RICHLAND, Wash. – Individuals will enjoy a delectable brunch, keynote presentation from a prominent WSU hospitality business alumnus, as well as a live auction and games as part of the annual Washington State University Tri-Cities Carson College of Business Point to Success Fundraising Brunch on March 7, as generously sponsored by Anthony’s at Columbia Point and proud partner STCU.

The brunch takes place from 10 a.m. – 1 p.m. at Anthony’s at Columbia Point on Saturday, March 7. Admission costs $100 per person before Feb. 27. After Feb. 27, admission costs $125 per person. To register and for more information, visit .

Admission also includes a signed copy of “ROAR: How to Build a Resilient Organization the World-Famous San Diego Zoo Way,” a book authored by Point to Success keynote speaker Tim Mulligan, chief human resources officer of late Paul Allen’s Seattle-based holding company Vulcan Inc.

Keynote speaker Tim Mulligan

Mulligan’s career has taken him all over the west coast, from the Tri-Cities, to the Starwood Hotels and Resorts, to the World-Famous San Diego Zoo, to now leading the human resources department of Vulcan Inc. The Hanford High School, WSU and juris doctor Gonzaga University alumnus has used his education wisely, asserting opportunities in the business sector that have led to more than he thought possible. All the while, he remained close to his roots, supporting WSU students in their journeys in business and helping them find jobs in business and other sectors.

“I went to WSU and graduated from the Carson College’s hospitality program with the hope of managing restaurants and hotels,” Mulligan said. “I never anticipated that I would take that amazing WSU experience and degree and see it lead me to a unique and exciting career as a lawyer and HR executive at such diverse companies and locations as I’ve been fortunate to experience.”

Robert Harrington, director of the WSU School of Hospitality Business Management, said stemming from Mulligan’s foundation as a WSU alum, to his travels across the country for a variety of exciting experiences, his presentation will lend a fascinating account of what is possible through a WSU degree in business, and how others may be able to follow in his footsteps.

“Tim will also talk about successful ways for building and maintaining a business,” he said. “It’s a great learning opportunity for our local business and affiliated community members.”

Generous community support

Harrington said each year, Anthony’s at Columbia Point generously donates their space, service and food for the annual WSU fundraiser so that all proceeds go directly to the local program. This year, STCU joins as a proud partner. The Lodge at Columbia Point also donates accommodations for the featured speakers for the event, as well as other services.

“It’s an incredible partnership that truly benefits local business students and faculty,” Harrington said. “This is an event that not only showcases what our students are currently doing in the business programs through ���سԹ�, but also what is possible when businesses support local education. They are supporting their future employees and the future of business. We are incredibly grateful for their support.”

 

Media contacts:

Robert Harrington, director of WSU School of Hospitality Business Management, 509-372-7487, rharrington@wsu.edu

Tim Mulligan, chief human resources officer of Vulcan Inc., 206-342-2382, timm@vulcan.com

Maegan Murray, ���سԹ� public relations/communication coordinator, 509-372-7333, maegan_murray@wsu.edu

RICHLAND, Wash. – After getting rescheduled due to weather, the Point to Success brunch benefitting the Carson College of Business will now take place at 10 a.m. on March 30 at Anthony’s at Columbia Point in Richland.

Tickets to the event purchased prior to the event rescheduling will be honored for the March 30 date. Tickets are also still on sale for the new date.

The brunch proceeds will be dedicated entirely to student support and faculty development to improve the business education program.

The cost is $100 per��person. Community and business members are invited to make reservations via��.

The event features Tim Hanni, author of “Why You Like the Wines You Like,” who will speak on “Separating Wine Facts from Fancy.” Hanni,��a certified master of wine, has analyzed relationships with wine preferences correlating to a dislike of loud restaurants, an affinity for sushi, a dislike of cilantro, sensitivity to tags in shirts, and a mother’s susceptibility to morning sickness.

“You won’t want to miss this informative and amusing presentation,” said Robert Harrington, �³������հ���‑C���پ���� Carson College of Business academic director.

The event also features a wine grab and live auction with a variety of unique packages, including:

• Several nights stays at various vacation destinations in the Pacific Northwest
• Gourmet meals and tastings
• A family photo session
• A tour of the U.S.S.��Triton with a meal for eight
• A full‑day personal tour of vineyards and wineries with two of the state’s leading experts of grape cultivation and winemaking

“Enjoy a gratifying event featuring a distinguished brunch, interact with our talented business students and learn about the future of the Carson College of Business at �³������հ���‑C���پ����,” Harrington said. “What better way to support our local business education than with a fun morning that will delight the senses?”

For more information, visit the���³������հ���‑C���پ�������ɱ�������ٱ�.

By Maegan Murray, ���سԹ�

RICHLAND, Wash. – Join Washington State University Tri-Cities for an exceptional brunch on Feb. 9 at Anthony’s at Columbia Point in Richland and proceeds will support business education through ���سԹ�’ Carson College of Business.

The Point to Success Fundraising Brunch begins at 10 a.m. on Saturday, Feb. 9, and costs $100 per person. Individuals may register by visiting .

All proceeds will be dedicated entirely to student support and faculty development to improve business education in the Tri-Cities.

The event features Tim Hanni, Master of Wine and author, who will speak on “Separating Wine Facts from Fancy.” Hanni is the author of “Why You Like the Wines You Like” and has analyzed relationships with wine preferences correlating to a dislike of loud restaurants, an affinity for sushi, a dislike of cilantro, sensitivity to tags in shirts and a mother’s susceptibility to morning sickness.

“You won’t want to miss this informative and amusing presentation to find out why,” said Robert Harrington, ���سԹ� Carson College of Business academic director.

The event also features a wine grab and live auction with a variety of unique packages, of which some include:

• Several night stays at various vacation destinations in the Pacific Northwest
• Gourmet meals and tastings
• A family photo session
• A tour of the U.S.S. Triton with a meal for eight
• A full-day personal tour of vineyards and wineries with two of the state’s leading experts on grape cultivation and winemaking

“Enjoy a gratifying event featuring a distinguished brunch, interact with our talented business students and learn about the future of the Carson College of Business at ���سԹ�,” Harrington said. “What better way to support our local business education than with a fun morning that will delight the senses?”

For more information, visit /ccbbrunch.

By Maegan Murray

RICHLAND, Wash. – Organizations and private individuals from throughout the Columbia Basin joined together last month to support the future of regional business, but not in the traditional sense.

The dollars didn’t go toward supporting new up-and-coming businesses, building facade renovations, or promoting the next booming business product. Rather, the $36,695 raised at Point to Success brunch event will benefit the Washington State University Tri-Cities’ Carson College of Business. The college will use the funds to support classroom innovation, student academic services and career success activities, and faculty research.

In support of the event, Anthony’s at Columbia Point donated its entire restaurant space, a first-class meal and service for the mid-morning event that welcomed more than 100 people. Other businesses and individuals donated wine for a wine grab at the event, lavish vacation packages, rounds of golf and tours and tastings from local wineries, all of which were auctioned to benefit the Carson College.

McCurley Integrity Dealerships sponsored the appearance of Cougar football great Ryan Leaf at the brunch, who shared his inspiring story of overcoming years of drug abuse to now supporting others in the recovery process. The aspect of community, Leaf said, was crucial to his recovery.

Alaska Airlines, The Lodge at Columbia Point, Abadan, Hampton Inn Seattle Southcenter, NewEdge and Bonsai Audio also gave generously by making Leaf’s trip to the Tri-Cities and stay possible and by sponsoring the costs of the event programs, signage and sound equipment.

“The community support we have seen through the years is truly incredible, given the significant drop over the last decade of state funding that supports the University,” said Robert Harrington, director of the ���سԹ� academic program. “Community support allows us to continue providing a premier education our students will use to provide first-class service in the business sector.”

It just makes sense

For Mike Tvedt, general manager of Anthony’s at Columbia Point, investing in the future of wine and hospitality business just makes sense. Investing in the

education of future business leaders, ensures students are well-prepared with premier business knowledge, research-driven business methods and a mindset for success, he said.

“The reason we got involved with the Carson College of Business was because of the hospitality program moving to ���سԹ� a couple of years ago,” he said. “It goes back to the founder and owner of our company, Budd Gould, who believes it is important to give back to the community. It seemed like a natural fit that we would be involved with the program and do what we can to make it successful, because we are always in need of great hospitality employees.”

The Point to Success brunch isn’t the only way that Anthony’s has given back to a ���سԹ� program, either. Anthony’s Restaurants own the next-door Budd’s Broiler, which holds the annual release party for the WSU Blended Learning wines. Through the Blended Learning program, wine science students partner with local wineries to produce premier wines. Budd’s Broiler donates the space, service and food for the event each year.

The family-owned-and-operated Anthony’s Restaurants are well-known across the Pacific Northwest for their first-class service, premier food and exceptional standards. But in order to continue that legacy, and even further improve upon their hospitality service, Tvedt said they must prepare those who will lead the business on into the future.

“We strive for five-star service and a five-star experience because that is what people expect,” Tvedt said. “We want to make sure that the future of our business is prepared and has the knowledge and know-how to meet those standards. ���سԹ� is helping us meet that need.”

Impact on the community��

A Carson College Coug herself, Hamilton Cellars owner Stacie Hamilton said her WSU business education has benefited her own business success. In turn, she gives

back to the ���سԹ� business program, not only as a business owner, but also as an advisory member for the Carson College and as an adjunct faculty member at ���سԹ�, because she knows the return will be tenfold for the local community.

In addition to giving monetarily to events like the Point to Success Brunch and donating Hamilton Cellars wine and products, Hamilton creates real-world learning opportunities for students at the winery.

“In addition to classroom education, WSU students require the real-world practical experience, which they get through internships, jobs in local business and generally through mentors in their business field,” she said. “They apply that combined knowledge to develop businesses of their own or grow established businesses. The reciprocity between the community and the university is special.”

Looking to the future

Harrington said the support the Carson College of Businesses has received from community

individuals and organizations will have an immediate and lasting impact on the future of businesses across the state.

“WSU’s business programs consistently rank among the top programs in the country, and the community support has been a crucial component,” he said. “We wouldn’t be able to do what we do without our community support.”

WSU’s hospitality business program, specifically, ranks eighth in the nation among all programs, nationwide. Harrington said the Tri-Cities-based program, being in the heart of Washington wine country, has the potential to grow immensely and be a huge treasure for the regional business community.

“We strive for excellence across the board, and it shows in our graduates,” he said. “We aim to produce the best business graduates so that our community and their businesses may benefit.”