A single file line of nearly one hundred wrapped around the outside of Webb Hall Auditorium Nov. 14 as students waited to get into Omega Psi Phi's Money Management seminar.

The keynote speaker of the program was Stafford Thompson, an actuary at North Carolina Mutual and member of the fraternity's Epsilon Psi chapter (Florida A&M).

Thompson's speech centered around finances but also stressed finding your personal passion and making a positive impact in your community. "The goal of money is to make it grow," said Thompson. "Money without purpose leads to robbing the bank."

Thompson talked about how corporations invest in ideas and investment of time and talent as being just as valuable.

"Money is worthless if it can't be exchanged for something, it gives you power and with enough money people will listen," said Thompson.

He also believes that money should be taken and used wisely.

"Take it, use it, apply it or give it back," he said.

"Money should be used to make a difference or change lives, if it doesn't make a difference, it's useless. Make a contribution to your company, community or country."

A question and answer session followed his speech. Students asked a variety of questions about money. From managing stocks and investment ideas to financial planning, maintaining a budget and discussion of interest rates on student loans.

Later questions got more personal as students asked about going from an HBCU to corporate America and what to do when your passions change.

"I believe an HBCU education stands up next to any education," said Thompson."Go in with a chip on your shoulder and never give it up."

Thompson cited three distinct changes in his passion. His first goal was to be mathematical statistician, then an actuary and finally a president (of a company).

Thompson, who is also the treasurer of North Carolina Central's Board of Directors, was still energetic after the seminar was over. "It's exciting...anytime I can give back to my bruhs, especially my younger bruhs, it's an honor."

The event kicked off Omega Psi Phi's founder's week which ran from Nov. 14 through Nov. 17th.

This article was provided by: The A & T Register
Written by: Mike McCray