CEDARVILLE STUDENTS 'GET DOWN TO BUSINESS'
Cedarville University’s chapter of SIFE was recently named regional champion during the midwest competition in Cincinnati. They will now compete in the national competition in Philadelphia in May. Photo courtesy of Amanda Graves.
by Public Relations Office—Cedarville, Ohio
April 14, 2009
Cedarville, Ohio—In an economy that requires college students to compete with experienced professionals for ever-waning jobs, practical real-life exposure is vital to education. With that in mind, Cedarville University’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) members are getting down to business. And they have not only taken on the challenge of providing realistic business experiences but are also being recognized for their efforts.
The University’s SIFE organization was recently named regional champion at the regional competition in Cincinnati, surpassing more than 21 other SIFE teams from colleges throughout the Midwest. In order to compete, teams had to present their accomplishments in meeting SIFE International’s six criteria: market economics, success skills, entrepreneurship, financial literacy, business ethics and environmental sustainability.
“SIFE is an international organization of universities that promotes the free enterprise system through projects they perform throughout the year in their community as well as internationally,” says Professor John LeBlanc, chair of the department of business administration.
Not only did the University’s SIFE team receive the regional champion title, but it was also awarded one of 20 nationwide Financial Literacy Topic Competition awards for its partnership in bringing Crown Financial Ministries to campus in September.
“Although I already knew that our SIFE team had made a difference in others’ lives through our 12 projects this year,” says Amanda Graves, a junior finance major and president of SIFE, “it was encouraging to be recognized by SIFE International for our accomplishments.”
SIFE’s 60 Cedarville members have worked diligently through the year to develop and implement projects, like teaching 4th graders in Xenia schools about market economics, traveling to the Dominican Republic to work with micro-finance clients, teaching 80 5th and 6th grade Yellow Springs students about financial literacy and working with inner-city middle and high school students at the Rock in Springfield to teach them about savings and checking accounts, setting goals, and what business ethics look like. “We have made a difference in the community,” says Graves. “Having our presentation team, officer team, faculty advisors and 22 of our members present at the regional competition was a great testimony to the dedication of all those involved.”
Following their win at regionals, SIFE will now compete against 120 other SIFE teams at the national competition in Philadelphia in May.
More Information
Learn more: SIFE and Cedarville University’s chapter.