Sidy Toure: The Making of a Global Entrepreneur

MEET Sidy Toure ‘22
EARNED: Bachelor of Science in International Business with a concentration in Business Administration ‘22 

Americans aren’t the only ones in search of the American dream. Four years ago, Sidy Mahamane Toure traveled 4,480 miles from Bamako, Mali, in West Africa to GoldeyBeacom College – a college he never visited but only saw in pictures.

Initially, Toure wanted to go to Canada, but his parents felt it was a better opportunity for their son to attend college in the U.S.

Like many international students, Toure enlisted an agency that helps students choose a college in the U.S. Among the positive attributes that influenced his decision to attend GBC, Toure said it was affordable, private and it was a small community.

When Toure arrived at the GBC campus in 2018, he experienced firsthand the value of learning in a small environment where students from all over the world see each other every day. “If I was at a large college, I’d probably see people from my country and talk only with them. Here at GBC, I’m interacting with people from the U.S. and many other countries.”

Toure approaches everyone he meets with humbleness and respect. Living among so many different people on campus has given him an opportunity to learn about new cultures and traditions as well as watch others learn, grow and mature. “It gave me so much perspective,” he said as he acknowledged his own personal growth.

“Who I was in my freshman year, and who I am right now, are two completely different people,” said Toure with his broad, charming smile. “I am really grateful for the kind of person I have become.”

“It’s a really friendly environment,” he remarked and noted, “everybody knows everybody, and that’s something I probably wouldn’t have gotten anywhere else.”

Among Toure’s fondest memories is having class with Associate Professor of English Dr. William Rivers. “I was taking research writing, and I found myself learning, not only about my major, but growing personally and professionally,” Toure said. “Dr. Rivers is just amazing. I enjoyed every class I had with him. Every single class really made me a better person than the one before. I’m grateful for that.”

Toure has started his own business, and that’s why getting a college education has been a priority. “I’ve started an international trade company in my home country,” he said. “That’s why I became an international business major. But the thing is, I don’t just want to be making money. I want to feel like I brought something to society. I’m trying to learn as many skills as I can, and at the same time, every day I think about what I can accomplish and be proud of even if I didn’t make money out of it. So at least I can say yeah, I’m proud of what I’ve done.”

In April 2022, Toure’s aunt and uncle (and their children), drove from New York to the GBC campus to celebrate as he walked across the stage and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in International Business with a concentration in Business Administration.

This is only the beginning for Toure. This entrepreneurial young man has already enrolled in the master’s program. “It’s the best way to get more experience and have more time to think about what I want to do,” said Toure.

If you are fortunate enough to meet Sidy Toure one day, or do business with him in the future, you’ll be in the presence of an honest and caring young man who is also deeply committed to his faith. It’s not always easy to share religious beliefs for fear of persecution, but he found himself among caring and accepting people at the College.
“Being Muslim is not easy in some countries,” said Toure. “When I came to Goldey-Beacom, I was surprised to learn that I had a place where I can pray – they literally gave me a room to pray in,” said Toure as he recalled how easy it was to acclimate.

“They offer food to people who are fasting,” he said. “When I go to the dining hall, they tell me, you can eat this, and you cannot eat this. They make it so easy. I have friends around the world who have to hide the fact that they are Muslim. People here respect it and even celebrate it. That’s something I was not expecting, but it was good news for me.”

His Muslim faith is his lifestyle. “It’s the one thing I’m always focused on, and for everything that I achieve in my life, I think that it’s really coming from God,” says Toure.

“It is a core part of me. It’s the reason why I don’t drink alcohol or smoke or do drugs. I think it’s beautiful that not stealing, not cheating is part of your religion. Being grateful and kind to other people is part of my religion and makes me a better person.”

Toure’s appreciation for GBC runs deep. Following an incident with a small fire, some of his clothes had burned. The GBC staff and faculty were so concerned, the College gave him a check to purchase new clothes.

“That is something that I cannot forget. I made a mistake, and it started a fire,” said Toure. “The school has been very helpful, and they didn’t blame me. I don’t think that’s something you get from every college.”

You’ll often hear Dr. Keith saying, “That’s just what we do here – we’re family. We take care of each other.”

Presented at Honors Day 2022, Toure received the inaugural President’s Award for Achieving Greater in the undergraduate division. (This award was also presented in the graduate division.) Nominated by the College president, these are the most prestigious awards a student is eligible to earn. Toure has demonstrated the true meaning of “Achieve Greater” during his time at the College.

He said, “Last semester was very challenging for me at so many levels. I have received a lot of support from President Keith, the Office of Residence Life, Megan in the Mental Health and Wellness Center, Career Services, Advisement, my professors and more.”

“I am grateful for President Keith and the whole GBC staff and professors,” said Toure. “I have always been treated with love and respect. Goldey has become a second family to me. If I could, I would remain a college student forever.”

This article was previously featured in The Goldey-Beacom College Magazine