Members of the Mount’s Students in Free Enterprise (SIFE) team received both the “Rookie-of-the-Year” and “2nd-Runners-Up” awards at the SIFE Regional Competition held March 30 in Philadelphia, PA.  Over 40 schools competed.

The Mount’s SIFE team was launched by Professor Sandra Sjoberg and Dr. Richard Brocato. Throughout the year, 12 students developed, executed and evaluated three projects focusing on market economics, entrepreneurship, financial literacy and business ethics.  The Mount team then made a presentation, "Our Inaugural Year”  at this year’s competition.

In addition to the SIFE competition awards, the team received both a Goldman Sachs Project Grant and a $500 HSBC Financial Literacy Grant to help support and fund the work of the SIFE team.  These opportunities and connections with the business environment are an integral part of the SIFE organization.  The SIFE partnership with businesses and higher education better prepares students for future leadership roles. "The projects are a great way for students to integrate classroom teachings with practical application," says Sjoberg, "and the business relationships provide outstanding networking opportunities with corporate business leaders."

Team members include: Jack Lynch, president; Katie Bushong, vice president; Victoria Budosh, communications director; David Sofield, treasurer; Ryan Audy; Alison Conick, Jennifer Cooper; Abby Diffenderfer; Kyle Mooney; Brian Smith, Danielle Szerlik, Jordan Taylor.