Finally, we were graced with “The Closer”, Mr. James Lucas, decorated author, and president and CEO of Luman Consultants International, Inc., to bring it all together. Two of his books were required reading prior to the conference, “The Balance of Power” and “The Passionate Organization”. He delivered a dynamic presentation, enjoyed by all. Here’s a testament to his quality:

“We at Luman Consultants International are proud of the men and women of the US Army and very grateful for all that you do for all of us. As the grandson of Raymond E. Ryan, a US Army veteran wounded in France in World War I, and the son of James Earl Lucas, a US Army veteran disabled in the Pacific theater in World War II, I know well the costs and sacrifices you are willing to make for the peace, safety, and security of your country. We feel privileged to be a sponsor of this important event, and salute your character and courage.”

James R. Lucas, President & CEO
www.lumanconsultants.com.

On October 17th and 18th, we renewed the greatest athletic competition in the region, The Waite Challenge. What started out as a reunion function amongst friends with long Charlotte ties, has grown into one of the most anticipated events in town, with a barroom cult status bar none. Reigning champ, Bill Powell, got his first shot at defending the coveted trophy and title…….

Mission Accomplished Champ!! That’s right, he defended with poise…….and luck. Way to go, Billy, our 2003 Champion.
This years events:

• 3-mile run
• Soccer Kick Competition
• Basket Shooting Competition
• Punt, Pass, and Kick
• Homerun Derby (Softball)
• Wheelbarrow/Cinder Block run
• 50-yard dash
• Throwing accuracy competition
• Golf
• Putt-Putt
• Bowling
• Darts

That’s 12 events in roughly 24 hours!!

Tom Mann with a load of cinder blocks.


Bill Powell stares at one of his 6 homers.


Chip Schachner carrying blocks to the cart.

On Saturday, July 5th and Sunday, July 6th, we reunited, for the second straight weekend, with the group of students from Hong Ik University in Seoul, Korea. They were attending the “English for Working in the Information Age” at UNC-Charlotte.

On this Saturday morning, our chartered bus, from Coach USA, picked the group up at the university and we set out on a new adventure in Atlanta. We had a busy weekend scheduled including CNN tour, Atlanta Braves baseball, The Varsity, World of Coca-Cola Museum tour, and Hard Rock Café in roughly 24-hours.

We began at CNN headquarters for our group tour of the studio and facilities of the largest news network in the world.

While on tour, we received a call from the Atlanta Braves community relations department honoring our request to meet the Korean player for the Braves, Jung Keon Bong, before the game. Shortly after arrival at the game, we were greeted by my contact with the Braves, who led us down the players’ concourse to field level. Soon afterwards, the Korean player came out of the dugout and met each student, shaking hands, bowing, greeting, signing shirts and hats, and generally visited with the group. The happy faces were invaluable.

Anyway, we got back on the bus and headed for The Varsity, where we soaked up some of old Atlanta culture for a late meal. Soon, our tired group retreated to the hotel for a much needed rest, eventually around 1:00 a.m.

Sunday, we headed to Hard Rock Café, which I believe everyone enjoyed immensely, and The World of Coca Cola tour. Reservations and preparation made the difference as were whisked ahead of hundreds of waiting patrons immediately upon arrival. The tour lasted about an hour and a half, then we got on the bus for the return trip.

Before parting company, upon arrival at UNCC, the students gave me a gift that was quite touching. I got an envelope of multiple personal gifts from the group. They really made me feel special, and I must admit, I kind of miss the group already.

Special thanks to the chaperoning professor, Dr. Noh, for his direction of the group and maintaining an orderly system of accounting for everybody. I really enjoyed the educational conversation with Dr. Noh on the return bus ride and the Korean culture lessons that I learned.

which included a two-hour upper section, and a more strenuous ½-hour section over the falls,which I made optional, since we had to stop at the outfitters for additional instruction if we wanted to continue on the second section.

The outfitters, Adventurous Fast Rivers (whom I highly recommend for your next NC rafting outing, so please visit www.white-water.com), were great, the guides were really personable, and they bonded well with our group.

When we got to the two-hour putout, I was surprised that “EVERYONE” wanted to do the falls, which we did. I was so happy to see so many smiling faces as the day was both adventurous and playful.

We were greeted back at the outfitters with a BBQ lunch, changed into dry clothes, and recapped our trip.

When the trip was over, the students didn’t just leave and go into the dorms. They stayed and helped me load my van with all my equipment, again showing the kind, helpful, and respectful manners that I had grown accustomed to all weekend. This was most pleasantly surprising and impressive to me. I thank each of them for their efforts.

I’ve worked with many corporate entities, big and small, with the intent of achieving team building. However, this group of students looked like a team that had been together for years the way that they pulled together, found a role and filled it, and generally strove to help. I left them overwhelmingly impressed.

Worthy of high praise on this trip and next week's trip to Atlanta is Susan Lambert, Director - Intercultural Outreach Programs, UNC-Charlotte. It is Susan, whose ownership in the program sought these special, diverse activities in an attempt to enrich the classroom program offered by the University. Without her input and guidance we wouldn't have had the opportunity to partner with this great group of students. Thank you, Susan..