SCSU Students Ranked Top-10 Finalists in International Marketing Competition
Southern Connecticut State University's American Marketing Association chapter was selected as a top-10 finalist in the AMA's international case competition. The competition revolved around a proposed new initiative for Pearson, a giant in academic publishing.
Standing, from left: Peter Romas (Secretary), Nicholas Gallicano, Marina Virgalla, and Daniel Morales; Seated, from left: Dr. Ellen D. Durnin (Dean), Emily Burkhardt (Vice President), Cassandra Cortese (President), and Dr. Robert Forbus (Advisor)
SCSU's case solution, which can't yet be revealed yet, was a strategic marketing communications plan, with value-added recommendations to Pearson that went beyond the requirements of the competition. Although more students participated in creating the solution, only four SCSU students will be able to present the solution during the AMA's 34th Annual International Collegiate Conference in New Orleans, March 22-24. Winners will be announced during the conference, and will receive cash prizes.
Cassandra Cortese, a senior BSBA major from Tolland and president of
Southern's AMA chapter, said, "We are very proud and deeply honored that
our case has been recognized by AMA. Our excitement over this
accomplishment is particularly high because this is only our second year
as a student organization. In years past, there was a chapter; but, it
had gone dormant. We have spent four semesters reactivating and
rebuilding our chapter. Because we are always looking for talented,
dedicated new members, we hope this recognition of our work helps us
with recruitment efforts. We can't let this organization fall dormant
again -- it's just too important." The AMA's recognition isn't the
first for Ms. Cortese. In fact, she has a history of academic
achievement. During the past two years, her scholarship has led to her
being inducted into two honorary societies: Delta Mu Delta (business)
and Alpha Mu Alpha (marketing).
Robert Forbus, associate professor of marketing and advisor to the
chapter said, "The students who worked on this case, and all the members
of our collegiate chapter, are a treasure. I'm truly fortunate to coach
such wonderful students who will soon take their place in the world as
professionals. I hope the AMA's recognition of their talent and hard
work will bring positive attention to them, and to our Business School
as well. And, of course, this recognition is an excellent resume
enhancer for our students when they enter the job market. Our students
will go up against, among others, the University of Pennsylvania, an Ivy
League school, when they are in New Orleans. I have every confidence
that they will shine in this competition like a Tiffany diamond
engagement ring."
Dean of the School of Business Ellen D. Durnin said, "I wish to
congratulate Dr. Forbus and his wonderful students for qualifying at the
national level of the AMA case competition. I am confident that they
will perform in such a way that will bring accolades to the School of
Business and to the university. Their activities are consistent with
the mission of the School to provide rigorous academic and professional
development experiences that will allow them to compete in the workplace
at the highest levels. We look forward to hearing about the
competition results and the students' experiences when they return to
Connecticut."
Schools recognized among the top-10 include the following:
- Aurora University
- British Columbia Institute of Technology
- Hofstra University
- Portland State University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Texas State University - San Marcos
- University of Arizona - Tuscon
- University of Pennsylvania
- University of Wisconsin - Eau Claire
- University of Wisconsin - Whitewater
