When Eddie Maloney enrolled at American National University’s $$Roanoke Valley Campus in 1984, he probably had little notion that he would meet his future wife, Becky, in class and return thirty years later as the proprietor of a successful business to sell cups of delicious shaved ice to his son’s classmates, but so it transpired.—
Inspired by his own love of shaved ice and building on the business administration-management degree he earned at ANU, Eddie recently established a local franchise of Kona Ice. Demonstrating excellent business acumen, the Maloney’s were careful to ensure that their product satisfied the nutritional requirements to qualify as a USDA Safe Snack, a designation which allows the Kona Ice truck to sell approved snacks in school settings—a huge market for sales – and to support local fundraising efforts.
At the invitation of campus director Ron Bradbury, the Maloney’s recently parked their tiki-themed Kona Ice truck at the $$Roanoke Valley Campus to treat students to a little pick-me-up during exam week. “Not only is Kona Ice refreshing, the Maloney’s serve their customers with joyful enthusiasm and bright, encouraging smiles,” said Ron. “The experience provided an enjoyable and appreciated break for exam-takers.”
[img]In recognition of their career success and service to the community, Eddie and Becky Maloney were selected as the 2015 recipients of the Roanoke Valley Campus’s Alumni Hall of Achievement Award, the most distinguished award bestowed upon alumni. “Back then it was called National Business College, and I transferred from a local community college where I was taking a lot of classes that were not related to my business major,” explained Eddie. “[At ANU], the instructors were fantastic, obviously knowledgeable, and the classes were smaller. I finished my degree at ANU two years later.”
Although his business degree has helped him build a successful career, he is much more appreciative of ANU for something else. “The best thing was meeting Becky here,” he shared. “I saw her and that was it! We were married a year and a half later. That was 28 years ago. Can you say I am excited about ANU? I have a great life!”
The Maloney’s were formally recognized for this honor during the very same commencement exercises at which their son Justin received his degree from ANU. Like his parents, Justin is now a graduate of American National University, also with a degree in business administration-management. Whether or not he will one day sell Kona Ice to his own children in the ANU parking lot, remains to be seen.
A- Eddie (left) and Becky Maloney (right) were recognized with the Alumni Hall of Achievement Award at the same commencement ceremony where their son Justin (center) earned his degree.
B- $$Roanoke Valley Campus students line up for a refreshing exam week treat from the Kona Ice truck, owned by ANU graduates Eddie and Becky Maloney.
