North Central News

Enactus team and staff coordinator receive awards at National Exposition

Jun 05, 2017

Students in North Central College’s Enactus competed on the national stage, May 21-23, with more than 100 schools at the United States National Exposition. North Central placed third in its league of seven colleges and universities.

The finish was the highest the team has placed in years, said Amy Rogers, Enactus program coordinator and SEA (Self-Employment in the Arts) director. Team members were presented a trophy, monetary award and recognized on stage.

In addition, Rogers (photo, below) received the Enactus United States Alumni Award in the over 30 category at the exposition. The annual award recognizes two outstanding alumni, one age 30 or younger and one over 30, for success in their profession, dedication to achieving social impact through entrepreneurial action, and examples of Enactus values of integrity, passion, innovation and collaboration.

“Students were excited for Amy; they all knew she was very deserving,” said Enactus faculty advisor Jerry Thalmann, associate professor of accounting. “She’s been instrumental in helping coordinate the team since joining two years ago. The insight she brings as a SIFE [Enactus] alumna, entrepreneur and mentor of college students make her an invaluable member of the advising team.” 

After qualifying for nationals at the regional level, the team prepared presentations that featured three of its many projects. Those projects included the team’s work with NCC’s Best socially conscious, direct-trade business, Community Access Naperville and the community of Mt. Morris, Ill.

Seven students were presenters: Brandon Malone ’18, Andrea Fekete ’18, Emily Alaimo ’18, Matt Marcotte ’18, Michael Duy ’20, Natalie Dust ’17 and Luis Tello ’17. Two students were coaches and addressed questions from the judges--Connor McGury ’18 and Katie Cotter ’17--and Connor Grace ’17 coordinated the visual presentation.  

North Central students who are involved in Enactus have diverse majors and are motivated to help small local and global entrepreneurs become financially sustainable. Rogers said, “Enactus provides students [with] such a unique and amazing opportunity to become the best versions of themselves, as well as those they are helping.”  

In addition to Thalmann, faculty advisors for Enactus are Matt Krystal, associate professor of anthropology; Jean Clifton, associate professor of management; and Neil Nicholson, associate professor of mathematics.

[Photo, below, front row: Andrea Fekete ’18, Katie Cotter ’17, Emily Alaimo ’18, Brandon Malone ’18, Luis Tello ’17. Back row: Connor Grace ’17, Matt Marcotte ’18, Connor McGury ’18, Michael Duy ’20, Natalie Dust ’17]