One of the things that I’m really excited about is our alumni engagement, particularly with a new group that has formed in Atlanta.  Our alumni are our offspring, so it’s a pleasure to see how they are reaching out to support their alma mater.

Today, I’m happy to announce that the School of Business has established the Charleston School of Business Club (CSBC), an exclusive group aligned specifically with the business school and our mission – in Atlanta.

On Thursday evening, I attended the CSBC’s inaugural event at the Buckhead Club in Atlanta where nearly 80 attendees, most of whom were business alumni, gathered because of a common interest: to network and build professional education opportunities with ties to the School of Business.

The greater Atlanta area has the highest concentration of business alumni, outside of the Charleston region. The CSBC is open to all College of Charleston alumni, parents and friends who have a vested interest in the School of Business.

I’m very proud of the leadership team in Atlanta who are moving the Club forward with their professional experience in diverse industries.  Their energy and commitment is contagious and I’m confident in the Club’s long term success.

The key to long-term success is giving real value back to the members through first-rate professional networking, outreach, education and speakers.  Like Chris White ‘95, co-president of the CSBC and senior director at Cushman & Wakefield, said, “We want the ‘Wow factor’ associated with this professional development Club.”  To Chris’ point, we recognize that there are so many competing factors for people’s time that we have to deliver meaningful, valuable opportunities for professional growth.

I am committed to ensuring the Club’s success through my time and resources.  Our alumni are an extension of the brand of the School of Business and we need you to connect – or reconnect – with us.

Thanks to everyone who attended Thursday’s event.  It is a good reflection of things to come from this group…and the School of Business as a whole.