Northwood University is proud to report 10 of its DECA members finished in the Top 10 in the 2022 Collegiate DECA International Career Development Conference — and one student placed No. 1 worldwide.
“Words cannot properly express how truly competitive the field is,” stated Advisor John Gustincic. “Students from nearly every state, and beyond — Europe, Asia and South America — compete head-to-head.”
DECA is an association of marketing students that encourages the development of business and leadership skills through academic conferences and competitions. It prepares emerging leaders and entrepreneurs in marketing, finance, hospitality and management in high schools and colleges around the globe.
DECA has developed a Competitive Events Program that allows students to put their experience, skills and knowledge to the test while representing their high school or college. Students compete for top international honors in one of 25 different competitions. In the April 9-12 international competition in Baltimore, Maryland, Northwood’s DECA Team students competed against students from the University of Central Florida, Rutgers, Pepperdine, Michigan State University, and many more well-respected schools. Northwood students earned the following honors:
- Lauren Waiss of Sturtevant, Wisconsin: First place in the Advertising Campaign event. Weiss is the only Collegiate DECA Competitor from the State of Michigan to win a first-place award at the international competition. She also was a Top 10 finisher.
- Andrew Coveyou of Petoskey: Third place in the Marketing Management event. He also was a Top 10 finalist and received Outstanding Comprehensive Exam honors.
- Jordan Barker of Howell: Fourth place in the Sales Management Meeting event. He also was a Top 10 finalist and earned additional honors for Outstanding Comprehensive Exam and Outstanding Case Study.
- Mitchell Willman of Midland: Fourth place in the Entrepreneurship: Growing Your Business event. He also was a Top 10 finalist.
- Jessica Bromberg of Pinconning: Fourth place in the Entrepreneurship: Starting Your Business event. She also was a Top 10 finalist.
- Wilson Bragg of Gladwin: Fourth place in the Financial Accounting event. He also was a Top 10 finalist and earned Outstanding Comprehensive Exam honors.
- Molly Dickinson of Alpena: Fourth place in the Entrepreneurship: Operations event. She also was a Top 10 finalist and received additional honors for Outstanding Comprehensive Exam and Outstanding Case Study.
- Aidan Keyes of Morrisville, North Carolina: Fourth place in the Restaurant and Food Service Management event. He also was a Top 10 finalist and earned First Place Case Study honors.
- Charlee Simanskey of Midland: Fourth place in the Business Research event. She also was a Top 10 finalist and received the Leadership Passport Executive Award.
- Mackenzie Carter of Leonard: Top 10 finalist in the Advertising Campaign event.
