In its longstanding tradition of welcoming the incoming undergraduate class of first year and transfer students, Scheller College of Business held its Opening Bell ceremony August 27, 2019. The event, sponsored by Inspire Brands, included a welcome from Dean Maryam Alavi where she encouraged students to tap into the unique Tech Square ecosystem, find their career path, and develop a love of life-long learning.
Opening Bell is designed to build community for new students coming to Scheller College. Classmates, older students, and over 50 faculty and staff members were on hand for the event. The students participated with Scheller ambassadors, faculty, and staff in a series of ice breakers designed to “get-to-know” Georgia Tech traditions and network with classmates.
Darby Foster, current Scheller College student and Denning Technology & Management (T&M) student, encouraged her newest classmates to take full advantage of everything the College has to offer and encouraged students to find their own path. “You are all intelligent and capable individuals; make sure you remember that. You have the power to make your college experience exactly what you want it to be. You are here at Georgia Tech and Scheller for a reason. Welcome to our family. We are so excited to have you,” said Foster.
She advised students to utilize advisors, find great mentors, remember that their name is their brand, get to know their professors, set goals and hold themselves accountable.
Scheller College alumnus and CEO of Inspire Brands Paul Brown (BSMGT 1989) took the stage noting, “It’s a wonderful time for you to be where you are. You are in a place where you will play an active role in the future of business.” He shared the following advice: work smart; go outside of one’s comfort zone and expose oneself to new opportunities. Myopia is one of the biggest barriers to success, he said, and failure is not an option – it is a fact of life – so learning how to deal with it and how to pick oneself back up and continue moving forward determines success. Lessons are learned through failed attempts including courage, determination, creativity, and empathy.
With the Opening Bell ceremony at a close, the incoming class is on their way to a new adventure and many memories of their time at Scheller College and beyond.