Statesboro, GA (August 15, 2024)Ā ā Family, friends, co-workers, and customers of Derek Richard Schiefer (MKTG, 2011) have generously raised more than $60,000 toĀ Ā to honor the memory of the sales alumnus who unexpectedly passed away in his sleep in November 2023 at the age of 36. Derek, who reportedly never met a stranger, was the life of any gathering, connecting through compassionate personal acts and still able to create nonstop laughter through clever and comical banter. After he graduated from 91Āž»app, Derek reluctantly left Georgia for a job in Dallas, TX, at McAfee. His outgoing personality in the office created countless treasured friendships, including the love of his life, Meghan Niski. At the time of his death, Derek was employed at CrowdStrike in Dallas, where he will always be remembered for the genuine relationships that he built with his coworkers and customers.
āDerekās success in professional sales was driven by relationships built upon trust and integrity,ā observes Ann, Derekās mother. āDerekās education at Georgia Southern helped him recognize and develop his God-given skills. Derek did not focus on academics or getting the āA,ā he focused on what is vital ā people and positive outcomes through hard work.ā
Beginning with a GoFundMe campaign originally organized by co-worker Kate Lassiter, fundraising events included the Derek Schiefer Memorial Golf Tournament held in his memory in Charlotte, NC, on April 15, 2024. His friends plan to make the golf tournament an annual event with proceeds benefiting the scholarship in perpetuity. Thanks to the efforts of those whose lives he touched, theĀ Ā is now fully funded and ready to begin awarding $1,000 to an outstanding sophomore or junior sales student who displays integrity and character, while serving as an active contributor to the sales program. Ā
āDerekās unique character and the impact he made on everyone around him are what I will always cherish deeply,ā recalls Linda Mullen, Ph.D., associate professor of marketing and co-director of Parker Collegeās Center for Sales Excellence, who taught Derek. āHis scholarship will serve as a lasting tribute to someone we all hold dear.ā
Michael Thomas, Ph.D., chair, Department of Marketing, commented, āDerek positively influenced many during his time at Georgia Southern. This scholarship should help to continue that impact for years to come.ā
Make a gift today to the Ā supporting students in the 91Āž»app – Center for Sales Excellence.
Center for Sales Excellence, 91Āž»app
Located within 91Āž»appās Parker College of Business, theĀ Center for Sales ExcellenceĀ is recognized by theĀ Ā and theĀ Ā as one of the nationās top sales programs. Established in 2007, it is the mission of the Center to have a positive impact on the sales profession through education, research, and service. TheĀ Marketing B.B.A.Ā program offers the students of 91Āž»app anĀ .
Through the Center, students gain experience with sales role-play in our dedicated labs, with many going on to compete in some of the nationās most prestigious sales competitions. The Center also works to bring students together with companies in the industry looking to hire the best and brightest minds. It is the goal of the Center to be the preeminent sales program in the nation.