During its annual dinner and awards ceremony held at Harrison Lake Country Club on July 14, the Master of Business Administration (MBA) Program at Indiana University-Purdue University Columbus recognized students, faculty, and a long-time community partner for individual achievements and collective contributions to the program’s success.
The awards, along with the recipients and their hometowns, are listed below:
COMMUNITY PARTNER AWARD
Elwood Staffing - Columbus
“In addition to being a community advocate of the MBA Program at IUPUC, Elwood Staffing has facilitated the educational growth of our students through programmatic partnerships,” noted Dr. Lauren Burch, director of the MBA program and assistant professor of marketing at IUPUC.
“Their willingness to participate in our entrepreneurial curriculum, and encouragement of creative thinking to address real-world business scenarios has been invaluable to our students’ growth and future success,” Burch added.
Mr. Mark Elwood, CEO of Elwood Staffing accepted the Community Partner Award.
BUSINESS STRATEGY GAME AWARDS
Joshua Aciukewicz - Columbus
Anthony Allison - Columbus
These two IUPUC students competed in an international academic competition known as the Business Strategy Game that includes students from around the world. Aciukewicz and Allison served as senior executives of one of the top-performing virtual companies, crafting strategies aimed at achieving superior financial performance and market leadership.
GEORGIA B. MILLER AWARD
Rania Saad - Columbus
This award acknowledges the service and accomplishments of Dr. Georgia Blair Miller, former head of the Division of Business at IUPUC, who was instrumental in establishing the MBA Program. Saad was selected for this year’s award based on her grade point average and commitment to civic engagement and strategic business enterprises.
MBA CULTURE AWARD
Hanna Omar - Columbus
This award recognizes a student who best exemplifies the university’s vision for the MBA Program. Recipients are recognized for the professional relationships they develop with peers and program faculty, their appreciation and respect for human diversity in its global sense, and the best practices they model for others. Omar was selected for the award by her peers, who noted the example she set for others through her excellence in classroom participation and preparation.
OUTSTANDING MBA FACULTY AWARD
Dr. Ryan Brewer - Columbus
This award recognizes an MBA instructor who played an instrumental and memorable role in contributing to the overall knowledge and skills development for a graduating cohort.
“Through his teaching, Dr. Brewer emphasizes the managerial skills required for a high level of workplace performance. He challenges students to push the boundaries of their academic and professional potential. He also creates learning opportunities that resonate with students, who often find them to be among the most important highlights of their studies,” Burch reported.
OUTSTANDING MBA STUDENT AWARD
Philip Marsh - North Vernon
This award recognizes a student who combines academic excellence with strong management and leadership qualities, including a demonstrated ability and willingness to help their peers be successful. Marsh was selected to receive the award by his fellow students, who commended his strong managerial skills and professionalism.
Burch said the awards are presented during an annual dinner which pairs graduating MBA students with local business and civic leaders. The full-course meal allows students to practice networking and interpersonal communication skills in a social setting.
College graduates who hold bachelor’s degrees in any discipline can apply for admission to the Indiana University MBA Program at IUPUC.
Contact Dr. Burch at 812.348.7366 or lmburch@iupuc.edu for information about eligibility, admission, and program specifics. Visit iupuc.edu/mba for additional details.