Headlines and Events

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management Awards 32 Scholarships from Garnet Jacket Classic

Founder of Chick-fil-A Speaks to College of HRSM Students

Maternity Tee Designer to the Celebrities Visits Her Roots

Student SPOTLIGHTS: HRSM Students Study in Macau!

College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management Awards 32 Scholarships from Garnet Jacket Classic

Columbia, SC-(May 2, 2007) The College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management awarded student scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $5,000 from the proceeds of its Garnet Jacket Classic Golf Tournament.

“The purpose of this event is to raise money for scholarships and we are thrilled that the success of this year’s event has allowed us to award 32 scholarships.” Dr. Patricia Moody, Dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management (HRSM) at the University of South Carolina, said “This is not only an excellent opportunity for student volunteers to serve and gain experience but an equally rewarding opportunity for the College of HRSM to honor our students for their outstanding work.”

The focus of the event is philanthropic and the goal is to raise money used toward scholarships and awarded to various students in the College of HRSM.

“This scholarship is meaningful to me because of my active involvement both as an HRTM major and as a student in HRSM” Jenn Pellegrino, student volunteer and recipient of a GJC scholarship, said. “Assisting with the GJC from its planning stages to its execution was a memorable learning experience where I had the opportunity to meet some generous friends of the college and outstanding fellow students. It was an honor to be associated with this event and the award provides further motivation to work hard and give back to the College.” 

The two-day event kicked off at Liberty’s Tap Room and Grill in the Vista with a party that included a silent and live auction. Opening welcome statements were made by the President of USC, Andrew Sorensen, and Dr. Patricia Moody, Dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management before the bidding of the live auction began.

The following day, golfers gathered at The University Club at Cobblestone Park where 24 teams of four competed for the coveted Garnet Jacket. Student volunteers from the College of HRSM were on hand to assist with the tournament. Prizes, awards and student scholarships were presented at the Lowcountry Boil dinner at the conclusion of the day.

The Garnet Jacket Classic, which began in 2003, has grown substantially each year in numbers and earnings. It has become a signature event of the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management and one that sponsorship partners, players and students look forward to each year.   

Thank you to the Garnet Jacket Party & Ultimate Auction Sponsors:
Presenting Sponsor: Cobblestone Park
Silver Sponsor: Coldwell Banker
Valet Sponsor: Northwestern Mutual Financial Network
Gold Tee Golf Sponsors: The University Club at Cobblestone Park, IMI, PET, Johnson Controls
Silver Tee Golf Sponsors: Ballantyne Resort, Bouknight Builders, Delaware Valley Alumni Group, Garvin Design Group, GME Engineering, Land Rover of Columbia, Lizard's Thicket, Nilson Van & Storage, Philadelphia Management, Southern Wine and Spirits, SYSCO, US Foodservice

Founder of Chick-fil-A Speaks to College of HRSM Students

Columbia, SC-(25, April 2007) Truett Cathy, founder and chairman of the popular Chick-fil-A restaurant chain, inspired a packed auditorium of University of South Carolina students by sharing his personal philosophies that turned him into a billion dollar mogul
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“Fall in love with your work and you won’t have to work anymore” Cathy told students.

In between tossing stuffed ‘Eat More Chikin’ cows and free chicken sandwich cards to audience members, Cathy captivated the crowd with his quick-wit and inspirational stories from his life as a Depression Era child, to father of 15 adopted children to wielding entrepreneur.

Cathy’s lecture was part of the University of South Carolina, College of Hospitality, Retail, and Tourism Management Dean’s Lecture Series. With the College working harder than ever these days to put students face-to-face with leading industry partners, it couldn’t have picked a more inspirational lecturer than Truett Cathy.

During the lecture, Cathy said “There’s no such thing as business ethics; it’s personal ethics” and it seems these ethics have certainly paid off. Because Chick-fil-A’s sponsorship is so large, the Atlanta Peach Bowl was re-named this year as the “Chick-fil-A Bowl.” Cathy also shared plans of opening 74 new stores across the nation this year, expanding its network of more than 1,290 restaurants in 37 states.

For Molly Britt, the term “typical day” is not in her vocabulary. As a leading account exec for Turner Broadcasting whose responsibilities include accounting and budgeting for Adult Swim and 16 other Turner programs, Molly Britt is also the founder of an incredibly successful and popular maternity clothing business that has hit it big with celebrity moms like Britney Spears, Heidi Klum, Jennifer Garner and more. Britt's company, MollyAnna, was the brainchild from a seemingly endless pregnancy and a long look in the mirror around her third trimester.

Molly graduated in 1994 with a degree in Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration. She took the opportunity to speak to Professor Ed Coon’s Introduction to the Hospitality Industry class about her experiences at USC and her journey to business entrepreneur. A truly remarkable and talented woman, Molly was an inspiration to the class and an equally impressive role model. Molly recently visited USC, which happens to be her Alma Mater, on April 11 .

Following Molly's presentation, HRSM Alumni Director Tina Weaver commented to Professor Ed Coon that she thought Molly had truly inspired the students in his class. A few minutes later, the young lady sitting next to Mrs. Weaver said, "I didn't mean to eavesdrop on your conversation, but I am inspired!" Professor Coon also said how proud he was of his former student in how far she has come in making a name for herself.

In the following interview, Molly explains the ingenious moment that inspired her business and talks a little about her family life and business workings. All of MollyAnna’s products can be viewed on the Web-site at www.mollyanna.com.  

Full name/preferred name: Molly Batchelor Britt/Molly

Graduation Year: 1994

Degree/Department: B.S. Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Administration

Who is your current employer? MollyAnna

1. What do you do on a “typical day?”

I’m going to change that to a typical week if that’s okay…I start every day at 5:30 am with a decaf cappuccino, read from my daily affirmation book, write in my journal, and meditate—it’s my beloved hour to myself.  I end every day with a cup of tea being grateful for the events of the day.

What happens in between is a mix of the following (I’ll use this week as an example): 

• Finished creating a new organic supima cotton maternity tee and tank line that will launch just before Mother’s Day 
• Partnered with Due Maternity on a model search for the new “face of MollyAnna”
• Scheduled two photo shoots for models and new products
• Daily communications with our PR person responding to multiple media requests and celebrity outreach
• Finalized our partnership with Care.org to create a special maternity tank for them wherein all the profits will benefit their organization
• Daily communication with the web promotion person who is responsible for our on-line presence:  Google ranking, monitoring link exchange requests, posting to news feeds, blogging etc.
• Completed the contract negotiations with the new fulfillment company who will be responsible for warehousing and shipping all wholesale and consumer orders
• Completed the paperwork to certify MollyAnna as a woman owned business, which will lead to more partnering opportunities with major corporations
• Weekly hour meeting with my business coach who gives me new ideas to consider, events to attend, new strategies etc. 
• Responded to endless customer inquiries, new retailer applications, and other day-to-day activities.

My home life looks like this:
At 5:30 pm I pick up my precious daughter, Anna, from daycare. We go home and jump on the trampoline, play on the swings, ride her bike, chase our dog around the backyard etc. At 6:30 pm I cook dinner for our family, then it’s bubble bath time, story time, and bedtime for Anna. I then get back to work on anything that didn’t get done earlier in the day and/or can’t wait until morning, have my cup of tea, read for a bit, and then it’s off to bed.

2. What led you to this job/career choice? 
At eight months pregnant, I took a long glance at myself in the full-length mirror and you can imagine what was looking back at me – body parts out to here and out to there, and a belly that could provide shade for a small animal. I blurted out the first logical thing since I got pregnant. "Birth control is for sissies." That’s when I realized every pregnant woman deserves a good laugh. And that’s the beginning of how our MollyAnna came to life.

More specifically, we had been living in the fast lane of entertainment in Los Angeles for seven years when I became pregnant with our daughter, Anna. The day after those fateful words fell out of my mouth, I had them printed on a tank top, which at that point had become the bulk of my maternity wardrobe. From the moment I left the house in it, people were stopping me everywhere, wanting to know where I got it. Given that people in Los Angeles rarely even make eye contact, I knew I was on to something. I don’t need to tell you I very quickly found a way to have some made and, before I knew it, people were lining up at my car after mommy-and-me class, in the grocery store parking lot and so forth.

After a couple weeks of this, it occurred to me that, much to my mother’s chagrin, I was chock full of smarty-pants remarks that were just waiting to adorn maternity tank tops. "I can grow people," "Body by Baby," and "Epidural? Yes, please" are just a few that very quickly became best-sellers. A few weeks later, our lovely daughter Anna, and our new company, MollyAnna, were born.

3. Do you feel that the College of HRSM prepared you for your current position?  If so, in what way? 
Of course, because I laughed at Ed [Coons] a lot. You must have a sense of humor—a significant one—to get anywhere in life.

4. What was your favorite/most useful class while at USC? 
HRTA Law.

5. Where do you currently reside? 
Atlanta, GA

6. What is the high point/a highlight/proud moment in your career? In your life? 
In my career, it’s having MollyAnna tees featured in People Magazine—twice!— and, more importantly, transitioning MollyAnna into an organic cotton line so that MollyAnna can become a means of being socially responsible and of service to others. In my life, it’s my beautiful daughter, Anna.

7. How did you find out about the university/college? 
Myrtle Beach High school Guidance Counselor.

8. What attracted you to the College of HRSM/ HRTM program? 
I grew up in Myrtle Beach, SC, where that industry is very strong.

9. Is there anything you would change about your college experience?
I would have studied!

10. What advice do you have for students going into your field? 
Become known for your work ethic and integrity. It will allow your reputation to speak for itself and for you.

11. Where did you complete your internship/practicum? 
Knickerbocker on the Water in Myrtle Beach, SC.

12. What other jobs did you hold before your current position? 
Event Coordinator for the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, Manager for Lone Star Steakhouse and Saloon, Production Accountant for reality television (Joe Millionaire, Meet Mr. Mom, Married by America, My Big Fat Obnoxious Fiancé etc.),  Director of Finance for Tom Lynch Company.

13. Who has served as a mentor or role model to you personally or in your career? 
Ed Coon, University of SC professor, Kay Van Hoesen of Certifax Appraisals, Janice Caruso of Cabana Mart and many, many others along the way.

14. Do you have any Columbia favorites from when you lived here?  Restaurants, golf courses, sporting events, etc. Any other favorites?  Movies? Books?  
Columbia favorites: Hennessy’s,  Sharky’s. My favorite movie is the Italian Job.  My favorite book is Don’t Get Too Uncomfortable.

15. Where would you like to travel? 
Everywhere! I’m going to Paris in May!

Student SPOTLIGHTS: It's important to be involved!

Name/Preferred Name: Stephen Williams

What year are you? Junior

What is your major?
Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management

Tell us about China and the exchange program. Where do you live?
I live in what they call the "student hostel," which is roughly comparable to our dorms. However, due to the limited real estate in Macau, we are in an actual apartment building with other people and families that have no connection with the school. The Institute for Tourism Studies (IFT) rents some of these rooms out and then offers them to us at subsidized prices. My building is about two blocks from the school, so the walk is not bad. I share the apartment with two Chinese guys (Ken and Harvey are there English names) and they are a great resource for things to see and do.

What are your classes like?
The classes are small compared to some of the larger lectures in many USC classes. IFT is tiny compared to USC with a total enrollment of less than 1000 students. This was a bit of an obstacle for me because suddenly it was like I was back in high school, an experience that anyone who may have attended a smaller college at some point could relate to. Academically this can be very beneficial, as the professors will really get to know you, resulting in a comfortable and welcoming learning environment.

What do you like the best about China?
The food. Macau is special because it was once owned by the Portuguese, and while they have since ceded control back to China, some Western flare still remains in pockets around the city. Specifically, the IFT cafeteria has a delicious blend of Eastern and Western foods at ridiculously cheap prices: about USD$3 for a huge main plate, fruit and salad plates, desserts and so on.

The Least?
The food. Outside of IFT and some of the places with heavy remnants of Portuguese culture, it is very Eastern. Real Chinese food is generally not the stuff that Americans have in stateside Chinese restaurants that is rich with flavor and sauces. Instead, it is bland and near tasteless. I would do anything for a big rib eye steak and mashed potatoes, but these things just don't exist in Macau (outside of the overly expensive casinos).

Is it difficult to communicate?
Surprisingly, no. Despite not knowing a word of Cantonese or Mandarin, it really hasn't been a problem. IFT teaches all of its classes in English and actually employs many Western teachers. (One of my professors is actually the United States Warden to Macau.) Many times when traveling around the city, we will have a local student to translate for us when necessary. Even still, promotional materials such as maps and bus schedules are also printed in English. Any major store, outlet, or tourist destination employs at least one fairly proficient speaker, as English is considered the business language in Macau. Most of the college age generation here and below have had some sort of formal English training. It is only the older generation where there is any sort of communication barrier, but whatever we need can usually be deduced from crazy hand signals.

Have you had any unique experiences that stand out?
On the last night of the Chinese New Year celebration, a few of us made a trip to a Taoist worshipping center called A-Ma Village, atop one of Macau's highest mountains. There, we explored an amazingly intricate temple adorned with sprawling reds and golds, snaking dragons and lurking tigers. It was the perfect example of classical Chinese architecture and looked like something out of an old Kung Fu movie. At midnight, robed Taoists congregated in front of the statues of the gods and began chanting their prayers for a safe new year. It was a cultural experience unlike any other, as we were the only outsiders present. Even still, we were warmly greeted by the locals.

What is the most different thing that you have noticed about the Chinese culture compared to American culture?
I have yet to see an overweight native. The people just actively eat healthy and they enjoy it. Temptations from junk food and candies don't exist because moderation seems to be ingrained into their culture - something that America should think about.

What led you to choose the major you’re in?
I was a Media Arts major for a few semesters. Though I enjoyed great success academically, I had little passion or interest in the subject. I decided to try something else for a little while, and, after interning at Disney, I found that I loved the hospitality and tourism field. Soon after returning to USC, I switched my major to HRTM.

Are you involved in any programs, organizations or clubs? If yes, what are they? Do you hold any leadership positions in them?
At the moment I am one of two charter participants in a brand new exchange program between USC and the Institute for Tourism Studies in Macau, China. In past semesters at USC, I have been on the Executive Committee of Carolina Productions, the campus events board, as the Commissioner of Cinematic Arts. One semester I was Technology Chair for the Student Government Elections Commission. More recently, I served as a senator in the Student Senate, representing the College of HRSM.

Where would you like to live when you graduate?
Where would I not like to live when I graduate? At some point in my life, I plan to live in Alaska, California, Colorado, Florida, France, Spain and a few other locations for at least a year or two each.

What advice do you have for students considering going into your major?
Just like any major, it is what you make it. One should take advantage of special opportunities like internships, studies abroad, the National Student Exchange and related campus groups, such as Carolina Productions. However, the single most important piece of advice that I can give is to network everywhere that you go. Someone always knows someone else that is willing to help in a situation.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
In five years, I would like to be doing something exciting in the adventure tourism sector, preferably somewhere beautiful. Off the top of my head, possible places would be guiding kayakers on whale watching tours in Alaska or teaching scuba diving in the Caribbean.

Do you have anything else you would like to add about your experience at USC or in China?
While over here, most of the exchange students, including myself of course, are taking any opportunity we can to travel to neighboring countries as we have no idea when we will ever be in the Far East again. For Chinese New Year, we were off of school for a week and I traveled to the gorgeous beaches of Thailand where I rode elephants through a lush jungle (literally, sitting on their backs with no saddle or harness) and got certified in open water scuba diving.  

The point I'm trying to make is that we realize that when you are presented with a potential once-in-a-lifetime opportunity, you have to take it and make the most of it. This is especially true if you have a degree related to tourism... how do you expect to sell and market travel if you have never really done it yourself?

Full name/preferred name: Matthew Garrick                 

What year are you? Junior

What is your major? Sport and Entertainment Management

Are you involved in any programs, organizations or clubs? If yes, what are they? Do you hold any leadership positions in them?
I have helped in the past with the International Conference on Sport and Entertainment Business run by the SPTE department but, currently, I am the new President of the Student Gamecock Club and trying to get more students aware of our club and what we can offer. Right now, I am doing an exchange program in Macau, China.

Tell us about China and the exchange program. What is it like? Where do you live?
I go to school at IFT, the Institute for Tourism Studies, in Macau. They provide student hostels for all of the exchange students when you first arrive here. You live with three other students from the school and they are very much like dorms, except they are individual apartments in actual apartment buildings. I was there for a couple of days and decided to try and find my own apartment in the city. I met with another exchange student from Finland and we are leasing an apartment together about a mile from the school. One of the great things about the program here is getting to meet the other exchange students from all over the world.

What is the most different thing you have noticed about Chinese culture compared to American culture?
You have to be ready to live a much different life then what you are used to in the United States and you must keep an open mind. The most different thing in China compared to the United States is the way people accept things. By that, I mean even if the average person in China disagrees with something, they often just accept it and do not try and fix what they believe the problem is. For that reason, change is going to be very slow over the entire country, but it is happening nonetheless.
Also, you have to get used to conserving everything, and you can't waste anything. Things we see as normal seem very wasteful to people here. You just have to accept that as the way it is and that it isn't better or worse, just different.

Have you had any experiences that stand out?
During the Chinese New Year my roommate and I traveled in mainland China for nine days. I probably learned more during those nine days then I have in my time in school here. 

Was China what you expected it to be like?
I have been lucky to have been able to experience a lot of different cultures, so Macau has not been very different from what I expected. I had heard a lot about China, especially the mainland, but it is very different to live here and begin to understand why this part of the world is so different from our own. Macau was a Portuguese colony until 1999 so it is very different than both Hong Kong and mainland China. Most of the people here are Chinese, but because of the impact of tourism in Macau they are much more developed than most parts of China.

Is there anything else you would like to add about your experiences in China?
China is developing at an astounding rate, and I think it is very important for schools and organizations in the United States to try and build relationships with China like USC is doing. The cities in China are leading the way, but the areas outside of the major cities still resemble a third world country.

What led you to choose the major you’re in?
I had always been involved with sports in high school and grew up going to South Carolina events. I thought the Sport and Entertainment Management program at USC would be a perfect fit for me.

Why did you choose to come to USC?
There were only two schools that I really considered attending, the Naval Academy and USC. I knew I was going to USC after I went to a Gamecock basketball game my senior year in high school and met with Martin McKenzie of the SPTE department. He went over everything they had to offer and, after that meeting, I decided I would come here.

What are your interests? Hobbies?
USC sports and traveling. Go Cocks!

Do you have any Columbia favorites? Restaurants, golf courses, sporting events, etc. Any other favorites?
USC Football and Palmetto Pig.

What advice do you have for students considering going into your major?
Try and meet as many of your classmates as possible and be involved with the SPTE department and their events.

What are your personal goals pertaining to school?
I’d like to make the Dean’s list all four years. I also want to take advantage of the many unique opportunities this school offers.

Where would you like to live when you graduate?
I wouldn’t mind living anywhere, except for Clemson of course.

Where would you like to see yourself in five years?
I would like to be in a position where people respect me and what I have done and where I have some financial security.

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