Summer 2025 Highlights

Greetings from Sewanee! We’ve wrapped up a dynamic summer of immersive educational programs and now look forward to a semester full of engaging activities, travel and events. Here are our recent highlights and news of upcoming events.

Sewanee Students Explore Singapore and Vietnam on the Dynamics of Asian Business Field Study Trip

Eleven Sewanee students recently returned from a three-week summer study-away program led by Myles Elledge, director of the Babson Center for Global Commerce. As part of the Dynamics of Asian Business course, students immersed themselves in the fast-evolving business ecosystems of Singapore and Vietnam, gaining firsthand insight into the region’s emerging economies.

The group participated in business meetings in Singapore, Hanoi, and Saigon, where they met with finance professionals, global consulting firms, start-up founders, business researchers, and executives from leading firms in technology, private equity, environmental management, and hospitality.

Beyond the classroom and boardroom, students experienced the rich cultural, historical, and natural landscapes of Southeast Asia. Program highlights included a visit to the Singapore Botanical Gardens and an executive tour of Singapore’s historic Raffles Hotel. And, in Vietnam a history tour at the Hanoi Sofitel Metropole Hotel, a water puppet theatre visit, a sightseeing excursion at Ha Long Bay, biking through Cat Ba National Park, and a day-trip on the lower Mekong River.

Read more about one student's observations here. Myles Elledge shared his experience for the Asia at Sewanee Newsletter.

Singapore 

Dezan Shira and Associates, Hanoi

Odyssey Capital, Singapore

Hyundai HD Electric Ltd., Ho Ch Minh City

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Garcha Group, a luxury group of boutique hotels, Singapore

The Babson Center Selects Eight Freshman Carey Fellows

Eight incoming freshmen joined the business honors program from an impressive and large group of students in the Class of 2029. The number of applicants increased again this year, illustrating the high level interest in business within a strong liberal arts foundation. Learn more about the freshman Carey Fellows on Instagram!

Elizabeth Bowman, College Grove, Tennessee

Thomas Hershey, Charleston, South Carolina

Josey King, Rye, New York

Mason Pruitt, Atlanta, Georgia

Jackson Pullmann, San Antonio, Texas

Mary Blair Tankard, Staunton, Virginia

Colin Tanner, Chapel Hill, North Carolina

Graham Webb, Suffolk, Virginia

Left to right: Jackson Pullmann, Mary Blair Tankard, Colin Tanner, Josey King, Mason Pruitt, Elizabeth Bowman, Thomas Hershey, and Graham Webb

The Carey Fellowship is generously supported by the Wm. Polk Carey Pre-Business Program Fund, and expanded with support from the Smith Fund for Carey Fellows, and the Class of 1974 Carey Fellows Program Fund.

Rising Junior Carey Fellows Focus on Career Skills During Summer School

The rising junior Carey Fellows spent their summer building a strong foundation for their careers. While taking two business classes on campus, they also met weekly with Director Myles Elledge to focus on professional development. From discovering their leadership assets with CliftonStrengths to mastering elevator pitches, creating a professional LinkedIn profile, and refining resumes, cover letters, and interview skills, they continue to develop the confidence and tools they need to stand out in the professional world.

With expert support from Kim Heitzenrater and emily britt from the Dean of Students Office, this cohort is gaining the insight they need to begin the internship application process this fall with the Babson Center’s partner companies across the country and around the world. A highlight of the summer was a team-building rafting trip on the Ocoee River.

Sewanee Students Sharpen Their Business and Leadership Skills with Summer Business Studies Scholarships

Sewanee-Vanderbilt Scholars brought home gold for their weekly consulting projects during Vanderbilt University's Accelerator Summer Business Program.

"The Vanderbilt Accelerator Summer Business Program has been a life-changing experience that helped me discover where I might fit in the business world. One of the most empowering aspects of the program was the opportunity to learn from incredible guest speakers. I formed personal connections with many of them and gained insight into their professions and personal values. These conversations pushed me to reflect on my strengths and interests and inspired me to pursue a career with an exciting purpose."- Emma Myer, C'26 (right)

"From the MBA level classes to the guest speakers and consulting projects, the rigorous Accelerator schedule challenged me. I learned so much about myself and look forward to applying the skills I gained. I would highly recommend this program to any student who is looking to enhance their leadership skills and work ethic."- Holden Phillips, C'28 (second from left)

Beecken Scholars advanced their leadership styles and skills and had the opportunity to apply what they have learned at Sewanee to a global classroom setting at the London School of Economics.

2025 Beecken Scholars Grace Whitley Olson, C'27, and Drew Rukavina, C'27

"The course was a tremendous experience that helped me connect what I have been learning at Sewanee to a global classroom setting. One of my biggest takeaways was learning how bond markets and interest rates shape the larger economy, and how understanding these concepts is essential for making sound financial decisions. The opportunity to study these topics at LSE with students from around the world not only strengthened my technical skills but also gave me a broader perspective on how finance connects across different markets and cultures."- Drew Rukavina, C'27

SURF Students Examine Corporate Social Responsibility in Emerging Markets

This summer Csenge Nagy and Meran Paul worked with Myles Elledge and explored the dynamics of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) in the emerging markets of Asia and Eastern Europe. These students shared their findings in a poster session at the "SURF Frenzy" in July and hope to publish their journal article very soon.

Csenge Nagy, C'27, and Meran Paul, C'28

Three Executive Speakers Scheduled for the Fall Semester

Oct. 2: Bryan Viewpoints Speaker Alex Harris, C'11, vice president, Goldman Sachs

Oct. 29: Bryan Viewpoints Speaker Mary Carol Harris, C'96, Airbnb London

Nov. 18: Humphreys Entrepreneur in Residence Kathryn Thompson, C'96, Thompson Research Group

Save the Date

Sewanee Family Weekend

Sept. 12-14, 2025

Smith Career Day

Sept. 18, 2025