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ALUMNUS
Bill Schmidt ('70)
"Nobody will believe it."
That was the response Bill Schmidt received when he told a friend he was writing a book about his life and career. After all, going from a coal mining camp in western Pennsylvania to courtside with Michael Jordan is a tale too good to be true.
It happened, though, and much more -- medaling in the 1972 Olympics, directing sports at the World's Fair and Olympics and basically inventing sports marketing at Gatorade. Schmidt chronicles his unlikely life and career in his new book, Southview to Gettysvue. Born in a coal camp in Southview, Pennsylvania, he was one of seven children. His twin brother Bob was his closest companion. When the twins were just 2 1/2, their coal miner father died by suicide, leaving their mother to care for the family. Their future seemed predetermined, but Bill and Bob had no desire to follow in their father's footsteps, so they turned to sports. Bob chose wrestling, and Bill eventually was drawn to the javelin.
"Where you're born determines where you start out in life, it doesn't determine where you end up," he says. "It's about building dreams and having some faith and knowing what you need to do."
With no javelin coach, Schmidt studied his competitors and taught himself. Despite winning district titles, he graduated with no scholarship offers. So, he went to work -- first at a small metal and wood fabricator company and then with one of their clients. Meanwhile, his high school track coach looked for colleges that needed a 200-foot javelin thrower. He found one at North Texas.
Schmidt moved to Denton in 1966 as a walk-on athlete. He earned a partial scholarship his sophomore year and a full scholarship as a senior. He recalled driving to competitions with his coach, Winton "Pop" Noah, and how meets became a "family affair." He says he competed for Pop as much as for himself.
"I'll prove myself if given the opportunity," he says.
In college, Schmidt earned All-American status and won some of the top meets across the country. With a business administration degree in hand, he was drafted into the U.S. Army in 1970, during the Vietnam War. He continued competing in the javelin and set numerous military records. In 1972, he competed in the Olympics in Munich, Germany, winning the bronze medal. It was the realization of a lifelong dream, although he didn't think he actually could win the medal until the night before his final throw. No American has medaled in the men's javelin competition since.
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Published by Erin Cogswell, UNT North Texan, 2023
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ALUMNUS
Samuel P. Golden ('74)
In 1970, Samuel P. Golden, a recent high school graduate, faced the enviable decision of choosing a college. With scholarship offers from multiple Texas schools and even Stanford University on the table, Golden embarked on a quest to meet with representatives from each College of Business.
Out of all the institutions, only North Texas honored his request. His three-hour visit to UNT's campus in March 1970, during a recruiting trip, proved to be a pivotal moment. It was during this visit that he met finance professor Nabil Aboufadel, who would go on to serve as his academic advisor throughout his four-year journey. This encounter marked the beginning of a remarkable family legacy of unwavering support for the Mean Green, with both of Golden's daughters eventually graduating from UNT, and the family actively contributing to various campus programs.
Reflecting on his decision, Golden remarks, "While other choices would have undoubtedly provided me with an excellent education, none could have equaled the fulfilling opportunity I found at UNT."
Golden's college years included playing as an offensive guard for the UNT football team and earning the inaugural UNT Scholar-Athlete of the Year Award in spring 1974. He graduated with a bachelor's degree in banking and finance in the same year. After graduation, at Aboufadel's encouragement, he accepted a position at the U.S. Office of the Comptroller of the Currency. Starting as an assistant national bank examiner, Golden steadily climbed the ranks over the next 34 years, eventually reaching the executive level, where he became the agency's first ombudsman and senior deputy comptroller. Following retirement, he seized the opportunity to establish Alvarez & Marsal (A&M) Financial Industry Advisory Services LLC, where he served as CEO until transitioning to managing director and senior advisor four years ago.
Golden's contributions to UNT extend far beyond his time as a student. He is a member of the Chilton Society, having served as a 15-year member and immediate past chairman of the UNT Foundation Board of Directors, the 1890 Society, and a lifelong member of the UNT Alumni Association. In recognition of his outstanding achievements, he received the Distinguished Alumni Award in 2013 and was inducted into the G. Brint Ryan College of Business Hall of Fame in 2019, and he holds a founding position in the college's Dean's Circle of Excellence.
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Published by Erin Cogswell, UNT North Texan, 2023
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The UNT Ryan College of Business proudly announces its partnership with Marsh McLennan Agency, solidifying its commitment to fostering excellence in business education.
Marsh McLennan, a distinguished leader in the insurance and risk management industry, has pledged support as a Corporate Partner at the silver level. This partnership exemplifies a shared vision for advancing education and industry standards.
Chief Human Resources Officer Dan Weber expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We are excited about our partnership with UNT! Supporting the UNT Ryan College of Business is important to our company, as it is an opportunity to help shape our industry and invest in the promising talent we see cultivated at the university. Together, we aim to cultivate the next generation of leaders and make a lasting impact on the business landscape."
This collaboration signifies a valuable alliance between academia and industry, promising mutual benefits and a bright future for students entering the business world.
To become a Corporate Partner, or learn more about the program and its benefits, click here.
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2024 Sam and Bonnie Rechter Fellows research award set to advance positive leadership in the workplace
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Dr. Virginie Kidwell and doctoral candidate Nikki Drader were selected as recipients of the prestigious 2024 Sam and Bonnie Rechter Fellows research award from the University of Louisville College of Business’ Center for Positive Leadership. This highly competitive award, granted to only five projects annually, is a testament to their dedication and expertise in the field.
Drader’s research, under the guidance of Dr. Kidwell, explores the development of positive leadership within organizations.
"We suggest that participation in initiatives that foster inclusion contributes to the development of positive leadership in organizations," explained Drader.
Their investigation will unfold through a comprehensive study of the dynamics between formal managers and neurodivergent employees who have engaged in a neurodiversity hiring initiative at a multinational financial services organization, in collaboration with the University of Connecticut’s Neurodiversity and Innovation Center.
The research methodology involves open-ended interviews with both managers and neurodivergent employees to construct a theoretical framework for positive leadership within the context of workplace neurodiversity. Ultimately, they aim to uncover how positive leadership is cultivated, and to evaluate how formal leaders are perceived by neurodivergent employee participants in these programs.
The Sam and Bonnie Rechter Fellows research award, which includes a $5,000 grant dedicated to advancing the research project, serves to recognize Drader and Kidwell’s commitment to advancing positive leadership principles.
"We had our eye on this fellowship for over a year… It is a tremendous honor to receive such a competitive award. Seeing our persistence and tenacity pay off is a great feeling," explained Drader. “But really, what resonates most is that I feel privileged to be a voice with Ginny and our co-authors in this emerging area of management research.”
The award marks a significant milestone not only for Drader and Kidwell but also for the Ryan College of Business, as it is the first time someone from the college has received the honor.
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Beta Pi earns international recognition as "Superior Chapter"
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Beta Pi, UNT Chapter of Beta Alpha Psi, earned the spotlight with its recent recognition as a Superior Chapter, an achievement that speaks to the chapter’s outstanding efforts during the 2022-2023 academic year. In addition to receiving international recognition, the honor also includes a $500 award, generously sponsored by KPMG LLP and the KPMG Foundation, signifying the impact and value attributed to the chapter's accomplishments.
The designation as a Superior Chapter holds profound significance, highlighting the outstanding performance of the Beta Pi Chapter and faculty advisors Professors Martha Ross and Paul Hutchison. Under their invaluable guidance, the chapter far exceeded the baseline requirements set by Beta Alpha Psi, showcasing exceptional dedication to academic achievement, professionalism and leadership development.
Professors Ross and Hutchison’s unwavering commitment and mentorship played a pivotal role in the chapter's ability to surpass expectations, setting a high standard for academic and professional excellence. |
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"Business Matters" luncheon to feature Artificial Intelligence expert on December 6
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The Ryan College of Business is set to kick off its inaugural "Business Matters" speaker series, featuring “America’s AI for Good Ambassador,” Milan Kordestani, on December 6.
Engage with today's global voice for a new generation and discover the future of business leadership at this eye-opening event. A visionary entrepreneur and three-time founder, Kordestani is rewriting the rules of success and will be sharing his secrets with you, firsthand, on December 6.
In his exclusive presentation, which will focus on "Civil Conversations in the Workplace: Bridging the AI Gap Between Generations," Kordestani will delve into the nuances of fostering civil discourse, bridging generational gaps, and nurturing a harmonious and productive work environment.
In an age defined by Artificial Intelligence (AI) and a rapidly evolving workforce, Kordestani’s insights are a game-changer for career and workplace dynamics, guaranteed to inspire and empower. Having shared his perspectives on prestigious platforms like Rolling Stone, Huffington Post, Entrepreneur.com, and ThriveGlobal, Kordestani is recognized as a leading expert in his field.
Don't miss this special event and the chance to unlock the untapped potential of your organization through the power of AI and civil discourse. Kordestani's presentation promises to be an illuminating experience, providing practical insights for both seasoned professionals and emerging leaders alike.
Event Details
Title: Civil Conversations in the Workplace: Bridging the AI Gap Between Generations
Speaker: Milan Kordestani, Visionary Entrepreneur and Three-Time Founder
Date: December 6
Venue: UNT at Frisco
Time: 12:00 pm (lunch included, tour to follow)
Secure your spot now for an afternoon of enlightenment and networking.
Space is limited.
For more information and to register, visit https://cob.unt.edu/businessmatters.
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Business Conversations: The resilience of Hildago County
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UNT Ryan College of Business Lecturer William Ordeman joins Business Conversations to discuss his research and how it relates to the resilience of Hildago County residents.
By delving into the history of Hildago and its culture, Ordeman's findings offers a fascinating and eye-opening perspective about how Hildago community members were impacted during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tune in to hear what Ordeman has to say and listen to other Business Conversations episodes for featured expert opinions on relevant news affecting today's business world.
LISTEN TO THE PODCAST...
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Professor Savoie tapped as industry expert for WBAP
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WBAP News Talk has tapped UNT Ryan College of Business Professor Michael Savoie for his business expertise.
On a semi-monthly basis, Savoie’s professional opinions and insights will be featured on WBAP.com, covering various topics relevant in today’s ever-evolving business world.
In his first segment, Savoie spoke to why many North Texans are moving to the DFW area, and what impacts that trajectory will have on the business supply chain and logistics of the region. Other shared intel has included Savoie’s hot takes on DFW as a corridor for advanced transportation, and what a silicon chip hub in Sherman, Texas could mean for the state.
Be up-to-date and in-the-know with Dr. Savoie and make sure you bookmark WBAP.com to learn more.
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PHILANTHROPIC OPPORTUNITIES AT THE RYAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS
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THE WILSON JONES ENDOWMENT FOR RYAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS CAREER SUPPORT SERVICES
Alumnus Wilson Jones (’85) and his wife, Jane, donated $5 million to the college in 2022 to create a new career center in the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. This generous gift will not only go towards the build out of a space that will serve to better prepare students for successful careers, but it will also fund the hiring of new staff and resources to support the college's growing student body. Working in conjunction with this gift, the Wilson Jones Endowment for Ryan College of Business Career Support Services will provide additional assistance to reach these goals and support services that promote career readiness.
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G. BRINT RYAN COLLEGE OF BUSINESS COMMUNICATIONS SUPPORT FUND
Frank Dudowicz was an ardent supporter of the G. Brint Ryan College of Business. Before he passed away on May 1, 2022, one of his final requests was to have memorials be made to the Ryan College of Business Communications Support Fund, a testament to his ongoing efforts to be a positive force in the UNT community. Donations made to the Communications Support Fund aid Dudowicz’s most recent board efforts to increase brand awareness for the Ryan College of Business. Click here to honor Frank's memory with a gift. |
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