2009 Outstanding Business Leader Awards Sparkle for Northwood Senior
Congratulations to this year's honorees: Byron Pond, Wendy Lopez, Marvin Rush, Patricia Riley, and Kenneth Lingenfelter.
Jessica Corbet, a Florida campus senior, was nervous. After all, she had been selected as the Florida campus female presenter who would speak in front of this year's five honorees.
In preparation for the event which was held at The Breakers, Palm Beach, Florida on January 24, Corbet laid out a rich purple gown and matching shoes. But it was the finishing touch from International Jeweler Alfredo Molina that made her wonder whether she was experiencing an incredibly sparkly dream, as Molina, a 2008 OBL, accompanied by armed security, presented her with over 1 million dollars in jewels to wear to the event.
Corbet, now 21, was among six Northwood University marketing students whom Molina flew to his Los Angeles area headquarters. The group presented two outstanding advertising campaigns to Molina's marketing department and advertising agency. The jeweler was so impressed that he offered to provide jewelry to the students for momentous occasions in life -- and Saturday's Outstanding Business Leader Awards Gala definitely fits the bill.
"When I was in high school, I didn't think I'd have the opportunity to go away to college, but then I learned about Northwood's advertising program and all of the scholarships and financial aid that was available," said Corbet, a Dayton, Ohio native, "never in my wildest dreams did I ever think my college experience would allow me to meet entrepreneurs like Mr. Molina and have the opportunity to wear such incredible jewelry while making a presentation at The Breakers." Corbet received a generous scholarship package from Northwood, and worked hard throughout her time at the University both inside and outside of the classroom. And the hard work has paid off, as she's slated to graduate with honors this May with a BBA in Advertising & Marketing/Management.
Northwood University's Outstanding Business Leaders event annually recognizes a select group of men and women for their business achievements and for their support and exemplary leadership of the communities in which they live and work. These individuals serve as role models for Northwood University students. In the 29 years since the program's founding, more than 250 business leaders from more than 30 states and several countries, representing dozens of industries and fields of business expertise, have received the Outstanding Business Leader Award.
