Business Fellows Celebrate Inaugural Year

The

Business Fellows

program in the Carl H. Lindner College of Business recently celebrated its inaugural year with a banquet to recognize those who played a role in shaping its success.

Awards in 10 distinct categories were given to 42 students, staff, faculty and supporters for academic excellence and program support.

The Business Fellows program, officially formalized for the 2011-2012 school year, serves underrepresented students and offers academic, professional and social support through mentoring, career planning guidance and peer reinforcement.

The program highlights the college’s commitment to diversity, says LaDreka Karikari, assistant director of undergraduate enrollment and co-director of the Business Fellows Program in the Lindner College of Business.

Karikari

was recently inducted into UC’s Lambda Society for her supporting role in the program.

“By giving students additional assistance, we are building a sense of community and a solid foundation for student success,” Karikari says.

Connie Cooper, director of the Business Fellows Program in the Lindner College of Business, says the college embraces diversity in several ways. Through its

Diversity Pathway Program

, which Business Fellows is a part of, Lindner College of Business reaches out to high school students, helps with the enrollment process and offers guidance and a network of support to ensure college success.

“It is really heartening to see so many students of color experiencing success in the college and participating in the many programs the college has to offer,” Cooper says.

Students entering the Lindner College of Business as first-year Business Fellows receive support through graduation. As freshmen, participants are paired with a mentor through a Business Buddy experience to help transition to college life. They also receive dedicated advising, partake in community building events and attend monthly programming on issues such as money management, available tutoring, professionalism, career services and more.

The program is growing, with 55 new Business Fellows expected to participate in their freshman year in the fall 2012 semester.

 “The goal is to partner each student with a mentee because we want them all to be successful,” Karikari says.