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Florida Memorial University School of Business’ academic and professional
development programs fulfill the cravings of business students and professionals at
critical stages of their career’s developments: from new undergraduates and graduates,
early career professionals, and budding entrepreneurs, to those taking the next step to
lead organizations. The energy and enthusiasm of our faculty, administration, staff,
alumni and especially our students guarantees the significant strides in strengthening
the School’s academic programs and community outreach to foster relationships with
the business community. Indeed, I am very proud of the School of Business
commitment to social responsibility and activities in which our faculty, staff, and
students are engaged that enrich our community. You will find a token of our
involvements in this Newsletter.
The School of Business currently offers Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting,
Business Administration, Finance, and Marketing. Students can also pursue a Dual-
Hospitality Management degree with Florida International University. The School
offers a MBA degree that is intended to serve our graduates and business professionals.
Students have opportunities to join student clubs related to their majors, recognized by
Business, Finance, and Marketing honor organizations, engage in professional
development activities, and develop network of life-long friends. The School’s
exceptional Advisory Council members have been fully committed in an integral part
of our success for providing professional development to our students and community
outreach.
Please take a moment to read our 2015-2016 report on the School of Business exciting
activities and information. I welcome the readers’ comments, communication, and
engagement with the School of Business. My honest gratitude goes to individuals who
have made this Report a sample of the School of Business’ commitment to Leadership,
Character, and Service to the academic and professional community.
Dean’s Address
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWSLETTER 2015 - 2016
SC
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“I am very proud of the School of Business
commitment to social responsibility and
activities”
Dr. Abbass Entessari
Dean, School of Business
MBA Program Director
Florida Memorial University - School of Business
15800 N.W. 42nd Avenue, Miami Gardens, Florida
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FACULTY & STAFF
2015—2016
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Dr. Abbass Entessari
Dean, School of Business
MBA Program Director
[email protected]
Dr. Barbara Edwards
Associate Professor of Management
[email protected]
Dr. Renee Forbes-Williams
Associate Professor of Accounting
[email protected]
Dr. Robert Labadie
Professor of Business Administration
[email protected]
Dr. William Lucky
Assistant Professor of Marketing
[email protected]
Dr. Cheulho Lee
Associate Professor of Finance
[email protected]
Dr. Robert Pellegrino
Associate Professor of Marketing
[email protected]
Dr. Kimberly Pellegrino
Associate Professor of Management
[email protected]
Ms. Sophretta Benjamin
Administrative Assistant
School of Business/MBA
[email protected]
Dr. Debra Perkins
Associate Professor of Management
[email protected]
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWSLETTER 2015—2016 Page 3
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS FACULTY UPDATE
2015—2016
August 10, 2015: Dr. Renee Forbes-Williams successfully completed Teaching Online: Reflections on
Practice
November 18, 2015: South Florida Executive Roundtable (SFER), Coral Gables, Florida “How Values
Drive Business Success” Workshop attended by Dr. Abbass Entessari and Dr. Cheulho Lee
January 7-9, 2016: Dr. Kimberly Pellegrino, Dr. Robert Pellegrino and Dr. Debra Perkins were presenters
at the Academic and Business Research Institute (AABRI) International Conference in Orlando, Florida.
Presentation was entitled “Advertising in the Hispanic Market”
June 17-20, 2016: Accreditation Council for Business Schools & Programs (ACBSP) 2016 Conference,
Atlanta, Georgia, Attended by Dr. Abbass Entessari
June 2-4, 2016: 14th Annual HBCU Business Dean’s Roundtable Summit, St. Louis, Missouri,
Attended by Dr. Abbass Entessari
Summer 2016: Dr. William Lucky wrote Proposal Forms for New Certificate through Prideland Grant:
1) Entrepreneur Essentials, 2) Supply Chain Management and 3) Project Management
November 23, 2015 and April 27, 2016: Senior Project Presentations - Business, marketing and finance
students conducted a strategic analysis of Papa John’s, Costco, Sands Hotel and Casino and Amazon. They
presented their analysis and findings during the Senior Project Presentation Series, facilitated by Dr. Debra
Perkins and Dr. Kimberly Pellegrino.
Students in Dr. Kimberly Pellegrino’s Senior Project course competed in the Business Strategy Game
competition. Marcelo Barbosa, Nicolas Castro, Ayat El-Zein, Kayla Franklin, Chelsy Navarro and Sherlie
Pierre earned a top 100 Global ranking for a majority of the competition rounds, scoring as high as the 24th
percentile worldwide. This international business competition included 45,732 undergraduate students,
17,090 companies, 431 schools, and 38 countries.
Marketing research students, under the supervision of Dr. Robert Pellegrino, conducted research to test the
convergent validity of three brain polarity scales. Fifty observations were collected for each scale in a 3 X
1 experimental design. Data was normalized before analysis. This analysis revealed good convergent
validity in two of the three scales.
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL
2015—2016
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The School of Business presented outgoing Advisory Council President (2013-2015) Steve Sanabria, with
a token of appreciation for all of his hard work and dedication to the School of Business faculty, staff and
students.
The School of Business Advisory Council is comprised of members from businesses in both the public and
private industry including manufacturing, banking, retail and service industries, retired executives and
representatives from government and not-for-profit institutions.
The mission of the School of Business Advisory Council is to provide assistance to the School of Business
and Florida Memorial University in the development and maintenance of Business Administration degree
Left to Right: Dr. Abbass Entessari, Steve Sanabria and Dr. Barbara Edwards
Althea Harris was elected Advisory Council President
Left to Right: Daniel McNeill, Althea Harris and Steve Sanabria
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWSLETTER 2015—2016 Page 5
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS ADVISORY COUNCIL
2015—2016
April 20, 2016: Flor ida Memor ial University (FMU) and the National Black MBA Association (NBMBAA)
entered into a groundbreaking agreement that will develop and strengthen career pathways for FMU undergraduate
and graduate business students. The partnership also aims to enhance the quality of the educational experiences,
internship placements and job opportunities for deserving students enrolled at FMU.
ICABA (International Career and Business Alliance, Inc.) Business Forum Wealth Summit, Ft. Lauderdale,
October 23, 2015: Jerome Hutchinson, Jr., CEO of ICABA/Advisory Council member donated tickets
inviting Dr. Barbara Edwards and three students to attend the summit. The Wealth Summit was focused on raising
the level of dialogue in the black community about wealth itself.
Left to Right: Dr. Barbara Edwards, Aundra Smith, Javelin Lovette, Camille Sands and Jerome Hutchinson, Jr.
January 19, 2016: Althea Harris, U.S. Small Business Administration - Assistant District Director/Marketing
& Outreach Area I / Advisory Council President, along with Dr. Abbass Entessari and Dr. Barbara Edwards met
with FMU President Dr. Roslyn Clark-Artis and Vice-President Marcus Burgess to renew and sign a Small
Business Alliance Partnership Agreement with the U.S. Small Business Administration.
February 18, 2016: Althea Harris, Advisory Council President, participated as a panelist on the National
Black MBA Forum entitled, “Access to Your Dreams”.
The Advisory Council Is Always Hard At Work
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWSLETTER 2015—2016 Page 6
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS GUEST SPEAKERS
2015—2016
9.15.2015: Marvin Frazier of Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC), and Advisory
Council member, Spoke to the Human Resource Management (HRM 350) class.
Dr. Barbara Edwards, Professor
9.29.2015: JaRenae Whitehead, FMU Director & Chief Human Resources Officer spoke to the Human
Resource Management (HRM 350) class. Dr. Barbara Edwards, Professor
10.22.2015: Alieka Stewart-Hendriks, Talent Acquisition Manager with Enterpr ise Holdings, Inc. spoke to
the Business Internship & Seminar (BUS 450) class regarding career opportunities.
Dr. Barbara Edwards, Professor
10.27.2015: Corey Edwards, Employment Development Specialist in the Human Resource Department of
Miami-Dade spoke to the Human Resource Management (HRM 350) class regarding career development,
training activities and job opportunities within the county government. Dr. Barbara Edwards, Professor
11.4.2015: Eric Knowles, President/CEO of Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and Advisory Council
member along with Tiffany Britton, Esq., Sr . Executive Legal Advisor , Miami Parking Author ity spoke at
the National Black MBA South Florida Chapter General Membership Meeting “Civil & Social Life After Your
MBA” held at FMU.
11.5.2015: Dr. Rosalie Payne, Sr . Director of Policy & Compliance with Carnival Cruise Line and
Advisory Council member, spoke to the Human Resource Management (HRM 350) class providing
information about Carnival’s newly created Human Resources department and hiring process.
Dr. Barbara Edwards, Professor
3.30.2016: Margarethe Charles, Owner , of M. Char les Consulting, Inc. and Spr ing 2006 FMU Accounting
Graduate, spoke to the Business Internship & Seminar (BUS 450) class regarding “Customer Service”.
Dr. Barbara Edwards, Professor
4.6.2016: Kenny Davin, CFP, Financial Consultant with Fidelity Investments and FMU Spr ing 2010
Finance Graduate along with Richard Way, III, CFP with Edward Jones Financial and FMU Spring 2011 Finance
Graduate spoke to the Business Internship & Seminar (BUS 450) class regarding “Financial Literacy”.
Dr. Barbara Edwards, Professor
ALUMNI UPDATES
The School of Business Would Like to Thank ALL Guest Speakers
Kemi Bamigbola (Spr ing 2012 Accounting Graduate), Senior Accountant, Financial Repor ting & Controls at Walmar t
eCommerce
Wendy Banks (Spr ing 2007 Accounting Graduate), Employed at Equifax International Accounting Depar tment
Juan Brown (Fall 2014 Finance Graduate), Staffing Director at National Service Group
Lacrisha Jeffries (Fall 2013 Marketing Graduate), Received MBA cur rently the CEO of college prep company for
underprivileged youth
Theotis Kirnes, J r . (Fall 2013 Accounting Graduate), Sales at Ford Motor Company
Alex Lacroix (Spr ing 2016 MBA Graduate), President, ALM Tax Services, Inc.
Kory Rankine (Fall 2011 Accounting Graduate), Owner , Escape Luxury Hospitality
Malcolm Wilson, (Fall 2011 Business Administration Graduate), Received MBA October 2015
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2015—2016
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Dr. Abbass Entessari and Dr. Barbara Edwards attended Summit with 10 School of Business students.
Tickets were donated by Renita Samuels Dixon, Chair of the Economic Development Committee, Dade County
Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.
September 9, 2015: Dr. Abbass Entessari and Aundra Smith (Marketing major) attended luncheon
Dr. Abbass Entessari and the following students were in attendance: Sanders Dior (MBA student),
Jermarco Woodson (Computer Information Systems major), Fresh Start Beverage Company [H.E. Nester Kush
Ben Alkebulan (FMU Marketing major), Trendolyn Hopkins (FMU Communication major) and Michael Baptiste
(FMU Spring 2014 Business Administration Graduate)]
Fresh Start Beverage Company competed in the National Black Chamber of Commerce “Pass the Torch Elevator
Pitch Competition” and won a Southwest Round Trip Airline Ticket “Green Pass”. This pass allows travel
anywhere that Southwest flies.
Members of the Dade County Alumnae Chapter, Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. conducted a workshop on mock
interviews and resume critiques to students in the School of Business Internship & Seminar Class (BUS 450)
Dr. Barabra Edwards, Professor
2015 National Black Chamber of Commerce Convention, Hollywood, Florida, August 5-7, 2015
National Association of Black Women in Construction, Inc. (NABWIC) - South Florida Chapter Luncheon
2nd Annual Black Professionals Summit, Florida International University, September 12, 2015
Resume Review & Mock Interviewing Workshop, September 29, 2016
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2015—2016
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FMU GRADUATE EXPO 10.13.2016
School of Business Professional Development Seminar, “Mind Over Money Skills”
October 13, 2015
Dr. Abbass Entessari Discuss FMU’s
MBA Program With Students
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS NEWSLETTER 2015—2016 Page 9
SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2015—2016
School of Business Collaboration With
FMU Career Development Center
February 3, 2016: Internship Roundtable
Dr. Barbara Edwards’ Business Internship & Seminar Class (BUS 450) and other FMU students in need
of an internship or employment were in attendance with their resumes. Over 10 company recruiters
participated.
Left to Right: Dr. Rosalie Payne (Advisory Council Member), Dr. Barbara Edwards,
Althea Jackson (Director, Career Development Center) and Theophilus Adderly (Advisory
Council Member)
Students and Company Representatives
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2015—2016
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School of Business Collaboration With
Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Dade County Alumnae Chapter’s
February 24, 2016: First Annual Business & Dining Etiquette Workshop
The School of Business and the Career Development Center collaborated with Delta Sigma Theta Sorority,
Inc., Dade County Alumnae Chapter’s Economic Development Committee to co-host the First Annual
Business and Dining Etiquette Workshop. Students in Dr. Barbara Edwards’ Business Internship and Seminar
(BUS 450) class and Executive Board members of the Senior Class were given formal dining tips and treated to
dinner as part of the workshop. The facilitators, all members of the sorority, covered interviewing strategies for
interviews conducted during meals, proper grooming and professional dress for interviews, resume critiques, and
networking techniques. Special thanks to the Economic Development Committee for underwriting the cost of the
meals, and Thompson Hospitality for providing the table settings as a courtesy. It was an outstanding learning
experience for Florida Memorial University students designed to enhance their marketability.
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT
2015—2016
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Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce
2016 Symposium & Business Leaders Luncheon
Dr. Abbass Entessari, Dr. Barbara Edwards, Dr. William Lucky and six School of Business students
attended the Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce 2016 Symposium and Business Leaders Luncheon held on
March 18, 2016. The panelists were phenomenal and very inspiring. The students were very impressed with
the fact that most of the panelists came from humble beginnings. In fact, one of the students is from the same
neighborhood where City of Miami Commissioner Chairman, Keon Hardemon grew-up. Although the
discussion centered around mentoring, the panelists also served as excellent role-models for the students to
emulate. Kenny Davin, (Spring 2010 FMU Finance Graduate), served on the panel and represented FMU and
the School of Business in an outstanding manner. Following the panel discussion, a session on financial literacy
and wealth building was held. The luncheon speaker, Mrs. Maggie Anderson, gave a powerful challenge on the
importance of supporting Black businesses. A special thanks to Mr. Eric Knowles, President/CEO of the
Miami-Dade Chamber of Commerce and a member of the Advisory Council, for providing the opportunity for
faculty and students to participate in such an empowering event.
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
2015—2016
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Independent Colleges & Universities of Florida (ICUF)
Tallahassee, Florida
As the FMU Presidential Fellows of Independent Colleges and Universities of Florida (ICUF), Joanna Sinclair and Jarvis
Thomas (Finance seniors in the School of Business), attended the ICUF Annual Legislative Day events held in
Tallahassee, Florida on January 25 – 26, 2016. The purpose of ICUF Presidential Fellows Program is to organize student-
led campaigns in support of independent higher education in general and the Florida Resident Access Grant (FRAG) in
particular. Dr. Cheulho Lee accompanied them as their mentor.
They visited the Capital with Fellows from other ICUF schools. They met Senate President Andy Gardiner, House Speaker
Steve Crisafulli and Commissioner Adam Putman to thank them for their continued support for FRAG. They also visited
offices of several legislators and delivered a thank you card they personally made to: Senators Oscar Braynon, Denise
Grimsley, Joe Negron, Representatives Sharon Pritchett, Gayle B. Harrell, and Larry Lee, Jr.
Dr. Cheulho Lee and School of Business Students displaying the Flor ida Resident Access Grant
(FRAG) Banner. The FRAG Program provides tuition assistance to Florida undergraduate students attending
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
2015—2016
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Lions Lending a Hand to Flint! Founders Anjelicia Lee and Antoinette McCoy along with students from the
Marketing Club AMA and Lions for Justice initiated a water drive for Flint Michigan. February 2016
Pictured Left to Right:
Rear: Damion Showers, Dr. William Lucky, Vincent Dupree and Rodney Carter
Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)
Community Tax Preparation
Five FMU Accounting students received IRS Certification to prepare free tax returns for people whose annual
income is $35,000.00 or less, persons with disabilities, the elderly and limited English speaking taxpayers. The
VITA services are offered in coordination with the City of Miami Gardens/Betty T. Ferguson Recreational
Complex. Dr. Renee Forbes-Williams, Professor/Advisor
STUDY ABROAD STUDENTS
Chelsea Moss
Music Major/Minor in Finance
Chelsea is studied abroad with International
Student Exchange Program (ISEP)
at the University of Ghana (Spring 2016)
Cindy Rosero
Business Administration Major
Cindy is studied abroad on a
Multi-country International Exchange
Student Program (IES)
In Chile and Brazil (Spring 2016)
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS STUDENT HIGHLIGHTS
2015—2016
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Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA)
February 5, 2016: Dr. William Lucky, Advisor for Distr ibutive Educational Clubs of Amer ica (DECA)
along with two School of Business Students; Jennell Barnett (Dual Hospitality Management major) and Nigeria
Lawrence (Marketing major), attended the Mock Competition Leadership Conference in Ft. Pierce, Florida.
Left to Right: Jennell Barnett, Dr. William Lucky (Advisor) and Nigeria Lawrence
2016 RESEARCH/EXPERIMENTAL LEARNING &
PERFORMING ARTS DAY (REPLAD) April 22, 2016
Luisa Ruiz (MBA student) presented “Dupont Analysis Project: Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd.
Juan Pegoraro (Finance major) and Julio Vera (Finance major) presented “Financial Analysis of Coach, Inc”.
They were awarded First Place
Duran Saunders (Marketing major) presented “Corporate Analysis of JetBlue Airlines” from a Business
Internship perspective. He was awarded First Place - award was divided with Juan Pegoraro and Julio Vera.
Juan Pegoraro and Julio Vera Duran Saunders
March 3, 2016: Jennell Barnett and Niger ia Lawrence won THIRD PLACE in the Advertising Campaign
Competition at the 51st Annual Collegiate Distributive Educational Clubs of America (DECA) State Career
Development Conference and Competition in Orlando, Florida. The event was extremely competitive with
competition from the University of Florida, Florida International University, University of Central Florida,
Johnson and Wales, Indian River State University, Broward College, and Nova Southeastern. Their placement in
the state competition qualifies them for the International Career Development Conference and competition in
Washington, D. C.
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SCHOOL OF BUSINESS HONOR CLUBS
2015—2016
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Spring 2016 Honor Societies Induction Ceremony
The School of Business held its annual joint induction ceremony for Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society
(DMD) and Financial Management Association International Honor Society (FMA) on April 18, 2016. Mr.
Quanderryl Lamar (Finance Major - FMU Fall 2012 Graduate), Senior Financial Analyst at Teamhealth, was the
guest speaker for the ceremony. This year, 16 honor students were inducted into DMD, and 13 students into FMA.
Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society Inductees (Advisor: Dr. Cheulho Lee)
Joseph A. Adderly, Jr. (Finance), Federico Blumberg (Finance), Demetri Bowe, Jr. (Accounting), Ashley T. Cooper
(Finance), Crishonna S. Crane (Accounting), Johnavan A. Curry (Finance), Brian T. Gonzalez (Finance), Gustavo H.
Gordillo (Finance), Melbria D. Hall (Finance), Martin Irusta Magni (Finance), Hernan L. Liporace (Finance), Dominique J.
Nicholson (Finance), Devayne R. Roberts (Accounting), Lahjaryel D. Robinson (Finance), Mouhamadou Sarr (Finance), and
Julio C. Vera Negrete (Finance).
Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society is an international business honor society that recognizes and encourages
academic excellence of students at qualifying colleges and universities to create a DMD community that fosters the well-
being of its individual members and the business community through life-time membership.
Financial Management Association International Honor Society Inductees (Advisor: Dr. Cheulho Lee)
Joseph A. Adderly, Jr.(Finance), Federico Blumberg (Finance), Ashley T. Cooper (Finance), Johnavan A. Curry
(Finance), Brian T. Gonzalez (Finance), Gustavo H. Gordillo (Finance), Melbria D. Hall (Finance), Martin Irusta Magni
(Finance), Hernan L. Liporace (Finance), Dominique J. Nicholson (Finance), Lahjaryel D. Robinson (Finance),
Mouhamadou Sarr(Finance), and Julio C. Vera Negrete (Finance).
The Financial Management Association International Honor Society provides a way to recognize the best finance students for
their academic achievements. By induction into the FMA International Honor Society, students have a means of
demonstrating their academic excellence to potential employers. This honor helps set them apart from other students when
pursuing their career.
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2015—2016
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Marketing Club
April 7, 2016, the Marketing Club presented the “Show Me What You Got” Talent Show. 1st Place Winner
($50 prize) Jaquitsha Johnson - performed “Ordinary People” by John Legend, 2nd Place Winner ($25 prize) Darrin
School of Business Marketing Club
Left to Right: Front Row – Tiara Lee, Zoe Hinkson, Monique Williams, Carmisha Taylor and Sabrina Edwards
Sixth Annual Community Health Awareness Day
The School of Business Honor Clubs: Delta Mu Delta International Honor Society, Finance Club and Marketing
Club students par ticipated in the Sixth Annual Community Health Awareness Day on Saturday, Apr il 16,
2016. This event was sponsored by Triumph the Church and Kingdom of God in Christ-Miami and the National
Black Police Association - City of Miami Chapter. These organizations act as a liaison to build a relationship with
Law Enforcement Agencies and the community by providing medical screenings, social services referrals, and job
information. Dr. Cheulho Lee and Ms. Sophretta Benjamin also participated in this event.
