2009 COBA Diplomats

May I introduce the Alabama State University's College of Business Administration 2009 Collegiate Diplomats.

Front Row: (R to L) Eric McKinney, Cynthia Goldsmith, Walter Carter. Back Row (R to L) Kiya Powell- Stephens, Robert Means, Bryan Vann, Brandon Darrington.

Bryan Vann decided to drop out of the trip at the last minute claiming that his parents would not allow him to travel. He had committed himself since January, signing all the necessary travel documents and agreement with the university. He had ample time to change his mind and discuss the trip with his parents yet, unfortunately, he quit the group 3 days before departure which did not allow us enough time to obtain the necessary documentation for another student to take his place. Very unprofessional and selfish on his part and unfortunate to another student that could have gone in his place. So Sad..His loss was someone else's loss as well.

Now on to the stars of this years trip, Cynthia, Kiya, Brandon, Eric, Robert and Walter. These are some of the best and the brightest students in the College of Business Administration. After being selected to participate in the Study Tour to South Korea and China in March of 2009, these students enrolled in language and culture classes to prepare them to represent our university with style and grace. South Korean culture is very different from our culture here in the United States and after taking the classes that were offered, they are very well prepared. I wish I could be there to witness the expression on their faces as they approach the Incheon Airport and their first views of the land the will explore for the next few days. If they respond to this experience the way I did last year they will have a huge smile on their faces for the next 10 days. They will be amazed and this experience will create lifelong memories to share for many years to come. Even though these students did not know one another prior to their selection, they have become very close friends over the past couple of months. They will have an amazing time. Each of us that was blessed to have this experience should give recognition and thanks to Dr. Kamal Hingorani for his efforts in making this happen. He works very hard for the students of COBA. Thanks also to our beloved Dean, Percy Vaughn, Jr. for his tireless efforts to open doors for every student at COBA. This trip would not have been possible without the hard work and dedication these two very special people.

With only 24 hours before the group meets at the university to catch the bus to Atlanta, Georgia, I am getting those last minute phone calls requiring answers to the many question they ask, recommendations about some of the items they may forget to pack, and some just of them wanting to talk. This will be several of these students first time on an airplane, so some of the questions are just for reassurance that everything is going to be alright.

I also helped to make the last minute arrangements for Dr. Vaughn's daughter Traci, to meet her father and the group in Seoul on Monday. What a treat for Dr. Vaughn, Dean of the College of Business Administration to have his daughter, Traci, join him on this journey. I was so happy that she finally said yes after much persuasion by her sister Denise.

I am in hopes that the students will email me their activities so I can keep this blog up to date each day of the trip. We had some trouble keeping our journal done each day while we were in South Korea last year so maybe I can do better this year. Guess that's it for now. Stay tuned for updates.