Coming to the United States to attend BYU was a difficult task for Michael Flett, his wife and his children. Not only did they face financial challenges, but psychological and personal turmoil as well as they journeyed from Teresopolis, Brazil.

Christy Hellewell, from Bountiful, Utah has been putting in long hours at the Marriott School this year with various activities.

"Christy has been the driving force behind almost every major event that MUSA [Marriott Undergraduate Student Association] put on this year," said Kyle Poll, president of the Marriott Student Council.

Professor Michael Pinegar takes the time to explain difficult material to his students every semester and makes sure he is available to talk to students outside of class. Along with assisting his students, Professor Pinegar makes the effort to know of each students names after the first day of class, which has contributed to his "students first" reputation.

Their willingness to work hard and their sacrifice and dedication of time has not gone unnoticed. Flett, Hellewell and Pinegar were each given the 2008 Merrill J. Bateman Award, named after the man who served as the dean of the business school and later as the president of BYU.

The award is given to one undergraduate and one graduate student for their support to the Marriott School, their community involvement and their participation in professional development activities. The award is also given to one faculty member for their example to students and willingness to participate in activities with them while acting as a mentor. The Merrill J. Bateman award is the only Marriott School-wide award selected by students.

Professor Pinegar has received many awards for his teaching and research since he joined the Marriott faculty in 1988.

"Dr. Pinegar was hands-down the most caring professor that I ever had," said Poll.

Professor Pinegar said he and his colleagues want to make a positive difference in the lives of their students. The award signifies the students' appreciation of their efforts.

Winning the award means, "I have to continue to hold up my end of the bargain in the learning process," Pinegar said.

Hellewell is a senior majoring in business marketing and serves as the vice president for MUSA. She played a big role in two of the events put on by the Marriott School Student Council-the Corporate Climb and Angel Tree.

"She was always willing to go the extra mile to make sure these events were successful and that the students attending had a great experience," Poll said.

It is because of her involvement with numerous activities and councils and her positive example that Hellewell was recognized.

"The sweetest part of the award is that it comes from my peers," Hellewell said.

Flett is a second-year MBA student who served on the Marriott School Diversity Board and is also the president of the International Graduate Student Association.

"Michael put in countless hours helping international students throughout the Marriott School," Poll said. "He mentored them and helped them find jobs."

Flett recognizes that the friendships and experiences he has here will be more important than the grades he receives.

"Please don't take the chance of being here for granted," Flett said. "This is the best school in the world. You are the best students and have the best faculty."

Copyright Brigham Young University 5 Jun 2008