Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM)

In 1980 PC faculty member, Norman Scarborough, established Presbyterian College’s chapter of the Society for the Advancement of Management (SAM).  The organization gives students the opportunity to learn from seasoned, successful managers before embarking on their careers.  During the two monthly meetings, students hear experienced professionals speak about current management topics pertaining to a variety of areas.  In the past, the organization hosted speakers from McKesson, Accenture, Enterprise, Blackbaud, Palmetto Bank, Croxton Gray (commercial real-estate), American Solutions for Business (printing and promotions), and Mary Kay.

At the 2011 SAM Senior Banquet, the Economics and Business Administration Department honored underclassmen and seniors for their outstanding academic achievement and leadership.  Mel Martin received the Department’s highest honor, the Outstanding Senior Award.  Each department at Presbyterian has only one such award to offer.  The Economics and Business Department Outstanding Senior Award is much more competitive due to the size of the department.

The speaker of the 2011 Senior Banquet was Roger Foltynowicz, co-manager of The Arbitrage Fund (http://www.thearbfund.com/).  Mr. Foltynowicz graduated from Presbyterian in 1999 and received his Master’s in Investment Management from Pace University in 2006.  As co-manager of the Arbitrage Fund, Mr. Foltynowicz has developed an acclaimed mutual fund that receives awards from Lipper and Monringstar.   During his speech he stressed the importance of working hard at something you love and remaining humble.  While on campus he threw out the first pitch at a baseball game in recognition of his outstanding playing career as a Blue Hose and also guest lectured an Investment Analysis class.

SAM speakers deliver short presentations followed by interactive question & answer sessions.  Students have the chance to ask speakers about their career path and workplace expectations.  They hear advice on how to enjoy the time spent at PC, how to use the knowledge gained, how to interview and search for jobs, and how to make the most of life and your college degree. Students also have the opportunity to learn about starting and managing a business from entrepreneurs and small business owners.

Current SAM student officers for 2011-2012 are:
President: Abby Scott
Vice President of Programs: Harriett-Graham Courtney
VP of Public Relations: Lauren McTeer
VP of Membership: Elizabeth Trevillian
VP of Finance: Molly McKenna
Senators: Keri Wright and Lewis Stover

In addition to meetings, the organization sponsors workshops that allow students hands-on help in topics such as personal selling, résumés, and interviews.  SAM hosts a year-end banquet where select students receive scholarships. Past SAM banquet speakers include business leaders representing a variety of fields. SAM gives students the chance to see how practicing managers apply the topics business majors are learning in the classroom.

Past banquet speakers include:|
Mr. Ron Allen, Retired CEO, Delta Air Lines
Mr. Truett Cathy, Founder, Chick-Fil-A
Ms. Laura Jacobs Costello, Engagement Manager, McKinsey& Company
Mr. Rich D’Alberto, CEO Laurens County Healthcare System
Mr. Andy Douglas, President, Palmetto Bank
Mr. Mack Fleming, President, Charleston Tea Plantation
Dr. Randy Folks, Professor of International Business, USC
Mr. Charles Fraser, President, Sea Pines Company
Mr. Tom Griffin, Operations Manager, Asten-Johnson, Inc.
Mr. Paul Noble, Founder, FirstArtWorks
Mr. Pete Sloan, Retired CEO, Lance, Inc.
Mr. Bob Staton, Retired CEO, Colonial Life and Accident
Ms. Brenda Stewart, Director of Marketing and Client Services, Smith Moore Leatherwood LLP
Mr. Jack Tate, Founder, Baby Superstores (now Babies ‘R Us)
Mr. Wilson Wearn, Retired CEO, Multimedia
Dr. Bruce Yandle, Professor Emeritus of Economics, Clemson