Ten business scholars have forged close bonds through programs in and out of the classroom during the first year of the Business Scholars and Honors Programs.
Twenty-three incoming freshmen were invited to apply for the Business Scholars program last semester and 10 were chosen. Along with 10 upperclassmen business scholars, they comprise the Business Honors Program. Next year, the freshmen will enter the program.
According to a press release from the Miller College of Business, the business scholars have received, or will receive, full tuition and fees for eight semesters, a laptop from Ball State, an internship stipend to cover travel and lodging expenses for a study abroad program, and a professional development account for resume preparation and job searching expenses.
"The money for these scholarships came from an estate gift from Wally Miller given in 2003," Director of Student Services Gayle Hartleroad said. "An economics faculty member wanted an in-college honors program, and it was part of a proposal on how to spend the money."
Business Scholars take part in a "differentiated schedule," Hartleroad said.
They take part in small, hands-on discussions and social programming, such as a bowling night that took place in January. They have the opportunity to meet with Executives in Residence and the MCOB Executive Advisory Board and will have a meal in April with President Jo Ann Gora at her home. Finally, the students will attend academic and professional development seminars, which are in line with the students' majors.
Business Scholars enjoy having two classes exclusively with other honors students.
"When we started forming study groups, I felt more comfortable because I already knew people," freshman Marissa Wynn said.
Other students also felt at ease.
"We've gotten to know our professors really well, and I feel comfortable asking questions in class," freshman Kimberly Shreves said.
A study abroad program is one key component of the business scholarship. Freshman Brooke Zollinger completed her field study over Winter Break in Costa Rica and Panama.
"In Costa Rica, I traveled, met native tribes and studied their cultural background. In Panama, I saw the city and the canal," Zollinger said.
She received six credit hours in Honors 189 and Business 300 during the field study.
Most of the other students have already planned their field studies. Shreves will complete her study abroad by touring businesses in Latin America from May 12 to 22.
The freshman Business Scholars also helped with the interview process for next year's group and they answered the candidates' questions who were waiting to be interviewed. In January, 11 incoming scholars were named to the 2009 program, and the current scholars said they hope the new group will become as close as they are now.
"We spend the majority of our time with everyone [in Business Honors Program]," Zollinger said.
Honors programTen incoming freshmen were accepted to next year's Business Honors Program. For eight semesters, the program participants receive:
- full tuition and fees
- laptop from Ball State
- internship stipend for a study abroad program
- professional development account for résumé preparation and job searching expenses
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