Weber Leadership Report: Issue 6, 2025

McGraw School of Business

NEW FACES, SHARED MISSION | P6

McGraw School of Business Introduces Three New Faculty Members

THIRD ANNUAL CREATEUR CONFERENCE | P16 Words from Past Winners

ISSUE #6 | 2025 OLIVET NAZARENE UNIVERSITY

INSIDE THIS EDITION The Bridge Of Transformation........................4 Performance Headlines.....................................5 IN THE SPOTLIGHT New Faces, Shared Mission.........................7 Sam Morehart..................................................8 Emily Greene...................................................9 PROGRAM EXCELLENCE Accounting at Olivet.....................................10 Business Administraton at Olivet...........................................................12 Microsoft Office Specialist National Championship...............................13 Scholarship & Honors.......................................14 ENTREPRENUERSHIP Createur Conference....................................16 Keynote Speakers.........................................18 Pitch Competition Results...........................19 McGraw Faculty................................................20 Areas Of Study At A Glance..........................21

Dear friends, I often say “relationships are everything” whether it be in the context of work, business, the classroom, or our personal lives.

Here’s why I believe that. In each of those contexts, it takes many of us working and serving together, to bring about learning, growth, change, or success. We really cannot do it alone!

That is certainly the case when it comes to the work of the McGraw School of Business. The central focus of our work is on the students; they are the reason we are here. In addition to the important work that happens in the classroom, our offices, or in a café on campus, there are

many who contribute to the work of shaping and transforming students’ lives. Alumni, donors, community members, or guest speakers who visit our classrooms add to the Olivet experience.

Regardless of where you are, or who you are, we all have the opportunity to be seed sowers and share in the good work that God is doing in each of us, and in those around us.

In Matthew 13, the writer talks about a farmer who went out to sow his seed. It says that “some fell along the path…some fell on rocky places… other seed fell among thorns…still other seed fell on good soil, where it produced a crop --a hundred, sixty or thirty times what was sown” (v.4-8).

Thank you for your part in this sacred process of educating and raising up Godly students who we hope and pray will be sowers of good seed wherever they go.

Dr. Jeff Williamson

Associate Professor McGraw School of Business

That is what we are always striving for in our work at the McGraw School of Business. We are seeking to sow many good seeds in the lives of our students, whether they are in rocky places, in the middle of life’s thorns, or are in a season of “good soil” where they are ready to grow and thrive.

1

a Head for Business a Heart for God

and Hands for Humanity McGraw School of Business Vision

The Bridge of Transformation McGraw School of Business Mission

Connection

Opportunities to connect with peers and industry mentors through membership in professional organizations.

Concentration

Various concentrations allow students to find their niche and play to their strengths.

Career

There are a wide variety of business majors and areas of study for in-demand and rewarding career options.

PERFORMANCE HEADLINES Accounting • CPA Examination, 50% pass rate.

• QuickBooks Examination, 84.4% pass rate.

• Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) completed 645 federal and state tax returns.

Business Administration • Developed training in alignment with American Society of Quality’s Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt, 44 students certified with 100% pass rate

4

• Qualified program as Lean Yellow Belt Certified.

• Require all Business Admin students to take BSNS 415

Economics & Finance • Certified Financial Planner (CFP) 2025 – Board made changes to total numbers and values/percentages are unreliable.

• Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) $1,000,000 managed funds

Creativity

Challenges to think out of the box and connect reflection with action in today’s entrepreneurial world.

Certification

Industry-specific professional certifications that give students resume-ready skills.

Competition

Opportunities for students to put what they are learning into practice through regional and national collegiate competitions.

Calling

Students are required to complete an internship and take part in spiritual development activities to connect to God’s calling.

Marketing • FA24 Digital Marketing Hubspot: • Marketing Hub Software Certification, 23/23 (100%) • FA24 & SP25 Marketing Agency: • Content Marketing Certification, 40/43 (93%) • Inbound Marketing Certification, 40/43 (93%) • Email Marketing Certification, 40/43 (93%)

Management Information Systems MICROSOFT OFFICE CERTIFICATIONS: • Excel Exam - 70% pass rate.

• Excel Expert - 20% pass rate.

International Business • Five pre-approved STUDY ABROAD programs • 12 students traveled to Germany with EF Studies

5

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

NEW FACES SHARED MISSION At Olivet Nazarene University, we take great pride in the exceptional caliber of our faculty and the high intellectual values they bring to our academic community. We are excited to introduce three outstanding new faculty whose dedication to education and ministry adds depth and richness to life at Olivet.

With hearts for teaching and a passion for serving others, these faculty members exemplify Olivet’s mission through their work both inside and outside the classroom.

6

MICHAEL WATSON, PH.D. Associate Professor of Economics

Dr. Michael Watson brings a deep commitment to academic excellence and student success to Olivet’s economics program.

Originally from South Barrington, Illinois, he earned his degrees from Indiana University, University of Illinois-Chicago, and George Mason University, where he completed his Ph.D. in Economics. Before joining Olivet, he spent seven years as an assistant professor of economics and director of Philosophy, Politics, and Economics at Belmont Abbey College in North Carolina. He chose Olivet to be closer to

home and to join a community that shares his Christian values. In the classroom, Dr. Watson is dedicated to cultivating students’ curiosity and helping them think critically about economic issues. He also leads the Economics Club, giving students opportunities to explore topics beyond the classroom. Dr. Watson emphasizes both knowledge and character, striving to inspire students to reach their full potential.

instruction, campus events, or one-on-one mentorship, he seeks to be a consistent presence in students’ lives. His long-term vision is to cultivate a community where knowledge, personal growth, and service intersect, preparing students for careers and leadership roles in all areas of life.

“I want to push my students, because I want them to learn something valuable.”

Associate Professor, Director of Graduate Business Programs

Through his teaching, mentorship, and involvement in student activities, he hopes to make a lasting impact on each student’s academic and personal growth.

JEFF WILLIAMSON, ED.D.

Associate Professor of Marketing

Dr. Jeff Williamson brings decades of experience in higher education and realworld business to Olivet Nazarene University. He began his career at Southern Nazarene University and later served sixteen years at Mount Vernon Nazarene University before first joining Olivet in 2010.

After a brief hiatus to focus on his executive coaching and leadership business, he returned in 2023 with renewed energy and vision.

Dr. Williamson integrates practical business experience with classroom instruction, helping students connect theory to real-world application. He is passionate about fostering both academic and personal growth in his students.

“It’s not solely about teaching from textbooks, but about integrating realworld application into every lesson.”

He creates supportive learning environments where students can develop leadership skills and confidence. Whether through classroom

TINA BURTON, M.A.

Professor Tina Burton combines business leadership, education, and pastoral ministry to bring a holistic perspective to Olivet Nazarene University. Her career has focused on equipping individuals with the skills and guidance needed for personal and professional success. She also served as a church pastor, nurturing and caring for others through the love of Christ. Professor Burton first worked at Olivet as an adjunct from 2003 to 2014 before returning, sensing a clear divine calling to serve students in a new season. At Olivet, she sees her role as both teaching and ministering, helping students discern God’s guidance for their future. She emphasizes that every interaction with students is an opportunity to model Christ’s love and care.

“God tells me where to go and what to do, and I simply follow.”

Professor Burton prays daily for students, ensuring they know they are valued and loved within the Olivet community. Her teaching blends practical business insights with spiritual mentorship, giving students a well-rounded, purpose-driven education. This season of her career is a calling rather than retirement, allowing her to continue inspiring, encouraging, and guiding students toward meaningful, faith-centered lives.

7

IN THE SPOTLIGHT

SAM MOREHART Originally from just south of Seattle, Washington, Sam grew up surrounded by the beauty of the outdoors.

“I love hiking, skiing, camping, just doing anything outside,” he shared. A former gymnast of 10 years and a tennis player, Sam balances his love for adventure with a deep-rooted commitment to his faith and the Nazarene Church. Drawn to Olivet’s strong spiritual community, Sam made the leap to travel halfway across the country for college, and its a decision that’s shaped his journey in powerful ways.

Sam’s leadership and service have been shown and felt across campus. He worked in the Office of Admissions for several years, but his most significant contribution came through Spiritual Development. For three years, Sam worked alongside Antonio Marshall to implement and expand the Broke and Belong curriculum and the Belong Groups, discipleship groups designed to

8

help students find a deeper sense of identity and community.

Starting as a group leader, Sam and his co-leader, Savannah, eventually took on leadership of the entire program. “For the past two years, we’ve led it ourselves and developed it into something more,” he explained. Their work has helped freshman students discover belonging in four essential areas: God, self, family, and world.

Under Sam’s guidance, the program has become a foundational piece of the student discipleship experience at Olivet.

While Sam isn’t sure what the next chapter holds just yet, he’s confident that it will be led by faith and a willingness to explore. “I’ve been applying for jobs all over the place,” he said. “I don’t know exactly where I’ll go, but I’m trusting in the Lord.”

In the meantime, traveled to Tanzania this past May with with The Shalom Project from Olivet.

Since graduating, he has traveled and started his career as a marketing professional.

EMILY GREENE Hailing from Saint Anne, Illinois, Emily commuted to Olivet Nazarene University for three and a half years of her college experience.

Emily graduated as valedictorian from Saint Anne Community High School, where she was actively involved in athletics and extracurricular activities.

She was recognized as an Illinois State Scholar and was the runner-up for the RBC Scholar Athlete of the Year award. Also during high school, she played volleyball and participated in the school’s soccer team. In addition to school sports, she played club soccer for 17 years, which played a significant role in shaping her discipline and collaboration skills.

While attending Olivet Nazarene University, Emily played varsity soccer all four years while excelling academically, maintaining a 3.99 GPA. During her time on the soccer team, she was named to the All-Conference second team twice, served as a team captain in her senior year, and helped her team make nationals for three consecutive years. In addition to several soccer-related honors, she was also recognized as a CSC Academic All-District selection for the women’s soccer team.

Emily recently accepted a position with recently accepted a position with Shaw Media, and will be working in community engagement in the Kankakee County area.

MACKENZIE (PARK) WHELAN Mackenzie was a December 2024 graduate with a double major in Accounting & Finance and a minor in Marketing.

Prior to attending Olivet, she was the Class President and National Honor Society President at Rockford Christian School in Rockford, IL. During her college years she served as an Audit Intern at CapinCrouse in Naperville, IL during the summer of 2023 and then a second summer internship in 2024 as an Audit Intern with Ernst & Young in Chicago.

In addition to her academic and professional accomplishments, Mackenzie was a Teaching Assistant, Peer Educator in Accounting and Marketing, and was a Peer Mentor for two years in the McGraw School of Business. She also competed in Cross Country and Track & Field at Olivet She is now employed, full-time as an accountant at Ernst & Young in Chicago on the Assurance team.

9

PROGRAM EXCELLENCE

Accounting at Olivet Young Alumni Spotlight Series: Sosuo shares about how immigration setbacks proved to set her up well for stunning success as an Olivet student and in her accounting career at EY.

Original Story written by Lauren Beatty.

In 2018, Sosuo Anigboro ’24 moved from Nigeria to Indiana, where she lived with a family friend until her parents joined a year later. Despite the fact that as a 15-year-old she had already satisfied all of the high school graduation requirements in her home country, she was still required to enroll in tenth grade in the United States.

Rather than suffer through the three additional years of education, she embraced the opportunity to fully invest in her academic journey. That mindset proved to be a huge asset.

Sosuo took eight advanced placement classes and received high enough results on the tests to enter college with 35 college credits.

Due to her stellar academic record, she was accepted to every college to which she applied. However, her immigration status meant that she was not eligible for financial aid through federal or state loans or grants. Fortunately, the generous scholarship offer at Olivet Nazarene University covered the gaps and made it possible for her to enroll.

10

Sosuo embraced college life at Olivet with as much intention to succeed as she had in high school.

In addition to tackling an ambitious double-major of accounting and finance, she volunteered as a JumpStart student mentor, performed in seven shows with ONU Theatre, worked on the events team for the Office of Student Development, served as the finance manager for Student Life, sang in Proclamation Gospel Choir, tutored students in the accounting department, gave tours to prospective students and their families as an admissions ambassador, and volunteered to prepare tax returns as part of the nationwide Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program.

“Because of all of the interactions I had with my professors at Olivet — and the joy they had while practicing accounting — I saw that the career path was more than just numbers,” Sosuo says.

“Then, when I prepared tax returns for qualifying individuals through VITA, I saw the relief on people’s faces as we were able to help them with what can be a confusing process. I realized that accounting can be so fulfilling and tried to view the work through a lens of service.”

Impressively, Sosuo graduated from Olivet summa cum laude — in just three years — and was recognized as the Outstanding Graduate in Accounting. A bachelor’s degree in accounting requires students to earn a higher number of credit hours than other bachelor degree programs, so as to be prepared to sit for the Certified Public Accounting exam. In addition to carrying a very full course load to reach the requisite 150 credit hours, accounting students must also complete an accounting internship during their studies.

Olivet Nazarene University’s Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA) program has once again concluded a remarkable year, leaving a significant impact on both campus and community members.

With over 645 federal and state income tax returns prepared, student volunteers demonstrated their commitment and expertise, ensuring a seamless process for all participants.

“You should be numbers-smart as an accountant, but as I was applying for internships and jobs, I realized that companies were more interested in someone who was relational and teachable,” Sosuo says.

In true Sosuo fashion, she excelled at her summer internship at one of the big-four accounting firms, Ernst & Young (EY). The experience opened the door for a full-time job as a staff auditor after she graduated from Olivet. EY is a multinational company, with more than 700 office locations around the world. Although Sosuo enjoyed her time at the Indianapolis office during her internship, she chose to begin her career by following her dream of moving to the Washington D.C. metropolitan area. Her first tax season at the EY office in Tysons, Virginia, was challenging, but by building relationships with a collegial group of coworkers, she enjoyed the process.

Read full story on olivet.edu/news:

11

PROGRAM EXCELLENCE

Business Administration at Olivet The Business Administration degree perfectly suits many students looking for a degree that blends academic rigor with real-world experience. Part of the attraction of a degree in business is the broad preparation it provides for pursuing many possible career paths. Students can tailor their degree and choose from five concentrations: Management, Philanthropy & Not-for-Profit, Public Administration, Human Resource Management, and Operations Management.

The McGraw School of Business offers a thriving learning environment that continues to attract some of the best and brightest students from around the globe. Olivet’s business school now boasts two of the five largest majors on campus.

Business Management and Accounting rank second and third, with 173 and 125 majors, respectively.

12

Dr. Glen Rewerts, Associate Dean of the McGraw School of Business, has been a cornerstone of the Business program for over 30 years. His leadership is characterized by an unwavering dedication to excellence and discipleship. He has not only enhanced the academic reputation of the McGraw School of Business but also strengthened its mission to produce graduates who are both skilled professionals and faithful ambassadors of Christ and His kingdom.

This year, the Business Administration degree was strengthened with the addition of our Quality Control Six Sigma course for every student. Six Sigma adds value to the degree by equipping graduates with practical, data-driven problemsolving skills. It is utilized in manufacturing, healthcare, finance, and IT industries.

Dr. Brad Thomas has been offering the Quality Control Six Sigma class since the Fall of 2022.

ONU students have a 99.7% pass rate since 2022 on the Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt Certification.

Through this course, students learn concepts to help any organization improve its customer service and streamline processes. Six Sigma certifications

will distinguish our graduates, making them more effective and valuable in almost any organizational setting.

This May, 40 students graduated from Olivet with a degree in Business Administration.

These individuals are well-prepared to enter careers in corporate, nonprofit, government, and entrepreneurial sectors.

The distinguishing hallmarks of a degree in Business Administration at Olivet are the experiential learning opportunities, mentorship of faculty and a network of engaged alumni.

Together, these elements equip students with the skills and values needed to thrive in the dynamic world of business.

Microsoft Office Specialist National Championship Certiport, a Pearson VUE business, the leading provider of performance-based IT certification exams that accelerate academic and career opportunities for learners, is pleased to announce the winners of the 2025 spring qualifier of the Microsoft Office Specialist State Championship.

Winning 3rd and 7th place respectively in the Microsoft Office Specialist Excel (Office 2019), category is Ashlynn Scott and Moses Smith from Olivet Nazarene University. Both Ashlynn Scott and Moses Smith competed against students from across the Nation to earn this coveted placement.

To compete in the spring qualifier, students aged 13 to 22 were eligible to participate in one of six competition tracks by submitting a qualified passing score on the Microsoft Office Specialist Word, Excel® or PowerPoint® certification exams by May 2, 2025.

Olivet’s McGraw School of Business is proud to announce the remarkable achievements of its students and faculty in the 2025 Microsoft Office Specialist US National Championship: Ashlynn Scott: 3rd Place, Microsoft Excel (Office 2019) Moses Smith: 7th Place, Microsoft Excel (Office 2019) Jonathan Pickering: Awarded Outstanding Educator

13

SCHOLARSHIP & HONORS National Business Honor Society Sigma Beta Delta Award • Olivia Blanchette • Kyle Ross Byers • Leighton Foster • Andrew R. Frederick • Brian Gargas • Emily Greene • Tristyn A. Grube • Hannah Heidenreich • Paige A. Hermann • Brooklyn Paige Hulliberger • Spencer James • Faith Mikos • Josianna Rose Newby • Josh Nicoll • Amanda Paddock • Mackenzie Park • Haylie Rynberk • Parker E. Scottberg • Madelyn Shear • Lindsay Shouse • Krista J. Sixberry • Justin Vetter

McGraw Leadership Award Kyle Byers

Overall Highest Performing Business Student Based on GPA, Extracurricular and Christlike Character

Outstanding Management Information Systems Senior

Spencer James

Outstanding Marketing Senior

Lydia Award

Emily Greene & Mackenzie Park Female student who exemplifies the Character of Christ

Barnabas Award Sam Morehart

Male student who exemplifies the Character of Christ

14

Tricia Mills

President of Sigma Beta Delta Honor Society – Olivet’s Local Chapter

Jeff Williamson

Led Strategic Planning Process for the Kankakee Valley Symphony Orchestra Board

Advanced Degrees Earned Tina Burton

Masters in Pastoral Leadership from Olivet Nazarene University

Community Engagement and Recognitions

Dave Horton and Tricia Mills

Led the Volunteer Income Tax Assistance program for community members in need

Outstanding Accounting Senior

Lindsey Shouse

Senior Pastor of Resurrection Community Church of the Nazarene

Oversee School of Business Investment Club

Parker Scottberg

Outstanding Business Administration Senior

Tina Burton

Doug Neilson

Outstanding Graduating Senior Awards Krista Sixberry

Professional Leadership

Scholarship Projects (Completed) Michael Watson

• Scholar Week Presentation.

(April, 2025). Fishers and Men: Subsidiarity and Property-Rights Environmentalist Solutions to Overfishing. Olivet Nazarene University.

• Speaker at Olivet Nazarene University’s Honors Program Immigration Symposium.

Jeff Williamson

Book Published. (2024). Joy Cafe: Rediscovering Community, Connection & Belonging.

Doug Nielsen

Lead a Men’s Bible Study at College Church of the Nazarene

Brad Thomas

Marketing Assistant for the Bourbonnais Township Park District

Michael Watson

Volunteer for Olivet Nazarene University’s Center for Law & Culture Events

Jeff Williamson

Renewal of Gallup-Certified Clifton Strengths Coach

Elevate your Career

with an MBA or MOL Degree from Olivet Olivet Nazarene University is proud to offer tailored graduate programs designed to meet the personal and professional aspirations of its students. Our Master of Business Administration (MBA) and Master of Organizational Leadership (MOL) degrees provide flexible pathways to specialize in areas such as Leadership, Healthcare Leadership, Corporate Communications, and Nonprofit Management.

Our MBA program is crafted for those who aspire to lead teams, navigate dynamic business environments, and achieve both professional and personal goals.

The curriculum equips students with essential business skills and offers elective opportunities in Leadership, Healthcare Leadership, LEARN Corporate Communications, MORE: Intercultural Competence, and Nonprofit Management. The affordable tuition rate through the NEXT program makes it even more accessible for recent graduates to advance their education without financial burden.

CORE COURSEWORK HIGHLIGHTS: Competent Communication in the Digital Workplace: Mastering communication tools and strategies in a modern business setting.

Business Planning & Control: Learning to plan, control, and evaluate business operations and decision-making processes.

Ethics & Crisis Management: Developing a personal code of conduct and managing ethical dilemmas and crises.

Financial Analysis & Capital Structure: Analyzing financial health, managing capital, and understanding funding sources and uses.

Branding & Organizational Success: Exploring how effective branding impacts organizational performance.

Change Navigation: Strategies for effectively managing and leading through organizational changes.

Problem Solving & Decision Making: Defining solutions to business challenges and understanding their external impacts.

Leadership Strategies: Enhancing emotional and cultural intelligence to lead diverse teams successfully.

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

THIRD ANNUAL

CREATEUR CONF & PITCH COMPET

The McGraw School of Business at Olivet Nazarene University held its third annual Createur Conference & Pitch Competition on April 3–4, 2025, led by conference coordinator Karli Byrd. Designed to spark entrepreneurial spirit within the Olivet community, the event aimed to foster connections among faith-driven students and professionals, highlight best practices for launching successful startups, and encourage the 16

exploration of innovative business opportunities.

Keynote speakers included Tim Tebow, an inspiring speaker, renowned athlete, author, and philanthropist, who shared his journey and insights on leadership, faith, and innovation.

There was also the Expert Venture Capital Panel Discussion, which allowed attendees to gain valuable

FERENCE TITION

insights from top leaders across industries during this dynamic discussion. Panelists included Victor Gutwein, Mark Phillips, Christy Johnson, and Bob Vitoux.

For this year’s feature on the Createur conference, previous winner Wayde Sickels and runnerup Hayden Colclasure gave some insight into how the Createur conference has impacted their businesses a year later.

17

ENTREPRENEURSHIP

other students? Don’t compare yourself to others.

Be different, stay prepared, and know that the beginning will be tough, but it’s worth it. Wayde’s journey is just getting started, but his work ethic, vision, and faith-driven mindset have already set him apart as a rising entrepreneur in ag tech.

WAYDE SICKELS TOP FLIGHT DRONE CO.

Wayde Sickels, class of 2025, has a passion for both farming and innovation. He found his inspiration for Top Flight Drone Co. after seeing drone spraying for the first time. Growing up on a family farm, Wayde always had an entrepreneurial mindset, and the idea of combining agriculture with cutting-edge drone technology sparked something in him. His time at Olivet Nazarene University gave him the confidence to take the leap.

Through the support of the business program and encouragement to take risks, Wayde felt prepared to pitch his idea and turn it into something real.

Starting a business came with its fair share of challenges. Wayde faced constant pressure trying to meet demand while also dealing with equipment issues, such as generator breakdowns and charging issues. He took each challenge head-on, working long hours, pulling all-nighters, and doing whatever it took to keep things running.

Whether it meant troubleshooting problems himself or reaching out to his network, Wayde stayed committed to his vision and pushed through the hard days.

Looking ahead, he has big goals for Top Flight Drone Co. His dream is to expand the business across multiple states. Some of these states, Florida, Alabama, Kentucky, and Indiana, eventually cover more than 500,000 acres of farmland. He also hopes to sell and service drones and possibly become a dealer for a future American-made ag drone. With agricultural drone use still fairly new in the U.S., Wayde is excited to be on the front edge of where the industry is heading. Wayde believes Olivet’s business program has a strong influence on young entrepreneurs by encouraging them to take action and believe in their ideas. His advice to

18

HAYDEN COLCLASURE DELENDEAVORS

Hayden Colclasure, a student entrepreneur with a heart for sustainability and craftsmanship, founded DelEndeavors to reduce waste in the public utility industry. After learning how many utility poles are decommissioned each year, Hayden saw potential where others saw waste.

He began recycling those poles into high-quality cedar lumber, turning discarded material into custom, handcrafted products with purpose. His background in woodworking and his commitment to environmental stewardship helped turn the idea into a growing business.

The Createur Conference played a key role in helping Hayden move DelEndeavors forward.

Thanks to the funding he received, Hayden was able to purchase a new workshop setup and a laser engraver—tools that allowed him to expand into personalized cedar products. Even more valuable was the inspiration he found in meeting other entrepreneurs. Hearing their stories gave him new confidence and reminded him why he started.

Looking ahead, Hayden plans to expand DelEndeavors by introducing new products and building partnerships with others in the industry. He hopes to keep growing the business while staying true to its purpose—giving old materials new life and making a positive impact.

PITCH COMPETITIONS College students and Olivet alumni entered the pitch competition and gave their professional pitch and business ideas to venture capitalists who desire to foster the next generation of entrepreneurs.

Each of the finalists received a prize pack including a check and resources like executive coaching sessions and financial planning from sponsors including LivePlan, Converge, and Pathfinder:

1st Place: Recovery+ ($5,000) Grace College Tyler Brechbiel

2nd Place: UNSEEN ($4,000)

Taylor University Brayden Gilbert, Wade Frances, Lextin Willis

3rd Place: By the Bay ($3,000) Calvin University Hayden Colclasure

4th Place: Grad Gigg ($2,000) Wheaton College Luke Bothun

5th Place: Cation ($1,000)

Along with the main competition, ten area high schools had students participate in their own pitch competition. the top winners from the high school category were from Kankakee High School and Wheaton Academy. Each of the top four finalist teams in this category received $1,000:

Holden Hall

Evergreen Entertainment

Brighton Kahng Polar Rest

Karen Arenas-Cintora Ariklare

Kolonati Zibaya HIS Athletes

Karol Santana

CleanFreak Detailing

Taylor University Meg Shaeffer

19

M C G R AW FAC U LT Y & S TA F F

Glen Rewerts Business Administration J.D., 1987, Southern Illinois Faculty M.B.A., 1987, Southern Illinois University B.S., 1984, Eastern Illinois University Discipleship Bible Study Faculty Sponsor

Lynda Allen

Business Administration & Marketing Doctor of Management, 2009, University of Phoenix M.B.A., 1988, Olivet Nazarene University B.S., 1982, Olivet Nazarene University Enactus Faculty Sponsor

Dave Horton Accounting

Finance

M.B.A., 2012, Olivet Nazarene University B.S., 2009, Olivet Nazarene University Investment Club Faculty Sponsor SMIF Director Chartered Financial Analyst Sponsor

Management Information Systems D.B.A., 2020, Anderson University M.B.A., 1990, Olivet Nazarene University B.S., 1986, Olivet Nazarene University Microsoft Office Certified Expert Lean Six Sigma Yellow Belt (LSSYB)

Michael V. Szpindor Watson Economics

PhD Economics, 2023 George Mason University BA Economics and Polish Language and Literature, 2010 Indiana University

Tricia Mills

Jeff Williamson

Accounting

Carissa Lundmark

Administrative Assistant Associate in Theology, 2010, Life Christian University Diploma, 2019, Integrative Wellness Counseling Associate in General Studies, 2020, Kankakee Community College

Brad Thomas

M.S., 1994, Walsh College Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 1987 B.S., 1984, Olive Nazarene University Accounting Club Faculty Sponsor

M.S., 2017, Western Governors University Certified Public Accountant (CPA), 1994, B.A., 1992, Governors State University Accounting Club Faculty Sponsor

20

Douglas Nielsen

Marketing

Post-Doctoral, 2008, Ohio State University Ed.D. 2002, University of Sarasota M.A. 1987 Ball State University B.A. 1984 Olivet Nazarene University Marketing Club Faculty Sponsor

Titus Rivas

Graduate Assistant M.B.A, 2025, Olivet Nazarene University B.A, 2024, Olivet Nazarene University

A R E A S O F S T U DY AT A G L A N C E Accounting Degrees • • • •

Corporate Accounting Generalist Staff Accounting Government Accounting Public Accounting

Activities & Competitions

• Accounting Club • Volunteer Income Tax Assistance (VITA)

Professional Organizations and Certifications • Illinois Board of Examiners • Association of Certified Fraud Examiners • Intuit QuickBooks Examiners

Business Administration Degrees

• Management • Philanthropy and Non-for-Profit • Human Resource

Activities & Competitions

• Enactus National Competition • Student Philanthropy Council • Society of Human Resource Managers State Competition

Professional Organizations and Certifications

• International Association for Six Sigma Certification (IASSC) • Enactus • SHRM CP Exam • PMP Pro exam

Economics & Finance Degrees

• Applied Economics • Personal Finance • Corporate Finance

Activities & Competitions

• College Fed Challenge • Student Managed Investment Fund (SMIF) Consortium • Chartered Financial Analyst Research Challenge

Professional Organizations and Certifications

• Certified Financial Planning Board of Standards • Student Managed Investment Fund Consortium • Chartered Financial Analyst Association (CFA)

International Business Pre-Approved Study Abroad Programs

• International Business Institute • Korean Nazarene University • Global Immersion

Management Information Systems Degrees

• Information Technology Management • Data Analytics

Activities & Competitions

• The Paper Game • ERPism Competition • Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA/PBL)

Professional Organizations and Certifications • • • • •

American Marketing Association American Advertising Federation HubSpot Certifications Google Digital Garage Certification Project Management for Development Professionals Certification

Entrepreneurship Concentrations

• New Products and Services • Small Business • Business as a Mission

Activities & Competitions • Createaur Conference • Shark Tank Competition

Professional Organizations and Certifications

• Regional Collegiate Entrepreneurship Competition • National Collegiate Entrepreneurship Competition

Professional Organizations and Certifications

• Microsoft Office Specialist • Microsoft Advanced Specialist • SAP University Alliance

Marketing Degrees • • • •

Marketing Management Corporate Relations Commercial Graphics International Marketing

Activities & Competitions

• National Student Advertising Competition (NSAC) • American Advertising Federation Regional Competition • The Marketing Agency (ZENITH)

21

STAY SOCIAL Scan the code to follow us on Instagram and keep current with our latest stories and news!

@OlivetBusiness