Fred Hays joined the faculty of the Henry W. Bloch School of Management almost 40 years ago.  He has since dedicated his energy, wisdom and time to students in the finance, risk management and study abroad programs.  Beyond that, he has made four generous scholarship endowments to ensure students have the opportunity to study different facets of business and entrepreneurship.

“The first endowment was for the study abroad program,” says Hays, who has led more than 25 groups of students on trips through Europe during his tenure.  This summer he will be taking a group of students to England to study post-Brexit London.

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Bob Schwartz, left, and Tony Luppino

Award recognizes faculty who have successfully developed and nurtured entrepreneurs

COLUMBIA, Mo. – University of Missouri System Interim Vice President for Academic Affairs Bob Schwartz awarded the first UM System Entrepreneurship Educator of the Year Award Feb. 3 on Friday to University of Missouri-Kansas City Rubey M. Hulen Professor of Law Anthony Luppino for his distinguished activity in developing and nurturing entrepreneurs.

“As the state’s premier research land-grant institution, we serve as an economic engine for the state,” Schwartz said. “By cultivating entrepreneurs who contribute to this crucial part of our mission, Professor Luppino represents everything an entrepreneurship educator should be and his many contributions illustrate the very reason we created this recognition.”

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Robert Rinne (MBA ’89), Director of technical procurement and contracts, Allegiant Air

Pilot turns lifelong passion into career

From engineering to pilot training, Robert Rinne’s (MBA ’89) life revolves around aviation.

Rinne spends his weekdays as a director with Allegiant Air, a Las Vegas airline that operates across the U.S.

On the weekends, he’s flying small planes and gliders. He also gives sightseeing flights and jointly owns a business that buys, restores and leases gliders.

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Bill Dunn Sr. and Steve Dunn are welcomed by Dr. Jeff Hornsby, Tom Bloch, Henry Bloch and Dr. Dave Donnelly

On Wednesday, Feb. 1, Bill Dunn Sr., Chairman Emeritus of JE Dunn Construction, provided business insights to more than 200 aspiring student entrepreneurs and enthusiastic community supporters. “With an education, determination, desire, and enjoying what you get into, you will be successful,” he said.

The event was moderated by Dunn’s son, Steve, JE Dunn Chairman of the Board, and captivated the audience from start to finish. Bill told the audience his life story, giving Bloch students tips about good business along the way.

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