Ah memories...this time last year, a good time was had by all in Dallas at our Walton College alumni luncheon.
Ed Lynch (BSBA '77) & host, Jeff Cole (BSBA '85)
We are headed back there this week in celebration of the third annual Southwest Classic and will once again be hosted by Jeff Cole (BSBA '85) and Patton Boggs LLP for lunch. Please join Dean Dan Worrell, Walton College alumni, staff and friends for networking, and to learn about the latest and the greatest back at "the Hill".
Chuck Dudley is a 1976 Graduate of the Sam M. Walton College of Business with a degree in Marketing, and holds an MBA from the Walton College in 1977. In addition, he has a degree in banking from the Stonier Graduate School of Banking at Rutgers University. Chuck has 34 years experience in investments, banking, trust, and executive benefit planning. He has spent the last 15 years helping bankers and small business owners retain, reward and retire their key executives as a Vice President for Argent Financial Group.
Chuck and his wife, Martha, live in Hot Springs and have two sons, Robert, a 2010 Information Systems graduate of the Walton College, and Thomas, currently enrolled in the Walton College. Chuck, Robert, and Thomas are members of Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity. Chuck is a Past President of the Arkansas Alumni Association, and currently is Past President of the Walton College Alumni Society.
GRADUATION IS A FANTASTIC DAY
Yes it is. It means that you have navigated the twisting path to achievement. You have successfully completed 4 (or 5…..the victory lap) years of whatever the school has thrown at you. You are more mature, and have a sense of purpose of what you want to start out doing in your adult life. And, hopefully, you have proper employment and will be getting your own real paycheck soon.
Congratulations.
Welcome to my world now.
The real education begins on the first day of your new job.
Forms to fill out. How many deductions am I supposed to use on the W-9 form? Which health insurance option do I need to select? How come I can’t start my 401k until a year later? They are taking HOW much out of my paycheck for taxes and FICA and Medicare?!?!
You get the picture. But, you’ll figure this out and move forward, accepting the things you have to accept and count this experience in the “lessons learned” category.
REALLY, CONTINUE YOUR EDUCATION
This is really the point of this blog.
The world is changing fast. Technology has seen to that.
So you must strive to keep up with it.
I graduated in 1976 with a BSBA in Marketing with a minor in Economics. Then I got my MBA in 1977.
In the last 34 years, I have been a stock broker, banker, trust company owner, and a benefits advisor to individuals, banks and small businesses. I learned a lot at the University of Arkansas about some things, but was not at all trained in what I became.
Along the way, I went to brokerage schools in St Louis, bank schools in Illinois, New Jersey, Oklahoma and Arkansas; insurance schools and seminars too numerous to mention here.
Here’s the point: If your company offers to educate you, jump at the chance. It enhances resumes and prepares you for whatever the next phase of your life might be. Never, ever, turn down the chance to go to another school or a learning seminar if you can keep from it. This includes self-help, motivational and the like. Always strive to improve yourself, and your marketability. You never know what you might gain, and who you might meet that will be beneficial for your career.
We are all a work in progress until the day we decide to hang it up. You are just getting started, and I hope these words of experience might have been helpful for you.
Thanks for the opportunity to share with the great students of the Walton College, my alma mater.
We know you've been waiting with bated breath to learn the results from last week's Bon Appetit event but we've been busy cleaning up our mess in the kitchen and raising more money for needs-based scholarships. If you weren't able to make it to the event last Thursday, we hope you can make it next time. Our "celebrity caterers" sent us away with full bellies and over $2000 to add to the Walton College Alumni Society needs-based scholarship fund! It was a great evening and our gracious hosts, David and Fenner Russell, were most accommodating to the needs of our chefs.
And now for the results...but stick around for more good news after the awards are announced!
Dean's Choice Award
Brisket Sliders on Homemade Rosemary Cheddar Biscuits
LauraLadd Poff, "The Walton College of Brisket"
(That's right-- homemade. She made those biscuits from scratch! The Dean likes homecookin'.)
Go Team WCAS! Shan Russell, Denny Woods, Trey Buckner, Heather Nelson
Chairman of the Stove & Bronze Fork Award
Mixed Chocolate Creme Brule
Trey Buckner and Shan Russell
representing the Walton College Alumni Society board of directors
(Chairman of the stove is a traveling trophy awarded to the alumni advisory board with the most votes)
The SCREAM Cheesers: Andrew Duck, Andrew Henson, Stuart Baber, with Dean Worrell
Team All Madden: Josh and Courtney Madden, with Dean Worrell
Gold Fork Award
Meatball Sliders
Team "All-Madden"
We were there and, yes, we tried it all despite the limitations of our waistbands. So we would be remiss to not recognize all of the hard work that went into the event by every celebrity caterer. Every dish was delicious and we are thankful for the all of the time in the kitchen that our alumni contributed to support Walton College students.
So what could make things even sweeter? The following day, the Walton College Alumni Society board of directors held their annual fall meeting. This group is passionate about supporting needs-based scholarships, indeed, as they set a goal to raise $50,000 for this needs-based scholarship in three years. Once they tallied the dollars raised from the night before, they twisted a few more arms and managed to raise the remainder of the funds by the end of the day! Mission accomplished! But, oh no, this group won't stop there. They are already in discussions to establish annual dues to support more scholarships and perhaps begin a new campaign to fund yet another $50,000 endowed scholarship. We can't wait to see what this amazing crew will accomplish next.
If you are interested in joining forces with this fabulous group of Walton College alumni or participating in future Bon Appetit events, e-mail alumni@walton.uark.edu.
Jake Earney (BSBA ’10) has teamed up with First Security Bank colleagues, John Morris (BSBA ’01) and Tyler Angel (BSBA ’08), and hopes to steam roll their competition this Thursday night at the Walton College Bon Appetit event with his famous Razorback Rolls.
If you've been a follower of Bon Appetit over the years, you may have noticed a First Security trend among our "celebrity caterers" and hosts. Last fall's event was hosted by Jake's teammate, John Morris, and featured the sTEAL CHEFs team comprised of First Security's very own David Russell and Alex Burris. David had so much fun at the event, that he and his wife have graciously offered to host this fall's event in their home.
2010 celebrity caterer, David Russell
This past summer in Central Arkansas, delicious pulled smoke pork sliders were served up by the Crews'in through Finance team made up of Nathan Rutledge and his colleague, Cam Deacon. Starting the trend at the inaugural Bon Appetit event in 2009, Adam Rutledge, also of First Security Bank, pleased guests with baby back ribs most likely cooked on a teal grill. We also see a pork trend here among our banker friends and so far they have yet to disappoint.
But don't take our word for it; come out and judge for yourself. Every vote counts as a direct contribution to the Walton College Alumni Society scholarship. We hope you'll register and join us for the fun this Thursday, September 15, but if you can't make the event, please support student scholarships by sending early or absentee votes for your favorite team. E-mail ceiler@walton.uark.edu to find out how.
Thursday, September 15th
6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m.
The Home of David (BSBA ’78, MBA ’79) & Fenner (BA ’75, MBA ’79) Russell
124 West Prospect Street
Fayetteville, Arkansas
Parking available at the Wilson Park baseball field Register today!
Team WCAS (Walton College Alumni Society) is ready to bring it with their Mixed Chocolate Crème Brûlée!
Representing the Walton College Alumni Society Board of Directors, team captain Trey Buckner (BSBA ’91) chose wisely by selecting teammate Shan Russell (BSBA ’90), who is fresh off a win at the Central Arkansas Bon Appétit this summer. Chock-full of chocolatey goodness, this dish is sure to satisfy any sweet tooth. But even though their dish is sweet, we assure you these guys mean business when it comes to the competition!
Shan Russell, Chris Johnson, and Dean Worrell at the Central Arkansas Bon Appetit
It’s a summer-themed battle royale between Team Luminous Lemonaires and Team Fayettechill!
The Luminous Lemonaires, comprised of clinical associate professor David Hyatt (BSBA ’89, MBA ’98) and associate professor Molly Rapert (BSBA ’85, MBA ’87), are trading in their laser pointers for kitchen tongs to represent the Walton College faculty at the College’s Bon Appétit event on Thursday! They’ll prove they’re more than just brilliant minds in the classroom when they serve up their Lemon Bars paired with Limoncello Liqueur. These brainiacs are ready to show their inner brawn to the competition, and their summery citrus combo is sure to pack a punch!
Team Fayettechill captain Mo Elliott (BSBA ’11) heats up the competition by cooling down with Summer Peach Custard. Mo founded Fayettechill, a clothing company, in 2009 with a philosophy of a relaxed, comfortable lifestyle. But don’t let Team Fayettechill’s calm exterior fool you; their summer dessert concoction is ready to duke it out for the win!
So who will taste sweet victory? Find out while celebrating the end of summer with us on Thursday, September 15th, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m., at the home of David (BSBA ’78, MBA ’79) and Fenner (BA ’75, MBA ’79) Russell, 124 West Prospect Street Fayetteville, Arkansas.
As we approach the Walton College Bon Appetit finish line on September 15th, two contenders are neck and neck in the competition for the gold fork with some tasty appetizer recipes.
Racing as the Dean Team—John Paul (BSBA ’08), Weston Passmore (BSBA ’09) and David Proffitt (BSBA ’08) hope to clinch the fork with their Watermelon Gazpacho. They promise to provide the spoons (or chips in this case) if you will help them win the fork with your votes.
Dipping towards the checkered flag— the Business Alumni Advisory Council Team led by Marlena Sweeney Bond (BSBA ’04) is confident that they will head directly to Victory Lane with Siete Niveles del Cielo (Seven Levels of Heaven). Marlena claims that this heavenly dip is to credit for her husband’s marriage proposal. Marlena’s teammate and official team taster, Joel Sanders (BSBA ’07), has given the dip his seal of approval with a thumbs up! (Alas, a marriage proposal was not an option for sign of approval this time around.)
Don’t miss the final lap as the Chase for the Fork ends this Thursday, September 15 at 6:30 p.m.! Who will rev their engines all the way to Victory Lane? Register today for front row seats to cheer on your favorite team in support of the Walton College Alumni Society Scholarship fund. Early and absentee votes are also a option if you can't make it to the event. E-mail ceiler@walton.uark.edu to cast your votes! Early voting tokens are $1 a piece and are a fully tax deductible contribution to the scholarship fund.
At a moment like this, I can’t help but wonder…what would Jimmy Buffett do?
As summer draws to a close and the cool crisp air moves in, why not come sample the perfect patio drink with fellow Walton College graduates, Grant Ginder (BSBA ’98) and David Johnson (BSBA ’92)?These guys have mastered the art of the happy hour cocktail with their Rojo Sangria and hope you will come out next Thursday to vote for them at the Walton College Bon Appetit event in support of needs-based student scholarships.
Tall, strong and refreshing, you’ll be swept away to the Costa del Sol. Celebrate the end of summer with us next Thursday, September 15, 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m. at the home of David and Fenner Russell. Grant and David's recipe will be featured in the commemorative recipe booklet given to every guest. So come get swept away to the Costa del Sol with us but please register for the event here before you get swept away with that first sip. Salud!
Stuart Baber (BSBA' 06) is no stranger to competition at his nine-to-five as a Farm Bureau insurance agent right here in Washington County. Next Thursday he will face some after-hours competition at the Walton College Bon Appetit event in support of needs-based scholarships. Joining him in his efforts are his fearless Kappa Sigma fraternity brothers, Andrew Duck (BSBA '06) and Andrew Henson (BSBA '06).
These longtime friends and serious Razorback fans have named themselves the SCREAM Cheesers to pay homage to their main ingredient: cream cheese. (We suspect the name may also have something to do with calling their beloved Hogs.)
Unable to decide between a sweet or savory dish, they will delight guests with both.
Representing the softer side of this team, Cherry SCREAM Cheese Tarts are sure to represent the love these guys have for each other. But don't be fooled; they are serious about domination and not afraid to blaze their competition with their SCREAM Cheese Stuffed Jalapeno Poppers.
The SCREAM Cheesers may have their competition shaking in their boots with threats of domination, but they promise to be kind to our guests. So come out and judge for yourself.
Thursday, September 15
6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.
The Home of David (BSBA '78, MBA '79) and Fenner (BA '75, MBA '79) Russell
124 West Prospect Street
Fayetteville, Arkansas
If it's sliders that you're craving, then head on over to the home of David (BSBA '78, MBA '79) and Fenner (MBA '79) Russell for the Walton College Bon Appetit event next Thursday night.
As mentioned in our last post, Team Madden has already issued a challenge to their competitors claiming that they will represent the "best of the best" with their meatball sliders. However, Bon Appetit guests will be presented with two more slider options when casting their votes for the night's best dish.
So what is a slider anyway? A quick Google search led to a brief history lesson on the Burger Blog at Cheese-Burger.net. Apparently credit for these delightful mini-burgers is due to Walter Anderson, founder of the White Castle fast food chain, who wanted to keep his costs down. He accomplished this by serving a tiny burger cooked in a particularly cost effective way.
Although you can find frozen White Castle sliders at a few local retail establishments, we recommend you sink your teeth into the Bon Appetit competition instead and support needs-based scholarships for Walton College students. Allen Brumett (BSBA '00), owner of Fayetteville restaurant, Sassy's Red House,will heat up the competition with Sassy's sliced brisket sliders.
Representing the home-cooked version, LauraLadd Poff (BSBA '09) and her teammate are sure to satisfy your cravings with their brisket sliders on homemade bread topped with a surprise spread.
We hope you choose to come out and be a part of Walton College history and vote on your favorite slider. If you're already a fan of any one of these slider chefs and want to cast an early vote, e-mail ceiler@walton.uark.edu. Early voting tokens are $1 a piece and are a fully tax deductible contribution to the Walton College Alumni Society needs-based scholarship fund.
Look out Northwest Arkansas! Brother and sister duo, Josh (BSBA '08) and Courtney (BSBA '04) Madden already have plans to sweep up their competition at next Thursday's Walton College Bon Appetit event. Team captain, Courtney, was spotted last Saturday at Razorback stadium with Josh serving samples of the meatball sliders that they hope will bring home the gold fork award at this year's fundraiser for the Walton College Alumni Society Access Arkansas scholarship.
When asked how the campaign for their sliders was going, Courtney fearlessly reported that had already collected some early votes for their dish and are ready for the challenge.
"The All-Madden Team represents the best of the best from the Walton College. We will bring greatness to the event with our meatball sliders!"
These two mean serious business and should prove to be tough competition. Please join us for the fun next Thursday, September 15 from 6:30 p.m.-8:30 p.m.Check back again to learn more about their competition. Until then learn more about the event here or register for the event here. Registration is required.
If you have other obligations that hinder your attendance, don’t let their hard work go without recognition. You may vote for Team Madden ahead of time to show your support. E-mail ceiler@walton.uark.edu to find out how! Early voting tokens are $1 a piece and are a fully tax deductible contribution to the Walton College Alumni Society needs-based scholarship fund.
