Office of Public Relations
Missouri Baptist University
One College Park Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698
314.392.2307 / fax 314.392.2265
www.mobap.edu / pr@mobap.edu
For Immediate Release
RE: MBU Hosts Students in Free Enterprise's Annual Ethics Forum
MBU Hosts Students in Free Enterprise's Annual Ethics Forum
November 4, 2002
Students and faculty gathered in the Dale Williams Fine Art Center at Missouri Baptist University on October 30, 2002, for an ethics forum with dialogue on integrity, ethics, and leadership.
MBU’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) organization sponsored the event in light of “Ethics Month” for SIFE students across the country. Ethics is a controversial issue facing businesses today and as a result companies are reevaluating mission statements. The educational community is responding, now offering courses focusing solely on business ethics.
Missouri Baptist University has offered courses in business ethics for over ten years. As part of the school’s business core, it is a requirement for all students in any business program. Business division chair and SIFE sponsor Brenda Bradford stated, “The purpose of the Ethics Forum is to make sure all our students understand that you can be successful and ethical at the same time.”
The idea Bradford points out was illustrated by Edwards Jones panelist, Trevor Reese. He explained while Edwards Jones has been given high recognition, they continue to practice high ethical standards. “If you have to tell someone that you’re honest, you might already have a problem,” stated Reese. To emphasize the importance of ethics, Reese shared sample questions that would be found on an ethics test for continuing education in the broker firm course.
In addition to Reese, forum panelists included St. Louis area director Deborah Graham, Untied Negro College, Insurance broker Gerald Rogers, ISU/ Corporate Insurance Management, and James Lay, Bunge Mill. “Some things are ethical and not legal; and lots are legal and not ethical,” explained Gerald Rogers concerning insurance matters. Rogers illustrated ethical and legal issues in the insurance company by relating credit history and receiving insurance.
James Lay, site manager from Bunge Mill, a partner in agriculture with America’s growers, suggested ethics is “to know the difference between what is right and wrong and consistently do what is right.” While proposing a challenge for students to look for honest and loyal companies for employment, Lay warned to be aware of temptations that lead to unethical ways.
Forum panelist Deborah Graham discussed the ethical importance in fundraising. The United Negro College Fund demonstrates integrity through emphasis on raising funds to enhance the quality of education. Through their reputation, UNCF has grown to become the nation’s oldest and most successful African American education assistance organization.
The Ethics Forum is an annual SIFE event held each fall.
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Missouri Baptist University is a premier Christian university in Saint Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in over thirty specialized fields and nine degrees. MBU's education and fine arts programs are nationally known in addition to business, religion, administration of justice, and more. MBU is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Missouri with an enrollment of over 4,500 students at five locations in the bi-state region — West County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the new Illinois extension at Lewis and Clark Community College.
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