Pre-Business Society
Gregory J. Mascavage '08
 The Pre-Business Society’s fall-break trip to the Big Apple was a great success. Our main focus was to gain a feeling
of what it is like to live and work in New York City. We also wanted to learn how we, as Hampden-Sydney men, could
obtain jobs similar to those alumni currently hold in the Big Apple.
Our first day, Saturday, started with a flight from Richmond to JFK International Airport. At the airport we hopped on the
subway. As we emerged from the depths of the New York’s great subway system, we found ourselves at “Ground Zero.” It
was breathtaking to see the gaping pit that used to hold New York City’s Twin Towers. The whole area was fenced off
with huge images depicting the destruction and emotions of that horrible day of American history. After
getting lost for the first but not the last time, we finally found our hotel. Our hotel was near the Brooklyn Bridge
and South Street Seaport district. For the rest of the day, the group split up and toured various parts of the city. For dinner, we enjoyed a fantastic meal with alumnus Justin Domurat ’06 on the Hudson River. The restaurant had a
stunning view of New Jersey, Ellis Island, and the Statue of Liberty. The rest of the evening was spent enjoying
the nightlife in Midtown Manhattan.
On Sunday we took the subway to Grand Central Station and explored the area. Some visited a great street festival
on 6th Avenue before meeting with alumni, Davis Hunt '03 and James Worsham '04. These two alumni gave us a explanation of how their degrees from Hampden-Sydney led them to New York City. We also discussed the city-life,
employment opportunities, and alumni networking in our future endeavors in business. After lunch, we set out to
explore the city, seeing famous sites such out FAO Schwartz, Central Park, and Times Square. Later that evening we
donned our suits and headed to Chelsea Pier. Upon arrival, we boarded the World Yacht Duchess and enjoyed an elegant
evening of dining, dancing, and appreciating the New York City lights.
 Monday morning we traveled to the United Nations, enjoying the various sculptures and memorials symbolizing world
peace and unity. Later that day we visited Christie's Auction house and met with H-SC alumnus Toby Usnik '81. Toby
is a Vice President and head of the public relations department. It was very interesting to see how Christie's
advertises the pieces featured in future auctions. Christie's serves as a museum
that is open to the public, making all items available for viewing for
approximately two weeks before they are auctioned off. Christie's has appraisers
that evaluate the pieces and estimate a price range for auction.
Tuesday morning was an early wake-up. We left the hotel around 5:30 AM and hopped on the subway to head to
Times Square. There, we entered the ABC studios for Good Morning America.
It was incredible to see how they cram all the individual sets into one space so that they can utilize every bit of their limited studio. While we
were there, everyone referred to us as "the men in suits." Eventually we met weatherman Sam Champion. After
a brief discussion, Sam was rushed along to perform another weather forecast. A few minutes later, one of
the producers announced that Sam selected us for an interview describing what Hampden-Sydney College's Pre-Business
Society was doing in New York City. It was great to be able to tell America about our small all-male institution. After our national television debut, we met with the other hosts and discussed our trip with them as well.
 Next on our busy agenda was the New York Stock Exchange. There, we were required to go through elaborate
security procedures as the facility is only open to select groups. We met with Murray Titlebaum,
Director of Educational Programs, who gave us an in-depth lecture on the
function of the NYSE now that it is a publicly-traded company and how it had
operated before the change. Finishing the activities of our hectic day, we
traveled to World Financial Center 2 where we met with Jonathan Hartley (H-SC
'97), Vice President for Debt Capital Markets at Nomura Securities
International, Inc. Jonathan talked to us about his position
and helpful insights into financial services. Finally, we were able to get back to the hotel, rush to the
airport, and then wait for our delayed flight. Overall, it was a hectic, but enjoyable four-day New York City
experience.
 On behalf of the Pre-Business Society, we would like to thank all the alumni and businesses for their
support on our trip.
November 2006
|
