STUDENTS PLACE FIRST IN HARRISBURG COMPETITION

Four Penn State Brandywine students "took care of business" at the State Leadership Conference in Harrisburg on April 10, 2010.

The students participated in three events and placed in two. Seniors David Vesely and Robert Bagonis and junior Richard Cook entered the financial services competition as a team and placed first. Junior Justin Matkov competed in the macroeconomics event and placed third.

And to bring back even more honor to the campus, Vesely was elected to state office as secretary of the Pennsylvania Phi Beta Lambda for 2010-2011.

The conference, sponsored by Future Business Leaders of America - Phi Beta Lambda, held more than 50 competitive events in the subjects of business practices and leadership. Students competed in online testing and public debate. 

Phi Beta Lambda, a nonprofit 501 (c)(3) education association of students preparing for careers in business and business-related fields, boasts membership from more than a quarter of a million high school, middle school, college and university students, faculty, educators, administrators and business professionals. The year 2010 marks the first year of the Penn State Brandywine chapter of Phi Beta Lambda, as well as student participation in the state leadership conference.

As a result of their participation at the Harrisburg conference, all four club members are now eligible to compete in the National Leadership Conference in Nashville this July.

The Brandywine students were under the leadership and guidance of Don Taylor, assistant professor of business administration. Taylor also pulled double duty as a judge for two of the events in the categories of client services and business presentation.

"The State Leadership Conference is a great opportunity for business students," Taylor said.  "The event helps students develop leadership, communication and team skills."

Students interested in joining Phi Beta Lambda national business fraternity should contact Taylor at 610-892-1471 or [email protected] for information on fall 2010 rush.