Students from the Business program at the Community College of Denver (CCD) competed in the Georgia State University (GSU) CIBER International Business Case Competition from February 29 through March 1, 2024, in Atlanta, Georgia. Representing CCD, there was Danny Pippin Mandley, Aysiah Pierce, Jacob Gruenwald, and Lynae Casebeer, as well as Chuck Roy, Business Professor, and Dr. Sheryl Smith, Business Department Chair.

The CIBER (Center for International Business Education & Research) International Business Case Competition is an annual event in which students from different minority serving institutions and Historically Black College and Universities (HBCU) are tasked with solving real-world business problems. The program provides each student with beneficial skills and experience. Students work in the fields of Finance, Accounting, Marketing, and Management & Operations to solve their business case.

CCD was the only community college to compete, which is an amazing feat in itself! Their rivals included representatives from seven universities: Alabama State University, Albany State University, California State University, Sacramento, Claflin University, Georgia State University, Howard University, and Oakwood University.

In total, 31 students were involved in this year’s competition. Each student was part of a team made up of scholars from the competing schools. They were tasked to identify a business case challenge and present a solution. Solutions involved presenting winning strategies for an international business challenge.

“The interactive events on the first day aimed at building trust and familiarity among team members and set the tone for a collaborative and supportive environment. On day two, teams presented their finding before a panel of judges from the business and academic arena,” according to Paula Huntley, Managing Director of GSU’s Center for International Business Education and Research (CIBER).

It was like an 80’s movie, starring the underdogs, or as Dr. Sheryl Smith put it, “A David vs Goliath situation.” People overlooked the community college students right up until our first student, Jacob Gurenwald, made his presentation. Jacob’s team came in third place, earning $250. Aysiah Pierce’s team used humor to ‘waddle’ into second place, winning $350. Bringing it home for CCD, Danny Pippin Mandley pushed this team to prepare and earned a sweet first place win, and $500!

Students received a trophy and certificate. The scholarships are tentative, and our students are waiting patiently for an update. Congratulations to all CityHawks involved! We commend your hard work and perseverance.

Contributing Author: Chuck Roy.