April 3, 2012

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OXFORD, Miss. - The Ole Miss athletics department recently hosted its annual “Backpack to Briefcase” Etiquette/Networking Dinner for more than 70 student-athletes.

This program is an interactive five-course meal designed to provide junior and senior student-athletes with the first steps toward their desired careers. Through networking with M-Club Alumni members and business leaders, student-athletes have an opportunity to learn about the job search process and the world of work from those who understand it most.

Toni Avant, Career Center Director, served as the facilitator for the event. Approximately 10 former athletes and local business leaders served as table mentors, offering career advice and sharing life lessons regarding pursuing successful careers.

Ole Miss Assistant Athletics Director Jamil Northcutt gave the opening statements and touched on the importance of professionalism, first impressions and appearance. Jonathan Palmer, a former football player at Southern Miss, and now a sales representative for Pfizer gave the closing remarks. He spoke on the importance of hard work, and how hard work is not a short term payoff.

"The dinner was a great experience for student athletes,” said Amanda Hutcheson, a senior on the Rebel softball team. “It not only taught students proper table manners and common etiquette, but it also gave student athletes an opportunity to interact with prominent figures in the community. I would highly recommend all student athletes attend the dinner at least once in their college career."

The athletics department would like to thank the Ole Miss Alumni Association and M-Club Alumni Chapter for their generous support of this event.

Table Hosts:

Seth Adams - Unum, M-Club

Michael Cobbs - Target

Deborah Cobbs - Principal, Pleasant Hill

Hilary Kern - Northwestern Mutual

Miriam Knight - First National Bank

Jonathan Palmer - Pfizer Pharmaceuticals

Tywanna Smith - All State Insurance, M-Club

Jason Smith -Basketball Coach, M-Club

Amanda Walker – Ole Miss Career Center, M-Club

Karen Yelverton - UM Foundation, M-Club