Bill Child William H. Child, CEO of R.C. Willey Furnishings was honored as Entrepreneur of the Year by the Marriott School and the Center for Entrepreneurship on April 1, 1999. In his remarks, Mr. Child told of his entrepreneurial story, focusing on integrity. He explained, "integrity is the ultimate competitive advantage." Child's advice to entrepreneurs everywhere was to "never do anything that you don't want published in a newspaper or you don't want your mom to know." He shared an example of years before when they sold many washers with defects. It was not convenient to replace the washers - integrity is never convenient - but they made the choice at any cost. His motto has always been, "Don't do anything in business you wouldn't do in life, and vice versa." What makes an entrepreneur? See a more complete list of some of the qualities necessary. Bill Child shared his opinion of a few things that make an entrepreneur: Passion, Committed, A Lot of Time, and Effort also. Dean Ned Hill Dean Ned Hill shared BYU's success story of Social Entrepreneurs. Honorary Doctorate awarded to Muhamed Yanus for his work in Bangladesh. He taught Economics in Tennessee, then returned to Bangladesh to make a difference. He set up the idea of Microcredit with a borrowing return rate of 98%. Yanus just had his second annual conference on campus. Warmer Woodworth is going to Honduras to teach Micro Entrepreneurs the necessary skills. Steve Gibson has designed a program to teach Bangladesh returned missionaries basic English, computer skills, management skills, etc. They will receive a certificate from BYU which will enable them to get a job quicker. There are many pilot programs in San Paulo, Brazil and throughout Mexico. Merrill Bateman President Bateman also spoke to Entrepreneur Founders of today's changing world. He said that in today's world anyone can change their wealth position almost overnight, so it is so important to pass on what we know to those that are younger that would potentially make the same mistakes. Bateman stated, "You can have anything in this world you want - be careful what you choose. Make a list of what you really want, because it is so easy to get absorbed in obtaining material things." President Bateman emphasized time management. "Organize how you are spending your time, how you are spending your days, come back to reorganize time. It has been my privelege over the years to watch general authorities organize their lives. It is very interesting. President Hinckely has a 7 am meeting with his security guards discussing the church and world security in the newspapers, and his lights are always off before 11 pm. President Monson works late, rises at 8 am, and always goes to hospitals to visit the elderly 30-40 minutes a day, showing his constant desire to reach out to help." Bateman suggested carefully organizing your time, so that you have something to take with you in the eternities after this life. Elaine Michaelis In the world of collegiate women's volleyball, few coaches command more respect than Cougar mentor Elaine Michaelis. Now beginning her 37th year at the helm of the BYU program, she has also spent the last three as Director of Women's Athletics. As such, Michaelis is responsible for 10 women's intercollegiate sports in one of the top overall sports programs in the nation. A proven winner, Michaelis is acknowledged as one of the top coaches in the nation. She has a record of 782-200-5, making her one of the top five winningest coaches in the nation. In April of 1994, Michaelis' work for the 1993 season was rewarded when she received the Dale Rex Memorial Award, an annual honor given by the BYU Cougar Club to the person who has contributed the most to amateur athletics in the state of Utah during the year. Only three women have earned that honor in the 51-year history of the award. BYU rated 8th in the country in the Sears Cup (10 men and 10 women sports together – tool for ranking). In 1998, BYU women sports were in the NCAA Top 10 for Soccer (9th), 2nd in Cross-Country, 6th in Indoor Track, 5th in Volleyball. This year the womens Basketball program received an invitation to compete in the WIT championship. In Gymnastics, BYU women ranked in the top ten, but after lots of injuries ended up with a ranking of 23rd with two qualifying for the Nationals Competition. Elaine expected the Out-door Track team to be in the top 10 this season and good rankings for Tennis and Golf. Elaine explained to Entrepreneur Founders that it is BYU policy that there be as many registered women's sports and there are men's registered sports. Men's Wrestling and Gymnastics programs are discontinued next year to comply with NCAA Title IX (gender equity position). The big news is that BYU is opening Womens Softball this year, and with proper funding, they will be in the conference (the 6th team to add). The softball field will will be back to back with the baseball field, but there are plans to add a building in between, as well as bleachers.