Georgia Southern University

Several Georgia Southern University students recently learned the secrets of thriving in corporate America from entrepreneur Bill Rancic, the first winner of Donald Trump's reality TV competition, "The Apprentice." The Office of Student Leadership & Civic Engagement sponsored an essay contest giving students the opportunity to attend a special dinner with Rancic prior to his lecture at the University. Eight winners were selected from more than 20 essays submitted, in which students described how their undergraduate experiences at Georgia Southern would prepare them for a future career. "I am thrilled that the Office of Career Services brought a level of speaker that is the same caliber as the dynamic students we have at Georgia Southern University," said Dr. Teresa Thompson, Vice President of the Division of Student Affairs and Enrollment Management. "The opportunity for students to have dinner with Bill Rancic exemplifies our commitment to providing students with unique experiences such as individual conversations with a nationally recognized speaker." During his visit, Rancic shared tips for securing a job, recognizing and seizing opportunities and balancing high expectations with personal shortcomings. He is the author of The New York Times best-selling book, You're Hired: How to Succeed in Business and Life, and stars in a new reality show on A&E TV, "We Mean Business." Rancic also funds philanthropic causes through proceeds from his second book, Beyond the Lemonade Stand, which challenges readers to learn the value of money and leverage skills, talents and abilities at a young age. The eight winners include:

Georgia Southern University's SOAR (Orientation) Team recently traveled to Baton Rouge, Louisiana to attend the Southern Regional Orientation Workshop (SROW) where they won several awards. SROW is a regional conference through the National Orientation Directors Association (NODA) attended by undergraduate orientation leaders, graduate students, and orientation professionals. Over 1700 people from 82 institutions across the southeast gathered at Louisiana State University to learn about other orientation programs, student leadership, teamwork, diversity and acceptance, student and family transition, and showcase school pride. For the last few months, the SOAR Team has been preparing to represent Georgia Southern at SROW and their hard work paid off.