UA WALTON COLLEGE’S RETAIL RESEARCH CENTER SUPPORTS STUDY ABROAD PROGRAM

FAYETTEVILLE, Ark. - The Center for Retailing Excellence at the Sam M. Walton College of Business at the University of Arkansas believe students should have the opportunity to study businesses and cultures from across the world. That is why the Center is holding a golf tournament today at the Springdale Country Club, Springdale, to raise money for study abroad scholarships.

The Scholarship Golf Tournament is a scramble and is being held in conjunction with the Center’s semi-annual board of advisors meeting and "Building Brand Value, a Retailing Symposium" on Oct. 11. Participants in the golf tournament include a retailer and retail vendors.

Claudia Mobley, managing director of the Center for Retailing Excellence, said, "Last year, we were able to raise over $20,000 for scholarships for students to study in China, Japan, Canada and Mexico. We feel students who gain this international experience will bring a much broader perspective to their future careers, especially in the area of retail."

The Walton College International Business Studies, founded in 1998, continues to expand as businesses become more global. In the program, students are taught abroad by UA faculty as well as international faculty. They participate in several business enrichment activities and visit businesses and organizations in the country where they are studying.

Mobley added, "Our Center members and participants see the value of supporting these students because the study abroad program helps develop future employees who have a global perspective."

The Center for Retailing Excellence was established in the Walton College in 1998 with a portion of the $50 million endowment from the Walton Family Charitable Support Foundation Inc. The Center was created to bridge the gap between university faculty, students and the retail industry.