Seth Austin
Reporter
October 29, 2004
With boxes of candy in hand, alumnus Bob Hayden took time to share his professional experience with students during homecoming weekend.
Hayden, along with his wife, own and operate Hayden Design, a design and marketing firm in Fullerton, California. Twice a year he returns to East Tennessee for the Milligan trustee meetings, but he also has other motives: to share practical experience with students at Milligan and to pass out candy and money like a kindly grandfather.
Hayden is best known by those interested in entering the communications field as he often speaks in classes such as interpersonal communication or desktop publishing. However, Hayden’s Friday session in Derthick was open to all students.
A 1980 Milligan graduate, Hayden feels a connection to those entering the communications field.
“Our concern is that we do not want Milligan students making some of the same mistakes that graduates of other schools do,” said Hayden. “We believe it is important for Milligan students to be well equipped for the challenges that they will face in the working world”
Several students attended the session on Friday afternoon, including junior Sarah Dahlman who said she gained insight from the presentation.
“He gave us a reality check,” said Dahlman. “He told us how things are in the real world”
Bruce Montgomery, associate professor of communications, was quick to voice his appreciation for Hayden’s visits.
“Students don’t realize the significance of interpersonal communication in the workplace,” said Montgomery. “Bob brings real world experience to my classes”
Hayden plans to continue these visits indefinitely; he considers these visits a chance to grow personally.
“It never ceases to amaze me the questions that are asked,” said Hayden. “Those questions then help me to grow as well. In [the communications field] learning must be an ongoing process. It is great to still be learning new things.”
When asked what advice he would give to students entering the communications field, Hayden had several words of advice.
“Never stop learning,” said Hayden. “Always be willing to listen to others and have passion for communicating with others, regardless of the subject.”