A team of Rogers State University students will be competing in the Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) National Exposition next week in Philadelphia. The six-student team won a regional championship competition in Dallas last month.
SIFE is an international non-profit organization that works with leaders in business and higher education to mobilize university students to make a difference in their communities while developing the skills to become socially responsible business leaders. Participating students form teams on their campuses and apply business concepts to develop outreach projects that improve the quality of life and standard of living for people in need. An annual series of regional and national competitions provides a forum for teams to present the results of their projects, and to be evaluated by business leaders serving as judges.
“SIFE offers students a unique opportunity to apply business concepts through service to their communities,” said Dr. Cathy Kennemer, RSU assistant professor of business and SIFE faculty advisor.
During the Dallas competition, each team competed with a presentation summarizing how they improved their communities and world through the implementation of business-related educational projects. To meet competition guidelines, SIFE students managed projects comprised of six educational topics: market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, environmental sustainability and business ethics.
At the Dallas competition the RSU team won a trophy and $1,500 to help with travel expenses to the National Exposition.
The RSU SIFE competition team includes:
- Heather Atkinson of Vinita
- Terri Dubay of Clarksville, Tenn.
- Ashley Hunt of Rose
- Blake Lewis of Bixby
- Krista Schlumpberger of Vacaville, Calif.
- Mike Tietjen of Owasso
In addition, 19 RSU students have participated in various activities and projects this year.