "Three days earlier, none of us knew each other, and then there we were, learning these crazy dance moves in the middle of the park," he said.
Chad Thayer, BBA scholar '10, said he appreciates the program for all of the academic benefits as well. With class priority, he got all of the classes he wanted, and because of the early introduction into the business school, he felt like he had gotten a head start.
As Chad notes about the scholarship interviews, the scholars are selected not only for their academic horsepower but also for their potential to become a principled leader and for their ability to interact well with others. The BBA Scholars Program emphasizes what many business hopefuls forget to consider – the human side of business.
Tiffany Han, Goizueta Scholar, class 2007
The Goizueta Scholars Award began in fall 2007. The scholarship program supports four years of undergraduate study for students with superior academic credentials and a demonstrated interest in business. Leadership and community service are important components in the selection process and candidates who bring diverse perspectives and backgrounds are of special interest. Goizueta Scholars will have guaranteed admission to the Business School and priority access to business classes. For more information, contact Libby Egnor at libby_egnor@bus.emory.edu.
