Georgia Southern University Chapter of the GRA 

The first year of the organization proved to be very successful. In the first semester, the chapter established a newspaper and hosted two speakers. President John Heavener came early in the semester to see our students and community. Joe Doyle, Director of Department of Consumer Affairs for the Governor, gave a presentation to over 300 students and faculty, had a luncheon with retailers in the community, and dinner with the members of the university chapter of GRA.

Based on a point system, a member of the organization was chosen to attend the National Retail Federation’s Big Show in New York City in January. Two students from the Marketing department were awarded scholarships to attend the show. Dr. Gruben took a total of four students to New York City where they saw the latest RFID technology and heard from executive management from major retailers. Dr. Gruben also arranged a tour of the downtown Macy’s and a very successful grocery chain, The Food Emporium. The students made a trip to see the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, and the Broadway performance of Rent.

During the second semester, the chapter’s board attended the signing of the proclamation for Retail Week and the legislative brunch hosted by the GRA. The members also teamed up to put on a very successful fashion show for the city’s commerce in the Statesboro Mall.

The members of the student chapter got involved with the community and during the first semester, they collected cans and chipped in a money to provide a local family with a 13 pound turkey, ham, fresh sweet potatoes and a $25 gift certificate for Thanksgiving. The second semester, the students went to the Joseph Home for Boys and hosted dinner and games for the children. The night was filled with laughter and tasty hamburgers grilled by Kyle Hensel.

The recipients of the 2005 – 06 scholarships are junior Tara Prindle and senior Ellsa Suentes. The organization got off to a great start, and with the new elected officers, the future looks bright.