Alumni Harris, Newkirk honored at Campbell Business School Convocation

September 25, 2008 | Leave a Comment

Buies Creek, N.C.—Six flickering candles welcomed audiences to Scott Concert Hall for the opening convocation of Campbell’s Lundy-Fetterman School of Business on Wednesday, Sept. 24. The candles symbolized the convocation theme—“Passing the Flame of Knowledge.” The ceremony welcomed new students and honored two outstanding alumni with the school’s first Distinguished Alumnus Awards. Receiving the awards were the Honorable Oscar Harris (‘65), mayor of the city of Dunn, N.C., and estate and investment manager for Bank of America Ryan Newkirk (’01), of Greensboro, N.C.

Dr. Ben Hawkins, dean of the School of Business, explained the significance of the convocation ceremony. “Today we gather to recognize the wisdom of two alumni,” he said. “For these alums, the flame of knowledge began at Campbell and has indeed been a guiding beacon in their lives.”

Dr. Shahriar Mostashari, associate dean for External Relations, presented the Distinguished Alumnus Award to Harris.

“Mr. Harris’ exemplary life as an alumnus, entrepreneur, elected official, civic leader, husband, father, grandfather and former Marine uniquely qualifies him for this lifetime achievement award and sets the standard of distinction for other recipients,” he said.

Harris, who is serving his third term as mayor of Dunn, was elected to the North Carolina Senate twice. He has served on the state Board of Transportation, the state Economic Development Board and the state Banking Commission. After graduating from Campbell in 1965, he formed his own accounting firm, Oscar Harris & Associates, PA, in 1979 and was the first Campbell graduate to receive his license as a Certified Public Accountant.

Ryan A. Newkirk, who received the 2008 Young Distinguished Alumnus Award, earned a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration with a major in Trust and Investment Management in 2001, graduating with a 4.0 grade point average. He was named the Outstanding Trust Student of the Year. Newkirk began his career with BB&T in Winston-Salem, rising to the rank of Regional Portfolio Manager. He was promoted to the position of vice president and Wealth Management Advisor in 2003. In 2008, Newkirk left BB&T to join the Bank of America, US Trust, in Greensboro and Winston-Salem. He currently serves as the primary point of contact for high wealth clients in the areas of trust and investment management, insurance and personal banking needs. He also serves as chairman of the Campbell University Trust Education Foundation.

“These are people of integrity,” said Campbell President Jerry M. Wallace. “Their lives demonstrate the calling of Jesus, success, hard work and dedication. They are people all of us can emulate.”

The Lundy-Fetterman School of Business welcomed over 185 new students for fall semester 2008.

Photo Copy: Dunn Mayor Oscar Harris and Ryan Newkirk received the Distinguished Alumnus award from the Lundy-Fetterman School of Business at the school’s opening convocation held Wednesday.

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