Three Sam M. Walton College of Business alumni will be honored during the college’s annual awards banquet on April 18.
The annual banquet aims to spotlight the achievements of Walton College students during the school year and honor alumni for their contributions to business and services to both the college and the larger community.
This year, the college is honoring three alumni:
- Lifetime Achievement Award — Bob East; chairman of the board, East-Harding, Inc.; Little Rock, Arkansas. East earned a B.S.B.A. in finance from the Walton College in 1970.
- Entrepreneur of the Year Award — Heather Nelson; co-founder, president and chief operating officer, Seal Energy Solutions; North Little Rock, Arkansas. Nelson earned a B.S.B.A. in marketing management in 1994.
- Outstanding Service Award — Joanne Tam Fuller, associate client director, Nielsen; Bentonville, Arkansas. Fuller earned an M.B.A. in 2014 with an emphasis in global business.
The lifetime achievement award is presented to “those who make significant achievements in his or her careers and are recognized as industry and community leaders,” according to a U of A press release.
The entrepreneur of the year award honors a college graduate who has found success in a business venture of his or her own creation. According to the release, preference for the award is given to business leaders who have been in business at least five years, but consideration is also given to emerging business leaders who “exhibit the business acumen, drive and dedication essential to long-term success.”
The outstanding service award honors a Walton College graduate who “helps build and sustain the alumni and student network through active engagement…”
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