Briner School of Business Celebration Recap

Published: April 13, 2021

Written by Whitney Vitt '17

The Briner School of Business held its founding celebration and official ribbon cutting ceremony on Tuesday, Nov. 3 to celebrate the newly renovated second floor Dietzman and the recently renamed school. Bob Briner, a 1956 graduate of Greenville College, greatly impacted the lives of those around him. The celebration drew successful business men and women from all over the United States to campus to pay tribute to Briner and celebrate the newly founded Briners School of Business.

The night began with food and refreshments followed by the ribbon cutting ceremony starting at 5 p.m. Roman Butler, a junior at GC, remarked, The ribbon cutting ceremony was incredible. It was inspiring to hear of the great impact Mr. Briner had on many people all over the country, especially the Greenville community." The following day, there were four Faith and Work seminars held by leaders in the business world. The seminars included topics in Sports Management, Art Commerce and Christianity, an Executive Panel Q & A and a speech in the Professional Business Leaders class.

Sports Management

Mr. Kirk Elmquist led the Sports Management seminar. Elmquist carries the title of Tournament Director at Top of the Rock in Branson, Missouri. He has also been the Vice President of Sales and Marketing for the Springfield Cardinals and the St. Louis Cardinals. GC junior Emilie Britt stated, This was the second time I've had the privilege of hearing Kirk Elmquist speak. His seminars are always very motivating and inspiring; I enjoy the amount of energy and enthusiasm he brings. He explains how a Christian in the secular world can pursue a career in business while upholding ethical values and beliefs that are glorifying to the kingdom of God. He also talked about how we need to thank God in all circumstances and never give up on what it is that we want to accomplish even when we get rejected. We need to maintain a yielded heart that does not complain or rebel when tough situations may arise.

Art, Commerce and Christianity

Mr. Terry Mattingly was the voice for the second seminar. Mattingly, in addition to his role as the Director of The Washington Journalism Center, is known for his work as a journalist, Director of The Washington Journalism Center, an author and a professor. After attending Mattinglys seminar, GC junior Corbin Quinonez shared, Terry Mattingly really intrigued me. He shared a time of humility, provided information on current social issues with Christians in the business world and challenged the audience. He personally knew Bob Briner and shared Briner's mindset on how he believed that the problem isn't a lot of talent, rather it is a lack of money. As an accounting major heading into the business world, I look forward to finding solutions to problems on the financial side.

Executive Panel Q & A

The third seminar, an Executive Panel Q & A, featured Dennis Spencer, Brent Cowin, Wendy Wildt and Ed McMillan. Students, faculty and guests asked each speaker for their advice on various topics. Many great discussions came about, but a key question throughout this seminar was: What is more important ambition or IQ? Cowin shared his opinion stating ambition is much more important than IQ, but they are both essential. He explained when someone is frustrated they need more knowledge, and when someone is anxious they need more experience.

Professional Business Leaders

Garry Kinder and Donna Skell led the Professional Business Leaders seminar. It was a great way to wrap up the event because they are in charge of an organization called Roaring Lambs which involves Bob Briner, which is who this event was centered around. Being able to sit and listen to their advice was an incredible experience, stated Kami Suess.

The Briner School of Business continues to work hard to improve students' experience and education. The two-day celebration gave students the opportunity to listen to how one person can have a powerful impact. Roman Butler added, Overall, I think it was an extremely beneficial experience. To be able to sit down in front of successful people and pick their brains, to listen to the stories that tell how they ended up where they are, and to find out what I could do to have an advantage in this ever-growing competitive world is an opportunity I am blessed to have as a student. I hope the Briner School of Business continues to put on events like this, and that students take advantage of the opportunities. The Briner School of Business has a lot in store for Greenville College and for future Greenville University.

The original version of this article was first featured on Greenville College's online student publication, The Papyrus, as "Recap: Briner School of Business Celebration."