This year’s effort was made possible through a $1,000 contribution from the Tom Smith Fellows, matched by $1,000 in food donations from Food Lion, continuing the legacy of partnership inspired by the program’s namesake, Tom Smith, former CEO of Food Lion. Smith, known for his humility, service-driven leadership, and deep commitment to the Salisbury-Rowan community, believed that business education must include compassionate action. When KSOB faculty and staff learned about the Fellows’ Thanksgiving initiative, many stepped in to help load food and pack meals, underscoring the shared commitment to caring for the community.
“Tom would’ve been so proud to see these students doing so much more than learning business etiquette, networking, and visiting local businesses,” said Meg Dees, VP of Development at Catawba College. “They understand the value of service, of showing up for others, and of giving back to a community they have come to know deeply through this program.”
For many students, the delivery experience was a powerful reminder of why service matters. Noelle Richardson, a Tom Smith Fellow, recalled a moment that brought this mission to life:
“As I was loading one of the Blessing Boxes, a single mother with two children walked up and took one of the Thanksgiving meal bags,” Richardson shared. “She thanked me personally. In that moment, I saw servant leadership in action—real people benefiting right in front of us. It made every bit of effort worth it.”
Dr. Christine Lynn, Tom Smith Fellows Program Director and Associate Dean of the Ketner School of Business, shared pride in the Fellows’ impact, noting:
“Our Fellows have led not one, but two major service projects this month—and they’ve done it with heart. Taking care of your people is one of the most important lessons in leadership, and these students understand that deeply. Every day is a gift and an opportunity to lift someone else up. I couldn’t be prouder of the leaders they are becoming. Their willingness to lead with service first mirrors the values Tom Smith built his career on—humility, generosity, and taking care of your people.”
The 14 Blessing Box locations receiving Thanksgiving meal donations included:
- Spencer Community Garden
- Spencer-Tabernacle Church
- First United Church of Christ
- Wittenburg Lutheran Church
- West End Community Garden
- Meals on Wheels
- Community Care Clinic
- Salisbury Pediatrics
- Mt. Tabor Church
- Trinity Living Center
- Partners in Learning
- CrossLife Church
- Rockwell Elementary
- Saleeby-Fisher YMCA
The Thanksgiving initiative reflects the Tom Smith Fellows’ mission to combine academic excellence with meaningful community engagement—a model of leadership Smith championed throughout his Food Lion career.
For more information about the Ketner School of Business or Tom Smith Fellows, please visit www.catawba.edu/ksob
About Catawba College’s Ketner School of Business
The Ketner School of Business at Catawba College is a leading institution renowned for its commitment to excellence in business education, innovation, and entrepreneurship. With a focus on preparing students for success in the rapidly evolving business landscape, the Ketner School of Business offers a diverse range of programs and opportunities for growth and development.
