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Memorial Fund Established for 1992 MIBS alumna


Tyson_Helene-1992Classmates of the late Helene Cannon Tyson (MIBS ’92) have established a memorial scholarship fund to honor Helene’s full life and successful career in international business. After a seven-year battle with cancer, Helene passed away at age 42 on February 15, 2008, at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home in Winston-Salem, NC.

While a student at the Moore School of Business, Helene made many lasting friendships and will be fondly remembered by all her classmates, particularly for her laugh and smile.  "Helene embodied the spirit of the international business program. She had a love of learning and a wonderful sense of adventure which she illustrated throughout her life," said classmate Melissa Lewis (MIBS ’92). "She was an open, accepting person.  Helene had friends all over the world and was very, very loved."

Helene spent much of her career working her way up the ranks of the Sara Lee Sock Company--from assistant marketing manager to director of international marketing. She was most recently director of marketing for Sara Lee Underwear and Sock Company. Prior to Sara Lee, Helene worked for Colgate-Palmolive in Paris, France. 

Helene loved international travel and spoke fluent French and basic Spanish and Mandarin. She played tennis with her USTA team and in doubles tournaments and leagues with her husband, Michael Tyson. She did not let cancer affect her activities; she started kayaking and continued to travel to such places as Canada, England, Mexico, and the Dominican Republic. Helene also enjoyed skiing, cycling, music, photography, and exotic foods.

Helene was very active in her community participating in the West End Neighborhood Association, the YWCA, and was a member and past president of Forsyth Rehabilitation Houses, Inc.

Early Life
Helene graduated from Georgetown University where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in the School of Foreign Science. While a student at Georgetown, she served as an intern in the U.S. Senate office of Senator Patrick Leahy. She also attended National Taiwan Normal University and University of Geneva in Switzerland during her college years. Helene later attended the University of South Carolina where she earned a Master of International Business Studies (MIBS) in 1992.

Helene was born in Newton, MA, to James and Maria Piontek Cannon on January 16, 1966. She is survived by her husband Michael, daughter Eleanor, brother Jim Cannon, sister Margaret Caffry, and her mother.

If you are interested in contributing to the "Helene Tyson Memorial Fund," you can make a donation either online or directly through the Business Partnership Foundation (checks made payable to: Business Partnership Foundation (note: Helene Tyson Memorial Fund), Moore School of Business, University of South Carolina, 1705 College Street, Columbia, SC 29208).