Silverdale Rotary honors Chapman University students

Twenty Chapman University students did more than sit in a classroom during their recent nine-week business ethics class — they recieved one-on-one mentoring from local business leaders.

Those leaders and students were honored last Thursday at the second annual Business Ethics Awards luncheon presented by the Rotary Club of Silverdale. Rotarian Paul Murphey, a teacher of business and ethics at Chapman University, saw a way to not only introduce students to local businesses, but also recognize local businesses that contribute to the community.

“I found that most students did not personally know business leaders in the community,” he said.

As part of the class, students had to do a student project on a business they selected from a list and report on its origin, history and growth. The students also had to learn the ethics of the business.

In choosing what businesses the students could choose from, Murphey looked for a couple of main aspects.

“I’m looking for people who have a keen sense of what it takes to run a successful business that demonstrate impeccable business ethics,” he said.

He explained that 80 to 90 percent of the students who began the class said that a business can’t be both ethical and profitable. By meeting various business leaders the students were able to get a first-hand look at the operation of a business.

“Most students said they were awed by this person once they sat down and talked to them,” Murphey said. “It encouraged them to look at a business differently than they did when they came in.”

Each business leader was presented with a certificate of commendation in business ethics.

“I appreciate you for taking on our students,” said Laurie Cook, director of Chapman University, Naval Base Kitsap-Bangor campus. “I’m blessed to be at the helm of this program.”

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