Congratulations to Courtney Parnell, Winner of the “What is AACSB?” Drawing

By Sandra Krezmien-Funk | Published: November 16, 2009

Courtney Parnell In weeks leading up to the AACSB visit, the Student Success Center encouraged students to take an active interest in what AACSB is and why the accreditation is so important to our school.

The drawing invited students to write a correct answer to “What is AACSB?” and enter their answers and names into a drawing for a $50 gift card.  Nearly 50 students entered the drawing.

Courtney Parnell, a junior in the School of Business, was the lucky winner when her name was randomly drawn.

Thanks to all of the students who took an interest and participated.

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Jack Tate Speaks to School of Business Students

By Sandra Krezmien-Funk | Published: November 2, 2009

Jack Tate, a S.C. entrepreneur who founded Carolina Baby Superstores, spoke to students on October 27 in a standing-room only Wachovia Auditorium at the College of Charleston.  During his presentation, he spoke about his experiences in starting the national retail business, as a student at the College of Charleston and his passion for Vietnam.

Mr. Tate’s generous gift enabled us to establish the Tate Center for Entrepreneurship complete with classrooms, meeting rooms, conference space and an atrium.   Today, he continues to support the College of Charleston’s School of Business in many ways.

To view some excerpts of Jack Tate’s presentation, go to Jack Tate at the College of Charleston School of Business

Jack Tate at the College of Charleston School of Business – Part 2

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Next BB&T Free Market Process Speaker

By calcagnop | Published: October 27, 2009

The Initiative for Public Choice & Market Process is pleased to announce the next BB&T Free Market Process Series speaker: Dr. Benjamin Powell. Dr. Powell is coming to The College of Charleston on November 19 and will address the topic:

“Sweat Shop Wages and Third World Workers: Are the Jobs Worth the Sweat”

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Watch Dean Shao’s Conversation with Students

By Sandra Krezmien-Funk | Published: October 26, 2009

If you missed Dean Shao’s first Conversation with Students on October 20, watch some excerpts of his discussion here. Dean Shao’s Conversation with Students

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Eat, Drink and Tip

By Sandra Krezmien-Funk | Published: October 13, 2009

Do you think the effects of alcohol have any impact on whether a restaurant diner leaves a tip for a server?  Is there any connection between how much wine or beer a person drinks and how much of a tip is left at the end of dinner?

What may seem like a comical question is really something to consider for millions of restaurant owners and servers who rely on diners’ tips left at the end of their meals.  It’s a topic that four Hospitality and Tourism Management students are researching this semester.

MC Gravis, Carrie McGeehan, Mary McGovern and Sarah Roshfeld, along with their faculty advisor, Dr. Frash, have reviewed a number of studies on the social norms of tipping and the effects of alcohol on behavior.  They discovered that little research studied the link between alcohol consumption and tips when dining in full-service restaurants.

“We see this as an opportunity to apply the skills and knowledge we’ve gained in our classes,” says Sarah Roshfeld, one of the team’s researchers.  “We’re using what we’ve learned from research methods to customer service to conduct the research that will ideally be used by others in the hospitality industry.”

To frame this research, the student researchers are testing two hypotheses on the subject.  The first hypothesis is:

There is a positive relationship between the percentage of alcohol consumed during the dinner meal and the tip percentage left for the server.

Their second hypothesis offers another variable to consider; the meal hour.

There is a positive relationship between the time of dinner and the tip percentage left for the server.

Although the percent of alcohol consumed and the dinner hour are both behavioral variables, the students submit that the variables are discrete and are acting on tip-percentage outcomes independently of each other.

Data Collection
The data for this study was collected from four full-service restaurants in the area.  Two of the restaurants are classified as casual-dining establishments ($15-$25 avg. ck.) and two are classified as fine-dining establishments ($30-$50 avg. ck.).  To address some the methodological inconsistencies of past studies, the student researchers took sample data directly from the respective restaurants’ point of sale (POS) computer system reports.  To control for bias associated with self-reporting, tip amounts were only taken from diners’ credit-card receipts and not from cash tips left on the dining table.  In addition, only dinner meals taken in the restaurants’ dining rooms were considered.

The study will conclude at the end of the semester and the students will report their findings.  The results could provide insight for restaurateurs to better understand and serve their customers and to subsequently maximize their profit potential.  While it is well known that alcoholic beverage sales significantly increases the profitability of a restaurant, the students’ results would offer restaurant managers tangible incentives to motivate their service staff to better up-sell and become more knowledgeable about the restaurant’s alcoholic beverage offerings.

“Working hands-on with such a practical topic has been more beneficial to our education than any of us could have imagined,” says Mary McGovern.  “Applied learning brings to light what we learn in a classroom.  We appreciate Dr. Frash for supporting our efforts to research and publish a study that’s meaningful to us and restaurateurs.”

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Bank of America Senior VP Joins Global Business Resource Center

By Sandra Krezmien-Funk | Published: September 24, 2009

21The School of Business recently tapped Kathryn Banks, former senior vice president at Bank of America, as the associate director of the Global Business Resource Center (GBRC).  In her new role, Banks is responsible for strengthening the international business major with learning experiences through internships and mentoring programs.

During most of her 20-year work history in finance and investment for the liability management and capital markets divisions at Bank of America, she helped raise the cash needed to bridge the gap between the bank’s daily operational needs and funds provided by deposits and longer-term corporate debt.  She can relay to students her first-hand insights into corporate culture, living abroad and the positive impact it had on her professional success. 

Her work in the GBRC includes collaborating with the business community and professional and not-for-profit groups devoted to global commerce and seeking internships for students where they gain exposure to real-world learning.

“I want international business students to strengthen their resumes with top-notch internship and work experience,” says Banks, a 1977 CofC alum. “My goal is to inspire students to reach beyond the international business degree.  Classroom curriculum should be reinforced with practical experience, particularly with a multi-national company, and cultural awareness gained by working and living in another country.”

In addition, as a part of her GBRC role, Banks works closely with business professors to coordinate the Certified Global Business Professional program. 

Student Invitation
“I am eager to meet with students to talk about their individual interests and to share their thoughts on what kinds of programs they would like to see offered through our school,” explains Banks.  “Students are welcome to contact me or stop by my office.”

Banks earned a bachelor of arts in French and a master in international management from the Thunderbird School of Global Management in Glendale, Arizona.  When she left Bank of America in 2001, she taught for three semesters in the McColl School of Business at Queens University in Charlotte. 

Since 2003, she and her husband have resided on Dewees Island, which makes for a very interesting daily commute, beginning and ending with a ferryboat ride.  “I am excited to be back on the CofC campus.  Every day that I come to work is a walk down memory lane, though an awful lot has changed.”

Contact Kathryn Banks at (843) 953-6621 or at BanksK@cofc.edu.  Her office is located at Beatty 306.

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Meet Anita Zucker, Chairperson of SBE’s Board of Governors

By Sandra Krezmien-Funk | Published: September 23, 2009

 A longtime advocate of education and renowned South Carolina philanthropist, the School of Business is fortunate to have Anita Zucker on-board.

Zucker currently serves as chairperson and CEO of The InterTech Group, her family holding company, and a myriad of family businesses that includes ownership of the Carolina Ice Palace, the Sunfire Grill and Bistro and Tristan restaurant on Market Street, and co-ownership in the South Carolina Stingrays. 

A dedicated champion of the School of Business and the College of Charleston, she provides valuable leadership as the chair of our Board of Governors, the key advisory board for our business school.  “Stepping into my new role, I welcome the experience and council of Anita as we advance the strategic direction of the school together,” says Dr. Alan Shao, Dean of the School of Business.

Zucker has been a leader in our community and state for numerous service organizations.  In many of these roles she has distinguished herself in such a way that a list of honors for her wisdom, work, and wealth doesn’t tell the whole story.  She exemplifies what it means to “give back” to her family, friends, faith community, to K-12 and higher education, to service organizations, to her profession, and to the community including the state of South Carolina.  Zucker epitomizes the old adage that “if you love what you are doing, you will never work a day in your life.”

Zucker is steeped in education. She earned a bachelor of arts in education from the University of Florida and a master of education, with a specialty in educational administration and supervision, from the University of North Florida.  She went on to teach elementary school for over a decade. 

As an extension of her passion for education, she was president of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Education Foundation.  Zucker also chaired the Drug-Free Workplace Program and participated in the School to Work Task Force. She is a past vice-president of Education and Leadership and formerly chaired the Business Education Council, and the Business Education Partnership Committee.  She is a former member and past chairperson of the Trident Technical College Foundation Board and Executive Board. She was appointed to the Trident Technical College Area Commission by Governor Sanford in October 2007.  

In addition to her role as chairperson of the Board of Governors, she also serves on the Advisory Boards of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Jewish Studies and is on the board of the Addlestone Hebrew Academy.  She was also a board member of Porter Gaud School and Ashley Hall School.  Zucker is MUSC Foundation Board chair, Hollings Cancer Center Citizens Advisory Committee, member emeritus (first chair, 1993).

Other civic activities include serving on The Community Foundation Board (executive committee and as past president) and as a trustee of the Saul Alexander Foundation.  In addition, she is a past board and executive board member of the Trident United Way.  She has recently rejoined the Trident United Way Board and served as chairperson for the 2008 Day of Caring. Zucker also currently serves on the Success by Six Committee.

Zucker is a past president of the Charleston Jewish Federation. Her faith is very important to her as is her family history and Holocaust-related legacy.  She is a member of the committee for the Holocaust Memorial at Marion Square and past fundraising chair.  She was the adult board chair of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, and president of Synagogue Emanu-El Sisterhood.

In addition, Zucker is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Charleston. She received the Rotarian of the Year Award from Rotary District 7770 and the Service Above Self Award from both the Rotary Clubs of Charleston and North Charleston.

With more than 25 awards in her name, here are just a few from the list: The “Order of the Palmetto” presented by Governor David Beasley for her dedication to education, an honorary Doctorate of Education degree presented by the Citadel in May 1998, and a Doctor of Humane letters in 1999 from Johnson and Wales University. 

 Further, Zucker is a recipient of the Malcolm D. Haven Award from The Community Foundation presented in October of 2000 for her contributions and accomplishments for the betterment of the Tri-county community. She is also a recipient of the Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award presented by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce in June of 2001. Other awards include the Charleston Jewish Federation’s inaugural “Light Unto the Nations” Award honoring both she and her late husband, Jerry Zucker.  Others include The Book of Golden Deeds Award presented by The Exchange Club of Charleston, and the South Carolina Ambassadors for Economic Development for Charleston County presented by Governor Sanford in September of 2008. 

 More recently, Zucker was chosen at the Business Education Summit for the Champions for Education Award to honor the long-lasting contributions that she and Jerry made to improve education.  Her leadership was instrumental in moving Personal Pathways to Success education reform from legislation to concrete action.

Her three children are Jonathan and his wife, Laura, Andrea and her husband, Nicolas Muzin, and Jeffrey. Anita also has four grandchildren, Stella Muzin, Daisy Muzin, Jeremy Zucker and Gabriella Zucker. 

 In her spare time, Zucker loves spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She also enjoys watching her home team, The Stingrays, and going to the movies with friends. 

Other Awards/Honors
Young Leadership Award Winner—Council of Jewish Federations: 1985

Phi Delta Kappa Award—Outstanding Support of Public Education: 1988

TWIN-Tribute to Women in Business and Industry: 1992

Charlestonian of the Year—Charleston Magazine: 1997

Hadassah Myrtle Wreath Award—for living up to the ideals of Hadassah and support of the Jewish people of the United States: 1998

Honorary Doctorate of Education—The Citadel: 1998

Woman of Distinction—Girl Scouts of America: 1999

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters—Johnson and Wales University: 1999

Malcolm D. Haven Award—Coastal Community Foundation: 2000

Service Above Self Award—North Charleston Rotary Club-in recognition of significant contributions to the quality of life for all citizens of the Low Country: 2000

The Reverend Alanson B. Houghton Award-presented to the Zucker family—Youth Service Charleston: 2000

Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award—Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce: 2001

Aaron Solomon Award for Volunteerism—Charleston Jewish Federation

Beta Sigma Gamma Honorary Business Society—College of Charleston

YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award for special recognition of outstanding leadership in business and industry

Light Unto the Nations Award—presented to Jerry and Anita (first recipients of this award) by the Charleston Jewish Federation: 2001

Arthur J. Clement Award-presented to Jerry and Anita Zucker for Excellence in Race Relations—Trident Urban League: 2001

Book of Golden Deeds—The Exchange Club of Charleston: 2004

Outstanding Club President—The Rotary Club of Charleston, District 7770: 2003-2004

Rotarian of the Year—The Rotary Club of Charleston: 2004-2005

District Rotarian of the Year—The Rotary Club of Charleston, District 7770: 2005-2006

Charles P. Darby Community Activist of the Year—Trident United Way: 2006

Woman of Distinction-Lifetime Achievement Award—Girl Scouts of America: 2006

Humanitarian of the Year presented to Jerry and Anita Zucker—Charleston Animal Society: 2008

South Carolina Ambassadors for Economic Development – Charleston County: 2008

Champions for Education Award, renamed “The Zucker Champions for Education Award” – The Education Foundation: 2008

The Jerry Zucker Entrepreneurial Spirit Award – State Department of Education’s Career and Technology Department: 2008

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Anita Zucker, SBE Board of Governors Chair

By Sandra Krezmien-Funk | Published: September 11, 2009

Anita Zucker Color jpegAnita Zucker
Chair of SBE Board of Governors

 A longtime advocate of education and renowned South Carolina philanthropist, the SBE is fortunate to have Anita Zucker on board.

Zucker currently serves as chairperson and CEO of The InterTech Group, her family holding company, and a myriad of family businesses which includes ownership of the Carolina Ice Palace, the Sunfire Grill and Bistro and Tristan restaurant on Market Street, and one-half ownership in the South Carolina Stingrays. 

A dedicated champion of the School of Business and Economics and the College of Charleston, she provides valuable leadership as the chair of our Board of Governors, the key advisory board for our business school.  “Stepping into my new role, I welcome the experience and council of Anita as we advance the strategic direction of the school together,” says Dr. Alan Shao, Dean of SBE.

Zucker has been a leader in our community and state for numerous service organizations.  In many of these roles she has distinguished herself in such a way that a list of honors for her wisdom, work, and wealth doesn’t tell the whole story.  She exemplifies what it means to “give back” to her family, friends, faith community, to K-12 and higher education, to service organizations, to her profession, and to the community including the state of South Carolina.  Zucker epitomizes the old adage that “if you love what you are doing, you will never work a day in your life!”

Zucker is steeped in education. She earned a bachelor of arts in education from the University of Florida and a master of education, with a specialty in educational administration and supervision, from the University of North Florida.  She went on to teach elementary school for over a decade. 

As an extension of her passion for education, she was president of the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce and the Education Foundation.  Zucker also chaired the Drug-Free Workplace Program and participated in the School to Work Task Force. She is a past vice-president of Education and Leadership and formerly chaired the Business Education Council, and the Business Education Partnership Committee.  She is a former member and past chairperson of the Trident Technical College Foundation Board and Executive Board. She was appointed to the Trident Technical College Area Commission by Governor Sanford in October 2007.  She is not only the chairperson of the Board of Governors of the College of Charleston’s School of Business and Economics where she served as a member of our dean’s search committee, but she also serves on the Advisory Boards of the School of Humanities and Social Sciences and Jewish Studies and is on the board of the Addlestone Hebrew Academy.  She was also a board member of Porter Gaud School and Ashley Hall School.  Zucker is MUSC Foundation Board chair, Hollings Cancer Center Citizens Advisory Committee, member emeritus (first chair, 1993).

Other civic activities include serving on The Community Foundation Board (executive committee and as past president) and as a trustee of the Saul Alexander Foundation.  In addition, she is a past board and executive board member of the Trident United Way.  She has recently rejoined the Trident United Way Board and served as chairperson for the 2008 Day of Caring. Zucker also currently serves on the Success by Six Committee.

Zucker is a past president of the Charleston Jewish Federation. Her faith is very important to her as is her family history and Holocaust-related legacy.  She is a member of the committee for the Holocaust Memorial at Marion Square and past fundraising chair.  She was the adult board chair of the B’nai B’rith Youth Organization, and president of Synagogue Emanu-El Sisterhood.

In addition, Zucker is a member and past president of the Rotary Club of Charleston. She received the Rotarian of the Year Award from Rotary District 7770 and the Service Above Self Award from both the Rotary Clubs of Charleston and North Charleston.

With more than 25 awards in her name, here are just a few from the list: The “Order of the Palmetto” presented by Governor David Beasley for her dedication to education, an honorary Doctorate of Education degree presented by the Citadel in May 1998, and a Doctor of Humane letters in 1999 from Johnson and Wales University. 

Further, Zucker is a recipient of the Malcolm D. Haven Award from The Community Foundation presented in October of 2000 for her contributions and accomplishments for the betterment of the Tri-county community. She is also a recipient of the Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award presented by the Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce in June of 2001. Other awards include the Charleston Jewish Federation’s inaugural “Light Unto the Nations” Award honoring both she and her late husband, Jerry Zucker.  Others include The Book of Golden Deeds Award presented by The Exchange Club of Charleston, and the South Carolina Ambassadors for Economic Development for Charleston County presented by Governor Sanford in September of 2008. 

More recently, Zucker was chosen at the Business Education Summit for the Champions for Education Award to honor the long-lasting contributions that she and Jerry made to improve education.  Her leadership was instrumental in moving Personal Pathways to Success education reform from legislation to concrete action.

Her three children are Jonathan and his wife, Laura, Andrea and her husband, Nicolas Muzin, and Jeffrey. Anita also has four grandchildren, Stella Muzin, Daisy Muzin, Jeremy Zucker and Gabriella Zucker. 

In her spare time, Zucker loves spending time with her children and grandchildren.  She also enjoys watching her home team, The Stingrays, and going to the movies with friends. 

Other Awards/Honors
Young Leadership Award Winner—Council of Jewish Federations: 1985

Phi Delta Kappa Award—Outstanding Support of Public Education: 1988

TWIN-Tribute to Women in Business and Industry: 1992

Charlestonian of the Year—Charleston Magazine: 1997

Hadassah Myrtle Wreath Award—for living up to the ideals of Hadassah and

support of the Jewish people of the United States: 1998

Honorary Doctorate of Education—The Citadel: 1998

Woman of Distinction—Girl Scouts of America: 1999

Honorary Doctor of Humane Letters—Johnson and Wales University: 1999

Malcolm D. Haven Award—Coastal Community Foundation: 2000

Service Above Self Award—North Charleston Rotary Club-in recognition of

significant contributions to the quality of life for all citizens of the Low Country: 2000

The Reverend Alanson B. Houghton Award-presented to the Zucker family—Youth Service Charleston: 2000

Joseph P. Riley Leadership Award—Charleston Metro Chamber of Commerce: 2001

Aaron Solomon Award for Volunteerism—Charleston Jewish Federation

Beta Sigma Gamma Honorary Business Society—College of Charleston

YWCA Lifetime Achievement Award for special recognition of outstanding leadership in business and industry

Light Unto the Nations Award—presented to Jerry and Anita (first recipients of this award) by the Charleston Jewish Federation: 2001

Arthur J. Clement Award-presented to Jerry and Anita Zucker for Excellence in Race Relations—Trident Urban League: 2001

Book of Golden Deeds—The Exchange Club of Charleston: 2004

Outstanding Club President—The Rotary Club of Charleston, District 7770: 2003-2004

Rotarian of the Year—The Rotary Club of Charleston: 2004-2005

District Rotarian of the Year—The Rotary Club of Charleston, District 7770: 2005-2006

Charles P. Darby Community Activist of the Year—Trident United Way: 2006

Woman of Distinction-Lifetime Achievement Award—Girl Scouts of America: 2006

Humanitarian of the Year presented to Jerry and Anita Zucker—Charleston Animal Society: 2008

South Carolina Ambassadors for Economic Development – Charleston County: 2008

Champions for Education Award, renamed “The Zucker Champions for Education Award” – The Education Foundation: 2008

The Jerry Zucker Entrepreneurial Spirit Award – State Department of Education’s Career and Technology Department: 2008

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