One of just 20 students selected nationwide, Campbell School of Business Trust & Wealth Management major Veronica Martinez traveled recently to the prestigious Undergraduate Student Humanomics Colloquium in Wichita, Kansas. Hosted by The Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics at Emporia State University, Emporia, KS, the all-expenses paid, Liberty Fund-style educational and networking event took place February 22-24, 2019.
Martinez, a Texas-born, Kansas-bred junior who serves as President of the Gilbert T. Trust Club, was among participants from 11 states who explored topics such as: What makes a rich nation rich? What makes a good person good? And how are these questions connected? Such questions about markets and ethics challenged participants’ perceptions of economics as distinct from the humanities. The Colloquium also challenged students to generate original research projects for presentation at a professional conference in the future.
Recommended by Professor Shahriar Mostashari, Ph.D., Associate Dean for External Relations at Campbell Business School, Veronica submitted a short essay on what she hoped to gain from the experience. On her return, she said, “I’ve never seen such an enthusiastic group of young individuals so ready to learn and discuss enlightening readings. It was such a great experience, discussing how there seems to be a disconnect between the utilitarian approach of thinking and that of a single group and/or individual approach to issues in economy and society. In turn, thinking about how to approach this disconnect and create the greatest happiness for the greatest number of individuals while maintaining their individuality was very exciting.”
Professor Mostashari commented, “Nothing makes me happier than to see our student ambassadors attending and experiencing unique educational programs outside of Buies Creek, within the United States and abroad. They not only gain new skills, meet new people, and raise their professional profile, they are spreading the warmth of Campbell and extending her long reach.”
In thanking the Koch Center for Leadership and Ethics for hosting Campbell students in 2018 and 2019, Mostashari noted that the Center provided all seminar-related material, including textbooks and journal articles as well as lodging, meals and a travel honoraria of $500.