Alumni, business and political leaders from across the cityjoined Monday to teach morning classes and lead discussions at thebusiness college.
The Fogleman College of Business and Economics Alumni Chapter ofthe University of Memphis Alumni Association hosted its 11th AnnualAlumni Day Luncheon yesterday.
According to Fogelman College of Business and Economics DeanJohn Pepin, "The main purpose of the luncheon was to encourage moreenthusiastic support of the college."
Held at the Kemmons Wilson School of Hospitality and ResortManagement, the luncheon's proceeds will support scholarships atthe Fogelman College.
The event's keynote speaker was Memphian Vicki R. Palmer.
Palmer graduated from South Side High School in 1971. Afterreceiving a bachelor's degree from Rhodes College, Palmer earnedher MBA from Fogelman College in 1980.
"I hope my hard work and achievement provide an example forother Memphis City School students to follow," said Palmer, asenior vice president and treasurer of Coca-Cola EnterprisesInc.
Addressing a small cluster of participants at the luncheon'sconclusion, Palmer said, "The best two pieces of advice that I cangive to up and coming career-minded women is to one: drop the cape.Superwoman only exists in cartoons. And two: Bill Gates doesn'thave a monopoly on multitasking."
Shelby County Criminal Judge Wade Blackett said she thoughtPalmer was a good speaker to have in front of young businessminds.
"Vicki continues to provide an outstanding role model,especially for young women, and I am very proud of her," shesaid.
The Bureau of Business and Economic Research (BBER) was alsorenamed at the luncheon in honor of another guest, Willard R.Sparks, a business leader and agricultural economist.
Sparks is the founder of Sparks Companies, Inc., an agriculturalresearch, information, and consulting firm.
"Dr. Sparks is a noted business and community leader whocontinues to make notable contributions to defining the future ofThe University," U of M President Shirley Raines said.
City councilman Jack Sammons said, "I was very impressed withthe wide cross section of people involved. The hard work anddedication of Dr. Pipen and others at The University is finallystarting to pay dividends. The FedEx Institute and the schoolgetting reaccredited are shining examples."
