MU students get lessons in business etiquette

HUNTINGTON -- Some Marshall University upperclassmen spent their Wednesday evening learning good manners.

An etiquette dinner sponsored by Marshall University Career Services and the Marshall University Student Government Association was held Wednesday in the Memorial Student Center's multipurpose room.

Terri Thompson, an etiquette consultant from Lexington, Ky., served as guest speaker at the event, where students learned about place settings and more.

"We're trying to add another dimension to our students," said Denise Hogsett, director of career services at Marshall.

Hogsett said events such as Wednesday's give students more confidence and skills to make them stand out in the work force. The dinner was especially important for those students who may find themselves at a meal with potential employers in the future, she said.

Matt James, student body president, said response to the event was very positive.

"We were surprised that the entire 60 seats we had reserved for students were booked in one day," he said.

More than 60 students signed up for the formal dinner and business etiquette instruction.

James said the event was also a way to let students know about the many free services offered from Marshall University Career Services.

Hogsett said the event may be expanded in the future, with some individual colleges at Marshall expressing interest in hosting their own, similar dinners.

More information about career services is available by visiting www.marshall.edu/career-services.