AwArds
STUDENT MARKETING PROGRAM
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024
DOUBLETREE HOTEL , BLOOMINGTON ILLINOIS
THE DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING
STUDENT AWARDS CEREMONY
FRIDAY, APRIL 12, 2024
DOUBLETREE HOTEL
BLOOMINGTON, ILLINOIS
CEREMONY PROGRAM
6:00pm Social Time 6:30pm Welcoming Comments Dinner 7:30pm
Remarks by the Dean Awards Presentation
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Business Education Program presenters
Dr. Kathy Mountjoy & Dr. Nesrin Bakir
RALPH D. WRAY SCHOLARSHIP
Kacper Patrick Wujda
LEWIS R. TOLL SCHOLARSHIP
Matthew Greenberg
DORIS HOWELL CRANK AND FLOYD L. CRANK SCHOLARSHIP
Johnny Dorn
Matthew Greenberg
Katelin D Orstrom
Gavin Tellor
McKenzie Winchester
JEAN KEMPEL GREVER SCHOLARSHIP
Kacper Patrick Wujda
BAILEY ENDOWMENT FOR BUSINESS AND EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP
Gavin Tellor
WARREN S. PERRY AND BARBARA J. PERRY ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP
McKenzie Winchester
57 ALUM SCHOLARSHIP
Katelin D Orstrom
KAREN CREWS-KUSEK ENDOWED SCHOLARSHIP FOR BUSINESS EDUCATION
Samuel Peters
GREENEBAUM MEMORIAL SCHOLARSHIP
Brandon Vera
NATIONAL BUSINESS EDUCATION ASSOCIATION AWARD
McKenzie Winchester
BUSINESS EDUCATION FOUNDATION AWARD
Johnny Dorn
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OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN BUSINESS EDUCATION AWARD
McKenzie Winchester
Marketing Program
presenters
Dr. Aysen Bakir & Mr. Aaron Hurley
EXEMPLARY MARKETING STUDENT AWARD
Tyler J Evans
Meg Frank
Mei Lin Hung
Nick J Latino
Sicilia Rena
JIM DOYLE AND SUSAN ANFIN SCHOLARSHIP
Ella A. Sharp
DELTA NU ALPHA JAMES KATSCHKE SCHOLARSHIP
Jack M. Hart
E. V. JONES SERVICE SCHOLAR AWARD
Antoine Calmes
ISU - AMA I.C.E. AWARD
Nora Janka
VERN MCGINNIS
AMERICAN MARKETING ASSOCIATION SCHOLARSHIP
Brooke Davis
JAMES E. COX, JR. AMA SCHOLARSHIP
John Andrew Gehant
WILLIAM AND NANCY YARGER
STUDENT PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT AWARD
Elise Hayenga
Rocco Vito Rizzi
EMBOLDEN SCHOLARSHIP FOR WOMEN IN MARKETING
Morgan Jenae Shreves
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PARAGON MARKETING GROUP
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION SCHOLARSHIP
Brooke Aksun
Ella Glaspie
Prabhmeet Kahlon
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR IN MARKETING AWARD
Aubrey L Boswell
MARKETING DEGREE PROGRAM SCHOLAR AWARD
Sophie Veytsman
MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD
OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN MARKETING
Heather Marie Schollmeier
Marketing Analytics Program presenters
Dr. Peter Kaufman & Ms. Kimberly Diller
COUNTRY FINANCIAL MARKETING ANALYTICS AWARD
Lauren Marie Benduha
Alyssa Bischoff
Ella Glaspie
Emma Rose Julian
Tyler Rolintis
OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN MARKETING ANALYTICS AWARD
Maeve Margherita Rattin
Integrated Marketing Communication Program presenters
Dr. Sphurti Sewak & Dr. Mark Gibson
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COUNTRY FINANCIAL INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION AWARD
Polina Kreuz
Wendell F Miller
Rocco Vito Rizzi
Ella A Sharp
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OUTSTANDING SENIOR IN INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION AWARD
Edwin Brkic
INTEGRATED MARKETING COMMUNICATION FACULTY CHOICE AWARD
Kylie Lynae Gaither
Professional Sales Institute
presenters
Dr. Aditya Gupta & Mr. Tommy Haddock
2024 UNIVERSITY SALES CENTER ALLIANCE CERTIFIED SALES STUDENT DESIGNATION
Katelyn Judith Caldwell
Faith P Fiore
Alexander Grogman
Jacob Kubinski
Timothy Martino
2023 NATIONAL TEAM SELLING COMPETITION
Mally Charbonneau
Parker Litwiller
Tamara Mondragon
Trista Turbett
2023 INTERNATIONAL COLLEGIATE SALES COMPETITION
Katelyn Judith Caldwell
Sydney Czerak
Nathan Mickley
Sabrina Ann Schlenker
2024 REDBIRD NATIONAL SALES COMPETITION
Katelyn Judith Caldwell
Sydney Czerak
Sean B Pedersen
2024 NATIONAL COLLEGIATE SALES COMPETITION TEAM
Katelyn Judith Caldwell
Sydney Czerak
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YOUNG AMERICA REALTY
PROFESSIONAL SALES INSTITUTE
SOPHOMORE SALES LEADER IN TRAINING AWARD
Joseph Luciano
Jacob R Morlock
ARTHUR J. GALLAGHER
OUTSTANDING JUNIOR SALES STUDENT AWARD
Calin Rose Scimeca
NORTHWESTERN MUTUAL (CHICAGOLAND GROUP AND B/N GROUP)
ALL-AROUND SALES POTENTIAL JUNIOR STUDENT AWARD
Victoria Helen Potter
SAINT-GOBAIN ABRASIVES
OUTSTANDING SALES STUDENT AWARD
Maximos Marcionetti
SHERWIN WILLIAMS OUTSTANDING SALES INTERN AWARD
Jacob Kubinski
BRANDT BOX, INC. - SALES AMBASSADOR AWARD
Faith P Fiore
ADM OUTSTANDING CLASS INVOLVEMENT AWARD - JUNIOR
Hailey King
JX ENTERPRISES
OUTSTANDING CLASS INVOLVEMENT AWARD - JUNIOR
Aaron C Dean
PULSE TECHNOLOGY - RISING STAR AWARD – JUNIOR
Sean B Pedersen
FASTENAL - SALES POTENTIAL AWARD – SENIOR
Virginia L Watson
ENTERPRISE MOBILITY FOUNDATION
ALL-AROUND SALES POTENTIAL SENIOR STUDENT AWARD
Sydney Czerak
ENTERPRISE MOBILITY FOUNDATION SALES LEADERSHIP AWARD
Sabrina Ann Schlenker
STRYKER PROFESSIONAL SALES INSTITUTE
OUTSTANDING SALES COMPETITOR AWARD
Katelyn Judith Caldwell
SENTINEL TECHNOLOGIES - PROFESSIONAL SALES INSTITUTE
OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC PERFORMANCE
SENIOR SALES STUDENT AWARD
Timothy Martino
GFI DIGITAL FACULTY JUNIOR SALES STUDENT AWARD
Grace Margaret Rose Contos
JOE AND JEANNE GALVIN “32” SCHOLARSHIP
Audrey J Brown
ENTERPRISE MOBILITY FOUNDATION
PROFESSIONAL SALES STUDENT SCHOLARS 2023-2024
Katelyn Judith Caldwell
Faith P Fiore
Jacob Kubinski
Maximos Marcionetti
Sabrina Ann Schlenker
ENTERPRISE MOBILITY FOUNDATION
PROFESSIONAL SALES STUDENT SCHOLARS 2024-2025
Audrey J Brown
Grace Margaret Rose Contos
Hailey King
Joseph Luciano
Timothy McInerney
Victoria Helen Potter
Calin Rose Scimeca
Special Acknowledgements
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Dean Ajay Samant, College of Business
Ginny Smith, Director of Student Success and Enrollment
DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING/BUSINESS EDUCATION
Ms. Erica Brumleve and Mr. Jon Matousek
Dr. and Mrs. Jim and Carol Cox
Jennifer McDade, COUNTRY Financial
DEPARTMENT OF MARKETING ADVISORY BOARD MEMBERS
Self-Success Partners .................................................Jim Lagger
CEFCU/Peoria Community Relations ................. Martha Kamp
Illinois State University ............................................ Liz Adams
PROFESSIONAL SALES INSTITUTE
SPECIAL GUESTS AND PRESENTERS
Sentinel Technologies ............................................ Matt Eischen
Enterprise Mobility ............................................. Monica Hood
Fastenal ............................................................. Mark Harvey
Pulse Technology ................................................... Vince Miceli
JX Enterprises ...................................................... Nick Stafford
GFI Digital ............................................................ Jason Trent
RECOGNITION OF UNDERGRADUATE STUDENT OFFICE
ASSISTANTS AND MARKETING GRADUATE ASSISTANTS
Christian Amoakoh
Robin Canete
Emma Koesser
Faith Lagat
Valerie Luque
Fatema Nandiny
Vivian Qiao
MD Salam
Abubaker Yousef
About the Department of Marketing
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The Department of Marketing houses the two disciplines of marketing and business education. The marketing program is rigorous and challenging. Marketing faculty utilize an active learning, or high-student-involvement approach in their classes. The emphasis is on application of concepts and theory through such means as individual and group case analysis, computersimulation gaming, and client-based research projects. Students benefit from classroom opportunities to develop their communication, listening, problemsolving, and critical decision-making skills. Students may pursue a general Marketing degree or specialize in one of four sequences: Integrated Marketing Communication, Professional Sales, Advanced Marketing Analytics, or Accelerated Advanced Marketing Analytics (leading to completion of a marketing bachelors and marketing analytics master’s degree in five years.)
The business education program prepares students to become certified business educators for kindergarten through 12th Grade. Students’ complete foundation courses in business along with specialized coursework in professional education, teaching methodology, and a student teaching assignment. Additional coursework is completed to meet state certification requirements in three or more endorsement areas: accounting, basic business, information processing, and career and technical education cooperative teacher coordinator to name a few.
The Department of Marketing offers a sequence to Marketing Majors in Advanced Marketing Analytics. This sequence provides students with handson opportunities to learn how to use marketing analytics, data mining, and predictive analytics to solve important marketing business problems. These skills are in very high demand by employers across fields. A variety of software packages are employed to give students a well-rounded foundation and enable them to work at a variety of organizations. Extensive use of companysponsored projects enables students to connect theory with practice, and guest speakers explain current industry practices and provide students with an opportunity to network and gain additional practical experience. The sequence is comprised of three Ph.D. faculty members.
Our Integrated Marketing Communication sequence allows students to focus on the coordination of all aspects of marketing communication such as advertising, social media, sales promotion and digital marketing in an effort to provide a consistent message to consumers. In addition to foundation and capstone IMC courses, the sequence includes courses on creative strategy and design layout using Adobe Creative Cloud apps.
The Department of Marketing also houses the Professional Sales Institute.
Illinois State University’s professional sales program is among the seven founding members of a consortium of sales centers established in 2002 – The University Sales Center Alliance (USCA). USCA has grown to 44 members, and it connects university faculty members from around the world with many different backgrounds and areas of expertise. Together, these credible and innovative educators advocate for the continuing advancement of the sales profession through teaching, research, and outreach. A wide range of industry professionals are actively involved in executive instructor opportunities, sitting on panels to address student topics, and being a resource to sales students to develop their business acumen. The Professional Sales Institute is organized with an executive director and three Ph.D. faculty members dedicated to sales education, and an advisory board consisting of practicing sales professionals. The program is consistently listed as one of the top sales programs in the world as surveyed by SalesEducationFoundation.org.
Faculty and Staff
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Gary L. Hunter, Interim ChairpersonAysen Bakir
Hulda Black
Andrew Bordewick
Duleep Delpechitre
Mark Gibson
Tommy Haddock
Aaron Hurley
Joseph Jelinek
Peter Kaufman
Kari McMullen
Sphurti Sewak
Pui Ying Tong
Hao Wang
Nesrin Bakir
Michael Boehm
Ellis Chefor
Kimberly Diller
Aditya Gupta
Jay Herrman
Chiharu Ishida-Lambert
Trudy Jones
Juno Lim
Kathy Mountjoy
Rodger Singley
Andrew Uhe
Michael Wojcik
Advisement
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George Banks
Katelyn McDougall
Jennifer Whitcomb
2024 AWARD WINNER STUDENT BIOGRAPHIES
(IN ALPHABETICAL ORDER BY LAST NAME)
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BROOKE AKSUN is a sophomore from Mapleton, Illinois. She is majoring in General Marketing and expects to graduate in May 2026. Her first two years at Illinois State helped her choose and gain a passion for the business marketing environment, the direction she will pursue after graduation. She is grateful to have received the Paragon Marketing Group Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Scholarship and plans to use it to further her future educational marketing career and expand her knowledge and skills in the business world.
Brooke is currently involved in the Women In Business organization which has inspired her by being around confident, smart, and amazing future business women. She wants to set an example of what a strong, confident, and independent businessperson can achieve for younger girls and other women who may have felt discouraged in the past. I am extremely appreciative of the donor of this award.
LAUREN BENDUHA is a Junior from Arlington Heights, IL, majoring in Marketing with a double sequence in Integrated Marketing Communications and Advanced Marketing Analytics. She plans to graduate in May of 2025. She currently serves as the Vice President of Women in Business with prior experience on the executive board as The Director of Media Relations. She has also served on the Program Council of her sorority, Zeta Tau Alpha, as the Sisterhood Chair, Public Relations Chair, and was a member of the Think Pink Team. Lauren was also a Mentor for the College of Business Mentor/Mentee Program this year. Her honors include being a Dean’s List Representative for the past five semesters, is a Bone Scholar nominee, won the AFNI Marketing Analytics Award, and has won scholarships such as The Robert E. Shepherd Scholarship, The Redbird Scholar, and The Aim High Scholarship.
ALYSSA BISCHOFF is a Junior from Saint Charles, IL. She is currently pursuing a Marketing degree with a sequence in Advanced Marketing Analytics and my expected graduation date is May of 2025. Her professional experience includes her previous role as a Marketing Intern at ALDI USA, and her current position as the Director of Professionalism for the American Marketing Association at ISU. Additionally, she is a College of Business Mentor and a member of the Real Estate Club. She participated in multiple business competitions during AMA’s
Regional and National Conferences held at UW-Whitewater and New Orleans. Notably, she achieved top-three placement in the Redbird Analytics-Sales Competition. She has a deep interest in analytics thanks to the exceptional guidance and curriculum provided by ISU’s College of Business and is eager to put these skills and knowledge into practice during her upcoming internship at Goldman Sachs as a Summer Analyst.
AUBREY BOSWELL is a senior from Corning, a small rural town in Iowa. She will earn her bachelor’s degree in general marketing in Fall 2024. She is a member of the Co-ed Business Fraternity Pi Sigma Epsilon where she served as the Social Media Officer and Community Service Director. Last year she studied one semester abroad at the University of Nicosia in Cyprus. While in Cyprus she volunteered at CODECA and taught conversational English to girls in shelter homes. Aubrey also participated in a week-long service trip with The Long Haul, a campus RSO and traveled to a different state each day for a volunteer project. Currently, she is a Student Ambassador for the Office of International Engagement where she helps students with their study abroad journey, Community Service is one of her passions. Through her experiences, she hopes to inspire others to embrace life fearlessly and guide them to confront their fears, just as she has done.
EDWIN BRKIC is from Park Ridge, Illinois studying Integrated Marketing Communication and Advanced Marketing Analytics. He will be the first in his family to graduate from a four-year university this upcoming May. This school year, Edwin served as the President of the Business Week Team and Intern for the Executive Director of Marketing for the College of Business. In addition, he is also involved in the Pay it Forward Team, Alpha Kappa Psi Business Fraternity, the American Marketing Association, and the College of Business Social Media Team. Edwin has a passion for giving back through his involvement. When the weather is nice, you can find Edwin coaching tennis in his hometown. Upon graduating, Edwin will be starting his career at Motorola Solutions as a Customer Engagement Specialist. Edwin is excited to take the summer to visit Europe and travel to different countries before starting his first day of work.
AUDREY BROWN is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. She is enrolled in the Advanced Marketing Analytics 4 + 1, and Professional Sales program. She also competes on the Illinois State Women’s Soccer team, participates in the Student Athlete Advisory Committee and is a server at a local restaurant. She is a member of the AFNI Honor Roll, MVC Honor Roll, the Dean’s List, and was selected as a CSC Academic All District Team member this past season. Audrey is grateful for her experiences and opportunities gained at Illinois State. I would like to thank my parents for attending and for the unconditional support they have given me throughout my life. Go Redbirds!
KATELYN CALDWELL is from Orland Park, IL and graduating in May 2024. She is majoring in Marketing with a sequence in Professional Sales and a minor in Biological Sciences. She is a part of Delta Sigma Pi CoEd Business Fraternity where she has held three leadership positions. This year, she has been a part of the Sales Team through the Professional Sales Institute and has competed at 3 national level sales competitions. Katelyn competed most recently at NCSC where she finished as a semi-finalist.
ANTOINE CALMES is a Senior from Bloomington, IL. He is majoring in General Marketing with a graduation date of December 2024. His involvement includes serving in leadership for the last five semesters for the Delta Omega chapter of Pi Sigma Epsilon as a Marketing Committee member, Market Research Director, Diversity & Inclusion Officer, and as a member of the Professional Development Committee. He is also a member of Illinois State University’s Honors Program. His honors include the E.V. Jones Service Scholar Award from the 2023 ISU Department of Marketing Awards, the Louis A. Olivier Jr. Memorial Scholarship from ISU’s Honors Program, being a Dean’s List member since the Fall of 2022, and being Pi Sigma Epsilon – Delta Omega’s February 2022 Member of the Month. He is a dual French and American citizen, moving from his birthplace of Paris, France at an early age to Bloomington. He is currently studying abroad at the ESSCA School of Management in Paris, France.
GRACE CONTOS is currently a junior and is from Crest Hill, Illinois with an expected graduation date of May 2025She is a marketing major with a sequence in Professional Sales and Integrated Marketing Communications. Aside from my studies, she is also involved in Delta Delta Delta, a sorority here on campus and has been an active member for the last three years.
SYDNEY CZERAK is a senior Marketing major, sequencing in Professional Sales and Integrated Marketing Communications She is from Palatine, IL. During her time at Illinois State University, she had the opportunity to be involved in Illinois State University’s Sales Team and a student representative on Illinois State Athletics Council. Sydney competed at the 2024 National Collegiate Sales Competition, individually ranking 18th overall out of 135 students, and contributed to Illinois State University securing fifth place overall out of 70 Universities. Upon graduation, Sydney is excited to apply her skillset and knowledge in a sales role within the professional sports industry!
BROOKE DAVIS is from Mt. Zion, IL, and is currently pursuing a major in Marketing with a minor in Organizational Leadership at Illinois State University. Set to graduate in May 2025, Brooke is deeply involved in various campus organizations. She is an active general member of Women In Business, the American Marketing Association, and the Sports Marketing Student Association, where she engages in diverse activities and networking opportunities. Enthusiastic about leveraging marketing strategies to drive organizational success, Brooke combines her academic pursuits with practical experiences gained through her involvement in these extracurricular activities.
JOHNNY DORN is a junior, from Mundelein, IL and is studying Business Education. His expected graduation date is Spring 2025, and he plans to student teach in the fall of 2026. He is a student manager on the Baseball team and enjoys being around the game of baseball since it is one of my passions. He is also head coach for a 13u baseball team in Mundelein IL. I am very honored to have been awarded a scholarship for my hard work and pursuit of education here at Illinois State University. I would like to thank my professors in the Business Education department, as they are second to none.
TYLER EVANS is from Lake Zurich, Illinois. He is a General Marketing Major and expects to graduate in May of 2025. As a Founding Father of the Lambda Chi Alpha, Beta-Omicron chapter at Illinois State University, he held positions such as Vice President of Associate Member Education, three terms on the Executive Board, and served as Director of Apparel and Merchandise. He was also elected to be the President of his Associate Member class his freshman year. Tyler currently serves on the Judicial Board for the Interfraternity Council and volunteers at the Midwest Food Bank with his fraternity brothers to help move package pallets of food to be sent to communities in need. He also works at Medici in uptown Normal. Outside of school and work, he is an avid music-lover with a record collection of over 100 albums!
FAITH FIORE is a senior majoring in Marketing with a sequence in Professional Sales. She is from Orland Park, IL and is the daughter of Stephen Fiore and Cheryl Morlock. She is expected to graduate in May of 2024 and plans to work as a Sales Development Representative at TekSystems upon graduation. Currently, she participates in Women in Business and works as a mentor. Throughout the years, she has worked as an OEM sales intern at Signify and received awards and scholarships such as PSI Sales Scholar 2022-23, PSI Sales Scholar 2023-24, and the Cintas Rising Star Junior Award.
MEG FRANK, a junior Marketing major with an integrated marketing communications focus, is from Rock Falls, Illinois. She plans to graduate in December 2024. She is a transfer student from Sauk Valley Community College where she was the President of Rotaract, Student Trustee on the Board of Trustees, Social Media Ambassador, and a general member of Phi Theta Kappa and the Business Club. Currently, she is part of Salt Company, a college campus ministry. Throughout her college career, she has been on the Dean’s and President’s List every semester and was awarded the Sauk Valley Community College Rising Star Award and All-Illinois Phi Theta Kappa award. She is honored to work for the Mennonite College of Nursing at ISU as a photographer, videographer, and graphic and freelance digital designer. Postgraduation, Meg wants to pursue a career in marketing, digital design, and photography.
KYLIE GAITHER is a Senior from Bloomington, IL majoring in Marketing with sequences in Integrated Marketing Communications and Advanced Marketing Analytics. Kylie is a May 2024 graduate. Her involvement includes serving in leadership for the last 3 years on the Women in Business Executive Board as VP of Recruitment, President, and Student Advisor. She is also a member of Beta Gamma Sigma. Offcampus, Kylie works as a full-time Analytics Intern for State Farm where she is a part of the Agency Optimization Measurement Team. Additionally, she has held roles as a Lead Student Design and Sales Manager for Campus Ink and Marketing Assistant at ISU Campus Recreation. Her honors include being a Dean’s List Representative, Bone Scholar Nominee, and past recipient of the Afni Marketing Analytics Award and EMBolden Endowed Scholarship for Women in Marketing.
JOHN GEHANT is currently a junior in marketing major at Illinois State. Entering the College of Business in the fall of 2023, he searched for a club or fraternity to join to accomplish my goal and grow as a professional. Through his pursuit, he discovered the American Marketing Association and eagerly attended meetings to learn more about marketing and to create memorable connections with students who have similar interests as me. After his second week as a member, the president asked if anyone was interested in forming a team to represent AMA in the Redbird Rumble. Without a second thought, he joined the team. This was a turning point where he learned meaningful lessons which taught him that the smallest decisions can lead to the biggest impacts. Eventually he was named the Director of Community Service of the American Marketing Association. He has organized two community service events, one being the Miller Park Zoo’s Stampede and the other a is a partnership with Habitat for Humanity where he will host a campuswide competition between the registered student organizations to see who can donate the most and most useful items to support Habitat’s cause. This event will be the largest project has ever worked on. In addition to his accomplishments with AMA, he is a student manager at the office of admissions, where he works an ambassador. He has also accepted an intern position with Jewel-Osco as part of their marketing internship program for the following summer.
ELLA GLASPIE is a junior from Milford, MI, majoring in Marketing with a sequence in Advanced Marketing Analytics and minor in Psychology. A member of the ISU Women’s Varsity Swim & Dive Team, Ella has contributed to three successful seasons in the Missouri Valley Conference—earning Scholar Athlete Team honors the last two years. She is active in the #Redbirds4Change DEI initiative and supported ISU’s 50th anniversary celebration of Title IX. In recognition of these efforts, she was awarded the Paragon Marketing Group DEI Scholarship as a freshman. Ella is also engaged on campus as a student consultant through the ISU Innovative Consulting Community, a brother in the Delta Sigma Pi Business Fraternity, a member of the ISU College of Business Student Leadership Advisory Board (SLAB) and a scholar in the Honors Program. As a result of her achievements, Ella was named to ISU Dean’s List (5 semesters), inducted to the Beta Gamma Sigma International Business Honor Society, and elected as President of BGS for the 2023-24 academic year, an Emerging Leader on the Swim & Dive Leadership Council, DSP Executive Committee (VP Alumni Relations; Spring 2023). Honoring her achievements both in and out of the classroom, the ISU Marketing Department selected Ella as one of their four nominees for the prestigious Robert G. Bone Scholarship to be announced in May 2024.
MATTHEW GREENBERG is a Junior from Arlington Heights, majoring in Business Education with a minor in Economics. He plans to graduate in May of 2025. He is an active member of the Alpha Epsilon Pi Fraternity and has served in numerous leadership positions including Recruitment Chair, Public Relations Chair, Academic Chair, and Alumni Relations Chair. He was named to the Dean’s List in the Spring of 2022 and has been in the honors program since his freshman year. This summer, he will be a summer intern at CDW in their Chicago office.
JACK HART is from Rochester, Illinois, majoring in General Marketing and plans to graduate in May 2025. Transitioning from Illinois College, where he played D3 soccer, he has found a vibrant academic and athletic community at Illinois State. He is a committed member of the university’s club soccer team, and coaches two high school boys’ teams for FC Central Illinois, one team of freshmen and sophomores, the other, a team of seniors. This dual role allows him to share his love for
soccer while fostering leadership and teamwork skills in younger players. Through his academic pursuits and extracurricular activities, he strives to embody dedication, adaptability, and a strong sense of community engagement, contributing positively both on and off the field.
MEI LIN HUNG is an international student from Tainan City, Taiwan and is currently enrolled as a marketing major with sequence IMC. She is involved in AMA (American Marketing association), where she has learned a great deal about the business fields. Additionally, she was on the Poise dance team for two years to expand her diversity skills. Understandably, my academic journey has been difficult due to English being my third language. The experience during my college journey has been challenging, so when I saw the notification for this award while leaving for spring break, my family and friends were so pleased with my accomplishment. This award not only has had a significant impact on my life, but also has given me a deeper appreciation for my achievement. Thank you so much for your generous consideration. I feel so grateful for the honor to receive this award since I came to Bloomington/ Normal from a completely different country.
NORA JANKA was born and raised in Innsbruck, Austria. These past four years at ISU have been challenging, eye opening and most importantly, has helped to shape her into the person she is today. She fell in love with Volleyball at an early age and at the age of fourteen, competed for the Pro-Volleyball Team her hometown. When she received the offer to play for ISU, she knew this would be the perfect school for me in all aspects. A month after graduating High school she moved to the U.S., a country she had never been to before. However, the moment she arrived she felt like she was part of something bigger and all her fears turned into excitement and motivation to work hard and study hard to become the best version of herself.
Receiving this scholarship has changed her perspective of who she is as a person, since her whole life she was known as the Volleyball player and her worth depended on how good of a season she played. Receiving an academic award, rather than athletic award, showed her she was more than just an athlete and that she possessed other qualities that made her stand out.
Joining AMA has also helped her become part of a group that is not athletics and has helped her prepare for a life after sports by connecting with new people and facing new challenges. She has had a positive
impact in multiple departments of ISU and has thrived on not only athletics, but also academics. This scholarship has truly impacted my life and given me the confidence I needed to pursue a professional career. Thank you so much.
EMMA JULIAN is a Junior from Hampshire, IL majoring in Marketing with a double sequence in Integrated Marketing Communications and Advanced Marketing Analytics with a projected graduation date of May 2025. Emma’s campus involvement includes serving as the Vice President of Marketing for Women in Business and holding an internship with the College of Business on the Social Media Team. Emma also serves as the Writer for the College of Business, where her work is published on their website. She participated in Business Week as a Mentor this spring. Previously, Emma held the position of Director of Social Media in Woman in Business and served as the Outreach Coordinator of Euphemism (ISU’s Creative Arts Journal) for 2 years. Beyond ISU, Emma is a Student Design and Sales Manager at Campus Ink where she creates unique merchandise for multiple ISU Organizations. Her honors are reflected in consistent Dean’s List recognition. This summer, Emma will begin her next journey as a Marketing Consultant Intern at Zurich North America.
HAILEY KING is a Junior from Gilberts, IL, majoring in Marketing with a sequence in Professional Sales. Her graduation date is May 2025. She transferred to Illinois State University from Elgin Community College, where she completed a full year of collegelevel courses through a dual credit program. She graduated with her associate in arts with High Honors and membership of the Phi Theta Kappa Honors Society. She worked at Club Pilates for over two years, where she most recently served as General Manager for the Algonquin location. Her involvement on campus involves membership in the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi, where she has served as the Vice President of Marketing for her pledge class business and will also serve as the Vice President of External Affairs for the 2024-2025 school year. She has also completed the Business Week mentorship program as a mentor. She is also involved in the Honors program as well as the American Marketing Association.
POLINA KREUZ is from Bloomington, Illinois and plans to graduate in the spring of 2025 as an honors marketing student with a sequence in Integrated Marketing Communications. Currently, she is serving her second year on the Business Week team as the CoVice President of Marketing. Outside of the College of Business, Polina is involved with Encounter Campus Ministry as a small group leader. One of her favorite college experiences thus far was studying abroad in Florence, Italy last spring. She is creative at heart and loves to capture the world through photo, video, and design. In addition, she has a love for bringing people together and creating spaces for community to flourish.
JAKE KUBINSKI is Senior from Shorewood, IL, majoring in Marketing with a sequence in Professional Sales with a graduation date of May 2024. Jake is not only highly involved within the College of Business but has also served on the executive board as President for the past 2 years for the Sales Excellence Academy organization. He is also a part of the Student Leadership Advisory Board, the Pay It Forward Student Fund, and is an active member of Sports Marketing Student Association. Outside. Jake has served as the Parents Weekend Coordinator for his social fraternity, Alpha Sigma Phi, in 2022-2023, and volunteers his free time at Pet Central Helps in Normal IL. His honors include the AIM HIGH Scholarship, Enterprise Professional Sales Student Scholar, and Deans list representative for 2023 and 2024.
NICK LATINO is from Rockford IL. A Junior, majoring in General Marketing at Illinois State, he plans to graduate in the Spring of 2025. He has participated in a member of the Sports Marketing Student Association events and the Illinois State Club Golf Team. While attending a community college in Rockford, he volunteered and the assistant youth football coach. He has recently accepted an internship with the Jacksonville Jaguars for this upcoming Summer within the Marketing and Ticket Sales Department. He looks forward to taking all the skills he has learned within the ISU Marketing Program to the Jacksonville Jaquars!
JOSEPH LUCIANO is from Mount Prospect, Illinois and pursuing a degree in Marketing Professional Sales with a minor in Financial Planning. He plans to graduate in May 2026. He is a proud Phi Gamma Nu member holding two chair positions. Additionally, he is treasurer for the Cardinal Court Leadership Association and part of the Sales Excellence Academy. Beyond academics, he speaks at Make a Wish charity events after being a previous recipient. He is deeply committed to leveraging his skills and knowledge to make a meaningful impact. With a solid dedication to service and an unwavering pursuit of excellence, he is eager to continue growing and contributing to a brighter future. I owe a profound gratitude to my parents and sister for their unwavering support and sacrifices, which have been instrumental in my journey.
MAX MARCIONETTI is a Senior from Naperville, IL, majoring in Marketing with a double sequence in Professional Sales and Integrated Marketing Communications with a graduation date of May 2024. His involvement includes serving as President of the College of Business Student Leadership Advisory Board, Social Media and Marketing Intern for the College of Business. In the past he has been selected as the Director of the Inter Business Fraternity Council for the College of Business Student Leadership Advisory Board, and Vice President of Marketing for the business fraternity Phi Gamma Nu. His honors include being a 5-time Dean’s List Honoree, Enterprise Sales Scholar, and College of Business Outstanding Class Involvement as a Junior. After graduation he intends to move to Nashville, TN, and work for Dell Technologies as a Service Sales Representative.
TIM MARTINO is a Senior from Park Ridge, IL, pursuing a major in Marketing with a specialization in Professional Sales and a minor in Organizational Leadership. He is on track to graduate in December 2024, completing his degree in just three and a half years. Tim’s active involvement on campus includes serving as a mentor for Business Week after previously participating in the mentee program. He has held leadership roles such as the professional chair and served as a mentor within the professional business fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, a commitment he has maintained since his freshman year. In addition to being an honors student, Tim has also made the Dean’s List multiple times. This summer, Tim will gain firsthand experience as a Technical Sales Intern at Keyence Corporation.
TIMOTHY MCINERNEY is a junior planning to graduate in May 2025. While in high school, he took a class on how to choose fields of career interest which led him to his major, marketing with a professional sales sequence. He has been active within the College of Business, specifically, within the professional business fraternity Alpha Kappa Psi. He is currently the Vice President of Internal Affairs and was elected to be President for the next academic year. He has also been part of the Business Week Mentor/Mentee program for the past 3 years and enjoys helping mentor younger classmen. Having the opportunity to be involved within the College of Business has allowed him to grow as a leader professionally and personally. Upon graduating, he plans to intern at B2B sales.
WENDELL MILLER is a Junior from Swansea, IL, majoring in marketing with a double sequence in Integrated Marketing Communications and Advanced Marketing Analytics with an expected graduation date of May 2025. His involvement includes “Impact ISU,” an African American based Christian Organization, where he served as a member his freshman year and has been serving as a student leader since his sophomore year. He is also an active member in both the “American Marketing Association” and “Sports Marketing Student Association,” serving respectively as the Director of Promotions in the fall and Director of Memberships year-round. He was also elected and served on the student board for “Cornerstone ISU.” He is on the Dean’s list and was awarded the Exemplary Marketing Student of the Year award at last year’s ISU Marketing Awards. He plans to intern with Enterprise Mobility at their main headquarters in St. Louis Missouri as a marketing intern this upcoming summer. This past summer he served as a marketing intern with the St. Louis Sports Commission.
JACOB MORLOCK is from Plainfield, IL and is a Marketing major focusing on Professional Sales. He is heavily involved within the Professional Co-Ed Business Fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi. Through this organization he has been able to improve interview skills, Linked-in, and most importantly transferable soft skills. This semester he has served as the Vice President of Fundraising where his main duties consist of raising money for charity, raising funds for the chapter, as well as trying to gain corporate sponsorships to support the fraternity in the future. He recently graduated from the Business Week Program offered
by the College of Business which is mainly focused on mentorship and furthering professional development.
Jacob is appreciative to all the selfless and kind donors who make a difference in the lives of students by giving back and hopes that one day he will be able to help other in the same way.
KATELIN ORSTROM
My time here at Illinois State University has been a wonderful experience. I have truly seen myself grow academically and personally. Growing up I was always interest in business and knew I wanted to go on that path in college. As the first person in my family to go to college I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to expand on my knowledge and passions. My senior year of high school I had the opportunity to be a teacher’s assistant for my business class. That experience showed me not only my passion for business content, but my desire to teach it to others. As a teacher’s assistant now for accounting 131, I have developed a love for accounting and look forward to specializing in teaching it in the future. I am extremely grateful to be able to take the financial burden off my parents with this scholarship so that I can continue to further my education without the added financial stress.
SEAN PEDERSEN is a junior in Marketing focusing on professional sales and IMC. He began his journey at Illinois State University by getting involved in numerous valuable alumni activities within the College of Business and discovered a passion for sales and helping others. He has been involved in numerous organizations such as American Marketing Association, Alpha Kappa Psi, Business Week, Career Services, and the Illinois State Sales Team. Within these organizations, he has held leadership positions such as Vice President of External Affairs, Fundraising Chair, Social Engagement Chair, Professionalism Chair, and a Mentor for Business Week. He has helped organize numerous events at Illinois State University, including fundraisers, resume/ LinkedIn workshops, alumni panels, virtual career fairs, the College of Business Golf and Networking Event, the Red Bull Energy Drink Case Competition, to name a few.
Currently, he is an intern for Red Bull Energy Drink as a student marketer. This summer, he is working for Pure Processing as a Medical Sales Intern.
This scholarship is genuinely an honor to receive and will help pay
for my transportation to my internships this summer. He is extremely appreciative to the gracious donors who have assisted with his college funding and hope to give back to future students.
SAMUEL PETERS is a graduate student pursuing a master’s in business Teacher Education. The first four years spent at Illinois State University as an undergraduate created some of his best memories, so when it was time to pursue another master’s degree, he knew that he needed to graduate from Illinois State at least one more time. He is currently in the second semester of his master’s in business Teacher Education. Interestingly, it was a program that he took part in developing as part of his undergraduate days. Upon graduating the first time, he took a job as a Business Education Teacher in Belvidere, IL. He held that position for eight years but recently switched to the role of an Instructional Coach, leading new hires and experienced teachers through improving their practice and integrating technology into their lessons.
In his undergraduate years, he was a member of the ISU Cheerleading team and is excited to (at age 32) once again be a member and get back on the football and basketball sidelines this season to cheer on the Birds!
Samuel is grateful to be recognized to receive this scholarship and knowing he is supported financially in the continuation of his education at the institution he loves more than anywhere means a great deal. As a self-proclaimed “life-long learner” this award will assist him in continuing to live a life of education, to grow and develop in his role, and one day provide similar opportunities for students as passionate as him.
VICTORIA POTTER is a Junior from Gilberts IL. She is majoring in Marketing with a sequence in Professional Sales and a minor in Organizational Leadership with a graduation date of May 2025. Her involvement includes serving in leadership within Pi Sigma Epsilon. Some of the positions include Vice President of Human Resources, Recruitment Director and Social Media Director. She has also grown in her professional development throughout her involvement in the Business Week Mentorship program. Victoria has been involved in her sorority Zeta Tau Alpha as Director of Membership Enrichment and Unity Chair. Her honors include being a Dean’s List Representative for Fall 2023.
MAEVE RATTIN, a senior from Libertyville, IL, is majoring in Marketing with double sequences in Integrated Marketing Communications and Advanced Marketing Analytics. She is graduating in May of 2024. Her involvement includes eight semesters in Women in Business, holding multiple leadership positions on the executive board, previously as the Director of Social Media, Vice President of Marketing, Vice President, and currently the Student Advisor. In her senior year, Maeve has continued to be highly involved in the College of Business as a COB Social Media Intern, holding the position of Vice President of Marketing on Business Week’s Executive Board, serving on the Pay it Forward Student Fund Committee, and as a Marketing Assistant. Maeve has previously been a part of the ISU Innovation-CommunityConsulting program where she assisted in creating digital marketing efforts. She plays a crucial role in Zeta Tau Alpha and has held leadership positions as Sisterhood Chair and Think Pink Sponsorship Chair. Additionally, Maeve is a social media manager at the Share Shop, a free thrift store for students in the Office of Sustainability and serves on the Student Sustainability Leadership Council. Maeve volunteers at Pet Central Helps in Bloomington, Illinois, to help create enrichment for shelter dogs. She interned at americaneagle.com for two summers as a digital marketing intern and will return to the company post-graduation as a Social Media Specialist. Her honors include being a Dean’s List Representative for five semesters, Outstanding Junior in Marketing, AFNI Analytics Award, and Zeta Tau Alpha Achievement scholar.
SICILIA RENA is from Hudson, Il and pursuing a degree in Marketing with a focus on Integrated Marketing Communication. On campus she has been involved in seminars, such as The Procraftinators, and student access and accommodations. These organizations have allowed her to meet wonderful and inspiring people who allow her to grow and continually learn about new experiences. She is also involved in advocating for Maggie’s Wigs for Kids, a hair donation and wig making company that donates wigs to kids and young adults for free as well as St. Jude. Knowing there are many deserving students, she is very thankful for being chosen to receive an award.
ROCCO RIZZI is a Junior from Plainfield, Illinois and expects to graduate in May of 2025. He is majoring in Marketing, with a double sequence in Professional Sales and Integrated Marketing Communications. Actively engaged on campus, he is a member of four student organizations: the Sports Marketing Student Association, Real Estate Club, Sales Excellence Academy, and the American Marketing Association, where he serves as the Director of Promotions. Additionally, he is a mentee of Self Success Partners founded by ISU alum Jim Lagger. This summer, he has a Sales/Marketing internship with Land O’Frost. Before Illinois State, he earned his associate degree from Joliet Junior College where he played Men’s soccer, earning a second team all-region award. His college experiences have honed his marketing and sales skills, instilled a strong work ethic, discipline, and fueled his everlasting drive for success as a leader. I want to thank my family for helping me become the person I am today.
TYLER ROLINITIS is a junior in Marketing with a sequence in integrated Marketing Communication. In the College of Business, he participates in the American Marketing Association and has held two leadership positions, Director of Graphic Design and most currently elected as President. He launched his first business called TNT Evolution LLC which sells supplements online. This experience has taught him how to market a proper business and the difficulties of owning your own business are true, but the reward of making something from nothing is far worth it.
I am extremely grateful to receive this scholarship and appreciative of the selfless donors who have assisted with my college funds. I hope to give back to future students so they can have similar opportunities to mine.
SABRINA SCHLENKER is from Batavia, IL. She is majoring in Marketing with a sequence in Professional Sales, a minor in Entrepreneurship and expects to graduation in May 2024. She is active in Illinois State Track and Field Team, SACC (Student Athlete Council Committee), Sales Scholar Program- Sales Team Competitor, Delta Sigma Pi (Professional Business Fraternity) Senior Vice President and Vice President of Fundraising, Founding President Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Former Business Week Mentor, American Marketing Association, and
Sales Excellence Academy. Other extracurricular and volunteer activities include reading to children at local elementary schools in the community, mentoring sales students and younger aspiring female professionals and Partner with businesses through NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) to put on events to promote student athletes’ mental health. Sabrina finished first in her intern class at Stryker securing the most closed accounts for new business, was a Startup Show Case Finalists and awarded $4,000 to launch a business, and a semi-finalist at the National Collegiate Sales Competition and Redbird Internal Sales Competition to name a few. She is also a former recipient of several awards. Of interest, Sabrina is in the process of starting her own business, as the Founder of HairCan a trash can for stray hair in the shower. She is extremely grateful for her award(s) from the Marketing Department and plans to give back to the program that has helped shape her into a sales professional.
HEATHER SCHOLLMEIER is a senior from Mount Zion, IL. She is majoring in Marketing with plans to graduate in May of 2024. During her time at Illinois State University, she actively participated in Women in Business serving as a mentor for four consecutive semesters and was recognized as the WIB scholar of the week. Additionally, she is a member of Epsilon Sigma Alpha a service sorority dedicated to volunteering and fundraising for numerous organizations within the BloomingtonNormal area. A memorable event we participated in was the Polar Plunge where each member raised money to support the Special Olympics. She has been part of the Richland Community College Honors Program, Delta Alpha Pi, Fleet Feet Running Club, and volunteered at Good Samaritan Inn Soup Kitchen. She was also honored with the Outstanding Service/Volunteer Award and the Scherer Transfer Student Award.
CALIN SCIMECA is a highly motivated and successdriven junior at Illinois State University majoring in Marketing and attaining a sequence in Professional Sales and Integrated Marketing Communications. At Illinois State University, she participates in three organizations where she holds leadership positions. She is currently a member of a Professional Business Fraternity, Alpha Kappa Psi, where she was the former VP of Marketing for her pledge class. She is the former Director of Fundraising and current VP of Communications for American Marketing Association and VP of Marketing for the international business honors society, Beta Gamma Sigma.
ELLA SHARP, a junior Marketing major for Sycamore, IL, is currently sequencing in IMC and AMA and minoring in Mass Media. In the College of Business, she has held roles as Vice President of Marketing and Membership for Alpha Kappa Psi, the Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion Coordinator for Business Week, the Secretary of the Student Leadership Advisory Board, and the Vice President of Marketing for the Personal Finance Club. Additionally, Ella is a Student Ambassador for Adobe, serves as an RA for Manchester 16 where she advocates for LGBTQ+ communities, and works for Redbird Productions. Ella will be interning at Motorola Solutions this summer as a Web & Digital Experience Intern.
She has been recognized with several awards such as the Impact Award, the Outstanding Social Program Award, and the Top 10 Nationwide Adobe Event Champion, to name a few. Ella is also a Presidential Scholar, a Dean’s List Student, and in the Honors Program.
MORGAN SHREVES is from Le Roy, Illinois. She is currently a junior and will graduate in December of 2024 (one semester ahead of time). She received her associate degree from Heartland Community College and transferred to ISU in January of 2023. She has been recognized on the Dean’s List every semester, both at Heartland and ISU. Throughout her college career, she has been working as a leasing agent and marketing intern at SAMI Apartments. Additionally, she was a marketing intern at Keller Williams Revolution during the summer of 2023. At ISU she has served as the Director of Social Media for Women in Business. I look forward to using both my major in Marketing and minor in Entrepreneurship to eventually create my own real estate marketing business. I enjoy giving back to the community by attending service events through Women in Business and volunteering at my local church as a barista.
GAVIN TELLOR is a Junior from Normal, IL, majoring in Business Education. His expected graduation date is May 2024. He has been a part of the Dean’s List during his time as a student at ISU, as well as an IBEA student member. While studying to become a high school Business Teacher he also has coached football at the local high school Normal West. He has volunteered as a coach since starting college and currently coaches at the varsity level helping with the defense
SOPHIE VEYTSMAN is from Arlington Heights, IL and plans to graduate with a degree in Marketing Analytics. She has interned at AbbVIe Inc. and Marmon Foodservice Technologies, where she worked on marketing and data analysis projects. Sophie is active in several groups including the Pi Sigma Epsilon business fraternity and the Beta Gamma Sigma honor society. She also played as a goalkeeper for the Illinois State Women’s Soccer team. He has won several awards such as the Future Leader Award and the AFNI Analytics Award. After Graduation, Sophie will start a new job at Siemens Energy in Orlando, where she will be working the Sales and Marketing Development Program.
VIRGINIA LEIGH ANNE WATSON is a senior, majoring in Marketing Professional Sales, with an anticipated graduation date of May 2024. Within the past year she had competed with the Competitive Cheer Team at Nationals and has taken part in different sales competitions. She is proud to have received ‘School Champion’ when competing at The Great Northwoods Sales Competition last fall.
MCKENZIE WINCHESTER is from Marion, IL. She plans to graduate in May with my bachelor’s in business education. She is an active member of the Redbird Kpop club on campus, and volunteers to make bracelets with positive messages for students with SWAT. For the past two years she has worked and volunteered volunteering with Student Access and Accommodations Services where she has been an advocate for students with disabilities on campus. Being a disabled student herself, she understands how important it is to have someone “in your corner” and wants to be that someone for students in her classroom. She is honored to be receiving a mix of scholarships and awards!
KACPER PATRICK WUJDA is from Gilberts Illinois and a Business Education Major. He expects to graduate in the summer of 2026 with my bachelor’s degree. Kacper is a first-generation student/American at ISU. He is currently the Vice President of the ultimate frisbee club and was elected as President for the coming school year. He speaks Polish and English fluently and can work well with others. He enjoys sports, fishing and traveling with my friends/family.
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The Faculty and Staff of the Department of Marketing would like to congratulate all of this year’s award recipients.
We would also like to thank family and friends for their support of our programs and for sharing this special time with us.
Business.IllinoisState.edu