Success was the theme at Adobe Lodge on November 1st as prominent executives and leaders of the retail industry had the chance to talk with students of RMI at a pre-dinner reception. It was immediately following the biannual advisory board meeting held at the University. The reception was a successful event, the latest of what Cynthia Gamage, Associate Director of RMI, says “gives students and board members a chance to meet and explore everything from career paths to what students should look for and expect in the world of retailing.”
While I’m sure that all enjoyed the bacon wrapped prawns, toasted baguettes and artichoke dip, the highlight of the evening was the conversation. Although apprehensive at first, the students soon warmed up to leaders of such companies as Levi Strauss & Co., Nordstrom, Nike and Trader Joe’s as well as many others. “I enjoy meeting with successful people in the positions that I hope to hold one day; by asking them about their career paths, I can learn what might benefit me the most in the next few years.” said Junior, Morgan Trunell, newest applicant to the Retail Studies Program. The Advisory Board provided valuable insight that students in the program can draw upon, as they plan to move into the corporate world.
I had the pleasure of talking with two of the newest members of the Advisory Board, Mr. Eric Lane of the The Men’s Wearhouse and Mr. Robert Thompson of The Sharper Image, both of whom expressed their enthusiasm for the program. Sophomore Jill Currah told me of her conversation with Mr. Lane about her aspirations as a retail buyer and how he “offered insightful and helpful information about the positive and negative aspects that the job entails.”
Even though it was my second year in attendance at the reception, I was surprised by the excitement of the Advisory Board and their willingness to tell of their career paths; the troubles as well as the triumphs over the years. I was very pleased to talk again with Mr. Ted Upland, President and CEO of Prints Plus, Ms. Shannon Buscho, former EVP of Mervyn’s, as well as Mr. David Folkman, President and CEO of On-Site Dental Care, all of whom remembered me from the reception last year. It’s those relationships and connections that RMI encourages within the organization that make the Retail Management Institute so successful in all its endeavors..
Brashear reported at the 20th year RMI celebration the Steering Committee's commitment of raising $5,000 annually toward two scholarship awards of $2,500 to begin in the 2002-2003 academic year. The scholarships will be awarded to RMI students based on the same criteria used by the University - that of financial need and academic merit.
Brashear states, the RMI alumni had a terrific opportunity to gain exposure to the retail world via the RMI program. It is our hope that by providing scholarship support to those students in need, that we can enable more students this unique and beneficial opportunity. We hope that RMI alums will take this opportunity to contribute to the scholarship fund, as there is a continuing and growing need in this area.
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Advisory Board Members speaking with RMI students at reception (Top to bottom) Mark Brashear ( RMI '83) President Faconnable, Executive VP, Nordstrom; Nancy Pedot; Lisa Harper, Vice Chairman & CEO Gymboree; Bobbi Silten,President US Dockers & Slates Levi Strauss & Company.
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RMI Newsletter
