Greetings from the Mountain! The senior Carey Fellows award ceremony wrapped up a semester full of enriching programming on campus and impactful experiences off the Domain. Enjoy our recent highlights, and be on the lookout for informative news and photos from the Dynamics of Asian Business study-away trip, a fascinating three-week course on the economies of Singapore and Vietnam.

Bringing his passion for honeybees to the Mountain, Ted Dennard, C'89, entertained the Sewanee community with stories from his time as a student and Peace Corps volunteer during his presentation, "Bee Entrepreneurial: My Journey with the Savannah Bee Company.” He attributed his success with his company and nonprofit, the Bee Cause Project, to his liberal arts education, which instilled a "holistic view of life" and gave him the courage to do what he loved—beekeeping and caring for honeybees. Read the article in The Sewanee Purple.

Dennard spoke to a standing-room-only crowd of students, staff, and community members.

Dennard's favorite honey is made from the nectar of the blossoms of the Ogeechee tupelo tree—tupelo honey.

Right to left: Myles Elledge, Ted Dennard, and senior Carey Fellow Bella Francois, who introduced Dennard. 

The Babson Center awards conference scholarships for Quinnipiac University's Global Asset Management Education (GAME) Forum and Big Path Capital's Momentum (MO) Summit. Four business students attended the GAME Forum, a student-led financial conference, and two sustainability students worked for Michael Whelchel, C'89, co-founder and managing partner of Big Path Capital, at the MO Summit. Lewis Conference Scholarships are funded by a generous gift from Amy & Tandy Lewis, C’80.

Left to right: Michael Edge, C'25; Lexi Barbee, C'26; Annabel Feltner, C'25; and Alex Rodriguez, C'24

“Along with 1,500 students from across the country, we observed several keynote speaker events and panels with CEOs, CIOs, managing directors, and emerging leaders from across different firms in the financial industry. Engaging with experts and peers in this field has enriched our perspective on investment strategies and financial analysis, equipping us with practical knowledge and confidence to navigate the dynamic landscape in a career in finance. The GAME Conference was a life-changing experience that altered our way of thinking about our future.”

Duke Richey, C'24; Michael Whelchel, C'89; and Ansley Carpenter, C'25

“Having impactful conversations with business owners and CEOs of companies that put Earth first gave us hope that there is a way to make a living without compromising your personal morals or the planet. Realizing that we can change the world for good through B Corporations and 1% for the Planet certifications is something that is driving us to pursue a sustainable business career. We are grateful to Mr. Whelchel and the Babson Center for this amazing experience. We felt empowered to make a change in the world and potentially become a CEO in the process!” 

Texas Business Leader Offers Valuable Career Advice

Kevin Lilly, founder of Avalon Advisors and chair of the Texas Alcoholic Beverage Commission, attended dinner with Carey Fellows. He shared his career journey and gave valuable career advice: Be outstanding, responsible, grateful, respectful, and on time. Thank you to Board of Trustees member Bill Gage, C’85, for bringing Lilly to Sewanee and engaging with our business students.

Freshman business honors students traveled to Chattanooga for three executive briefings with business leaders in startup, financial, and nonprofit sectors. During the meetings, they learned about the early stages of development for founders in the startup world, the value of the Carey Fellowship for career success, the business of nonprofits, and the importance of networking. We are grateful to alumni and friends who generously gave their time, advice, and insights into their work:

Students met with angel investor Jay Shaffer at Somer Station, a co-living and co-working space for entrepreneurs and innovators.

From community engagement to bird research and selling carbon credits from forested land, Eliot Berz explained the many facets of leading a nonprofit organization.

Six Sewanee students were awarded scholarships to attend summer programs at Vanderbilt University's Owen Graduate School of Management and the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business. These immersive programs give liberal arts undergraduates a competitive edge professionally. 

Four 2024 Sewanee-Vanderbilt Scholars will attend the Accelerator Summer Business Immersion Program:

Two students were awarded Beecken Scholarships to attend the Summer Business Scholars Program, Building the New Venture, at the University of Chicago: 

The Beecken Scholarships are funded by a generous gift from Kitty and David Beecken, C'68.

Nick Bailey, Rehan Ali, Lexi Barbee, and Ty Cosse

Ankit Das and Kamilla Haidaienko

Students creatively presented and displayed their scholarship and research throughout the day during Scholarship Sewanee, vying for distinction in their field. For some seniors, it was the last step in passing comprehensive exams. Congratulations to everyone who participated and was present to explain their work to faculty, staff, and fellow students. 

During solo oral presentations, three senior Carey Fellows earned honors in their majors: Savi Annunziata and Pratham Singhal in economics and Jadelyn Mitchell in international and global studies. Carey Fellows Bella Francois, C'24, Ahmad Ijaz, C'24, Hawkins Schnabel, C'24, and Will Brookby, C'26, participated in four of the 27 finance and economic research posters displayed.

 Savi Annunziata

Pratham Singhal

Jadelyn Mitchell

Senior economics students Hunter Jones and Brennan Singer 

Senior finance students Sophia Fucci and George Mabry 

As part of their final project for BUS353 senior seminar, Carey Fellows presented five-minute “TED talks” in response to one of two prompts: “How can business be a force for good?” or “Let’s create an economy where market values serve society’s values. Markets don’t set values, people do.” Great work preparing and presenting your informative and interesting talks!

Left to right: Savi Annunziata, Ahmad Ijaz, Myles Elledge, Pratham Singhal, Hawkins Schnabel, Maggie Tilyou, Jadelyn Mitchell, Bella Francois, and Maya Quick

Family and friends of our nine senior Carey Fellow business honors students gathered to celebrate their accomplishments during Commencement weekend. Read about their achievements and plans after graduation here and reflections from their time as Carey Fellows here. 

Left to right: Maya Quick, Bella Francois, Hawkins Schnabel, Sherry Khan, Ahmad Ijaz, Savi Annunziata, Jadelyn Mitchell, Pratham Singhal, and Maggie Tilyou

Sherry Khan, Pratham Singhal, and Savi Annunziata with their families

The Schnabel family with Myles Elledge

Ahmad Ijaz and his family

The Francois family

Maya Quick with her family and friends

The Tilyou family

Jadelyn Mitchell and her family