From left to right: Craig Schneibolk, UMW students Jenna Diehl and Brian Gaydos, and Andrew Blate ’04 pose with the winning check at the end of last week’s Case Competition for business students. Diehl and Gaydos won the competition, judged by Schneibolk and Blate, who sponsor it, along with two other UMW alumni. Photo by Suzanne Carr Rossi.
A University of Mary Washington capstone experience offered a sweet treat to business students this semester.
Teams from the 400-level Strategic Management course came together to analyze a business scenario involving a four-way merger that produced Canadian ice cream company Top Glaciers. They presented their findings – including proposals for how to increase profits – last week at the annual Endowed Live Case Competition. The Shark Tank-like event, held in Woodard Hall, features real business professionals as judges, real cash prizes for winners and scoops of real-world experience.
“An event like this simulates real-world scenarios and allows students to apply what they’ve learned in the classroom throughout their academic careers,” said College of Business Dean Filiz Tabak. “It helps them develop practical skills such as presenting in front of experienced judges, problem-solving, critical thinking, leadership and team building. These are invaluable skills for career success in the business world.”
Sprinkled on top, the winners – seniors Jenna Diehl and Brian Gaydos, who put forth a partnership and co-packaging plan – walked away with prize money of $3,500. Second place received $1,000; third place took $500. Read more.
