This Fall 2012, the Executive MBA Program graduated its first Executive MBA December Class under the new, 17-month format.  The 17 graduates represented various industries and companies, both domestic and international.  In celebrating this achievement, a graduation celebration was held in the Louis XVI Ballroom located inside the Peabody Hotel.  This celebration included EMBA students and their guests, and faculty and staff of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics Executive MBA Program.
 

During this celebration, one student was honored with the Kurt A. Christoff Outstanding Executive MBA Student of the Year award.  Several years ago, the EMBA Program established this award to honor Kurt A. Christoff, from the EMBA Class of 1993.  Kurt and his wife, Beth, were fatally injured in an automobile accident shortly before the beginning of his final semester in the program.  
 

Kurt Christoff was a student who thrived on academic challenges.  In addition to being recognized for his excellent academic performance in the program, he was known for his positive outlook on life.  He spent many hours helping his classmates, was a class leader, and served as a very positive force in the EMBA program.  The Kurt A. Christoff Award was established to honor his memory.
 

Each year, faculty, staff and students nominate a member of the graduating class to receive this award as the Outstanding Executive MBA Student of the Year.  Considerations for this prestigious award are academic performance, leadership ability, enthusiasm for the learning process, and commitment to the success of fellow students and the EMBA program.
 

This year’s recipient was Mr. Jim Horsey, District Business Manager – West Tennessee with Pfizer, Inc.  Shown below, Mr. Horsey was presented the award from Dr. Rajiv Grover, Dean of the Fogelman College of Business and Economics.