Supply Chain Management student wins international award

Voluntary Service Award won by BGSU student for third consecutive year

By Anna Crabill

Robert Everard, a senior majoring in supply chain management and applied economics, was honored with one of the most esteemed awards from the APICS, a leading professional association for supply chain and operations management in the world. 

He was presented the Student Voluntary Service Award, which is given annually to one student who demonstrates outstanding leadership and a commitment to volunteering to the local Supply Chain Management Association chapter and community.

Everard has been heavily involved on campus throughout his years at BGSU. He is currently the two-time president of the Supply Chain Management Association, off-campus senator for the Undergraduate Student Government, member of the President's Leadership Academy, vice president of the BGSU Water Ski Team, and a member of Phi Kappa Psi fraternity. In the past, he has served on the Dean’s Advisory Council of the College of Business, was a representative of the Economics Club, pledge educator for Phi Kappa Psi and was the vice president of community relations on the Interfraternity Council.

“Being the president of the Supply Chain Management Association has really shaped me professionally. I’ve strived to have more active members and really work on not just recruitment but retention,” Everard said.

In addition to Everard’s immense leadership experience, it’s his volunteer experience that solidified his recognition. Giving back to the community has been important to him since high school when he was part of the Key Club, and now his fraternity, Phi Kappa Psi, allows him to give back even more.

“I’ve been heavily involved with my fraternity’s philanthropy, the Boy’s and Girl’s Club, and I go a few times each semester,” Everard says. “My fraternity hosts events throughout the year including Raft Race, Phi Psi Free Throw and Phi Psi Putt Putt, which has raised thousands of dollars over the past few years for our philanthropy.”

Along with his fraternity, he has been able to give back to the community with his work through the Interfraternity Council, which allowed him to set up philanthropies and handle community service projects throughout the entire community. He has also been in charge of service days during Greek Weekend the past two years.

“I like giving back and I’ve always been a big fan of supporting my community,” Everard said.  “I really enjoy community service and I am huge supporter of the MLK Day of Service and I have participated almost every year.”

Everard credits his mentor, Karen Eboch, an instructor and senior lecturer in supply chain management, for her help inside and outside of the classroom. He even nominated Eboch for the Mentor Award, which she received this year as well.

“It’s an honor to receive this award,” Eboch said.  “It recognizes the fact that we have a very supportive system here at the University, and in this department, affording me the opportunity to work with the students.”

Eboch has been impressed with Everard’s active role on campus, the community and his overall growth throughout the years she has known him.

“Karen has always been there for me and she has invested a lot of her time into making sure that I can accomplish the things that I want,” Everard said. “I think that is what is so great about the faculty in the College of Business; they truly care about your success.”

In addition to his mentors, Everard gives a large amount of credit to the nationally ranked College of Business for his success and opportunities.

“The CBA has been a huge part of my college career at BGSU and Dean Ray Braun has done everything in his power to enhance that experience for every student,” Everard said. “Everything he has done from the Rewards Points Program to the Dean’s Workshops shows how invested he is in the students and how much he cares about our success.”

This is not the first time a BGSU student has been chosen for this esteemed international student honor. Chelsea Folk was chosen in 2014; Beth Albers was chosen in 2013, and Amanda Braddock in 2009.