Law Firm Honors Standout UTC Students

Chattanooga-based law firm Chambliss, Bahner & Stophel, P.C. honored the 2011-2012 John C. Stophel Distinguished Students at a reception on Tuesday, from 5:30-7 p.m. at the Walden Club. The reception offered the seven award recipients, six undergraduates and one graduate student, the opportunity to meet members of Chattanooga’s business community.

The John C. Stophel Distinguished Student Award recognizes high potential students in the UTC College of Business who are emerging leaders.

Award recipients are chosen based on strong leadership skills, self-motivating initiative, strong decision-making skills and oral-communication skills. This year’s recipients include Michael Bennett, Human Resource Management, Chattanooga; Megan Hallar, Marketing, White House, Tn.; Jonathan Mansfield, Business Entrepreneurship, Chattanooga; Josh Neighbors, Human Resource Management and General Management, Soddy Daisy; Isaac Poore, Accounting and Finance, East Ridge; Simona Vitali, Finance, Lake Como, Italy; and David Moore, MBA, Chattanooga.

“These students have worked extremely hard and deserve recognition for their accomplishments,” said Dana Perry, president and managing partner for Chambliss. “We were delighted to introduce them to a number of Chattanooga’s business leaders.”

“UTC is proud of these young men and women and appreciates the commitment Chambliss has made, through the John C. Stophel Award, to recognize some of our outstanding business students,” said Dr. Robert Dooley, dean of UTC’s College of Business. “This networking event gave the students a chance to talk with potential mentors and future employers.”

“This award is the biggest accomplishment of my academic career,” said Ms. Hallar. “I couldn’t believe I had been chosen; it’s such an honor.”

“The Stophel award, endowed by Chambliss, is a great accomplishment to put on my resume,” said Mr. Bennett.