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iIT student receives coveted IBM scholarship

iIT student Chris Richardson receives coveted IBM scholarshipChris Richardson, a junior majoring in integrated information technology (iIT) at the University of South Carolina, has been selected as one of only 12 students nationwide to receive the 2012 IBM Destination z Enterprise Computing Scholarship.

IBM announced its scholarship winners after completing an extensive review process that, according to IBM, included the largest pool of applicants in the history of the scholarship program, now in its fourth year. 

To be considered for the IBM Destination z scholarship, students must demonstrate excellence in enterprise computing coursework and also a continued commitment to becoming the next generation of enterprise system professionals. A panel of representatives from Trident Services, IBM Systems Magazine, Innovation Data Processing, 21st Century Software and IBM conducted the 2012 scholarship judging.

A Columbia, S.C. native, Richardson is interested in graduating into a career as a network administrator and, ultimately, becoming a chief information officer at a major enterprise. He is currently part of a team conducting joint research for the University of South Carolina and IT-oLogy examining the regional and national industry growth of IT over the last decade. The research is due out in March 2012.

“I would like to thank IBM and each of the supporting organizations that made this scholarship possible,” said Richardson. “This award is validation of the hard work each scholarship recipient has put in as well as a reflection of our continued pursuits within the IT industry.”

Other academic institutions representing the 2012 group of IBM Destination z scholars include: West Texas A&M University, Northern Illinois University, Illinois State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Syracuse University, Marist College, Texas A&M University, and Huston-Tillotson University. Additional information on the IBM Destination z Enterprise Computing Scholarship is available online at http://destinationz.org.

In addition to receiving the Destination z scholarship, Richardson has also just recently been selected for a summer internship with IBM working out of one of the company’s national corporate offices.

“IT-oLogy has created the environment for individuals to make informed choices about their IT careers,” said Lonnie Emard, executive director of IT-oLogy. “Chris Richardson represents an individual who chose to participate in several IT-oLogy programs that enhanced the growth of his IT talent. This growth meets our collective goal of preparing our future workforce.”

“Chris has demonstrated his extraordinary initiative in winning this scholarship,” explained iIT professor Dr. Robert Brookshire. “He has participated enthusiastically in all the industry-related extracurricular activities sponsored by our program.  He is keen to learn all he can about the information technology profession.”


HRSM students make big splash at USC Career Fest Spring 2012

2012 HRSM students make a big splash at 2012 USC areer Fest SpringCareer FestThe College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management was again one of the best-represented colleges at USC Career Fest.

More than 250 HRSM students came out to attend two career fairs, Career Fest and the Science, Engineering and Technology Fair (S.E.T.), held concurrently on Feb. 1, 2012 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

HRSM students took advantage of the more than 130 employers that were in attendance, which according to the USC Career Center is a 15% increase in employers over spring 2011.  The higher number of employers indicates that the job market is brightening for students, said Tom Halasz, director of the USC Career Center.

Onsite interviews were held for USC students and alumni seeking full-time positions as well as internships and co-ops. USC Career Center reported a total attendance of 1,482 students, a reported 26% student increase from last year.

Bryce Garvey, a senior majoring in sport and entertainment management at HRSM, was excited to see the variety of employers at this year’s event as well as the overall positive attitude of students. “This really is a ‘can’t miss’ event for USC students seeking internships or full-time jobs,” Garvey explained. “This year I was able to have face-to-face interviews with a variety of top-tier companies, many of which were hiring individuals with my background and skill set. My goal was to stand out from the crowd and I think I did that this year.”

Garvey will graduate from USC this spring and is seeking positions in professional sports or live entertainment. He just recently completed a sales and marketing internship with Global Spectrum. A native of Charlotte, N.C., his first job was with the NFL’s Carolina Panthers at age 15.

For additional information about Career Fest and the S.E.T. Fair returning to USC next fall, visit the University of South Carolina Career Center website at www.sc.edu/career, find them on Facebook at www.facebook.com/UofSCcareers or follow them on Twitter at @UofSCCareers.

To hear what other HRSM students had to say about USC Career Fest Spring 2012, check out these student video interviews at the HRSM YouTube Channel http://www.youtube.com/user/USChrsm.


Marriott International visits HRSM
School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management students selected for onsite interviews

The College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management hosted a visit by executives from Marriott International in January for all students interested in pursuing internships or careers with one of the world’s top lodging companies.

Marriott International is responsible for nearly 3,700 properties as well as 18 different hotel and lodging brands located worldwide. As part of the company’s national student recruitment efforts, Marriott International makes several visits each year to the top hospitality programs in the United States. The recent stop at HRSM was one of only 12 campus visits this year for Betty Ann Phillips, Marriott International’s manager of university relations and talent acquisition.

“To be completely honest, it’s a little bit of a love fest for us with the University of South Carolina and the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management,” Phillips explained. “We consistently come away from these visits with outstanding hires for both internships and full-time positions. These students are prepared and very excited about becoming leaders in our competitive industry.”

Also visiting HRSM from Marriott International were Laura Kitchens (HRTM ’00), general manager at Marriott International Augusta Courtyard; Cecilia Ramsey, human resources manager at Marriott Vacation Club International Hilton Head Island; Kelly Canady, director of human resources at Marriott Vacation Club International Myrtle Beach; and Jay Leskowitz, assistant general manager at Marriott International Renaissance Charleston.

Information sessions for students were held in the classes of:

  • HRTM 450 – Hospitality and Tourism Marketing
  • HRTM 280 – Foundations of Tourism
  • HRTM 388 – Resort Management

An evening information session was held at the McCutchen House and open to all HRSM students. After submitting resumes, 24 students from the college’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) were selected by Marriott International to participate in onsite interviews for paid internships and full-time manager-in-training (MIT) positions, both of which begin in Summer 2012. Applicants chosen by Marriott International will attend a final round of interviews taking place this Spring in Miami, Fla.

For information on how to apply for internships or career opportunities with Marriott International or Marriott Vacation Club International, contact HRTM internship director Amy Jackson at amy.jackson@hrsm.sc.edu. Visit www.marriott.com/careers for additional information on careers and internship opportunities with Marriott.


IT professionals visit HRSMSouth Carolina IT professionals visit HRSM, discuss major jobs initiative
launching in Spring 2012

The College of HRSM will host a variety of different guest speakers this semester representing the South Carolina technology industry. The guest speaker seminars will take place at IT-oLogy located in downtown Columbia and are open to all students enrolled in the college’s internship course within the Integrated Information Technology Program (iIT).

In January, iIT welcomed guest speakers Gary Adams and Sheila Wray from CSC, a technology solutions and services company with global operations and offices located near the USC campus in Blythewood, S.C.

Adams is director of the company’s MSS Americas Delivery Centers in South Carolina and Wray heads up CSC’s recruitment and relationship development program. As part of their visit, Adams and Wray unveiled to iIT students an exciting new jobs initiative being launched by CSC in the Spring of 2012. According to Adams, the initiative will feature 10 new technology academies at CSC’s Blythewood campus, each of which will offer 10-14 full-time career opportunities for entry-level professionals with a background in computer science, engineering and/or information technology. Each academy will also feature an advanced mentoring and training program supporting in-campus career advancement. Interested USC students should contact Shannon McCutchen, academic advisor and director of internships for iIT.

CSC also offers internship opportunities annually through the University of South Carolina’s mainframe internship program. Please contact Shannon McCutchen for additional information at mccutch@mailbox.sc.edu.   

What is CSC looking for in a job applicant?

  • Solid resume
  • Strong G.P.A. with IT/tech courses completed
  • Class projects and community volunteerism is a big plus
  • Internship experience in the tech field
  • Positive attitude

CSC has more than 97,000 employees worldwide and reported revenue of $16.2 billion. Experience.com ranks it as one of the Top 20 places to work for recent graduates. For additional information, and for links to CSC on Facebook and Twitter, visit their University Relations website page: http://careers.csc.com/university.

The Integrated Information Technology Program (iIT) is one of four flagship academic programs offered at the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management (HRSM). Students in the iIT program receive an in-depth background in information technologies in four major areas: networking, database systems, corporate training and development, and end-user support. More information is available at http://www.hrsm.sc.edu

WORLDWIDE CONNECTIONS

HRSM initiatives dovetail with USC Connect, the university’s five-year initiative to integrate course work with real-world learning experiences beyond the classroom.  

When USC kicked off its USC Connect program in September 2011, members of the HRSM family recognized that their college has long been a pioneer in offering the real world educational experiences that USC Connects is now promoting.

Dr. Sheryl Kline, associate dean of HRSM, put it this way: “Internship and practicum courses are a hallmark of our college.  These experiences let students gain real industry experience before graduation. 

“Internships give students the opportunity to apply what they learned in the classroom and in many cases they begin their career in their senior year of college.   This has been quite a successful part of our curriculum that is highly valued by our students and employers.”

Internships and practicums offered by HRSM include not only local and regional placements, but also opportunities for students in nationally known businesses and industries.

"We are particularly proud of our placements in the sports and entertainment industry,” said Kline.  This past year more than 300 students enjoyed internships and practicums in settings that included the Washington Redskins, Philadelphia Phillies and CBS Sports.”

Dr. Kline noted that HRSM’s retailing program practicums and internships include industry leaders Ralph Lauren, Target and Dianne Von Furstenberg; hospitality management student opportunities include Marriott Hotels and Darden Restaurants such as Olive Garden and Longhorn Steakhouse; and technology students can choose from a long list of industry giants that includes IBM, Blue Cross Blue Shield of South Carolina and SCANA.

“These partnerships confirm that our college has been truly successful in providing our students with invaluable experiences outside of the traditional classroom,” said Dr. Kline.  “USC Connect is a wonderful new initiative that will ensure that all students have similar opportunities.”   

Want to read about some of the ways HRSM is making these connection? Catherine Moore's experience in Macao, China can be found by clicking here. Jarett Gerald talks about his internship with NASCAR here.


Congratulations to our Fall 2011 Honor Graduates
While you may have thought learning has just ended, it is really just beginning.
I challenge you to become a lifelong learner.”
  -- Dean Brian J. Mihalik, December 12, 2011

Masters Candidates2011 December HRSM Hooding and Cording Ceremony for Honor Graduates

Virginia Y. Ariail – SPTE
Edward K. Boney – SPTE
Blair C. Cauthen – SPTE
Sara A. Efstration – HRTM
Bryan R. Fillet – SPTE
Sean R. Frady – HRTM
James O. Glassford – SPTE
William C. Herring – SPTE
Madeline R. Hooper – SPTE
Alexandra M. Knight – SPTE
Paige Linder – MAT
Stephanie M. Lockhart – SPTE
Megan L. Mabry – SPTE
Kristin M. Malek – HRTM
Diana C. Martinez – HRTM
Patrick J. Moree – SPTE
Amanda T. Morelli – SPTE
Alexander J. Nurkin – SPTE
Amy Pauly – SPTE
Molly Pinner – MAT
Michael D. Price – HRTM
Timothy J. Saleeby – SPTE
Katherine E. Shirley – SPTE
Lauren E. Simons – HRTM
Marisa C. Tassello – RETL
Yu Xu – SPTE

Honor Graduates

Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management
Courtney P. Capers – Cum Laude
Anne K. Crane – Magna Cum Laude
Morgan A. Fields – Magna Cum Laude
Michelle B. Galinak – Cum Laude
Candice N. Huth – Magna Cum Laude
Gresi B. Irdam – Cam Laude
Miljana Jocic – Cum Laude
Jillian B. Pulverenti  - Magna Cum Laude
Jill M. Seufer – Cum Laude
Courtney M. Stafford – Cum Laude
Taylor E. Underwood – Magna Cum Laude
Hannah E. Whitehead – Magna Cum Laude

Retailing and Fashion Merchandising
Elizabeth P. Cook – Cum Laude
Caroline M. Grammer – Magna Cum Laude
Marissa C. Grogan – Cum Laude

Sport and Entertainment Management
Richard C. Jones – Cum Laude
Sarah A. Kennedy – Cum Laude
Sean M. Leaks – Magna Cum Laude
Nichole M. Stagg – Cum Laude

All HRSM honor graduates were invited to attend a lunch reception hosted at the McCutchen House on December 12 followed by the University’s commencement ceremony at Colonial Life Arena with guest speaker and longtime NBC news journalist, Mr. Tom Brokaw. To view Mr. Brokaw’s full commencement speech, visit http://sc.edu/commencement.


Industry advice for industry-bound SPTE students
Sport & Entertainment Management grads give unfiltered advice to current USC students  SPTE Panel for industry bound students

HRSM students in Frank Roach’s SPTE “Introduction to Live Entertainment” class received a visit recently from several graduates that now work in the sport and entertainment industry.  

The panelists spoke openly regarding industry pay, typical workweek hours, and answered questions for students looking to break into this highly competitive industry.

The panel was held on November 29, 2011 and featured the following SPTE alumni:

  • Mark Barrett – promotions manager, Live Nation (Columbia)
  • Lindsay McAllister – marketing manager, Feld Entertainment, Inc. (Philadelphia)
  • Melanie Henkes – event management, Colonial Life Arena (Columbia)
  • Sara Schenck – executive marketing assistant, Ticketmaster (Atlanta)

Here’s our Top 10 List of the best advice from these panelists on Nov. 29:

10.  Be open and flexible with internship opportunities. If you love the job, refuse to leave. They may end up hiring you!

9.  Be creative and thoughtful with everything you do. If you don’t, someone else will.  And, in this industry, that person typically gets the promotion.

8. Strongly consider getting a minor while at HRSM. This could be the separating factor between you and other job candidates.

7. The College of HRSM and SPTE give you amazing access to industry – use that to your advantage. Your professors are here to help.
 
6. Stay connected to your classmates and alumni. These people work in your industry and can help you network and advance.  
 
5. Every encounter is an evaluation in the sport and entertainment industry. Take every day seriously and be respectful to everyone you meet.
 
4. Write thank you notes to everyone you meet – seriously, everyone. This industry is all about relationships.

3. Want a leg up in entering the sport and entertainment industry? Go out and learn everything you can – right now – about mobile marketing, social media marketing and how to understand event contracts. Take an accounting class, if possible.  

2. Just because you love going to concerts doesn’t mean you’ll be happy or successful in the sport and entertainment industry.  This industry is brutally competitive.  Get ready to work!

1. If you’re not cool with 60-70-hour workweeks and you don’t absolutely love the sport and entertainment industry, you may want to change you major…like now. This is the best industry in the world, but it’s also one most demanding. You gotta love it!

The Sport and Entertainment Management Department at the University of South Carolina prepares undergraduate and graduate students for a variety of positions in the sports and entertainment industry. USC is first major university to create a separate department for the study of sport and entertainment with a strong business curriculum. For more information, visit http://www.hrsm.sc.edu/spte.


USC Baseball Coach Ray Tanner visits HRSM to discuss leadership

Ray TannerRay Tanner, head coach of the back-to-back national championship USC baseball team, visited HRSM on November 28, 2011 and spoke to more than 200 students packed into the university’s Public Health Building auditorium.

The guest visit was part of HRSM’s 301 Professional Development course that matches students with leaders – as well as opportunities – within the local community that support community giving and professional development.

Tanner gave students a unique look into his own personal path through the collegiate coaching ranks, a career that started nearly 25 years ago working as an assistant coach at North Carolina State University in Raleigh, N.C.

Today Tanner is now the longest-tenured baseball coach in the South Eastern Conference and the leader of back-to-back national championship teams here at USC. He has been the head baseball coach at USC for 15 years and in that time has established our Gamecocks as one of the country’s premier programs. He is a three-time national coach of the year, a past SEC coach of the year and has served five stints with USA’s National Baseball Team as well as coached on two different Olympic teams (1996 Atlanta; 2000 Sydney).

But as impressive as these professional achievements are, it’s volunteerism and community involvement, according to Tanner, that mater just as much if not more.

“I became the head baseball coach at NC State at the age of only 28,” Tanner told students. “I was the youngest head coach in the country but also easily one of the unhappiest. I didn’t understand how to love my work, how to enjoy and appreciate my players, and I hadn’t yet been exposed to the rewards of community involvement. All of this has changed in a very positive way over the last 25 years.”

Tanner is now an active leader in the local Columbia community. The Greater Columbia Chamber of Commerce recently named him their 2011 Ambassador of the Year in recognition of his university work as well as his community philanthropy. In 2005, Tanner, along with his wife Karen, started the Ray Tanner Foundation, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to the betterment of economically and medically disadvantaged children and their families. The foundation supports organizations which care for seriously ill children, the homeless and other charitable causes.

The Ray Tanner Foundation has recently launched a new giving campaign and is currently donating 100 percent of its proceeds from Carolina Baseball: Pressure Makes Diamonds, a limited edition book detailing the history of Carolina baseball, to help build a "Miracle League Field" in Columbia where any child can play baseball regardless of any physical handicap. Tanner wrote the foreword to the book.

Tanner told HRSM students to enjoy their journey here at USC and to take advantage of all the opportunities that will surely come their way. He told them to get involved and become a part of the communities that they serve, including the university’s campus community.

“Being a Gamecock is an honor, a wonderful privilege and a family that stays with you forever. Take ownership of that and make it part of you.”

HRSM 301 guest speakers and seminars are held on campus several times each semester. For additional course information, contact Collin Crick or Kathy Smiling by calling (803) 777-4290 or by visiting www.hrsm.sc.edu.


Lodging Lecture Series event matches students with leaders in hospitality

Lodging Lecture 2011More than 100 students filled USC’s public health building auditorium on November 17th to attend the “Lodging Lecture Series: Fall 2011 Hotel GM Panel,” an annual college event providing HRSM students the unique opportunity to hear firsthand from leaders in the hospitality industry.

This year’s GM panel featured Jason Reader, area managing director and general manager at Columbia Marriott; Adriann Radder, general manager at Ballantyne Hotel & Lodge Charlotte; and Diane Keally, general manager at The Inn at USC.

Each panelist spoke about their personal leadership styles, their thoughts on industry trends such as social media and “going green,” and gave advice on how to effectively enter into and advance within the hospitality industry.

Some of our favorite quotes from the evening included:  

“Be patient and eventually you will conquer the world. Be passionate. Be focused. Be determined.”
– Adriann Radder

“Be patient, but not too patient. When you’re ready, go get it!”– Jason Reader

“Ask questions every single day and be prepared to fail. From failure comes success.”
– Diane Keally

“When you get there, be the manager you would want managing you.” – Diane Keally

The event was organized by Dr. Sheryl Kline, associate dean at HRSM, and Olivia Vanesa Storia, graduate assistant and master’s student in the college’s school of hotel, restaurant and tourism management.

The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management at HRSM is nationally ranked and touts more than 600 students. It has a Ph.D. program for hospitality management and is one of only two schools worldwide with a club management specialization endorsed by the Club Management Association of America (CMAA).

Hospitality and tourism is a $14 billion industry for South Carolina. HRSM is preparing the individuals that will one day help lead this industry.


HRSM Homecoming 2011 Raises Record Proceedshomecoming2011attendees2

This year's HRSM Homecoming Party was held on 11-11-11 at the McCutchen House. The event saw a record attendance of more than 325 guests and brought in record proceeds of nearly $9,000. Proceeds will benefit the HRSM Alumni Society Fund, which provides scholarships and awards to worthy students who are interested in attending study abroad trips, Maymester course destinations and industry conferences.

A few of the larger silent auction items won at this year's homecoming party included:

  • Helicopter ride over Charleston
  • Cirque du Soleil tickets
  • Hilton Head getaway
  • Ultimate USC Tailgate Package

Winners of the inaugural "Jules Pernell BBQ Contest" were:

HRTM – Best BBQ (overall vote winner)
Team Name: "Cocky-cue"
Team Members: Carlyle Gillis, Ryan Monroe, Lauren Kaminsky, Catherine Wilson, Scott Wims, Ervin Abbott

SPTE – Best Sales Pitch
Team Name: "Pre-game Pig BBQ"
Team Members: Matt Bernthal, Andy Gillentine, Todd Koesters, Haile, Samantha Cain, Lynn Lee Jewell, Emily McGrane

RETL barbecue teamRETL – Best Decorations
Team Name: "We're Smokin'"
Team Members: Jeff Campbell, Marianne Bickle, Emily Davison, Ashley Ackerman, Karen Edwards, Jiyeon Kim, Melanie Pompey, Wyman Bales

iIT – Best Guest Engagement
Team Name: "Mega Bites"
Team Members: John Gerdes, Betty Regan, Chuck Regan, Karen Patten

Recipients of the 2011 HRSM Alumni Awards included:

Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies
Elizabeth Smith '95
First-Year English Program Coordinator
University of South Carolina

Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
Kristie Santora Rasheed '02
Regional Director of Reservations and Revenue Optimization
Wild Dunes Resort, Destination Hotels and Resorts

Integrated Information Technology
Ken Goodwin '02
Vice President | Business Systems Consultant Manager Wells Fargo

Retailing
AnnaBelle LaRoque '05
Designer and Owner
LaRoque

Sport and Entertainment Management
Kristy McPherson '03
Professional Golfer
LPGA Tour

The College of HRSM also presented 2011 Service Awards in recognition of alumni that have made significant contributions to the college. The 2011 HRSM Service Award recipients included Cliff Arthur (HRTM '86) and Katherine Brown (SPTE '99). Cliff is current chair of the HRSM Alumni Society Board and joint venture partner of Bonefish Grill for North Carolina and South Carolina. Katherine is the chair-elect of the HRSM Alumni Society Board and the Associate Director of Compliance for USC Athletics. Each has been instrumental in forming the college's Alumni Society Board and the HRSM Alumni Society Fund. Both continue today to provide leadership to the alumni board as well as to past and current HRSM students.

A special thank you to all the HRSM students, staff and faculty that made this year's event a homecoming2011attendeessmashing success, as well as thank you to Sysco of Columbia for being this year's official Homecoming Party food sponsor and supplier for the McCutchen House. Countless individuals and companies throughout the state helped make this year's party the best yet!

And thank YOU for making 2011 HRSM Homecoming a night to remember! Please stay in touch and visit our website often for college news and to discover new ways to get involved and give back to your College of HRSM.

HOMECOMING PHOTOS ARE NOW AVAILABLE!
2011 HRSM Homecoming Party photos are now available for download in high definition at the HRSM Alumni Society Facebook Page: http://www.facebook.com/media/set/?set=a.10150410615384797.384660.90773879796&type=3

Be sure to "like" the photo album and tag yourself in the photos!

Website: www.hrsm.sc.edu
Twitter: www.twitter.com/UofSC_HRSM
Facebook: www.Facebook.com (search for "HRSM Alumni Society")
YouTube: www.youtube.com/user/USChrsm
Phone: (803) 777-4290


Fashion Board student Danielle MinterFashion Board at USC students attend Teen Vogue Fashion University event in NYC

A podcast interview with Retail Merchandising major and USC Fashion Board member Danielle Minter

HRSM sat down recently with Danielle Minter, a junior at USC, to learn more about USC Fashion Board, a student-run organization on campus housed at HRSM’s Department of Retailing.

Danielle discusses the board’s recent trip to New York City for the Teen Vogue University, an exclusive weekend-long event for fashion-focused leaders of tomorrow. A very select group of students across the country recently attended the event to hear firsthand from top names in the industry, offering once-in-a-lifetime tips and advice for a successful future in fashion.

Click here to listen to the podcastClick here to listen to the podcast.

For additional USC Fashion Board info, check out their blog at: http://fashionboardusc.wordpress.com.

please post with Danielle’s photo
please hyperlink the “Click here to listen to the podcast”  and include the podcast logo to the left (same as Sarah Haile’s SPTE podcast)


Dr. Harry Eugene “Sid” Varney Dr. Harry Eugene "Sid" Varney
December 22, 1927 – November 25, 2011

Educator. Ambassador. Advocate. Friend.

The College of HRSM has lost one of its greatest ambassadors, and one of its most influential educators.

Dr. Harry Eugene “Sid” Varney, our dean emeritus, passed away on Friday, November 25 at the age of 83.   

Dr. Varney served as dean of USC’s College of General Studies and College of Applied Professional Sciences – the precursor to HRSM – from 1972 until his retirement in 1994. His dedicated service and overall impact during those 22-plus years was significant. He was instrumental in adding new flagship programs to HRSM as well as responsible for expanding the college’s internship program and acceptance of international students. The “Varney Endowed Scholarship Fund” was created in 1994 in his honor and in 2008 renamed the “Harry E. and Carmen S. Varney Endowment Fund.” More than $100,000 has been raised for the fund to support student scholarships and teaching awards at HRSM.

Our sincerest condolences to the family, friends, faculty, staff and students who were touched and inspired by Dean Varney. He will be greatly missed at USC and remembered, always. 

A celebration of life service for Dean Varney will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, November 30, 2011 at Greenlawn Funeral Home Chapel with internment to follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 6 p.m. until 8 p.m. on Tuesday evening at the funeral home.

“I tried to cultivate a culture of helping students to do better, to succeed. If you care, people do better.” – Sid Varney, Dean Emeritus, USC College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management

For obituary in The State, click here.


USC’s dept. of sport and entertainment managementSEVT Career Fair Ringling Bros Barnum and Bailey Circus
hosts national industry conference

Ladies and gentlemen – welcome to the Greatest Show on Earth!
Many a fan has sat on the edge of his seat, waiting breathlessly for what was to follow that electrifying announcement. Whether it’s Ringling Brothers and Barnum & Bailey Circus or Disney on Ice, Feld Entertainment has become famous for creating that kind of spine-tingling excitement.

But the economy has presented challenges for companies such as Feld, which are struggling to continue offering quality entertainment when artists are asking for higher guarantees, production costs are skyrocketing and fans getting more selective about buying tickets.

These are problems that representatives from Feld Entertainment, along with Global Spectrum and Nederlander Concerts, two other entertainment and sports powerhouses, will be addressing Nov. 16-18 in Columbia during the three-day Sport Entertainment & Venues Tomorrow (SEVT) conference at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center, sponsored by the University of South Carolina’s department of sport and entertainment management.

The conference will bring together sport and entertainment industry leaders, students and teachers to exchange ideas, talk about research and ways to advance the industry.

“This week marks the 15th annual SEVT conference," said Brian Mihalik, dean of the College of Hospitality, Retail and Sport Management. “More than 31 universities from across the country will be represented at this year's event along with more than 25 national and international industry partner organizations. Together, they will map out the future of the sport and entertainment industry and discuss key challenges that will need to be addressed along the way.” 

During the conference, several panel discussions will delve into some of today’s most pressing and timely problems confronting the sports industry, including the recent highly publicized NCAA rules infractions, the ongoing NBA lockout and the recently resolved NHL dispute.
Other panel discussions include:

  • D-1 athletics: Is compliance possible?—Thursday, 11 a.m.
  • The future of LIVE entertainment—Thursday, 1:30 p.m.
  • Surviving labor disputes—Thursday, 2:30 p.m.
  • Lessons from women of influence—Friday, 11 a.m.
  • Enhancing the game day experience through technology—Friday, 1:15 p.m.
  • Full agenda available online: http://www.sevt.org

The NASCAR Foundation will present a check during the luncheon from 12-1 p.m., Thursday, Nov. 17 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center to the sport and entertainment department in the amount of $40,000, to be used for student scholarships.

The keynote speaker for the SEVT conference will be Adonis “Sporty” Jeralds, USC sport and entertainment management professor and author of The Champion in You”andLet Your Light Shine.

For additional information, visit http://www.sevt.org.


Retail Class puts on Fashion Show to support student-launched nonprofit

Fashion Board at USC Fashion Show 2011Guest student post
By Mikelle Street @MikelleStreet

There were more than 275 department heads, students, and Columbia citizens at the “Birds of a Feather Flock Together” fashion show put on by Donna Watts’ RETL 388 class on November 13. While some were there just to see the latest wares from local boutiques like Pink Sorbet, Vanjean, LaRoque and Just The Thing, others were there in support of Amy Woodell’s charity, Clothed in Hope.

"The Retail 388 show was a huge success!" said Emma Howard, secretary of the Fashion Board at USC. "My favorite part was learning about Amy Woodell's charity - I love that she found a way to incorporate fashion and business with helping people."

The show, which raised $1,800, was a part of a series of events aimed at raising money to cover the initial operating costs of Clothed in Hope, a program to teach Zambian women life skills including a workable trade, financial literacy as well as public health concerns. Before the show the HRSM 301 class had already raised nearly $5,000 through various bake-sales and percent nights held at restaurants throughout Columbia.Fashion Board Fashion Show 2011

"The support of RETL 388, along with the Retailing department and HRSM as a whole has been incredible," said Amy. "The overwhelming support has meant the world to me, as I have received emails of people wanting to get involved and I have witnessed so many students so eager to help between the HRSM 301 class by professor Smiling and the RETL 388 class as well. I never imagined that this many people would come along side of me to get involved with Clothed in Hope but I Fashion Board Fashion Show 2011couldn't be more grateful for it all. It's just so humbling to see people dedicating their time and even finances to this cause that's so near to my heart. It's a surreal feeling, that's for sure."

In addition to giving a small presentation about her charity and showing a short documentary, Woodell showed 5 looks on the runway focused on the “restyled” tees that featured peplum detailing and deep scooped backs.  The tops were a preview for what the Zambian women would be learning to make through Clothed in Hope.

With over 100 models, the show consisted of two student designers in addition to Woodell as well as one local designer and 7 local retailers. The other two students were Lilly Greenhalgh and Ashlyn Tuggle showing their labels Halgh and Southern Beaus, respectively.

“I've always had a huge respect for USC and their emphasis on community involvement, but Sunday took that appreciation to a new level as I was personally touched by the encouragement and support from so many people." said Amy.

--Photos by Mikelle Street


Lexington Medical Center Foundation discusses internships on visit to HRSM

Lexington Medical Center Foundation VisitPictured left-to-right: Catherine Luthren, Erin Pope, Timothy James, Amy Jackson and Shannon McCutchen

Staff from Lexington Medical Center Foundation visited the College of HRSM on November 9, 2011 for an open information session to discuss upcoming internship opportunities.

Guest speakers included Timothy M. James, director of the foundation, and Erin Pope, the foundation’s annual giving manager. More than 50 students sat in on the session to learn more about the Lexington Medical Center Foundation and two of its upcoming internships in IT and communications.

Students were provided an inside track to exactly what the foundation is looking for in regards to applicant resumes and cover letters, and also had the opportunity to ask questions during an informal Q&A session.

The visit was organized by Amy Jackson, HRTM internship director, and Shannon McCutchen, internship director for the iIT program at HRSM.

All HRSM students are required to complete at least one internship prior to graduation. 

Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) students interested in internships should contact Amy Jackson at Amy.Jackson@hrsm.sc.edu or (803) 777-2685.

Integrated Information Technology (iIT) students interested in internships should contact Shannon McCutchen at (803) 777-1927 or mccutch@mailbox.sc.edu.

Snapshot: Lexington Medical Center Foundation

“I am excited about our growing partnership with the Lexington Medical Center Foundation,” said Jackson. “Through these internship opportunities, our students will be exposed to a variety of different aspects of the event planning industry by working inside a fast-paced and highly-rewarding non-profit environment. They will be able to network, interact with community leaders, build their resumes, and invest in their community – all things that our College of HRSM promotes.”


Students mind their manners at HRSM dining etiquette dinner

Etiquette Dinner 2011More than 200 HRSM students in the college’s 301 Professional Development course participated in a dining etiquette seminar held in the Courtyard Marriott in downtown Columbia on November 7, 2011.

The seminar was organized by HRSM 301 instructors Collin Crick and Kathy Smiling and led by Dr. Sandy Strick, chair of the college’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management.

The evening’s dinner menu featured a salad, grilled chicken entrée and a chocolate layer cake for desert. But the main course served up to students this evening was dining etiquette 101.

With fork in hand, Dr. Strick walked students seated at tables of eight through the Etiquette Dinner - Sandy Strickdo’s and don’ts of dining manners and protocol.

“Utensils tell you everything,” Dr. Strick explained to students. “Pass everything to the right and serve yourself last. How you handle yourself in this setting is crucial.”

Crick added, “Dinners are an ideal setting for networking in today’s business world. Tonight is about making sure you are prepared to excel in these situations.”  

A few highlights from the evening’s etiquette seminar included:

  1. Be on time and dressed accordingly
    Dining etiquette starts before you even arrive for dinner. Be on time and dressed respectfully in business attire. “Guys, keep your coat on, added Crick. “They call it a dinner coat for a reason.”

  2. Enter from the right
    Enter your chair from the right side. “There’s no reason to be in a hurry here,” instructed Dr. Strick. “Spend some time getting to know your dinner guests. Make a good first impression with a smile and a handshake. Start up an interesting conversation. I promise, someone always needs to discuss the weather.”

  3. The flow of food
    Food is served from the left and dishes are removed from the right. Wait until everyone at the table is served before you start eating. Your napkin rests on the lap until the end of your meal. 

  4.  The outside-in rule
    “If you remember the rule to work from the outside in, you'll be fine,” Dr. Strick assured students. Eat to your left, drink to your right. Any food dish to the left is yours, and any glass to the right is yours. Starting with the knife, fork, or spoon that is farthest from your plate, work your way in, using one utensil for each course.

  5. Eating etiquette
    Always taste your food before seasoning it with salt or pepper. Cut only enough food for the next mouthful. “Don’t cut up all your food into little tiny pieces before eating,” said Dr. Strick. “This is a big no-no. Don’t blow on your food to cool it off. Do eat a little bit of everything on your plate. Once used, your utensils, including the handles, must not touch the table again.”

Etiquette DinnerThese were just a few of the valuable tips shared at the November 7 HRSM dining etiquette seminar. The evening of advice and shared dinner tips lasted nearly two hours.

“With these dining etiquette basics mastered, the rest of the dinner is up to you,” Dr. Strick told students.

“Time is a precious commodity,” said Crick. “If you’ve won yourself a seat at the table for an internship or job interview, or to discuss a business deal, you’ve already done the hardest part. Now relax and be yourself. You can’t go wrong with that.”

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=h3MAjoRehqw (Ellen DeGeneres Show segment on dinning etiquette)


Department of Retailing students at USC get schooled on employment law

Attorney Frank Shuler speaks to Retailing StudentsMore than 200 HRSM students sat in on Karen Edwards’ Business Law class (ITEC 240) on November 2, 2011 to hear guest speaker Franklin (“Frank”) G. Shuler, Jr. address issues related to employment anti-discrimination law.

Shuler is an attorney at Turner Padget Graham & Laney P.A., one of South Carolina’s largest law firms with 91 attorneys in offices located across the state. He has been practicing law for more than 25 years and has an expertise in virtually all aspects of labor and employment law at the state and federal level. His full and impressive bio is available online here.

Students in attendance learned the many complex issues that managers – as well as employees – face today in regards to the interactions that are legally prohibited in the workplace. “These issues,” as Shuler explained to students, “have the potential to impact every individual in the workplace. To be successful as a professional, it is important to understand employment policies and procedures. In doing so, you protect yourself and those around you – and for managers and employers, you are better prepared to protect your business.”

Shuler gave real examples of workplace issues that involved some of the following employment laws:

  • Title VII of the Civil Rights Act of 1964
  • Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866
  • Age Discrimination Act (ADEA)
  • Pregnancy Discrimination Act
  • Genetic Information Nondiscrimination Act (GINA)
  • Uniformed Services Employment and Reemployment Act

So what’s legal and what’s not, many students asked. Shuler summed it up like this: “What if a newspaper published what you said or what you did, or what you were about to do in the workplace? Would that be ok by you? If not, it’s likely illegal.”

Shuler also addressed how these laws have evolved and become even more relevant today with the advances of personal technologies such as email, text, digital photos and social networking. “What does $1 million in damages and another $1.6 million in attorney fees look like? Let’s take a look,” said Shuler going through some of his PowerPoint slides.

“We would like to thank Frank Shuler and our other speakers from the business community who support our program by sharing with our students their time and expertise in fields related to HRSM,” said Edwards, a senior instructor in the Department of Retailing. “These speakers make a tremendous impression on our students and provide them with valuable real-world examples of what can be expected in their areas of work after graduating from USC.”

For more information on the Department of Retailing and updates on guest speakers, visit http://www.hrsm.sc.edu/retail.


Britney Rast Pumpkin Carving Contest Winner Winning PumpkinStudents carve pumpkins, host Halloween-themed lunch at McCutchen House

The School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) hosted a pumpkin-carving contest for students at the McCutchen House on Friday, October 28, 2011. More than 40 hospitality students showed off their pumpkin carving skills while guests enjoyed a special Halloween-themed lunch featuring menu items such “witches stew,” “franken fish,” “blood bath pies,” “ghouls guts,” and “zombie toes.” All working HRTM students and staff were dressed in pirate attire. 

Britney Rast, senior, carved this year’s winning Halloween jack-o’lantern (pictured below). The event was organized by Chef Joel Reynolds, culinary instructor at HRTM, and Neal Smoak, director of the McCutchen House.
 HRTM Halloween Pumpkin Carving Contest 2011

Additional photos from the event are now available on Facebook.

Located on USC’s historic Horseshoe, the McCutchen House is open to the public and operated by students from the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management under the close supervision of the director and professional chefs. A gourmet lunch buffet is open to the public during the fall and spring semesters. McCutchen House also offers services for private or professional events. For additional information on the McCutchen House or to make a reservation, call (803) 777-4450 or go online at www.hrsm.sc.edu/McCutchen-house.


HRSM Hosts Dress for Success Seminar

  • Average cost of a college education: $35,000
  • Attending the HRSM 301 “Dress for Success” seminar: Required
  • Knowing how to make a good first impression: Priceless!

It’s said that today’s job applicant has approximately 35 seconds to make a first impression. What happens in those first 35 seconds can be the defining difference between a great interview or a highly regrettable experience. And, of course, there are no “do-overs” with first impressions.

It’s with this in mind that the College of HRSM offers HRSM 301 – a course in professional development that prepares students for the real world that awaits them outside the instruction of our classroom walls. HRSM 301 became a course requirement for all students in the college in 2005 and today continues to focus on workforce preparedness, financial responsibility and teamwork.

On October 24, 2011, HRSM 301 hosted a “Dress for Success” seminar to help educate students on proper professional attire. More than 200 HRSM students filled the USC Law School Auditorium to learn the basic fundamentals of dressing for success, such as:

  • Business Professional vs. Business Casual
  • Appropriate Accessories
  • Tips on Footwear and Grooming
  • Items off-limits: hats, jeans, excessive jewelry, backpacks, stinky perfume/cologne, wrinkled clothes, and flip flops

Amy Grinell, university relations manager at Kohl’s, was the guest speaker and led students through the clothing do’s and don’ts. Amy also provided helpful advice on personal business communications. She recommended to students that they start crafting their personal brand immediately and do so through activities such as:

  • Creating your 30-second commercial (who are you, and why should I care?)
  • Defining your handshake (remember, it’s web-to-web!)
  • Networking strategically (and get started…now!)

The Dress for Success seminar included a live fashion show with USC students acting as models. Students were dressed in Kohl’s attire featuring appropriate wear for various professional occasions.

Michael Autry, store manager for Kohl’s in Lexington, S.C, also spoke at the seminar and shared information on the Kohl’s Store Management Internship Program and its highly successful Store Management Trainee (MIT) Program.  

The Kohl’s Store Management Internship Program is a 10-week summer program designed to give students the knowledge and experience needed to explore a career in retail management. All interns complete an Impact Analysis Project, which requires research into a specific area or opportunity for improvement at an actual Kohl’s store location. The program also includes a trip to the Kohl’s Intern Conference held each year in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

The Kohl’s Store Management (MIT) Program is a 12-week executive training program designed for individuals who are looking to get into the field of retail management. According to Autry, USC is now the store’s number one recruiting program, passing Georgia who previously held this distinction. Additional recruitment information for Kohl’s is available online at www.KohlsOnCampus.com and on Facebook.

The October 24 Dress for Success seminar was organized HRSM 301 instructors, Collin Crick and Kathy Smiling. The next HRSM 301 seminar is scheduled for November 28, 2011 with guest speaker, Ray Tanner, Head Baseball Coach for the University of South Carolina Gamecocks.

“Not being prepared for real life professional situations is no longer an option for our HRSM graduates,” said Crick. “This seminar is one of many outstanding opportunities that our students have at USC to gain an understanding and appreciation for what today’s employers are going to expect. Some of this information, while it may seem minor at the time, can make all the difference for our graduates in their initial career pursuits.”


HRSM’s Dr. Betty Regan: Featured Panelist at 2011 ITPSC Conference

Dr. Betty Regan, chair of HRSM’s integrated Information Technology (iIT) program, was a featured panelist at the 2011 Information Technology Professionals of South Carolina (ITPSC) Annual Conference held at the SC State Museum on October 18.

Dr. Regan’s panel session was titled “The Business of IT Education: Learn How Educators Are Grooming Students For An IT Future.” The other panelist was Dr. Kappy Steck, principal at Forest Lake Elementary, a technology magnet school located in Columbia, SC.

In celebration of their 35th anniversary, ITPSC’s October 18 event was designed as a premier one-day technology conference playing host to several industry professionals and IT educators from around the state to “explore the next 35 years of information technology.”  Additional conference speakers and panelists were from organizations such as Verizon Wireless, St. Nick Media Service, Avaya, and McNair Attorneys.

“IT was recently voted one of the top five college degrees preferred by employers,” said Dr. Regan. “Today’s IT students have unprecedented choices in their career direction. Our program at the University of South Carolina is playing an important role in educating tomorrow’s IT professionals in South Carolina and beyond.”


USC Sport and Entertainment Management Students: Meet NASCAR
SPTE Club arranges behind-the-scenes NASCAR tour, meet-and-greets with industry professionals

Students studying in HRSM’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management (SPTE) at the University of South Carolina have unprecedented annual access to many of the industry’s top brands and working professionals. One of those brands, and arguably the most popular in the U.S. -- especially the Southeast -- is NASCAR.

Nascar Charlotte Motor Speedway SPTE Club TribOn Friday, October 7, 2011 SPTE students made a trip to Charlotte, North Carolina and experienced NASCAR in its most natural form-- on the track, under the hood, behind the scenes, and even behind the wheel!

The trip started with a visit to Hendrick Motorsports, one of NASCAR’s premier operations. SPTE students took a VIP tour of the facility and met some of the sport’s top professionals working in Charlotte. One of those professionals is Karen Belden. Interesting fact about Karen: she is one of only a few industry professionals today that can say they’ve traveled to every NASCAR race with Hendrick Motorsports for 12 years straight. No longer traveling, Karen now coordinates corporate sponsored events for NASCAR -- an ideal career landing spot for so many of our SPTE students.

Students also toured the Hendrick chassis and engine shops, which included an inside look at where some of the cars are built, repaired and stored in between races. They looked under the hoods of cars driven by Mark Martin, Jeff Gordon, Jimmie Johnson and Dale Earnhardt, Jr. and were able to witness first-hand how the cars -- and their parts -- are built, produced, painted and approved onsite before race time. The tour included a meet-and-greet with Jennifer Jones. Jennifer is a SPTE alum that now works for Hendrick Motorsports as a Licensing Coordinator for HGJ Licensing -- she coordinates the licensing for NASCAR star Jeff Gordon.

The day trip also featured a visit to the Charlotte Motor Speedway where students met SPTE alum Kyle Edmiston. Kyle works for the Charlotte Motor Speedway and manages track rentals and suite coordination. During the season, most of his days are spent working in the media center on the track’s infield. As far as working “inside” your sport, it doesn’t get any closer than Kyle gets.

And finally, what trip to NACAR would be complete without the opportunity to get behind the wheel of a real-life race car? Each SPTE student took laps around the Charlotte Motor Speedway track with SPTE student Jordon Amin in the pace car driving at a whopping 120 mph! Jordon is currently interning at Charlotte Motor Speedway and admittedly already had some driving experience under his belt.

Reflecting on the recent NASCAR trip SPTE freshman Cody Diercks said, “Before this trip I had little knowledge of the NASCAR industry. But after getting a chance to talk with industry professionals like Kyle Edmiston and Jennifer Jones and being able to tour the various NASCAR facilities, I now have a much better understanding of the industry and what it will actually take to pursue a job in the sport and entertainment area.” SPTE club visits Charlotte NASCAR

SPTE graduate student Ashley Bennett added, “The trip to Hendrick Motorsports and Charlotte Motor Speedway was a great educational experience as well as an enjoyable time with my friends and peers. I learned so much 'behind the scenes', like the effort that goes into producing a NASCAR approved car. I also was able to check off a once-in-a-lifetime experience from my bucket list when I rode 120 mph on the NASCAR speedway 15 times.”

The October SPTE NASCAR trip to Charlotte was organized by the student-run SPTE Club and led by department chair, Dr. Andy Gillentine along with Lori Hedstrom, business operations director for SPTE. Another sports venue-related trip is being planned for Spring 2012. Stay tuned for updates on this website and via twitter at @UofSC_HRSM and USC_SPTE_Club.


Students, alumni, colleagues remember Pernell


Sarah Haile, SPTE Club PresidentUSC Students: Y’all heard about SPTE Club?
A Podcast Interview with USC student and SPTE Club President Sarah Haile

HRSM had the pleasure of sitting down recently with Sport and Entertainment Management (SPTE) student, Sarah Haile, to discuss the USC student-run organization called SPTE Club.

Sarah is a junior at USC and current president of SPTE Club. Not sure what SPTE Club is? Kinda sure, but need more information? Check out this podcast interview with Sarah to get tips on how to become involved:Click here to listen to the podcast

Click here to listen to the podcast.

About SPTE Club:
Housed at the College of HRSM, SPTE club is a vehicle for USC undergraduate students to meet leading industry professionals, experience live events as educational tools, and network with professors and fellow gamecock students. The club is run by the students, for the students, with guidance from the College of HRSM’s Department of Sport and Entertainment Management. The 2011-2012 SPTE club has more than 80 members. Follow SPTE club on Twitter at @USC_SPTE_Club and on Facebook.



HRSM dean speaks at 2011 SC Tourism & Higher Education Summit
Governor Nikki Haley and SCPRT’s Duane Parrish Give Welcome Remarks

SC Travel and Tourism DelegationDean Brian J. Mihalik spoke as part of a panel at the inaugural South Carolina ‘Tourism and Higher Education Summit’ held on Friday, October 7, 2011 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. Dean Mihalik highlighted HRSM as now the third largest undergraduate college at USC as well as the largest tourism and hospitality academic program in the state. More than 30 HRSM faculty, staff and graduate students were in attendance, by far the event’s largest representation from a single SC higher education institution.  

The Oct. 7 summit was organized by the SC Tourism Coalition and held in an effort to establish a partnership between the tourism industry and higher education institutions across South Carolina. The event featured guest speakers including Governor Nikki R. Haley, Susan Thomas, chairman of SC Tourism Coalition (Hilton Head Island VCB), and Duane Parrish, director of South Carolina Parks, Recreation, and Tourism (SCPRT). Each spoke to the strengths and still untapped potential of South Carolina’s tourism industry – the largest industry and economic driver in South Carolina according to many economists.  

In addressing the SC tourism industry and the available set of higher education partners within the state of South Carolina, Governor Haley said, “To combine the tourism industry with the higher education groups is something that’s needed to happen for a long time. Tourism is a $14 billion industry for South Carolina and I think we’re just getting started.”

Summit panels highlighted the different ways the state’s tourism industry could partner with higher education institutions to form collaborations such as student internships, mentoring programs, job recruitment strategies and applied industry research projects. More than 200 attendees were present at the event with speakers representing the following organizations:

SC higher education institutions present

  • South Carolina State Government
  • South Carolina Parks, Recreation and Tourism
  • University of South Carolina Beaufort
  • Culinary Institute of the Carolinas/ Greenville Technical College
  • College of Charleston
  • Coastal Carolina University
  • Clemson University
  • Horry Georgetown Technical College
  • Art Institute of Charleston
  • University of South Carolina

SC tourism and hospitality organizations present

  • Sea Pines Resort / Golf Course Owners Association
  • Sea Mist Resort / Family Kingdom
  • Midlands Authority for Convention Sports and Tourism
  • Carowinds
  • Fowler Hospitality
  • Hilton Head Island VCB

“We are moving in a positive, progressive direction that we are all proud to stand behind,” said Susan Thomas. “Working with these institutions is only going to aid in those efforts for the future of South Carolina tourism.”

Related Media:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VySCmcEkFgY

http://www.midlandsconnect.com
http://colascchamber.wordpress.com


HRSM hosts international delegation from Singapore Singapore Delegration 2011

The College of HRSM and the School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management (HRTM) hosted an international delegation from Singapore on October 4, 2011. The delegation visit marked the first official tourism-education study trip to the United States by representatives of the Ngee Ann Polytechnic (NP) School of Business & Accountancy.

NP’s visit to HRSM was pointed at gaining a more global perspective on education in tourism and service management, as well as exploring potential future collaboration opportunities with HRSM – and the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center – in the areas of teaching, research, and/or building industry partnerships in the tourism field.  

Dr. Robert Li, associate professor at HRTM and associate director of the Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Center, coordinated the trip with Dr. Rich Harrill, center director, to host following members from NP: Ms. Anna Yap, Mr. Lim Shee Chee, Ms. Annie Yee and Ms. Elaine Cheng.

During their visit, the delegation had meetings with HRSM Dean Brian Mihalik, Pat Willer, associate vice president for international programs at USC, and many HRTM faculty and staff members. They also paid a visit to the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center.

Inaugurated in 1962, Ngee Ann Polytechnic is one of the premier institutions of higher learning in Singapore. Today it boasts more than 15,000 full-time students and more than 2,000 part-time students in addition to an alumni base of more than 120,000. The institution offers 49 full-time diplomas through eight academic schools, including a broad-based tourism education diploma within its Tourism & Resort Management (TRM) program. NP provides the opportunity for every student to go on at least one overseas stint through internships, immersions, exchange programs, study trips or community service trips. It also touts two Centers of Innovation (COIs) in Environmental & Water Technology and Marine & Offshore Technology.

The School of Business & Accountancy (BA) at NP is widely recognized as the premier provider of Business and Accountancy education at the polytechnic level in the region. It’s diploma in Tourism & Resort Management offers a diverse curriculum in the tourism sectors of meetings, incentive, conventions and exhibitions, and, similar to HRTM, features global study tours to locations such as Las Vegas, Hong Kong, Macau, and others.

“The Singapore delegation’s visit once again shows the international recognition of HRTM as one of the leading tourism and hospitality programs in the U.S.,” said Dr. Li. “It also indicates the ‘brand power’ of our Alfred P. Sloan Foundation Travel & Tourism Industry Centre as a leading tourism research institution in the Asia Pacific area.

ngee ann polytechnic


HRSM Students Meet Industry Execs, Gain Feedback on their Networking Skills 

Alumni Society Career Night RoomMore than 200 college students came out for the 2011 HRSM Alumni Society Career Night held on September 28 at the Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center. The event matched students from every HRSM major with alumni from industry organizations such as South Carolina Athletics, Target, Compass, Inc., Computer Sciences Corporation, Thornblade Country Club, SREE Hotels, Toys “R” Us, and Applebee’s, among many others locally and nationally.

Alumni Society Career Night GirlsHRSM students were tasked with “working the room” and introducing themselves one-on-one to company executives. Conversation topics ranged from career aspirations, internships and resume building tips to things like current events and even musical tastes. At the end of each conversation, students were evaluated and provided feedback on their networking skills. Students were graded “excellent,” “good” or “needs improvement” and offered feedback in a safe and friendly HRSM environment on criteria items such as first impressions (eye contact, handshake, professional attire) conversation (introduction, interesting dialogue, graceful exit) and also employability (knowledge, reciprocal relationship). Alumni Society Career NIght Northwestern Mutual

First held in February of 2007 and organized twice each year by the HRSM Alumni Society, the HRSM Alumni Society Career Night event is part of the college’s growing set of student-offered professional development opportunities. Eligible students are enrolled in the HRSM 301 Professional Development Seminar course taught by Collin Crick, director of recruitment, and Kathy Smiling, assistant dean of student services.  This year’s event was held in conjunction with the 2011 USC Career Fest.

“It is exciting to see our students perfecting their networking skills with alumni and industry partners, many of whom were standing in their same shoes 5-10 years ago,” said Tina Weaver, Director of Alumni and Communications at HRSM. “Opportunities such as this help ensure that our HRSM students are both educated and fully prepared when entering the workforce after graduation.”

Alumni Society Career Night Alumn Cory Lorick“I wish they had put together a program like this when I was in college,” added one company executive that participated. “It’s great that these students have a chance to practice their networking skills with people who genuinely want to help them improve before it really counts.”

Photos from this event are available online at the HRSM Alumni Society Facebook page: http://on.fb.me/qK7H6v

The next HRSM Alumni Society Career Night will be held on February 1, 2012. Alumni and friends from industry interested in participating should contact Tina Weaver at chweaver@hrsm.sc.edu or (803) 777-6721. Event registration is also available online at: http://www.hrsm.sc.edu/webforms/ALUCareerNight.aspx.


SPTE Faculty and Student Speak at
2011 EASM Conference in Madrid, Spain
SPTE faculty and student speak at 2011 EASM Conference in Madrid, Spain
Three members of the Sport and Entertainment Management (SPTE) faculty and one SPTE graduate student traveled to Madrid, Spain recently for the 19th annual European Association for Sport Management (EASM) Conference held on September 7-10, 2011 at the renowned Hotel Meliá Castilla. The EASM Conference is the largest annual international event for European and North American sport management professors and students. The event connects industry professionals, companies, scientists, academics and future sport managers.

Drs. Andy Gillentine and Matthew Brown spoke at the conference giving a presentation on the economic impact of the sport industry. Dr. John Grady and SPTE graduate student Alex Nurkin presented research on the subject of mobile technology in ambush marketing campaigns.

Alex is the first ever graduate student from SPTE to present research at an international conference. He explained the experience as both educational and motivational. “Without a doubt, the amount of knowledge that I gained from attending EASM and speaking with other professors and students was significant over the course of just three days.  By meeting these people, especially from different countries, I was filled with new ideas and topics in sport management.”

In addition to presenting research, Dr. Grady also initiated collaboration with international faculty members about stadium accessibility in European soccer venues. Dr. Grady saw the trip to Spain as a chance to gain and share knowledge, but more importantly a key opportunity to raise international awareness of the SPTE program and its applied industry research. “Being able to present research to an international audience was a tremendous opportunity and provided outstanding visibility for our program. Having international faculty members inquire about our research and possible research collaborations should be very beneficial to SPTE.”

The 2011 EASM conference featured three days of keynote presentations from prominent industry professionals, themed session workshops, open forums, oral poster presentations and a variety of networking events and guided tours of Madrid.  The event also included a Master Student Seminar where sport and entertainment students from around the world worked together on real life cases presented by leading companies and organizations. Additional information about the EASM Conference is available online at www.easm2011.com and on Facebook by searching for the fan page “EASM Conference 2011.”


Center for Retailing Hosts Inaugural Small & Medium Size
Business Conference
Attendees at the 2011 Small and Medium Size Business Conference
The Center for Retailing at USC played host to its inaugural Small and Medium Size Business Conference on September 13, 2011 at IT-oLogy in downtown, Columbia, SC. Organized by Dr. Marianne Bickle, professor at HRSM and Director of the Center for Retailing, this day-long event helped small and medium-sized businesses gain the tools, data and information needed to be successful in today’s highly competitive retail industry.

The conference featured the following speakers from industry and academia:

  • Hade Robinson – Personal Stylist Manager for Nordstrom South Park, Fashion Contributor to Charlotte Living Magazine and Queen City Exclusive Magazine, and Board of Advisors member for the International Fashion Style Academy  
  • Charlie Gwinn – General Manager for CBL & Associates Properties, Inc.,  and Chairman of the National Retail Advisory Board for the University of South Carolina Department of Retailing
  • Kevin Ayres – Instructor in HRSM’s School of Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management, Small Business Consultant, and Owner of State Street Snacks
  • Simran Singh – Motivational Speaker, Publisher of 11:11 Magazine, Author, Talk Show Radio Host, and Small Business Consultant
  • Marvin Robinson – First Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors for the South Carolina Bankers Association (SCBA) Young Bankers Division, and Business Services Officer with BB&T in Lexington, SC
  • Marianne Bickle – HRSM Professor, Director of Center for Retailing at USC, Author, Lecturer, Researcher, Consultant, and contributing blogger for Fobes.com.

“Every business, small or large, could benefit from the real world examples and topics covered by the high quality speakers here today. All topics and speakers were relevant to improving our business’ success,” said Anne Shivers of Carolina Collegiate FCU.

Plans for the 2012 Small & Medium Size Business Conference are already underway. In addition to the conference, the Center for Retailing will also host monthly one-hour seminars called “Retail Buzz” starting in October, 2011. Additional information is available on the Center for Retailing website or by calling (803) 777-3805.


HRTM students help promote 9-11 memorial concertHRTM Students Help Promote 9-11 Memorial Concert
With Kellie Pickler

More than 110 HRTM students recently volunteered their time and talents to help promote and manage a memorial concert called “Salute The Troops.” The event took place at Fort Jackson’s Hilton Field on September 10, 2011 and featured a live performance by former American Idol participant and current country music recording star Kellie Pickler. More than 18,000 people were in attendance.

The September 10th event was hosted by Operation Homefront South Carolina in partnership with Fort Jackson FMWR and Stockbridge Productions. It brought together members of the military community, wounded warriors, veterans and their families, and members of the Kellie Pickler Poster Imagelocal community and SC elected officials to help celebrate 2011 Patriot’s Day and pay tribute to those that lost their lives in the attacks of September 11th. 

HRTM students participated in pre-event promotions, marketing, media relations and social mediaoutreach, as well as helped with a private welcome reception for wounded warriors hosted at the South Carolina Governor’s Mansion. Under guidance from HRTM Professor Annette Hoover, students gained hands-on experience in planning, promoting and managing a major concert and fundraiser event.
http://www.operationhomefront.net/sc/about.aspx

Study Abroad Opportunities 2012

New 2012 Study Abroad Tours Announced for HRSM Students
HRSM students looking to expand their educational experience and travel internationally now have two new opportunities to study abroad this year. The new 2012 HRSM study abroad programs are:

Department of Retailing
RETL 592M – “The Fashion and Food of Italy”
Travel to: Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan
Dates: May 12May 26, 2012
Fees: $3,900 + tuition for a 3 credit course. First payment deadline is
November 15, 2011. Final payment is due February 1, 2012.

HRSM students enrolled in RETL 592M will visit Rome’s famous Food District, explore Venice’s world-renown Riolto Bridge Shopping District, and take a walking tour of the Golden Quadrangle – home to iconic fashion brands such Armani, Gucci, Prada, Valentino, and more! This Maymester course will provide students a first-hand experience and hands-on education in international fashion and food while touring many of Europe’s most celebrated and historic locations throughout Rome, Florence, Venice and Milan, among others. As one of the fashion, retail and culinary hubs of the world, this trip to northern Italy will allow students to observe and interact with key international retailing, designer and culinary professionals at venues such as museums, art galleries, exhibitions, markets and related businesses.  Additional trip and course information is available online at www.studyabroad.sc.edu or by calling Karen Edwards at 803-777-5216.

Department of Sport &Entertainment Management
SPTE 570C – “Special Topics in Global Sport: The Olympic Legacy”
Travel to: Italy, Switzerland and Germany
Dates: March 2March 11, 2012
Fees: $4,100 + tuition for a 3 credit course. First payment deadline is November 1, 2011. Final payment is due February 1, 2012. 

HRSM students enrolled in SPTE 570C will be given a unique first-hand opportunity to study the Olympic legacy with international tours to the countries of Italy, Switzerland and Germany. Course lectures will be held by prominent members of the European sport management community at both historic and new sports venues throughout Europe. Students will visit two different Olympic sites – Turin, Italy and Munich, Germany – and tour the FIFA soccer headquarters. Trips are planned to a variety of different state-of-the-art European stadiums and arenas. Included in this trip are tickets to a number of professional soccer, volleyball and handball matches.  Additional trip and course information is available online at www.studyabroad.sc.edu or by calling Dr. Mark Nagel at 803-777-3751.

To participate in a HRSM study abroad program, interested students must be in good academic standing. Check with your academic advisor to see if credit earned may be used to fulfill general education, major or minor requirements. Both courses do involve some pre-trip meetings and course work.

For the full list of 2012 Study Abroad programs offered through HRSM, please visit http://epay.hrsm.sc.edu/studyabroad.
Still on the fence about studying abroad?  Check out these Top 10 Reasons To Study Abroad from Vistawide:

  1. Study abroad is the optimal way to learn a language
  2. Study abroad provides the opportunity to travel
  3. Study abroad allows you get to know another culture first-hand
  4. Study abroad will help you develop skills and give you experiences a classroom setting will never provide
  5. Study abroad affords you the opportunity to make friends around the world
  6. Study abroad helps you to learn about yourself
  7. Study abroad expands your worldview
  8. Study abroad gives you the opportunity to break out of your academic routine
  9. Study abroad enhances employment opportunities
  10. Study abroad can enhance the value of your degree

HRSM Hosts Drop-in for Students and Parents Prior to New Student Convocation
Welcome HRSM students! To officially kick off the new academic year, HRSM faculty and staff hosted a drop-in reception for new HRSM students and their parents on Sunday, August 14, 2011 at the McCutchen House (http://www.hrsm.sc.edu/mccutchen-house) located on the University’s historic Horseshoe.

Several HRSM Student Ambassadors were in attendance to represent the College and help answer questions for other students and parents. Thank you to the following students for being outstanding HRSM Student Ambassadors on Sunday: Casey Olden, Casey Dornhecker, Anna Wells, Emily Supil, JennaMarie Hill, Maricus Harrison, and Latisha Graham.

Sunday’s reception gave HRSM faculty and staff the opportunity to learn more about the students and their goals at HRSM, as well as the chance to discuss the considerations that went into their selection of USC and The College of HRSM. When asked, “why USC?” and “why HRSM?” students and parents responded with some of the following answers:

University:

  • The University’s standard of excellence as well as its national and global reputation
  • The University’s sense of community
  • The University’s 200 years of history and tradition
  • The weather (this came up several times, especially from families visiting from the Midwest and east coast)
  • The University’s value (FYI – USC was the only S.C. institution to make the “100 Best Value Colleges for 2011” list)

HRSM:

  • HRSM graduates have skills and education in high demand by industry
  • HRSM’s local, national and international industry connections
  • HRSM’s hallmark internship program
  • HRSM’s student preparation for “real life” work and professional experiences
  • The countless opportunities for students to support HRSM’s collaborative research and community involvement initiatives

The two-hour drop-in was immediately followed by the University’s New Student Convocation held at the Carolina Coliseum.

HRSM would like to thank all students, family, and friends, as well as the HRSM faculty and staff who came out for Sunday’s reception at the McCutchen House.

Here’s to another fantastic year at HRSM!

Fun UofSC Fact: Did you know that Zeta Tau Alpha sorority donated the current wrought-iron gates of the Horseshoe in 1982?

The Horseshoe gates open to the heart of the University of South Carolina and its original campus comprised of almost entirely 19th century structures. It is called “the nexus of the University, joining the past, present, and future.” It is also, of course, the most scenic route to HRSM’s McCutchen House built in 1813.


Congratulations to our August 2011 Honor Graduates!
College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management
University of South Carolina August 2011 College of HRSM Hooding and Cording Ceremony

“This was your home at an extraordinary time at the University of South Carolina. This was your moment.”
– Dean Mihalik addressing graduates on August 6, 2011

 

HRSM faculty, staff and administration celebrated the August 2011 HRSM honor graduates at a reception held at The McCutchen House shortly after the Hooding & Cording Ceremony held at Rutledge Chapel on the historic horseshoe. Dean Mihalik gave opening and closing remarks. Tina Weaver, Director of Alumni and Communications, welcomed graduates into the HRSM Alumni Society. HRSM faculty that joined Dean Mihalik on stage during the Hooding and Cording Ceremony included: Dr. Cathy Gustafson (HRTM), Dr. Ercan Turk (HRTM), Dr. Marianne Bickle (RETL), Dr. Andrew Gillentine (SPTE), Dr. Matt Brown (SPTE), and Dr. Lynn Keane (iIT).2011 August HRSM Hooding and Cording Ceremony

We hope you will keep in touch and best of luck from all of us at the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management, as you start a new chapter in your lives.

Masters Candidates:
Lin He – Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management
Bryan Fillett – Sport and Entertainment Management
Alvina Head – Master of Arts and Teaching
Anthony Lewis – Sport and Entertainment Management
Ashley Marion – Sport and Entertainment Management
Terry McMurtry – Sport and Entertainment Management

Honor Graduates:
Hotel, Restaurant, and Tourism Management (HRSM)
Virginia E. Bader
Benjamin S. Davis
Brandi N. Floyd
Chelsea V. Hill
Kate D. Simmons
Emily J. Thilo
Jordan A. Wiley

Integrated Information Technology (iIT)
Jose T. Lugo

Retailing (RETL)
Susan S. Day
Toma`s M. Glenn
Shanaria L. Johnson
Ashley B. Sinclair

Sport and Entertainment Management (SPTE)
Ryan G. Alpert
Megan E. Blanchard
Dylan N. Burton
Adam M. Friedman
Brett L. Goldfine
Stuart G. Hackley
Scott P. Jacobsen
Stephanie M. Johnson
Richard C. Jones
Catherine E. Kelley
Matthew B. Mclaughlin
Daniel E. Miller
Katherine E. Pulte
Michael G. Riess
Joseph H. Scola
Tiffany K. Stevens
Megan J. Tuell
Brett C. Vigrass
Stephanie C. Wajsman

Congratulations to HRSM students who made the President's Honor Roll and the Dean's List for Spring 2011. For list, click here.

OTHER HEADLINES

IT-oLogy and HRSM host Computer Camp

Students show off passion for fashion at the University of South Carolina Fashion Camp

High school valedictorians talk about their goals

Six HRSM graduating seniors, academic advisor recognized on University Honors and Awards Day


Congratulations to Dr. Robert Li who was recognized as a "Rising Star" for scholarly pursuits, scientific inquiry, and passion for teaching. Read his story at ww.sc.edu/rising_stars


Kaylee Crane receives the dean's outstanding service award at honors and awards day, 2011 Six graduating seniors from the College of HRSM recognized for academic and extracurricular achievement
Six graduating seniors from the College of Hospitality, Retail, and Sport Management were recognized for academic and extracurricular achievement during the University Awards Day Ceremony held April 21, 2011 on The Historic Horseshoe. 

Lauren Welch receives the outstanding academic advisor award at honors and awards dayIn addition, Lauren Welch, Academic Advisor for the Department of Sport and Entertainment Management, was presented with the Ada B. Thomas Outstanding Faculty/Staff Advisor Award which recognizes an undergraduate advisor for quality advising and demonstrating a concern for students. 



Student award recipients were:
2011 Academic Excellence Awards
Hotel, Restaurant and Tourism Management: 
    Rebecca Lynn Harris
Retailing: 
    Erin Keelia Malloy
Sport and Entertainment Management:
    Lauren Elizabeth Hart
Integrated Information Technology:
    Jose Tomas Lugo
Interdisciplinary Studies:
    Sara Shelley Avin

2011 Dean’s Award for Outstanding Service
    Kathryn Leigh Crane

 

 

 

 CONGRATULATIONS

Marianne Bickle, RETL, publishes new book, The Changing American Consumer

Congratulations to Marianne Bickle, Chair of RETL, who has been asked to blog on Forbes. Her first blog can be found by clicking here. Bickle will post a blog every week.

 PRESS

HRTM alum Gary Petill to speak at the 2011 Good Food Festival & Conference taking place in Santa Monica, California on September 14 -18.

Elauwit, a New Jersey-based media and technology company specializing in newspaper publishing and broadband delivery, has hired two IIT students as interns at its Columbia office.

USC News published an online story to recap the university's "State of the University" event that took place on September 7, 2011. The story closes with a featured quote from Kenny Tracey, a junior sport management major.

Dr. Marianne Bickle was interviewed recently by MidlandBiz to discuss Retail trends and the Center for Retailing's upcoming Small and Medium Size Business Conference taking place on September 13, 2011.

Anthony Weiner and Mel Gibson Demonstrate the Fragility of an Image

"Tuesday Morning Quarterback," one of the more popular weekly columns published by ESPN, recently published a piece that links to a report co-authored by Dr. Mark Nagel. This same ESPN column also links to a research article concerning "losing cheaply" in the NFL for which Dr. Nagel and Dr. Matt Brown are co-authors.

Officials: Coastal tourism rebounding -- MidlandsConnect.com

Operating without an emergency plan during hurricane season is risky business -- MidlandsConnect.com

Hurricane Irene's Possible Economic Impact --WSPA TV

Kim Kardashian may not have a marketing degree – or any college degree, but she knows how to market products and an image --Forbes.com

Amazon.com battles Uncle Sam -- What was the government thinking? --Forbes.com

Betting on bologna: Latest biscuit craze pulls on purse, emotional strings; Hardee’s and Bojangles both hoping for a winner --The State

Kory Thompson named Augusta State Women's Head Golf Coach -- WJBF.com

Faster wireless networks coming to Myrtle Beach area --The Sun News

Harbison and the hospitality tax --The State

Whole Foods to add healthy competition … That could mean good things for consumers...
--Post and Courier

Sales tax holiday in 3 weeks --The State

OSU will get through scandal, experts say. More... --Columbus Dispatch

Dealing online pays off. More... --Augusta Chronicle

Pick Up Today' at Midlands Walmarts. More...--The State

Mirror, Mirror: Pippa wowed in white, but it actually was a throwback. More...
--Philadelphia Inquirer

DOJ asked to probe BCS under antitrust law The Wall Street Journal
Mark Nagel and Matt Brown are 2 of 21 professors who crafted and signed the letter to the DOJ. To read the letter, click here.

Yellowstone on the Asian radar -- Travel Blackboard the Americas

Study to help determine how best to market to Chinese -- The Las Vegas Sun

‘Ambassadors’ create buzz for clothing lines -- The State (Columbia)

Tourism funding for Grand Strand pushed-- The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News

Proposals look to split up Parks, Recreation and Tourism agency
-- The (Myrtle Beach) Sun News

is Walmart following in the footsteps of K-mart? --Forbes.com

Oprah shows have created a buzz about Australia, just not holiday bookings --The Daily Telegraph (Australia)

What Chinese tourists want when visiting the US-- eTurboNews (Global travel industry news)

Hudson: The engine that can revive our economy
More...
-- The (Columbia) State

Cotton prices could threaten consumers
More...
—ABC News

Discounts rev up early
More...
—The State

Broncos fans blue but still orange
More...
—The Denver Post

Part 1 of 2—The debate over marketing dollars: Can tourism be bought?
More...
—The (Hilton Head) Island Packet

A star college quarterback Is worth ...
More...
—The New York Times

;NCAA, colleges align with ticket brokers
More...
— The Associated Press

Center draws In business
More...
The Fort Smith (Ark.) Times Record

More summer jobs? Maybe
More...
--The State

Bi-Lo bankruptcy shaping up
More...
--The State

Economy: Stores cutting prices
More..
--The Statep

Officials: Tourism rebounding on SC's south coast
More...
--The State

Researchers: Hilton Head tourism industry pulling out of tailspin
More...

SPTE's Dr. Mark Nagel speaks on sports marketing
More...

Despite astronomical growth, ticket firm’s future uncertain
Vernon company has ridden wave of legal ‘scalping’

More...
--Journal Inquirer

 

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