BYU’s Marriott School Names 2006 Hawes Scholars

Back: Michael Kennington, Brian Cutting, Trent Read, Anthony Coppel, Ryan Bybee; Front: Richard Zollinger, Tara Haynie, Cori Lindstrom, Samuel Bernards

PROVO, Utah — Mar 21, 2006 — Brigham Young University’s Marriott School of Management named nine MBA candidates as its 2006 Hawes Scholars — the highest distinction given to MBA students at the school. The honor, which carries a $10,000 cash award, recognizes students for scholastic and extracurricular success throughout the graduate program.

The 2006 Marriott School Hawes Scholars are Samuel Bernards, of Alpine, Utah; Ryan Bybee, of Orem; Anthony Coppel, of Geneva, Switzerland; Brian Cutting, of Danville, Calif.; Tara Haynie, of St. George, Utah; Michael Kennington, of Levenworth, Kan.; Cori Lindstrom, of Elk Ridge, Utah; Trent Read, of Salt Lake City, and Richard Zollinger, of Idaho Falls, Idaho.

“By no means was the selection process easy,” says James Stice, MBA program director. “We asked the Marriott School faculty and students for input and recommendations. Many were considered, but in the end we feel these nine are most deserving.”

Nominations for the Hawes Scholars are made by students and faculty and voted on by both groups. Final selection is made by the Hawes Scholar Committee, with the approval of the Hawes family. Selection is based on academic performance, leadership maturity and a commitment to high ethical standards.

Named for successful corporate executive Rodney A. Hawes Jr. and his wife, Beverly, the award was created in 1998 to recognize the accomplishments of graduating MBA students. The Hawes Scholar award is one of many initiatives made possible by the Hawes Endowment, a gift of more than $2 million used to facilitate the growth and enhancement of the Marriott School’s nationally ranked MBA program. Mr. Hawes, a Baker Scholar from the Harvard Business School, and his wife wanted to create a tradition at the Marriott School that recognizes and rewards excellence among students entering the business world.

Mr. Hawes served as chairman and CEO of Life Re Corporation, a leading provider of life reinsurance in the United States. In addition to being widely recognized for his expertise in financial matters, Hawes has a reputation for integrity, hard work and community service.

The Marriott School is located at Brigham Young University, the largest privately owned, church-sponsored university in the United States. The school has nationally recognized programs in accounting, business management, public management, information systems, organizational behavior and entrepreneurship. The school’s mission is to prepare men and women of faith, character and professional ability for positions of leadership throughout the world. Approximately 3,000 students are enrolled in the Marriott School’s graduate and undergraduate programs.

2006 Hawes Scholar Bios

Samuel Bernards, of Alpine, Utah, is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in supply chain. He earned an undergraduate degree in applied physics, with an emphasis in computer engineering, from BYU. Bernards worked as the information systems manager for Prestige Financial Services, Inc. for three years, as a strategic and information systems consultant for four years, and interned with BMW in Germany last summer. “I came to the Marriott School to gain two things: knowledge to amplify my abilities, and friends with whom I could create opportunities,” Bernards says. “My hopes were exceeded by both professors and peers alike, who have created an environment of learning and camaraderie that has changed my life for the better.”

Ryan Bybee, of Orem, Utah, is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in marketing. He earned his undergraduate degree in business, from BYU. Bybee worked for five years in marketing development for the franchise restaurant industry, recently interned with The Dow Chemical Company, and plans to work with Woodside Homes, LLC upon graduation. “I am grateful my family and I made the decision to return to school and pursue an MBA,” Bybee says. “The quality of people in our MBA program is amazing, and I’ve learned as much from these outstanding individuals as I have from my studies.”

Anthony Coppel, of Geneva, Switzerland, is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in supply chain. He earned his undergraduate degree in international relations from the University of Geneva. Coppel worked in public relations for three years and recently interned with Rolex. He will work with Rolex’s purchasing department upon graduation. “Before coming here I could have explained, from an intellectual point of view, what makes the BYU MBA program so different,” Coppel says. “I knew about BYU, but now I know BYU. The school now lives in my heart through wonderful memories and friendships and in my mind through a blend of temporal and spiritual knowledge gained here.”

Brian Cutting, of Danville Calf., is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in marketing. He earned his undergraduate degree in business administration with an emphasis in marketing from California State University, Chico. Cutting worked as a project manager for SAP AG for three years, and interned with The Black & Decker Corporation in 2005. He and his family have accepted a job with Woodside Homes, LLC. “BYU has provided me with the opportunity to learn themes and tools that are central to my future career goals,” Cutting says. “This program has offered unique opportunities to meet and work with individuals of outstanding moral character and values.”

Tara Haynie, of St. George, Utah, is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in marketing. She received her undergraduate degree in business management from BYU. Haynie worked as lead processor with Magellan Capital Mortgage for a year, before interning with Hewlett-Packard. “With the skills gained in the MBA program, I have the opportunity to better influence those I come in contact with,” Haynie says. “As a mother, full-time employee, or volunteer, my educational pursuits will enhance all that I do.”

Michael Kennington, of Leavenworth, Kan., is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in finance. He earned an undergraduate degree in accounting from the University of Kansas, and a Master of Accountancy from BYU. Kennington worked as a senior auditor for Deloitte & Touche for three years, as well as a financial analyst for Cisco Systems in 2005. Upon graduation, he plans to work as a financial analyst for American Express. “The Marriott School’s faculty and administration is concerned not only with the competency of students, but also with their character,” Kennington says. “Outside of my professional career, BYU has provided me the skills needed to always serve my family, church and community.”

Cori Lindstrom, of Elk Ridge, Utah, is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in organizational behavior and human resources. He graduated from BYU with an undergraduate degree in international studies, a minor in business, and an emphasis in Latin American studies. Lindstrom worked for Adecco as branch manager for a year and a half and interned with Honeywell International as a human resource generalist. He has accepted a position as human resources specialist with Honeywell. “I feel the most valuable asset I have coming out of the program is the network I’ve developed with the other students, the faculty and alumni,” Lindstrom says. “I hope to be able to go into the professional world and be a man of faith and character who can help organizations through the challenges of an ever-changing global environment. I feel my fellow students will be tomorrow’s leaders and I’m grateful for the opportunity I’ve had to associate with them.”

Trenton Read, of Springville, Utah, is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in finance and entrepreneurship. He earned an undergraduate degree in Portuguese from BYU, and has worked in many finance-related positions for the past six years. Read’s employers have included: Northwestern Mutual, Deutsche Bank, Honeywell, Capstone Investments, and Cisco Systems. He plans to work with Wachovia Securities in investment banking upon graduation. “I have high goals for myself and I came to the Marriott School knowing I could accomplish those goals with the excellent education BYU provides,” Read says. “I know this program is providing me with the tools I need to succeed. It will be up to me to make it happen.”

Richard Zollinger, of Idaho Falls, Idaho, is a second-year MBA candidate with an emphasis in finance. He earned an undergraduate degree in finance with a minor in Korean from BYU. Zollinger served as a financial analyst for Deere and Company for two years and worked as manager of Elk Creek Ranch for the past two summers. He has accepted a job in the American Express leadership development program. “During my time at the Marriott School, I have been greatly enriched, and feel well-equipped to return to corporate America and make a measured difference,” Zollinger says. “I have been blessed through associations with fellow students and top-notch professors. I cherish these relationships. Their examples have helped me to become a better student, leader and person.”