Briar Cliff University Media Announcement

SIOUX CITY, Iowa – Briar Cliff University’s Students In Free Enterprise (SIFE) team achieved a national ranking and was named a National Finalist in business ethics and program sustainability during the National SIFE Competition in Philadelphia in May.

BCU placed sixteenth among 180 colleges and universities in the national competition. In the semi-final round of the competition, Briar Cliff defeated Cascade College, Portland, Ore.; Kennesaw State University, Kennesaw, Ga.; Mountain State University, Beckley W.Va.; St. Paul’s College, Lawrenceville, Va.; The University of Georgia, Athens; and The University of Rio Grande, Rio Grande, Ohio.

Briar Cliff’s SIFE team earned its way to the national spotlight by being named a regional champion in the SIFE competition in Minneapolis in March.

“We are excited about our accomplishments at the national level,” said Marilyn Eastman, BCU assistant professor of business administration and SIFE advisor. “Our SIFE team continues to win over larger institutions.”

At nationals, the BCU SIFE team presented results from 18 community-building projects, including SnackWise, a marketing plan competition, sponsored by BCU and JOLLY TIME Pop Corn; Goin’ Green Guru Challenge, an environmental sustainability program with Sam’s Club; ReMarkAble Research and Consulting, a business for small entrepreneurs; We’ll Shop You, a mystery shopping business; and Camp PYLOT (Preparing Young Leaders of Tomorrow), a middle school leadership summer camp.

“Being involved in SIFE teaches us amazing leadership, teamwork and presentation skills,” said John Guetter, BCU SIFE co-president. “SIFE provides a meaningful way for people to achieve their dreams and give back to the community.”

At the national competition with Eastman and Guetter were Andrew Douglas, co-president; Brent Miller, vice president; Derek Mechaelsen, recruitment chairperson; Jordan Hohenstein, project coordinator; Tammy Landon, secretary; Kelsey Schomaker, treasurer; Stephanie Calleroz; Allie Polich; and Richard Miller.

For more information about how Siouxland non-profit organizations can partner with BCU’s SIFE team, please contact Marilyn Eastman at Briar Cliff at marilyn.eastman@briarcliff.edu.

SIFE is a non-profit organization that works with business and higher education to assist students in developing leadership, teamwork and communication skills through learning, practicing and teaching the principles of free enterprise.

Briar Cliff University is a Catholic institution with an enrollment of more than 1,100 students from 24 states and four countries. Students are educated in the Franciscan tradition of excellence in the liberal arts and career preparation in an environment of care and compassion. For more information, please visit briarcliff.edu.