BOONE, N.C. — In June, about 581 pounds of food was collected and more than 10,000 pounds processed by Appalachian State University students enrolled in a graduate-level Executive Skills course in the university’s Walker College of Business (WCOB) and students who are involved in forming an Enactus program at Appalachian under the WCOB's Association of Student Entrepreneurs. Enactus is an international nonprofit that inspires students to take entrepreneurial action to improve the lives of others and shape a more sustainable world.

The students were donating their time and energy to “A Simple Gesture,” a charitable arm of Boone’s Hunger and Health Coalition (HHC) dedicated to eradicating hunger in the High Country.

“About six families of four could eat for one week with the 42 fully stocked bags we gathered,” said Master of Business Administration (MBA) candidate and Enactus member Michelle Jeanniton-Garrett, from Indian Trail. Jeanniton-Garrett has been volunteering with the HHC since fall 2018.

Enactus members partnered with HHC as part of their focus on food insecurity in the community.

“Enactus Appalachian looks to inspire students to improve the world through entrepreneurial action,” said Enactus president and MBA candidate Jackie Parrish, of Hickory. “At the moment, Enactus is focused on food insecurity in the High Country.

“While our organization continues to brainstorm entrepreneurial concepts to alleviate this issue, Michelle and I thought that there was no better partnership to make than with the Hunger and Health Coalition. This is how the Peacock Hall (home to the WCOB) Simple Gesture collection was born,” she added.

With the reduced number of students on campus during the summer, Enactus turned to the MBA class to ask for assistance in continuing its efforts. This also allowed for a service opportunity in fulfilling the social responsibility component of the course.

“Social responsibility is one of our core goals in the Walker College of Business MBA program,” said Ken White, professional development coordinator and instructor of the Executive Skills class. “The efforts of these students exemplify what we hope to inculcate in our graduates. I am very proud of the effort and those that will benefit from this activity.”

MBA candidate Eden Spencer, from Cary, said, “Social responsibility is important as an MBA student because we are the next generation of leaders. If we can bring our sustainable ideas into the workplace, we can have positive lasting impacts on the environment around us and encourage those who come after us to keep the sustainable initiatives going.”

“I honestly just enjoy giving back to any community I live in,” Jeanniton-Garrett said. “Volunteering is a rewarding feeling, especially when you know that is has a positive impact on the community. I also utilize their services and am so grateful for the resources it provides!”

“With the support of Mr. White and the MBA program’s Executive Skills course, Enactus was able to garner a large group of volunteers to help our efforts,” Parrish said. “At the end of collection day, the pride on the faces of my fellow MBA students was invaluable!”

About the Walker College of Business

The Walker College of Business at Appalachian State University delivers transformational educational experiences that prepare and inspire students to be ethical, innovative and engaged business leaders who positively impact their communities, both locally and globally. The college places emphasis on international experiences, sustainable business practices, entrepreneurial programs and real-world applications with industry. Enrolling more than 4,000 undergraduates in 11 majors, Walker College has the highest enrollment of full-time undergraduate students in the University of North Carolina System, and more than 250 graduate students are enrolled in the college’s three master’s programs. App State’s Walker College is accredited by AACSB International — the premier global accrediting body for business schools. Learn more at https://business.appstate.edu.

About Appalachian State University

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives. App State is one of 17 campuses in the University of North Carolina System, with a national reputation for innovative teaching and opening access to a high-quality, affordable education for all. The university enrolls more than 21,000 students, has a low student-to-faculty ratio and offers more than 150 undergraduate and 80 graduate majors at its Boone and Hickory campuses and through App State Online. Learn more at https://www.appstate.edu.