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Click here for the new isssue of All Access Pass!

University of South Carolina HRSM Alumni Society
is now on

For many students, the life-changing educational opportunities of study abroad are but a dream due to limited financial resources. The Alumni Society of the College of HRSM is answering this need with the Alumni Society Fund. The fund provides scholarships and awards to worthy students who are interested in study abroad, Maymester course destinations and industry conferences.

For more information about the Alumni Society Fund, click here, or contact Tina Weaver, chweaver@hrsm.sc.edu, or call 777-6721. To make a gift to the Alumni Society Fund, click here.

KEEP IN TOUCH!
We'd love to put you on this page!! Send your job, marriage, new baby, moving information to chweaver@hrsm.sc.edu

The College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management salutes our alumni who work at the Colonial Life Arena.
 
First Row (L to R):  Sarah Olsgaard (BS 2007), Pam Kooshkalis (BS 2008), Laura Bradstreet (BS 2007, MSEM 2009), Shannon Motley (BS 1997)
Back Row (L to R):  David Gerdy (BS 2007), Luke Wackerhagen (BS 2007); Roach, Olivia Casey (BS 2011), Tim Strunk (BS 2007), Kathryn Carlson (MSEM 2009), Brian Martin (BS 2008)
Not pictured:  Chris Asouzu (MSEM 2007)

Homecoming 2009: Great Success
With over 300 HRSM alumni in attendance, the 2009 homecoming party kicked off with a bang as alumni got their pictures taken with Cocky and taste tested their favorite recipes in the BBQ cook-off. (For winning recipe, click here!) As they made their way around the McCutchen House, recent and seasoned graduates from the College of HRSM were presented with a new adventure in every room. “I’m not sure where to start” was a comment often heard by the student volunteers working the registration desk. With every corner came a new experience; new food dishes, new drinks, a candy bar, wine tasting, silent auction bidding, and door-prize opportunities. BBQ, Filet Mingnon, shrimp & grits, and fried mushrooms were just a few of the signature dishes melting the tongues of party attendees.

Despite a struggling economy, the evening’s silent auction raised $6500 to assist in sending HRSM students to study their respective industries abroad. When alumni weren’t placing bids they could be found enjoying themselves outside. Luring guests with song and dance, the DJ on the patio knew all the right songs to entice even those with two left feet. Even Cocky couldn’t resist doing the Cupid Shuffle. Random waves of cheer could also be heard outside, as bean bags were strategically tossed at the Cornhole boards in hopes to win coffee mugs and wine glasses which were customized with the HRSM logo.

Alumni of all ages left the 2009 homecoming party with candy, pictures, silent auction items, and drink coupons to Saki Tumi—
where the official after-party took plac e. The HRSM Alumni Society thanks its alumni and board for having a great time and being active participants in their alma mater. Go Gamecocks!

Mel Pennington, RETL '99, elected mayor of Hartsville, SC
HARTSVILLE — Businessman Mel Pennington won an overwhelming victory in Tuesday’s race for mayor of Hartsville with 65.5 percent of the vote to rival Pam Sansbury’s 34.5 percent. Pennington received 1,048 votes to 551 for Sansbury. “I’m excited,” the mayor-elect said after learning he had won. More...

SPTE Alum Casey Sparks is one of eight nominees for Venues Today 2009 Hall of Headlines Award. Casey is the director of Sales and Marketing for the BOK Center in Tulsa, OK. During its first year of operation, the BOK Center hosted 184 events with 729,814 attendees. Casey was nominated for having generated $21,101,883 in television publicity value for events and the venue. BOK Center Executive Director, John Bolton, will be speaking at this year’s SEVT.

Dunham named HOPSports Inc.  
Marketing and Communications Coordinator
Valencia, CA – Crystal Dunham has joined HOPSports, Inc., an award winning company dedicated to fighting childhood obesity in our nation’s schools and youth serving agencies. More...

2009 Outstanding Black Alumni Award Presented to Taj Troy, TSTM '98
Taj Troy, TSTM’98,will be presented with the Outstanding Black Alumni Award during the Homecoming Awards Gala on Friday, October 23. Troy is a Major in the South Carolina Air National Guard and has previously been honored by the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management with an award for Technology Support and Training Management. More...

Anthony Morgan, a 1990 HRTM alumnus, receives his Ed.D
Anthony Morgan, “90” graduate of the Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Administration, USC received his degree, doctor of education (Ed.D) in Educational Leadership and Change from Fielding Graduate University in Santa Barbara, California on February 17, 2009. More...

BAIS '85, Mike Hold, bids bye-bye to Ohio snow
Mike Hold, quarterback of [University of South Carolina]’s winningest football team, the 1984 “Black Magic” squad that finished 10-2, is returning to South Carolina as Newberry College’s associate athletics director for business. More...
-- The (Columbia) State

HRTM alum named president and CEO of the Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association
MYRTLE BEACH —The Myrtle Beach Area Hospitality Association announced Thursday that Stephen Greene has been named as president and CEO. He will assume his new role Sept. 28.
More...

Career Congrats:

Melanie Petruzzi, RETL ‘00, is currently the Senior Public Relations Manager for Nautica in New York, New York.

Elizabeth Smith, HRSM ‘95, is currently the First Year English Program Coordinator at the University of South Carolina.

Amanda Tharin, RETL ’05, is currently the owner of The Shoe Boutique in Lexington, SC.

Krisdee Foster, SPTE ’00, married Cantzon Foster, USC Law School ’01, on February 21, 2009 at First Presbyterian Church in Columbia, SC.

Cory Lorick, RETL ’98, is currently a Loan Officer for Midland Mortgage Corporation in Columbia, SC.

Curt Lindelow, HRTM ’08, recently became the Manager of Bonefish Grill in Augusta, Georgia.

Marianne Heinz, HRTM ’08, currently works at Turtle Bay Resort in Oahu, Hawaii.

Tim Strunk, SPTE ’07, is currently the Group Events Manager at the Colonial Life Arena in Columbia, SC.

OTHER NEWS:

HRTM alum to operate landmark Asheville restaurant
ASHEVILLE — After 30 years as founder, chef and owner of The Market Place restaurant, Mark Rosenstein sold the downtown eatery to a new owner. The new owner, William S. Dissen, will continue to operate the restaurant as The Market Place. More...

Team spirit fuels rookie McPherson:
Ex-USC golfer sings praises of being part of Solheim Cup experience
MYRTLE BEACH — Kristy McPherson cannot tell if there will be more pressure or more fun involved in her first Solheim Cup. That’s because to her, they are one and the same on a golf course. More...
For more on Kristy McPherson, click here.

Alumni share employment advice and success stories with HRSM students. Photos...

Keep in Touch! Two HRSM Graduates Benefit from Staying Connected
Once you’ve walked across the stage and received your diploma, will your connection to the University end? Or are there great benefits to staying involved? For many HRSM grads, staying connected has opened doors and enabled them to pursue opportunities they otherwise would not have know about. More...

The College of HRSM Alumni Society Board Steps Up to Assist Students
Through the generosity of the Alumni Society Board, students in the College of HRSM now have an opportunity that will support their travel, both internationally and domestically. More...