Student Success Stories

Student Success Stories

PROFESSIONAL SALES FRATERNITY EXCELS AT NATIONAL CONVENTION

CMU’s Pi Sigma Epsilon professional sales fraternity showcased its talent, expanded its network, learned from industry leaders, and engaged with employers in March 2023 at the annual Pi Sigma Epsilon National Convention in Norfolk, Virginia.

The chapter’s 17 members received multiple accolades, including scholarships and victories in various competitions. Notably, CMU claimed the top spot in the Pro-Am-Sell-a-Thon Competition, a year-long challenge fostering comprehensive sales strategies.

“It’s an incredible experience that not only helps us grow professionally, but also allows us to forge meaningful connections with industry experts and one another,” said junior Kayli Kalish, chapter president and marketing and professional sales student.

The chapter’s outstanding performance over the past decade also was recognized with the esteemed Arno Kleimenhagen Award for Sustained Excellence, affirming their status as a high-achieving chapter.

LOGISTICS LEADERS APPLY LEARNINGS IN CASE COMPETITION

Students tackled hypothetical business scenarios and engaged in an SAP competition at CMU’s second annual Logistics Undergraduate Case Competition in November 2022.

“Our goal is to provide students with opportunities that set them apart from students at other universities,” said logistics faculty member Evelyn Smith. “Employers are looking for candidates who are eager to take on challenges and learn outside of the classroom, so we are working to provide as many of those opportunities as possible.”

Esteemed judges from corporate partners such as Penske, Ryder System, Fifth Wheel Freight and Gordon Food Service selected recipients for scholarships generously provided by CMU alumni Jim and Renaye Damman (’80).

“The experience I gained is something that I can talk with recruiters about during interviews and helps showcase that I have experience with complex problem solving,” said Ryan Kreusch, a senior majoring in logistics management and purchasing and supply management.

STUDENTS EXPLORE ETHICS AND PERSONAL VALUES

Knowing that ethics are vital in today’s workforce, CMU’s annual Ethics Summit helps students gain a better understanding of the issues they may face in the future, a better awareness of their own value system, and an increased knowledge of industry codes/ standards of ethics.

Led by faculty and industry experts — and sponsored by CBA alumnus Jay Hughes (’76) — the event provides interactive breakout sessions and a thought-provoking case-study panel discussion to take a deeper look into the importance of ethics.

“This year’s Ethics Summit was intentionally built with activities to scaffold student learning. Students considered their own values and ethical lenses, worked through ethical dilemmas in peer groups, and then applied their insight to a challenging case that involved public trust, client trust, and the interests of the firm. In an interactive panel format, students examined ethical and unethical behaviors, the influence of leadership, and professional codes of conduct included in business professions,” said Amy McGinnis, CBA’s director of student experience.