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| David Abney shared a laugh with some Delta State students following the International Business Symposium. He and his wife, Sherry, sponsor the symposium.
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David Abney returned to his alma mater Thursday to keynote Delta State University’s International Business Symposium. |
Delta State University’s International Business Symposium proved a success, yet again.
Now in its second year, the symposium was presented through the College of Business and Division of Management, Marketing, and Business Administration and was sponsored by David Abney and wife, Sherry, both Delta natives who currently reside in Atlanta.
A 1976 graduate, Abney earned his bachelor’s of business administration from Delta State, and today sits on the University’s Foundation Board. Recently elevated to Chief Operating Officer (COO) and President of UPS Airlines, he highlighted this year’s program which featured top-ranking international business professionals.
Dianne M. Stokely, President and Chief Operating Officer (COO), FedEx Customer Information Services, Inc.; and Diana M. Leonard, Senior Vice President, Orange Business Services, France Telecom Group also spoke at the two-day event.
Abney’s goal of the event, as he later said, “is to ensure the youth of Mississippi and the youth of the world grow up aware of the international opportunities available to them. I grew up thinking anything north of Memphis was international and I am determined today’s generation don’t fall victim that way of thinking.”
It was the Abney’s generous gift that also helped initially launch Delta State’s International Business and Development program almost two years ago. Designed to prepare students for the constantly expanding world of business, the International Business and Development program aims at providing students with the necessary skills and understanding to succeed in the international business arena.
Of his continued support of not only the program, but the Symposium too, Dr. John M. Hilpert, Delta State’s President offered, “David Abney has been generous with not only finicial support, but also time. He has helped us every year, offering us access to speakers we would not, otherwise have.
“This symposium is an eye-opening experience to our students,” Hilpert continued. “I think David and his wife, Sherry have established a model that works, and I hope other alumni are inspired to replicate it. I know it would make a tremendous difference to Delta State University and the region.”
For more information on the International Business and Development program at Delta State, please contact Jamye Long at (662) 846-4420 or jlong@deltastate.edu.
