Keeping true to its motto: “It’s more than business. It’s personal,” the Neeley School of Business celebrated its Diamond Anniversary with a night of baseball and pizza with family and friends at the TCU versus Oklahoma State University baseball game Friday.

Part of a series of 75 events leading up to the business school’s 75th Anniversary in 2013, Neeley Baseball Night was an event open to all Neeley faculty, staff, alumni, students and families.

Jenya Felder, administration support at Neeley, helped organize the 75 events and said the Neeley Baseball Night continued the excitement that was building toward next year’s anniversary.

“[The anniversary is] a very big deal, so everyone is really excited, and we are building momentum andgetting ready for the grand gala in 2013,” Felder said.

Felder, who graduated from the Neeley Business School in 2003, said being an alumna made the experience sweeter.

“Being a Neeley grad, it is wonderful to be a part of all of this and witness a lot of the major moments that are going on at Neeley right now,” she said.

Astonishment over how far the Neeley school has progressed during its 74 years of existence was shared by most at the event.

“It’s amazing. Our little school has grown so much. It’s exciting,” Brian Goates, a 2008 alumnus said.

Mary Henslee, a 1981 alumna, said she studied at the business school even before the school earned the name and prestige it holds today.

“When I was here, it wasn’t even called Neeley,” Henslee said. “It’s just gotten a much higher reputation since I graduated. It was a great school then, and it’s much more widely known now.”

Ayesha Narula, a 2011 alumna, said she was excited to be a part of the years of tradition.

“I didn’t even realize itwas its 75th anniversary, to be honest with you, but it’s really impressive,” Narula said. “It just goes to show how great the school is, and the tradition here and just the fact that you’ve really carried that on.”

Senior marketing major Sammie Phillips said the business school’s history and reputation made it a great reason to attend the university.

Former and current students were not the only ones surprised and excited by the business school’s achievements. Professor of Marketing and Chair of the Department of Information Systems and Supply Chain Management professor Chuck Lamb said the growth of the school in his 31 years at the university was extraordinary.

“It’s just unbelievable. I would have never expected for us to achieve a lot of things that we have achieved – the university and Neeley and athletics and all areas, really,” Lamb said.

The event also presented the opportunity for reunions, Henslee said.

Felder agreed.

“It’s always wonderful to come to the sporting event or any event and get to talk with people you haven’t seen in a while,” she said.

For Phillips it provided the chance for networking before her graduation in May.

O. Homer Erekson, John V. Roach Dean of the Neeley School, said the turnout was great with close to 100 attendants.

“There are so many great people who have been with the Neeley School for all these years – faculty, staff, students and all our friends and partners and what a time to celebrate. It’s a really special time,” Erekson said.

Erekson created the Neeley Heritage Scholarship, and proceeds from Neeley 75th anniversary events would go toward this scholarship, Felder said.

According to the Neeley School of Business website, “The Neeley Heritage Scholarship honors the many contributions of Neeley alumni, faculty and staff who have worked together over the years to create a premier business education experience.”

The Kickoff Celebration that took place last year raised $150,000, Felder